I learned to embroider when I was a kid, when everyone was really into cross stitch (remember the '80s?). Eventually, I migrated to surface embroidery, teaching myself with whatever I could get my hands on...read more
Contact Mary
I learned to embroider when I was a kid, when everyone was really into cross stitch (remember the '80s?). Eventually, I migrated to surface embroidery, teaching myself with whatever I could get my hands on...read more
Contact Mary
April 27, 2011
When this delightful piece of Suzhou embroidery arrived in the mail, it was accompanied by a collection of Chinese silk embroidery threads, in what looks like the majority of the colors used in the embroidered needlepainting.
Today, let’s look at those silks and chat a bit about Chinese silk embroidery threads.
April 26, 2011
Here’s a little update on my current miniature stitchery project, a mini rendition of the “Sense of Hearing” Lady & Unicorn tapestry found in the Cluny museum in Paris.
When I set this project up at the beginning of this semester of school, my intention was to keep it on hand for those brief moments throughout the day when I could do a bit of stitching, but not a whole lot. That way, I’d have something to stitch on during busy times, and I’d be making progress on a project even if I couldn’t devote hours at a time to needlework. A little project like this one serves as motivation for me – if I do what I need to do throughout the day (and do it efficiently), then the reward is an extra few moments to stitch here and there. I like rewards like that!
So, over the past four months, approaching the project in bits and pieces, it’s come along quite far. The finish line is still far away, but at least at this point, it’s visible!
April 25, 2011
Well, as promised, today I’m announcing the winner of the Agecroft Sweet Bag silk thread kit give-away!
And you know, I thought I’d wax loquacious for a bit, and ramble on about the how fun the give-away was, how much I enjoyed reading your comments (yes, I read all 740+ comments!), and how much I appreciate the enthusiasm and interest of all of you – how you inspire me, how great I think it is to be able to “connect” with like-minded embroiderers, and on and on and on!
Yes, I was going to ramble on. But really, I know you just want the punch line! Who WON?!
April 24, 2011
Today, I’d like to share a gorgeous piece of embroidery that’s appropriate for Easter.
April 23, 2011
The other day, I ranted about my love of satin stitch for monogramming – and I still haven’t changed my mind! It’s just a glorious stitch!
So here’s the finish of the monogrammed linen towel I was working on, with a few hints and tips along the way.
April 22, 2011
Here’s a nice little cross pattern that can be used for all kinds of ecclesiastical hand embroidery applications.
April 21, 2011
This week, I’ve spent a lot of time (a LOT of time) getting my workroom cleaned up and organized, in anticipation of two things: 1. several Big Projects coming up; and 2. that glorious time of year called Summer, which is when I get most of my needlework-work and major blog work done.
Between cleaning up the Disaster Zone that’s my workroom and an Incident with a Needle, I’ve learned again (for the umpteenth million time) one of Life’s Most Valuable Lessons.
