This tutorial has moved – you can find the whole how-to part one and part two here

image: © C Findlay-Harder

This tutorial has moved – you can find the whole how-to part one and part two here

image: © C Findlay-Harder

When I first started reading in the online needlework communities, I didn’t really have a good grasp of what a needlework rotation was, or why people would do them. I figured it was probably mostly a way to justify having a big Stash (enlarging one’s Stash is always fun!).

I am finding in my own stitching, however, that the big projects can start being less fun to stitch. No fun with stitching = less time spent stitching. What to do? Work on a different project for a while. Right now I’m setting aside Frederick …read more

There are a lot of guides on how to do needlework, some text, some with illustrations, online and in print. They range from beginning basics to advanced stitches. I prefer tutorials that have illustrations, as I like to see the process involved. It helps me understand it better. So, I’ve looked around online to see what I can find, and among all the sites with horrible instructions or confusing graphics, there are a few gems. Here are some sites that have good to excellent tutorials on how to create various stitches:

Stitching Tips & Techniques: …read more

This question is one that comes up on many discussion boards, mailing lists, and anywhere stitchers gather to discuss their art. It is my opinion that there is no right answer. I am not fond of spending the time to knot my threads, but if the piece I am stitching will be handled a lot or washed more than once, then I knot my thread. It would make me sick if my hard work and time were unravelled through the process of laundering.

For pieces that will be framed or backed, I am comfortable with not knotting. …read more