The Embroideress

One of the projects I've added to the "ATBIF List" (After The Back Is Fixed List) is exploring the possibility of a stitch-in. I'm so green-eyed jealous of the knit-in events. Just see the excellent coverage of NYC Knit In at Yarn Harlot's blog. Yes I knit but not very much nowadays (another story dear readers) but why should the knitters have so much fun and the stitchers get left out?

This delightful interview with Erica Wilson is a good read.

The older workroom ladies (long since retiired) at the RSN used to say "Oh yes, she is one of our gels."

Heavenly Embellishments is the child of Vivienne Garforth and Mary Lewis.

I've long lurked at Vivienne's blog Anlabyhouse and been amazed by her rich imagination and sure hand with color and texture.

Now she and Mary have launched a new business that takes all the work of gathering embellishments right out of your hands and into their capable ones.

Not really being a crazy quilter, I might use the squishies for another project, but wow the possibilities.

I have it on hearsay evidence that a friend wonders why on earth I moved to Tennessee.

Hmmm. One good reason, I can sit on the front porch in the evening and it is so quiet I can hear the acorns dropping from the ancient oaks in the front yard.

I'm feeling rather mortal lately and one of the things that really points out to me my advancing years is seeing the growth of other embroiderers' careers.

I've been lucky enough to know several up-and-coming designers/teachers at very exciting, early points in their development as designers.

For example, my friend Robin Berry. It seems only yesterday that I met Robin during her early years of learning techniques when she was exploring embroidery like an eager child in the proverbial candy shop. She had a good start on the path of historic embroidery research but was just beginning to try new classes, new materials, new everything!!!

Since then she has traveled far toward technical competence, delved more deeply into research and has gained a well-deserved reputation as a teacher of needlework and as a writer about needlework.

The arrival of the latest issue of Needlepoint Now sent me into this pleasant remembrance of times past. Robin has been writing a series of articles featuring classic needlework techniques for this lovely magazine and this issue's article on metalwork embroidery is a fine addition to the series.

Well done Robin. And hello world - I knew her when.

The State Hermitage Museum has joined the internet age and offers several good graphics of the best of its collections.

I've spent years lusting for a visit to the museum but have had to make do with printed guides. Their site is a step closer to taking me to enjoy their holdings of over 3,000,000 items.

I seldom recommend things unless I really find them wonderful/useful/essential. However, there is a new magazine out (2 issues so far) Creative Techniques.

The editors have put together some terrific articles presenting projects that use embroidery, computer skills, photography, etc. The projects themselves might not be to your taste, but the technique instructions are gems of clarity.

They include articles about crafting/creating in general and specific projects at various skill levels.

The current issue includes fabric paints project using leaves; cell phone camera techniques;alcohol inks/computer imaging for a wall hanging; diaper bag for a trendy mom; an excellent article on copyright; woodburning for the modern world; making iron on transfers to dress up babywear; new and unique uses for Microsoft Publisher; printing pdf images on parchment and/or sticker paper and applying the images to bottles, etc; jewelry using computer images and creating finished jewelry; finger painting; using image-editing software to create exciting images and printing them on fabric sheets; printing on canvas to create a memorable collage; article on typefaces; all the bits to create a girls poker night out; printing on waterslide decal paper; article on image resolution; scrapbook pages with military themes; article on using blending techniques in Photoshop; decorating gift tins and much, much more.

I've subscribed.

Labels: Library, Shopping

Geoffrey Chaucer Hath a Blog is a good way to get into the rhythms of early English.

Yes, I know this hasn't an obvious use in the study of textiles, but it sure could help in the study of wills and wardrobe rolls listing textiles.

Complete with links to glossary, etc.