February 10, 2010
Sew Many Threads to Follow, One Monthly Newsletter
As always, thank you for subscribing! While stitching this month, I'll be watching the Winter Olympics in Canada. The Opening Ceremony is on Friday. And of course Valentine's Day is next week. Hope it's a sweet one for you!
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February 10, 2010
Table of Contents- Sewing Circle -- Earn Free Machine Embroidery Patterns
- To the Point -- Whitework Embroidery
- Words of Wisdom
- Find of the Month -- Hardanger Pattern
Sewing Circle
Thank you to everyone who has shared pattern photos! Remember, you can visit again to view what others submit and rate the pieces. We're still waiting for the first examples of Hardanger embroidery, needlepoint, and punch needle embroidery.This month's featured needlework artist is Lynette Hale from New Zealand. She shared an Elizabethan stomacher that uses some blackwork techniques. Isn't it pretty? Lynette is very active in the New Zealand embroidery guilds and says that Elizabethan embroidery is her favorite.
We're still looking for sewing machine reviews. It's time to try adding a little incentive: If you share one, please include your email and I'll send you the links to sites where you can download a total of over 2,000 machine embroidery patterns for free! Yes, this is for real. I am very eager for some reviews and look forward to reading yours!
Reminder: Subscribe to the Embroidery Blog for the most up to date news and website additions. www.embroidery-methods.com/sign-up
To the Point
You've probably heard of blackwork and redwork, but have you heard of whitework? Hardanger is a form of whitework because it is usually worked in white thread on white fabric. White flosses can also be quite striking when used on colored cloth. The term whitework can also refer to an embroidery method known as candlewicking. While Hardanger has a lacey appearance with delicate openings and woven webs, candlewicking is distinguished by course thread and unbleached cotton used on unbleached muslin. White was the color used because it was cheap. It did not require the time or expense of using dyes.Words of Wisdom
"Color can overwhelm... One must understand that when it comes to color, 'less' is often 'more' – lesson taught us by the masters but ignored by many artists." ~ Joe SingerFind of the Month
Here's a free Hardanger pattern for a Hardanger needle case and pin cushion. It comes from Caron and uses modern colored threads or traditional white pearl cotton.You're Invited: Please share your stitching stories, ideas, words of wisdom, find of the month, or questions. Just reply to this newsletter and tell me what you think! I'd love to hear from you.
Amy Conaway