Susan Elliott of Plays with Needles turns her lens on a gorgeous work of silk chenille on velvet. Go to her blog post to see the complete photo essay. It will steal your breath away.
Inspiration: Lisa Leggett
Here’s a sweet valentine treat that won’t add a millimeter to your waistline. Lisa of A Cuppa Tea with Me made it. She says,
… Read More...Crazy quilting makes me swoony, and although I don’t think I’ll ever really be great at
Tutorial: French Knot Heart Pincushion
There’s something soothing and kind of Zen about making dozens and dozens of French knots. And aren’t the results stunning. Vanessa of V and Co. shows us how to make a sweet little pincushion, fluffy with French knots and perfect … Read More...
A valentine from Manya
Manya of Humming Needles says this heart “just happened.” She says a heart-shaped clothing tag, a bit of silk cut too small for another project. I say a whole lot of needle skill and talent — that’s how things like … Read More...
Inspiration: Threads and Patches
I’m fascinated by this dimensional needlework by Marjolein of Threads and Patches. Go to her blog post to see more views of the finished desert. And scroll back through her blog to learn about the development of this work.
Make a set of nesting catchalls
Rachael of Imagine Gnats shows how she combined a pattern from one book with design ideas from another for an adorable set of nesting catchalls. The smallest one with the pretty bird was stitched by her wee kiddo. Yea for … Read More...
A valentine project from JMD
Janet M. Davies of JMD Designs has put together a pretty project that would work as a gift for any season — a little fabric bowl to catch your keys, jewelry, or other little tidbits. This version includes a free … Read More...
More stitch tutorials
15 Detailed Embroidery Stitch tutorials
There are many different stitches that can be used for hand embroidery. This article will provide an overview of the most common stitches, their uses, and how to lean them.
The most common stitches used for embroidery are the straight … Read More...
Tutorial: Valentine bookmark
Here’s a no-calorie treat you can make for a book-loving valentine. It’s quick and easy to create, and it has passed the “man test”! Go to the tutorial by Jules on her Adventures in Thread blog.
Tutorial: Transfer a pattern to dark fabric
Kathy Shaw (Shawkl) steps us through an effective technique for transferring an embroidery pattern to dark fabric. See her tute.
No-calorie cupcakes
These tasty little pincushions would be the perfect gift for a stitcher in your life. Imagine them in reds and pinks as valentine mini-gifts. The chicks at Star-Shaped and Shiny are sharing the pattern and tutorial. Check it out… Read More...
New stitchy series from Val Laird
Val Laird has announced the launch of her free pattern series for 2013, Apples of Gold. Val shows how to combine her embroidery and applique designs into a beautiful quilt; but I’m sure, like past series, each design will easily … Read More...
These hearts help pets
Another lovely project from the chicks at Star-Shaped and Shiny. This heart-topiary pillow would look awesome on your sofa or bed all year round, and it would make a rockin valentine gift for someone you love. The blog says,
… Read More...A
Choose split stitch for padded outlines
When you’re stitching a design that needs a padded outline, does it matter what kind of outline stitch you use? Mary Corbet says it does! And her blog post shows clearly why split stitch is a much better choice than … Read More...
Free pattern: Felt ladybugs
These ladybug soft sculptures are as practical as they are cute: They’re pin cushions! With heart-shaped spots, they make perfect Valentine’s Day gifts for stitchers! Get the free pattern from Creative Breathing blog.
Tutorial: Blackwork journal cover
Kerry of Star-Shaped and Shiny used a classic blackwork pattern to spiff up the cover of a Mokeskine journal. This easy embellishment elevates any softcover notebook into a beautiful gift or a bit of luxury for yourself. Her technique for … Read More...
Free pattern and tutorial: Embroidered calendar
Kelly of Craft Your Style tipped me off to the first installment of a year-long craft project on her blog. She says,
… Read More...This detailed step-by-step DIY shows how to make the first month of a stitched calendar! Beginners will learn
Stitch and win!
Check out this awesome opportunity to have some stitchy fun and maybe win some great prizes, like this set of magnets from September House. BookwormBethie tells me,
… Read More...I’m the admin of the New Embroidery with Vintage Patterns group on flickr.
Free hand-embroidery patterns
Embroidery is a wonderful form of art that has been around for centuries. It involves decorating fabric or other materials with needle and thread to create beautiful designs. It’s an excellent form of self-expression and can be a great … Read More...