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Mary Corbet

writer and founder

 

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

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  • How-To
    Videos

    Over 75 Embroidery Stitch Videos to Help You Learn

  • Embroidery Tips & Techniques

    A Collection of Instructional Articles

 
Uncategorized

July 3, 2017

Twill and Duck: If at First You Don’t Succeed…

 

It seems like ages ago that we chatted about my adventures with a linen that I was testing for possible use in constructing a tote bag with hand embroidered pockets.

The whole thing was a wash – I really abhorred the linen! – so I moved on to some cotton alternatives. I could have opted for better linen, no doubt, but since this whole project is somewhat experimental, I want to keep the cost point relatively low.

So I decided to try twill and duck.

Twill and Duck. I like those words together!

Here’s the whole idea for the project so far. I’ll tell you what I’m planning, we can chat about the two fabrics, and then I’ll keep you apprized of how things go on the stitching and, ultimately, on the construction & finishing of my Masterpiece Tote. Ha.

Twill and Duck: Fabrics for an embroidered tote bag
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Uncategorized

June 30, 2017

Thread Talk: The Metallics You Want to Use!

 

My friends, my friends! If you have been embroidering for even a little while, you’ve probably encountered metallic threads.

And if you’ve encountered metallic threads, you’ve probably encountered the Unending Frustration that goes with them!

For hand embroidery, metallics are always problematic, it seems – more so when you’re doing surface embroidery, free of a grid with open holes like those provided by needlepoint canvas or counted cross stitch fabric. When you’re embroidering on a fabric with a closely-woven surface, like a high count linen, cotton, or silk, metallics are not friendly.

In fact, they’re normally pretty darned cranky.

Today, I’m going to show you metallic threads you will actually want to use, whether you’re doing surface embroidery, counted work, or needlepoint!

These metallics are well-behaved, compared to other metallics widely available on the needlework market. In fact, they are actually a pleasure to stitch with. And when you’re talking about a metallic thread, that says a lot!

Au Ver a Soie Metallic Braids for embroidery
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Uncategorized

June 28, 2017

Maybe or…Maybe Not? Hand Embroidery Start Up Library Class

 

A couple weekends back, I mentioned a new hand embroidery class on Craftsy, as part of their “Start Up Library” series.

Several folks wrote in, asking if I’d review the class in detail. I’ve finally had a chance to go through the class in detail, take some notes and think about it a bit, and then write (and re-write, and re-write again) a review from what I hope is an objective eye, wanting what’s best for you.

So, if you’re curious about this Hand Embroidery Start Up Library Class on Craftsy, this short review – with pros and cons – is for you!

Craftsy Hand Embroidery Start Up Library class review
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Hand Embroidery Tutorials

June 26, 2017

Gingham Embroidery Watermelons: Free Pattern & Instructions

 

A few years ago, I wrote a tutorial for Commonthread by DMC, for working this watermelon design in gingham embroidery.

Since then, the article has been archived so it’s hard to find over there. To help out those who are looking for the pattern and instructions and who have requested it recently for this summer, I’m condensing the instructions and offering the pattern below.

Watermelons on Gingham Embroidery - Chicken Scratch
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Uncategorized

June 23, 2017

Shisha & Variations: How to Add the Magic of Mirrors (& More) to Your Needlework!

 

I’ve long been enchanted with shisha – or mirror embroidery – and all the fascinating things you can do with it!

There’s a certain magic about embroidery with mirrors. What hooked me on shisha is the spectacular effect of using any kind of tantalizing thread to fix brilliant or colorful objects to fabric. And they don’t have to be mirrors – they can be found objects, buttons, seashells, sea glass, gems, paper, plastic…

Shisha is pretty neat stuff, and it opens up all kinds of possibilities for different types of needlework, whether you’re into surface embroidery, crazy quilting, embroidered clothing, needlepoint, counted work – any type of needlework that lends itself to embellishment!

I’ve compiled a collection of shisha tutorials into a downloadable PDF for you. The techniques range from super simple shisha that takes almost no effort at all but yields stunning results, to traditional shisha, to several stitch and foundation variations that will add all kinds of interest and sparkle to your embroidery projects!

Here’s what you’ll find in the PDF…

Shisha Embroidery Techniques: Mirror Embroidery Stitches
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Uncategorized

June 21, 2017

Embroidery Archeology: Salvaging Ecclesiastical Embroidery

 

I’ve been asked to salvage a couple embroidered figures from a piece of ecclesiastical embroidery.

I said yes, without first having seen the pieces in person…which could have been a mistake. But, hey! I love this kind of work. There’s no set deadline, either, so I don’t feel super pressured about it. My excitement will provide momentum (I hope!), even without a deadline.

Now that the piece has arrived, I’m thrilled about the project – it’ll be interesting, and it will be challenging to pull the whole project off successfully!

I thought I’d share my explorations with you. Along the way, we’ll run into some snags, I’m sure. But we’ll muddle through! And, whether you’re into ecclesiastical embroidery or not, I’m betting we’ll pick up a few tips along the way that can be applied to other types of embroidery, too.

Today, I’ll introduce you to the original embroidery and talk a little bit about it.

Salvaging ecclesiastical embroidery
Continue reading “Embroidery Archeology: Salvaging Ecclesiastical Embroidery”