December 31, 2009

This New Year's, don't act like a

needs an !
Stitched by cauchy09

Reminds me of one of my all-time favorite random phrases, "catbutt." Awesome work, as usual, Ms. cauchy09!


Hope you all have a wonderful and safe New Year's! Also, I'll do my best, but I can't guarantee I won't act like a monkeybutt...

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

December 30, 2009

Coney Island

Coney Island (2009)
Stitched by sarahbest

Love all the detail on this. And the fact that it commemorates one of my favorite New York places.

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

December 28, 2009

Hearts

christmas gift for my fiance
Stitched by good canary

Isn't this an amazing idea? So gorgeous!

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

December 22, 2009

Christmas Fun


Pennyleavergreen's daughter challenged her to make a game for Christmas. They created "Into The Woods" together. It even has a little carrying bag so you can take it to a friend's house.


December 21, 2009

Holiday Songs and Faves

So, in the spirit of the holidays, I have returned with the rest of our faves from the giveaway post!

Sublime Stitching Faves
Our favorite Sublime Pattern with 27 votes is Black Apple!
In second place is Sexy Librarian, with 23 votes.
Forest Friends and Kurt Halsey were a tie for 3rd place with 11 votes.
In 4th place was Dutch Russian, with 9 votes.

Our Favorite Carol
Our favorite Holiday song is Carol of the Bells, with 14 votes.
O Holy Night is tied with Silent Night at 11 votes.
The Little Drummer Boy and Baby It's Cold Outside tied for third with 9 votes.

A Present For You!
And, a gift from us to you, now - here are all your faves! (Except for the few I couldn't find...) You'll also hear a few of my faves, like that awesome Raveonettes song and, frankly, would it be Christmas without the Chipmunks song? I think not. And to those of you that hate Christmas carols / holiday songs - sorry guys. I know this playlist must feel like a kick in the pants for you. Well at least I didn't set it to auto-play. :)


Get a playlist! Standalone player Get Ringtones


Thank You!
Hope you all have a wonderful holiday - thanks to everyone who took part in the giveaway, and everyone who drops by, leaves a comment, or picks up a needle because of anything you see here. You all inspire me and make my life so rich - with creativity, inspiration and love. However you celebrate your holiday, may it be full of peace and joy and blessings. Much love to you from all of us here!!!

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

December 17, 2009

Um, awesome?

doodling with stiches
Stitched by fionabearclaw

You know, Ms. fionabearclaw - your stitching rocks!


By the way, have you guys watched The Fantastic Mr. Fox? Totally worth a watch!

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

December 15, 2009

Your favorite floss colors!

Well, folks, the totally unscientific data is in! Based on your comments on the Feeling Stitchy Holiday giveaway, I now present to you - our favorite floss colors...

Our most favorite color (with 7 favorites) is:
3846, Light Bright Turquoise
3846 LT Bright Turquoise


The 3 runners-up (with 6 favorites) are:
310, Black
310 Black
666, Bright Red
666 Bright Red
995, Dark, Electric Blue
995 DK Electric Blue


Next 3 (with 5 favorites) are:
321, Red
321 Red
550, Very Dark Violet
550 V DK Violet
906, Medium Parrot Green
906 MD Parrot Green


Want to see all our DMC favorites? Download the PDF checklist!


I'd like to think of this post as an open letter to all craft and needlework stores - please stock up on all these colors! That's because I had every intention of buying the top 7 favorites and sharing them with you in a special photo shoot. The idea seemed fool-proof enough, until I arrived at my local craft store.... And lo and behold, every color in our top 7 was out of stock. Undeterred, I moved on to our top 40, and discovered with a giggle that nearly every color on that list was out of stock. That included every shade of red (including our faves 321 and 666), and although I had to expect this, not a bit of 310 black. So, craft stores, print out that list and stock up on those colors! We've got some crafting to do. :)


Stay tuned for your favorite Sublime Stitching patterns and your favorite holiday songs! :)

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

Allow me to present... some unbearable cuteness

Por que é tudo culpa da Helen!
Stitched by Craft Ale

So adorable it hurts!

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

December 14, 2009

And the winners are....


One copy of Embroidered Effects will be mailed to the following 2 randomly selected, lucky peeps!


Winner #1:

Claudia said...

It´s so hard to choose just one favorite color (as well as just one favorite Sublime pattern...), but I´ll try, for the sake of this awesome PRIZE!!! rsrsrrs
- color: 518 - I love blue!
- pattern: Black Apple
- Christmas Carol: I don´t no any title to tell (I know some songs, of course, but not the names...) as here in Brazil it´s not so usual as in the USA.
P.S.: I L.O.V.E Feeling Stitchy!!

December 9, 2009 8:01 AM





feeling merry today
Surprise Prizes!
But, there's more! (Don't you love it when people say that on infomercials? I've kind of been dying to say that my whole life...) :)

The following 10 crafters will receive... surprise prizes!

1. Mary Lynn said...

Oooh - great giveaway!
Favorite color - I want to say all of them, but I always seem to be out of 321.
Favorite pattern - I'm really excited about the Tara McPherson - we have a couple of posters of hers hanging up in our house. I like the Day of the Dead themed patterns a lot (I'm from the Southwest), and the body parts.
Favorite Christmas Carol - "Little Drummer Boy" as sung by Bing Crosby and David Bowie.

December 13, 2009 12:14 AM

2. Beletseri said...

3843 --- A bright and complex blue
Dia de los Muertos! For sugar skulls the VM (Virgin Mary) and Halloween.
And "good king wenceslas" cause it's stuck in my head.

December 9, 2009 2:28 AM

3. MafiosaGrrl said...

hmmmm, this favorite color thing is going to be tough. I think 4050, a variegated number with greens, blues, and golds. I don't use it very often but I do love it. It's like a mermaid :)
My favorite pattern has got to be- Roaring Twenties or Zombies and Monsters.
Fav X-mas song- I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.
Thanks for the chance to win!!

December 8, 2009 2:56 PM

4. jeanne said...

would love this book!
fave color...i am feeling 550...such a nice deep color...
fave pattern...this is hard...i think i am leaning towards the Carson Ellis Artist Series #9...
fave carol...little drummer boy, i think...esp sung by david bowie and bing crosby or johnny cash.

December 8, 2009 2:00 PM


6. Kate said...

ACK!! Bookmarking that colourlist RIGHT NOW.

1) I've just stitched something in 3848 - I'm pretty predictable about loving those bluey greens and greeny blues.
2) I've been eyeing off the roaring twenteis for some time now. Haven't bought it yet, but I think it will be mine soon... oh, yes... soon.
3) What about Santa Baby by Marilyn? Otherwise I love all the old old ones, especially sung in harmonies - I've got the Blind Boys of Alabama CD and was cranking 'Joy to the World' the other day. So beautiful.

I'm internationl, btw!

December 8, 2009 9:45 PM

7. Cas said...

Ooh, I love Sublime Stitching!
I'm a green kind of girl, so that lovely tree-ish no 699 is right up my alley.
I always wanted to be a Sexy Librarian - that's definitely my fave pattern!
Whenever I hear "God rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", I can't help but hear my little brother's 5 year old voice struggling to reach the high notes. Means it must be Christmas :)
Cheers!

December 8, 2009 7:14 PM

8. Lany Carroll said...

Conas atá tú?
Greetings from the Emerald Isle :)
I love 125- I try to use it to stitch the reciprients name on the back of all sorts of various presents!
I'm feeling the Dutch-Russian patterns.
And Silent Night is just so beautiful.
[White Christmas always gets me in a 'sewing-for-christmas' mood though!]
I love your blog by the way-have been following it since I started stitching as a serious past time =]
thank you for inspiration (and recognition of the many fine stitchers out there).
Wishing everyone a safe and happy Christmas, and the health to enjoy it with people they love.

December 12, 2009 9:37 AM

9. Deb_in_oz said...

i am a blues girl so love 996.
we are an interfaith family and i already embroidered ornaments as gifts so would love to get the new jewish symbols pack - the jewish star is lovely.
favourite christmas carol? any on my Neil Diamond Christmas CD (i hate that i love him but i do and even more that this legendary Jewish performer has done an awesome job with Christmas music!)
so i guess this is my big interfaith blog answer LOL

December 8, 2009 5:18 PM

10. Claudia said...

All colours in yellow, orange and red, my pick is 971, a kind of orange. My favorite stitching pattern is Black Apple and Camp out. And my favorite Christmas song is either In the bleak mid winter or Chris Rea singing Driving home for Christmas. Around Christmas time you can hear me singing all day long! One loved Christmas carol after the other. Greetings from Germany - thanks for shipping internationally - my chance!

December 8, 2009 3:58 PM


Contact Me, Winners!

All winners in the giveaway, please email me at unafloresita@gmail.com with your shipping address. If you won a surprise prize, some of you will receive your prize immediately in an email (so be sure to give me an email you check often). And for the rest of you, stay tuned for a bit of fun with those holiday songs and floss colors! :)


Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

donna robotica


donna robotica, originally uploaded by lil miss maya.

Absolutely amazing.

There really is no limit to what you can do with embroidery, is there? That is what is so awesome about it. I love traditional stuff, but my heart leaps when I see things that are different and take embroidery further than all the cutesy and kawaii stuff. Not that there's anything wrong with that, there just seems to be a lot of that and less of the slightly-more mind blowing stuff.

I would love to see even more "out there" stitcheries..! :-)

Voyage au fond des mers

Simply. Stunning.

December 11, 2009

Branches

DSC_0099
Stitched by foxinthewoods

Isn't this amazing?

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

December 8, 2009

Embroidered Effects Giveaway

Embroidered Effects Giveaway!

In July of 2008, I received the embroidery project of a lifetime, courtesy of Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching. My mission, should I choose to accept it, would be to stitch 3 projects for her upcoming book, Embroidered Effects. I would even (*gasp*) be paid for it! I received a full set of colorful Presencia floss to aid my quest, and sparkly Glow in the Dark SS threads. Eep. And I would have to keep it extra-secret, until the book was published next year. Now, when I have to, I can keep a secret, but it eats and eats away at me because let's face it, peeps, I am a bit of a bigmouth. :)


chandelier in progress

There was absolutely nothing like seeing the finished book this summer, and tracing each little stitch with my fingers (after carefully inspecting my fingers for taco grease, naturally) and thinking, I stitched that! It IS a beautifully made book, something my mom even commented on, and my mom is a tough person to impress. Other awesome stitchers were Rachel of Craftzine, Amy of Early Bird Special, and even Ginger, who owns the coolest embroidery store in Austin TX, Ginger's Needlearts. My 3 projects were the Sugar Skulls, Chandeliers, and Pillowcase Birds.



I was honored to be a part of this project, so I wanted to share a little holiday spirit with you Feeling Stitchy readers... in the form of.... a giveaway! I'll be giving away 2 copies of Embroidered Effects! (But no way am I giving away my personal copy - uh-uh!) I'll ship 1 copy internationally, so you overseas peeps can enter!


To enter the giveaway, leave a comment with the following info by Monday morning, Dec. 14th:
1) your favorite floss color (here's a DMC list, if you like)
2) your favorite Sublime Stitching pattern
3) your favorite Christmas carol (or, you can just say you hate Christmas carols) :)


P.S. Because I'm feeling extra generous, there may even be a few surprise prizes, too! So keep that in mind while you, ahem, answer those questions... ;)

P.S.S. We moderate comments on FS (to keep out spam), so it may take awhile for your comments to appear. No fears, we get every comment you submit, so there's no need to submit again (or 5 times more). :)

EDIT: monday, Dec. 14th, 7:30 am - comments closed - winners announced soon!

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

Under the mistletoe

Boston Terrier/French Bulldog Kissing Under The Mistletoe Stocking
Stitched by woundupladybug

Oh how I'd love to encounter one of these cuties under the mistletoe! I just hope they've had a nice minty Milkbone first.

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

December 7, 2009

Foxy Mittens


Well! I am duly impressed. Miss Laurel MJ Jamieson didn't just embroider some mittens, she up-cycled them from a Gap sweater, trimmed them with fleece, and then embroidered them (I should say, I'm sure she did the embroidery before she transformed them into mittens. That'd be kinda hard.) But just look at them! No, I mean, go to her livejournal page and just look at all the photos of how cute they are! The little unsteady-on-its-feet fawn is just too much.

Link

December 3, 2009

Cute argyle ornament tutorial

Red Aqua and Brown Argyle Ornament
Stitched by septemberhouse

This cute little argyle ornament looks quick and easy to do - try the tutorial here!

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

December 2, 2009

Something We All Need


This is so sweet and I love the colors. Threekitchenfaires made this wonderful pattern and made my day

Ant Farm embroidery

Ant farm Embroidery
Stitched by Stitcher Scribbler

Love it!

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

December 1, 2009

Sweet bird

finished red fancy bird!
Stitched by maybeemily

Loving this sweet crewel bird by maybeemily. Wonderful!

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

November 30, 2009

Am I late for Black Friday?

Parker's Purchases
Stitched by ¡tasteslikehappy!

Well, that would be because I was comatose from over-eating. Parker's Purchases are adorable nonetheless (pattern by Wee Wonderfuls). I love how this was stitched on black fabric - the colors Julie chose really make it pop. Sweet!

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

November 26, 2009

Happy Turkey Day!

Tired Turkey Embroidery
Stitched by wildolive

Wishing you all a happy Turkey day, and may you all be tired turkeys after plenty of eating and spending time with loved ones! I'm thankful for all of you! <3, F

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

November 23, 2009

The Pinpals / In Stitches Showcase


While I was in Chicago for part of my book tour, I got to see lots of new work by artists weilding the needle at the current exhibit at Renegade Handmade: The In Stitches Showcase. One of my favorites was The Pinpals from Canada. Cross-stitched buttons, earrings, wall-hangings, pendants and lockets....lovelovelovely.

ETA: Whoopsy! I accidentally posted an image from Miniature Rhino with the original post. But thas cool, 'cause I've been meaning to blog about MR too!

Link

November 21, 2009

Seductively posed among the leaves

11112009skeins
Photo by TabathaSemien

What's this? Why clearly, a rainbow assortment of floss we just happened to stumble upon in the woods.

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

November 20, 2009

Daniel Johnston-ized sweater

Daniel Johnstonized sweater by Flickr user Kittykill
Stitched by kittytown

Yay, kittytown! Your Daniel Johnston-ized sweater rocks! (Pattern from Sublime Stitching, oh yeah.) :)

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

November 19, 2009

float, flutter, fly

float flutter fly
Stitched by 'Lil Sonny Sky

So, so painfully sweet!

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

November 18, 2009

Flowers on cardstock

on cardstock
Stitched by laeroport

Is this not gorgeous?

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

November 16, 2009

Gorgeous geometrics

Flower circles
Stitched by crf_kitty

Wow. Just amazing what you can do with a simple pattern and some really stellar stitching. Beautiful work, crf_kitty!

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

A Gentle Reminder


nanaCompany stitched up this sweet and fun reminder to James.

November 14, 2009

Becky blows

becky blows.
Stitched by lagidgette

Love the bright blue and applique on this! Great work, lagidgette!

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

November 13, 2009

Ghost DJ

whiskey mit cola, please
Stitched by william schaff

I love the dense stitching, going every which way on this hand-embroidered patch. Awesomeness!

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

November 12, 2009

Our umbrella

Our Umbrella
Stitched by Laura Amiss

I'm really loving these elegant machine-stitched works, they have such a gorgeous, hand-drawn quality...

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

November 9, 2009

Good Enough to Eat


This pomegranate brooch looks good enough to eat. The garnets are beautiful seeds. Thank you  BrooklyneChaos.

November 6, 2009

Let's do the math

2 hearts 5
Stitched by kleio's belly

Serious sweetness!

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

November 5, 2009

Man from another place

The Man From Another Place
Stitched by childrenplayingwithfire

Any David Lynch fans out there? Fan, or no fan, you gotta be in awe of that stitched red suit. Bravo, childrenplayingwithfire!

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

November 3, 2009

Lovely stitched fish

Pink fish
Stitched by fatquarter

Flickr embroiderer fat quarter gives a nice walkthrough of how she stitched this fish using laidwork. Click through to her blog to see more!

Hi, I'm floresita, editor of Feeling Stitchy. I'm an avid stitcher, knitter, and crafter. You can see more of my stitching on Instagram and my blog. My vintage transfer collection is on Vintage Transfer Finds.

Feel free to email me with any ideas for the blog!

November 2, 2009

Follow the White Bunny - interview

We have previously featured some embroideries from designs by Nicole of Follow the White Bunny so I thought it was time we got to know who is behind those cute designs. Psst, Nicole has a shop too.

Who/what inspires you?
I draw inspiration from lots of things. Fairy tales, European folk tales, history and literature are important sources of inspiration. As are vintage Children’s book illustrations. Sometimes everyday stuff around me can inspire me in my embroidery work. Like my grandmothers Danish tea cup. A perfect way of transport for a hedgehog, don’t you think? Or, when I lived in Norway in a house made of wood it inspired me to use a wood grain effect in my embroideries.

I adore Jenny Hart, as she is practically the Godmother of alternative and hip embroidery, very successful too and the Sublime Stitching Patterns are awesome. Emily Martin (the Black Apple) makes things so odd and cute it makes me want to squeal! Recently I discovered Rob Ryan’s paper cutting designs, fantastic.

How long have you been stitching? What got you started?
I haven’t been stitching for very long at all. First of all I started sewing about two years ago. That got me involved in Flickr where I spotted Georgia Mc Donald's wonderful embroidery work. Soon after that I bought some Wee Wonderful Patterns and the book ‘Doodle Stitching’ by Aimee Ray. From that moment on I was seriously hooked on embroidery.

What perceptions of embroidery do you meet?
Well often it’s regarded as an old ladies thing isn’t it? And let’s be honest the majority of the patterns out there contribute to that perception. Luckily embroiderers nowadays can choose from a wide variety of patterns to suit their own style, anything from sweet vintage patterns to subversive patterns.

Tell us about your subject matter...
It seems I want to tell a little story with each embroidery design. I also like to add something ‘extra’ or ‘different’ to my designs. Take the Princess and the Pea for example. Everyone knows that in the story of the Princess and the Pea, she sleeps (or rather doesn’t sleep) on 20 mattresses (and a pea). Not 5, not 10 (as I saw in other embroidery patterns) but 20 mattresses. While I was drawing all those 20 mattresses I got the idea that it would make an excellent sampler piece, each mattress a different stitch. I have not finished mine yet by the way. Every couple of months or so I add a few more mattresses. I also like to play with texture. Apart from the fact that embroidering a wood grain pattern is totally relaxing it also gives a texture that is soft and luscious to touch.

Do you have a favourite stitch? Why?
For a long time I used the split stitch as my main weapon of choice so to say. Now I often use the back stitch or stem stitch for the more basic shapes. I’m also a total fan of fill stitches of all sorts: satin, long short, a normal straight stitch and the split stitch makes an excellent fill stitch too by the way. Ooh and I adore the French knot. I found it almost impossible to master at first and now I think it’s a joy to make them. I try to incorporate them in most of my projects! I always want to learn more stitches but I must admit that I’m not a very quick learner, maybe because I am left handed. Recently I purchased Jacqueline Enthoven’s ‘Creative Embroidery’. A book from the sixties with a wealth of interesting stitches to learn from.

Why is embroidery worthwhile?
It’s so enjoyable to do! For me personally it’s less about the finished product than the process itself. I enjoy the whole process from thinking about a pattern to choosing the colours and stitches to actually sitting down and do the embroidering. I have lots of embroideries I did that aren’t on display or anything, tucked away in a cupboard but that’s ok too. On the other hand I love ‘embroidering with a purpose’ too, like the pillowcases I did. And while I found it hard to embroider on a t-shirt, I’m very happy with the result and proud to be wearing my own embroidery work. :-)

Any advice for "newbie" embroiderers?
Start on simple patterns, learn the most basic stitches and try to build on that. Don’t start on t-shirts or difficult fabrics either. Do not try to embroider too hastily, it will show in your work and most of all enjoy yourself! As I did not know anyone who embroidered (except my mum but she does cross stitch) when I started out, I found many answers to even the most basic questions and lots of support on Flickr. There are several groups dedicated to Embroidery with many very helpful members!

Are there any other embroiderers in the group/pool that you have noticed?
Oh there are so many, so I hope no one feels left out here. I have to mention my online-buddy Georgia McDonald of course, she always brings out the best of any pattern and her stitches are perfect. Same goes for Amy Bindel (EarlyBirdSpecial). I love Amanda Panda Pants embroidery work, as bubbly and fun as I’m sure she is herself. And Penny Nickels work is great too. Really too many awesome stitchers to mention!
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