For the Love of Metal

Most people would be cowering in the corner if they had to work with metallic thread... not Sewphie T! She kicks its butt and has it crying for mercy. I am completely blown away.

Tutorial Tuesday

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

I have a tutorial round-up for you today. I love seeing how these talented ladies infuse embroidery into fun and functional items, and I think you will, too. Hope you are able to give them a try!

If you are looking to give your t-shirts an update, Kelli Murray has a beautiful embroidered t-shirt tutorial over at A Beautiful Mess.

Maybe you want to add embroidery to your sweaters, as well. Meredith over at One Sheepish Girl has a great tutorial on how to embellish a sweater with embroidery. 

If you are looking for a fun embroidered item that you can wear everyday, Julie Schneider over at the Etsy Blog has a super cute tutorial on how to make merit badges! I think these would be really cute to give as an anytime gift to friends and family. 

I have been spotting embroidery on paper quite a bit lately, but this is one of the most adorable. Debra over at She is My Sister put one of Jenny Hart's Sublime Stitching patterns on a paper doily. A few of these would look great on a tablescape, or strung together to make a garland. 

Hope you enjoy these as much as I did and are able to try one or all of them out!

Have a great Tuesday!

Arrested Development sampler

stitched by Beadgirl

I, too chose to commemorate my watching of the 4th season of Arrested Development (all of it) with stitching - but this project by Beadgirl is so, so fabulous. I love that a lot of her favorite quotes are my favorite quotes. And that she included a banana.

Be sure to check out her post for more on her inspiration. Awesome work, Beadgirl!

Patterns: Dorothy and Toto

One for the wall this week; I so do love paired embroidery pieces that can go together like the Dorothy and Toto embroidery pattern from April Heather Art. Ooh and a little touch of applique to!

Sweet bear

stitched by Kristen Donegan

This little guy just makes me smile. Just like this little fox made me smile, last week. Wonderful work, Kristen!

Lucky winners of Embroidery supplies with Portuguese Soul

Olá! Passing by to announce the winners of last week's giveaway.

I'm very happy to inform Crystal Prior that she will receive a pack of Portuguese embroidery supplies with pure linen, a box of "vibrant" (her words...) pearl cotton balls from Limol and two Portuguese patterns. And I look forward to see how she will use them on her wool felt embroidery...

I believe that receiving a box of pearl cotton balls inspired by Guimarães embroidery will remind Deb H of Portugal. She was the lucky winner!!

And I was so happy with her comment... Knowing that Deb already visited Portugal was very special to me. She stayed in Ericeira, a little town near the sea, very well known among surfers... I have to quote her words: "Oh, how I loved that little town and it's people. Every morning, I would take a walk and talk to shopkeepers and residents. How lovely it was. I long to go back."

Pastel colors,  another choice from agulha não pca - not so traditional but still beautiful

Both winners gave the correct answer about the Portuguese traditional embroideries that inspired my color choices for the pearl cotton boxes... Guimarães embroidery has precise definitions on the colors that should be used in order to preserve the tradition: red, blue, gray, black, white and ecru. And these are the colors in the box that Deb H will receive.

Love or fiancé' embroidered handkerchiefs were the inspiration to the color choice of the pack won by Crystal. Although they do not have a rigid color palette and many colors can be used, primary colors predominate.

But Crystal and Deb were not the only winners... I was so surprised with all your kind comments, that I'm feeling like a real winner...

I loved to know that you think these pearl cotton balls look divine and have a pretty shine, that these collections are amazing and great color combinations that make you smile, that the traditional Portuguese embroideries inspired the work for an art lesson, that some of you recognize similarities between regional Portuguese embroidery and the stitching traditions of your country, that you've been learning and feeling inspired by my posts and look forward to reading more. And, of course... I was even happier to know that some of you have already visited Portugal and others will do it soon (contact me if you need some help...)

Portuguese heavy weight linen by agulha não pica

I loved your care... And how you took your time not only to apply for the giveaway but also to leave some kind words about my new products an my work...

You made me feel like a winner... Thank you so much - Muito obrigada!

Come for tea and stitch with me

Stitched by Monika Kinner-Whalen

Isn't this little border sampler by Monika of My Sweet Prairie just gorgeous? And better yet, if you're in Saskatoon (Canada) you can take a stitch class with her and learn how to do this. Read about it on her blog. Lovely work, Monika!

Patterns: Time's a ticking

Stitched by me

Check out this lovely freebie from Monique Jivram, I think it makes a great bedroom pillow pattern for all those mornings when you just don't want to get up!

Portuguese embroidery supplies - giveaway

Olá! Today is a giveaway day!!

My shop, agulha não pica has been searching for Portuguese embroidery supplies and researching their history and I am now very happy to announce that we'll become a very proud seller of embroidery pearl cotton size 8 and pure line fabrics. Both made in Portugal!

Some weeks ago I talked about Limol pearl cotton and last week I introduced you to the long lasting tradition of linen production in Portugal.

This week agulha não pica is giving you the opportunity to see the beautiful colors of the pearl cotton with your own eyes and feel the amazing touch of pure linen with your own fingers...

From now on you'll be able to find in agulha não pica's etsy shop both light weight and heavy weight Portuguese linen, made in Guimarães - a region well known for the excellence of its linens for more than one thousand years... And a new pack of embroidery cotton pearl, size 8 is available now, too.

To celebrate the good news, agulha não pica will be offering a pack of embroidery supplies with Portuguese soul... One fat quarter (20"x20") of heavy weight linen and one fat quarter (20"x30") of light weight linen with a beautiful box of six pearl cotton balls size 8 and two Portugese traditional patterns printed on tracing paper.

"Embroidery supplies with Portuguese soul" - which regional embroidery has inspired the color choices?

And agulha não pica is so delighted and proud that we will also be giving a box with six balls of cotton pearl size 8: blue, white, gray, black red and ecru...

  

Pack with six balls of cotton pearl size 8 - which regional embroidery has inspired the color choices?

To win, check both posts: "pack of embroidery supplies with Portuguese soul" and  "pearl cotton balls box"  There you will find information on which regional Portuguese embroideries inspired the color choices of each box.

Leave a comment on this post with the two regional embroideries that inspired the color choices of the pearl cotton boxes in the photos. You have until 9 PM Central Standard Time, Sunday, June 9th to enter. Just one entry per person, please. And there will be two winners!!

Boa Sorte! Good Luck!

Hoopla Along

Over at Craftster.org our amazing members have been busy stitching. The needlework board is hosting a monthly Hoopla Along . Each month we have a different theme. May's theme was Your Favorite Thing, and let me tell ya, I was blown away by the stitching! Don't believe me? Check it out!

French Knots by DeathbeforeDishes

Sugar Skull by Lindyv321

Family lego minifigs by silentblair

Gnome Riding a Unicorn by DeathbeforeDishes

Dr. Who, the first and second doctor by Alwaysinmyroom

Jaba the Pug by Monty

Grandparents initial love tree by Meleriffic

You're My Best Friend by Pottermouth

The theme for June is Summertime and once again we will have a random prize drawing at the end of the month. C'mon on over and join in the fun! 

Tutorial Tuesday

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Today's tutorial is a quick and fun way to create a little something for Father's Day. The men in my life are real no frills kind of guys, so if I make anything for them, it has to be utilitarian or they just have no interest in it. These little sunglass cases/bags are easy to create and can be put to good use.

Before you begin this project, I recommend embroidering the fabric before you cut it into rectangles.

To make one sunglass case you'll need:

-Four pieces of fabric measuring 8x5-inches

-Two pieces of batting measuring 8x5-inches

-Embroidery supplies (hoop, floss, needle)

-Sewing machine with coordinating thread

-scissors

-Sunglasses pattern 

The sunglasses pattern comes courtesy of a freebie from Women's Day Magazine from a few years ago. They didn't use it as an embroidery project, but it works great for embroidery.  I couldn't find the original link on their website, so I linked it to the copy of the pattern I still have.

Step 1: Transfer the embroidery pattern to your fabric of choice. 

Step 2: Cut four pieces of fabric and two pieces of batting into 8x5-inch rectangles.

Step 3: For the exterior of the case, take one piece of batting and place a piece of fabric on top of it with the wrong side of the fabric on the batting. Place the embroidered piece of fabric face down on top of that, so that the right sides of the fabric are facing each other and add the other batting piece on top of that. Stitch a 1/4-inch seam around three sides of the rectangle, leaving one shorter end open.

Step 4: Take the two interior pieces of fabric and place them right sides together. Stitch around three sides, leave a 2-inch space unsewn along one longer side. Clip the bottom corners.

Step 5: Clip the corners of the exterior piece and flip. 

Step 6: Place the exterior of the case inside of the lining. Align the side seams and sew along the top.

Step 7: Use the space left in the lining to flip the case out. Once flipped, stitch this space shut. 

Step 8: Tuck the lining into the body of the case and top stitch along the open edge.

Step 9: Gift the sunglass case to the dad's in your life, or keep one for yourself!

Hope you enjoy and have a happy Tuesday!

Patterns: Wild Olive Summer Stitching Club

Wild Olive Summer Stitching Club sneak peak

This coming Monday (June 3rd), Wild Olive is launching her Summer Stitching Club. Each week between June and August club members will receive a mini embroidery pattern, small enough to fit on a paper pieced hexagon and the ideal size to take with you to the beach or the pool side. They'll also receive instructions on how to do the paper piecing, so by the end of the summer they'll have a lovely table mat or wall hanging. What a lovely way to remember the summer of 2013. You can sign up here, hurry, if you sign up before tomorrow you can join for an absolutely bargain rate!

Linen with Portuguese Soul

Olá! Could you imagine your life with a distaff and a spindle always at your side? If you were a woman born in Portugal 150 years ago you would know what I mean… At that time spinning was the most popular and common occupation for women.

The use of flax as a textile fiber is lost in time… Spun, dyed, and knotted wild flax fibers were found dating 30,000 BC. And the Pharaohs used linen cloth, found in their tombs. In the territory which is now Portugal, the cultivation of flax and its use in textiles also dates from prehistoric times. In different places, capsules of flax seed and a small scrap of linen have been found dating back to 2500 BC and 2000 BC.

Portuguese Linen - white, estopa (tow) and handmade linen

Flax culture and linen production are a part of Portuguese history… From 1014 in Guimarães, many people were directly or indirectly involved in linen production. Linen from this region was well known for its excellence - from the farmers to those that prepared the fibers, to those who were responsible for the spinning and weaving.

But flax culture was spreading all over the country. From the poorest to the richest family, all grew flax. And women did domestic spinning, too, which was associated with other domestic activities. Weaving was usually done outside the home, which implied some professional specialization.

White linen from Guimarães

"From the North to the South of Portugal, there was no farmer who did not cultivate the flax, no woman who did not spin and no village (from the poorest to the richest) which did not have one or more looms."

From the 13^th century to 15^th century, linen, which was used as payment to lords and the church, was the prime industry in Portugal. Linen cloth was used intensively in daily life, in household linen, in clothes, in church… A local popular saying is very illustrative of linen's importance: “after gold is linen”!!

Portuguese linen

The importance of linen in Portuguese culture is stated by the fact that in Madeira Island, until the 19th century, the number of linen fabrics determined the value of a bride's dowry. And most linen production was aimed at that end. Since it is a very complex and labor-intensive activity, there were times when a decline in flax culture occurred, as during the Portuguese Maritime Exploration, when many tried their luck overseas. The demand of the fibers did not totally diminish as linen was used not only in thread and fabrics, but also in treu - used in cloth for boats’ sails – and rigging.

Some identify the decline in flax culture at this age. With the coincidence of the beginning of silkworm culture, followed by alternative uses of the soil, ending in 19th century with the “royal” preferences for cotton. The complexity of linen production that for so long had justified the overpopulation in the North region contributed to its decline once cheaper fabrics like cotton, became widespread. In many regions of the interior of the country, cotton use only occurred after the arrival of the train, which contributed to the price of cotton becoming unbeatable. After World War II, the Portuguese government tried to intensify linen production, but without success.

Estopa (tow) from Guimarães

Nowadays there is localized industrial linen production and there are still population groups that manually produce linen, with some producers organized into cooperatives. However, most of these initiatives support local tourism rather than supplying the market with handmade fabrics. These photos show two different types of linen fabrics, produced by one of the most well-known and antique Portuguese linen manufacturers from Guimarães. The darker piece of fabric is my favorite linen cloth. We call it estopa (tow), and it is made of the shorter flax fibers. It’s known for being of less quality, but that’s not important to me… I also have with me a small sample of handmade linen to share with you. This kind of work, weaving and pulling the thread, is very traditional in our country.

The entire cycle of linen production is incredibly beautiful… I wanted to describe it here… And I began doing that… But soon I understood that it would be foolish… Someone has already done it in such an incredible manner… Alice did a great work…

Promise me you’ll read this (and this) description of the linen production cycle, written both in Portuguese and English and documented with marvelous photos.You’ll also find a beautiful description of how to make a spindle… And do not forget to browse these photos – You won't regret it!!

Handmade Linen

Flax is also used to produce twine and rope, linseed oil used in industry, nutritional supplements (always in my breakfast) and it is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. But... why am I talking about linen? Talking about Portuguese traditional embroidery and not talking about linen would not be possible. Almost all traditional Portuguese embroideries use linen and, usually, its replacement by cotton is only due to price. So the history of linen is the history Portuguese embroidery and, of course, the History of Portugal.

I believe that the inspiration that comes from linen exceeds the beauty of fabrics… That linen has also inspired popular poetry is very richly and well documented. The feeling of community that was present in the linen production cycle made people’s lives happier, creating rituals and legends that last until our days.

Linen's natural beauty can be an incredible source of inspiration as stated in these words that describe a flowered flax field, attributed to villagers who lived near a convent where the nuns cultivated flax:

Has the convent been lifted into heaven? Or have our good little sisters succeeded in pulling down heaven to them?

* Words are interesting… Let me try to explain you what I mean by that… In Portuguese we use the word linho meaning the cloth (linen) and the seeds/fibers (flax). In English the equivalent word, “linen”, is used for the cloth and its utilization – home linen.

Oh Deer!

My friend Lisa has no idea what a fabulous stitcher she is (or is it embroider-er?). This deer is absolutely amazing!

Don't believe me? Check out the front and back of this deer.


Okay, how crazy is that? When I first saw it, I thought that she had stitched up two of the same deer.

Check out her other amazing embroidery on her blog, Cuppa Tea With Me.

Guest Tutorial: Embroidered Gadget Cozy

This guest tutorial is brought to you by Melissa of Sew Sweet Stitches. I think you'll agree that her gorgeous colors and stitching are extraordinary!



Materials:

• DMC embroidery floss in 318 (gray), 3011 (dark green), 352 (coral), 818 (pale pink).
• Small scraps of wool felt in gray, butter yellow, light yellow, avocado green, blush pink, ecru, and coral.
• 8” x11” piece of wool felt in aquamarine blue. (A kit with all the felt pieces and pre-cut flowers is available at http://www.etsy.com/shop/feltonthefly)

Step 1: Cut out the felt pieces- front inside, front outside, back, back pocket, and strap. Measure about a half inch around your gadget on all sides. I used my iPod for the photos, but your measurements may be different. The width of the strap will be whatever is left over from your front and back pieces, and the length of the strap is the entire width of the felt sheet. The pocket is about 3” x 3”, allowing for adjustments according to your gadget size.

Step 2: Use a scrap of thread to gather the bottom of the back pocket. Pin it to the back piece, and stitch the pocket down on the bottom and left and right sides.

Step 3: Sew the button to the back piece just below the bottom of the pocket. Cut a small slit in one end of the strap for the buttonhole.

Step 4: If you are not using the felt kit, cut a 2” x 3” oval from the ecru felt. Cut an assortment of five-petal flower sizes from the yellows, pinks, and gray. Cut a few tiny leaves from the avocado green.

Arrange and pin the flowers however you would like around the oval, letting them overlap onto the blue front. Leave room in the center for a monogram.

Step 5: Use daisy stitch, backstitch, and french knots with three thread strands to embellish the flowers and secure them to the front. Use a backstitch or fly stitch for the leaves.

Use french knots around the edge of the oval wherever there are not flowers.

Step 6: After all flowers and leaves have been stitched down and embellished, use a single strand of the green thread to make tiny leaves with daisy stitches and straight stitches for berry stems. Use three strands of pink thread to make french knots at the end of each stem.

Mark your initial lightly in pencil, and backstitch over it in three strands of gray thread.

Step 7: Center the strap on top of the inside front piece, with about a half inch overlapping. Lay the embroidered outside front piece on top of these two, lining up the edges. Pin the strap in place.

Use a straight running stitch to close the top of the two front pieces, catching the strap in the middle. Pin the back piece behind these two pieces and place a pin on each side and bottom. Use a straight running stitch to sew together the three pieces on the sides and bottom.

Insert your phone or mp3 player, tuck your earbuds into the back pocket, and button it all together with the strap. You’re finished!

Thank you, Melissa, for sharing this wonderful post with us! 
If you would like to purchase a kit with all the pre-cut felt pieces, you can find the kit here.

For more on Melissa, visit:
Her blog: Sew Sweet Stitches
Her Etsy shop