Sew Many Threads to Follow, One Monthly Newsletter

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May 10, 2008

Table of Contents

• Sewing Circle -- Celebrating Sheep and Wool... and Silk
• To the Point -- Punch Needle Tips
• Words of Wisdom
• Find of the Month -- Folk Art Sheep Needlepunch Pattern

Sewing Circle
Last weekend, I went to the 2008 Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. It celebrates more than that. They have everything related to spinning, and weaving. I saw an amazing demonstration of how silk thread is made. The cocoons are cooked to loosen the thread. They can then be wound directly or several silk cocoon shells are stretched over a frame then later spun into silk thread. I did not realize that several silk strands are used at a time. One would be much smaller than a human hair!

The Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival is over until the first full weekend of May next year, but there are more festivals coming up. The New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival is Mother's Day (this) weekend. The Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair takes place on May 24th and 25th. And the Maine Fiber Frolic is June 7th and 8th.

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To the Point
Punch needle is a unique way of creating dimensional needlework. The tool is inserted through the fabric to create loops on the opposite side, which is considered the finished side in needlepunch. Patterns are simple outlines. Start at the center and work outward in circles, moving in a widening swirl that spirals out. The stitches should be close enough so that the loops on the finished side hide the background fabric but not so close that they pierce each other. Add dimension by using different colored threads and varying the loop sizes or lengths. Visit my website for more punch needle tips. It is like coloring with thread.

Words of Wisdom
"There are some that are wise. And there are others that are otherwise."

Find of the Month
Have you tried needlepunch embroidery yet? It's easier than cross stitch because there's no counting or worrying about putting the needle into the right hole. This month, I am sharing a fabulous Folk Art Sheep Needlepunch pattern from Country Marketplace Magazine. It features 4 wooly lambs, one for each season. Work two patterns at a time on the same piece of fabric, leaving a margin between, then cut them out and mount them when you're done. Use the fabric scraps to make labels. As part of the finishing, you give everything a tea stain for an antique country appearance. The frame really makes it look like folk art.

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.

The most interesting feedback will be shared in next month's issue!