Stitching Links

My blogger friend over at Magpie's Mumblings, just posted a link to Needlework Tips and Techniques. Thanks Mary Anne! I just had to share it with my readers too. Quite a number of my friends are stitchers so, in case they haven't come across this site,click on the link above. This site is hosted by Carol Leather. This is one to add to your collection of ones to check - a good one for beginner's.

• Ten Top Embroidery Blogs according to Cheryl Fall at The Spruce (I'm glad to see that Mary Corbet's Needle 'N Thread is # 1)
• Sharon B's Pin Tangle is another favorite Sharon B on Pinterest HERE 
• Heart Embroidery Sampler for Beginners
• Embroidery on Pinterest HERE 
• Hand Embroidery Network 
• Hand Embroidery on Pinterest HERE 

Enjoy!!

Hand Embroidery

        

Hand Embroidery

Today the focus is on hand embroidery web sites and blogs.

• Mary Corbet's Needle 'N Thread is the 'go to' site for almost everything you need to know about hand embroidery. 
• Mary Joan Stitching has lots of sites with free patterns and tutorials
• Sharon B's Pintangle
• I Sew Free   
• About.Com Embroidery
• Needlework Craft Gossip
• Bad Birds 
• Needlework
• Eglantine Stitchery
• Craft Leftovers
• Sarah's Hand Embroidery Tutorials
• Sublime Stitching 
• Hand Embroidery Network
• Stitchin Fingers
• Textile Artist
• My Sweet Prarie

Previous Posts

• Hand Embroidery (May 2012)
• Hand Embroidery (Feb 2010)
• Embroidery (June 2011)
• Happy Stitching (Jan 2012)

These two pieces are original designs. The applique and hand embroidery evolved from the hand embroidery piece. I was pleased with the outcome.

Applique and Hand Embroidery

Hand Embroidery (Crewel with Appleton Wool)

Stitch-it Central

I've been back home a week and still trying to catch up on my blogging. I think this is the longest time between posts in quite awhile. This was partly due to not having the photos on my desk top machine or on the tablet.
Time sure does fly!!

On my way back from Chicago, I went on a stitch day with my textile artist friend. We met up with some of her EAC (Embroidery Association of Canada) friends in Ingersoll at Stitch-it Central. This is a one stop shop for needlework supplies and patterns. You will also find yarns and knitting / crochet supplies, books and patterns as well as a selection of quilting cottons and quilt books. Live far away? They do mail order. Just contact the shop. If they don't have something in stock, they will try their best to get it for you.

The owners are very friendly and accommodating. The day we were there, the coffee pot was on and a large room (open to the shop) was set up for anyone who wanted to stitch. We had a wonderful day! Did we spend money - you bet we did!
Enjoy!

Linen for Stitching

 

 

Books

While on vacation, I collected a few books and magazines. Take a look! Actually, the Machine Embroidered Seascapes by Alison Holt, was waiting for me when I got back home. I thought I'd include it too. It's an excellent one for those who are into thread painting. The Complete Feltmaking, More ... Texture with Textiles and Needleweaving were purchased at a second hand book store on North Avenue (Wicker Park area of Chicago). The Christmas with Possibilities is bright and cheerful with easy and quick to do projects. They are also easy to adapt to make other Christmas things and not just the ones shown. The Christmas one was a Joanne's purchase with a 50% off coupon. (Love those coupons).

As you can see, I have a variety of interests! Will I ever get the chance to do all in my 'want to do list?!' I can always try. . .
Enjoy!

Block of the Month - Snowbound

Bunny Hill Designs has a Block of the Month freebie pattern for you to applique. It's called Snow Bound. If your guild is having an auction or challenge, these blocks would make wonderful wall hangings. You could even do a quilt using the different blocks! The best part is the fact that you can take a block to do anywhere. Check out the blocks on the Flickr Site. Quilters have been busy!
Tip
This tip is one I use for any needle work project. Instead of inserting my needle in the fabric when I'm done stitching or just stopping for a minute, I have two small earth magnets attached to the front and the back of the fabric where I lay the needle. It is quite strong and I have never lost a needle. In fact, it can even hold a pair of small scissors when necessary. I got my magnets at Lee Valley Tools but check out your local craft store too.

Earth Magnets, Lee Valley Tools

Works of Hands - Vincent Valiente

I discovered the exquisite embroidery of  Vincent Valiente when I was exploring the Hand Embroidery Network.  His work is amazing! I am a fan of the needlework trees he did. These are entered in the Winter Wonderland Exhibit on the Hand Embroidery Network (HEN). Explore his site.

Quilting & Textiles in England Tour

Check out Quilting & Textiles in England Tour from September 29 - October 10, 2010. This 12 day tour features:

Royal School of Needlework

Hampton Court Embroiderers Guild

Knitting & Stitching Exhibition

Lucy Boston House

York Quilting Museum

Redditch Needle Museum