I finally had a chance to sit down this afternoon and finish the embroidery on my latest project, an igolochkoy (Russian punch needle embroidery) Christmas tree ornament:

I used plain cotton DMC floss for the berries, outline of the leaves & the border. The pale green leaves are silk floss that I picked up in a little silk shop in Vancouver. The cream floss is an ombre “Waterlilies” floss by Caron.
I didn’t use a pattern for this project, I just drew right on the fabric – iron on transfers would work great though too! I can definitely tell …read more

Sorry about the lack of posts – my internet has been down for waaaaay too long!
Of course, when I’m not able to check my email or write, I do have a chance to play with techniques in my studio
I finally picked up an embroidery hoop (actually I got three) and have been working on a little igolochkoy (Russian punch needle) Christmas tree ornament.   Here’s what the front looks like so far:

The needle creates a little tuft of thread as you push it through the back.  I’ll post a more detailed look at how the needles work tomorrow.
Here’s what …read more

Oh blast.
The igolochkoy fairy paid me a visit this morning (thanks Mum!) and I now have an inspiring box of punch needles & bunka thread.
I’ve got my pattern drawn onto the base fabric.
I’ve got all my colors selected.
I now have the needles.

Ready to go?  Unfortunately, no.
I’ve mislaid my embroidery hoop, somewhere – in my studio – or downstairs in my basement/fabric storage pit.  I’ve gone through a dozen boxes with no luck.  I think I may need to bite the bullet and buy a new hoop.  Oh well…

Is there a technique that you used to love doing but haven’t had the time/energy/whatever for lately?
I’ve been thinking about taking up igolochkoy again.  It’s also known as Russian punch-needle embroidery and I used to love doing it as a child & teenager.  It’s a technique of embroidery, using a fine needle to push floss or thread through fabric, leaving a little loop on the right side.  When it’s finished the surface almost feels like velvet or carpet.

These are the original punches I learned with – unfortunately I’ve lost mine!
I’ve been browsing and have found some charming patterns that would …read more