Back in June I received an email to say that Welp magazine had nominated me as one of the top 20 crochet podcasts of 2021.
Today I was doing a little Googling, and would you believe it … I was also one of the top 20 embroidery podcasts of 2021! That’s kind of cool.
I don’t think I’ve done a dedicated embroidery episode, but I certainly do talk about it quite a bit. I love cross stitch and embroidery, and find them to be very meditative activities for me. Also, it does prove that I have the patience to stab something hundred or even thousands of times, so … you know … never cross an embroiderer!
If you’ve never embroidered before, this is a craft that’s worth exploring, as there are many forms, and many uses for embroidery. I remember being invited to a baby shower at a time when I was next to broke, and was embarrassed by the gift I had given. I had picked up some tiny baby singlets from the Bonds outlet, and embroidered some tiny grub roses on them. I was so stunned when the mama-to-be absolutely gushed over the gift, declaring it to be her favourite of the day. That’s the power of a handmade gift. Her baby wore those singlets until they no longer fit, and she kept them for baby #2, so I guess she really did love them.
If you are left-handed, check out the Left Handed Embroiderer’s Companion by Yvette Stanton HERE. I have met Yvette a couple of times, and not only is she extraordinarily knowledgeable about embroidery, but she’s delightful to chat with.
If you’re looking for fun, pop culture and/or fandom cross stitch patterns, I have a few favourites
* Pixel Power Designs
* Fangirl Stitches
* Clouds Factory
If you’re into freehand cross-stitch, redwork or blackwork, check out the digital stamps and colouring pages at Creative Fabrica. They are vector images, so you can resize them to fit your project, be it a classic hoop or something less conventional like a purse, bag, jumper, jeans or pillowcase.
Another favourite is Urban Threads, and their embroidery designs are incredibly affordable!
You can also use your stamps (physical and digital) for embroidery projects. This is a hoop I did when I was on the Tiddly Inks design team a few years ago, and one day I will find a place to put it! I printed the design to fit the hoop, printed then traced it onto the fabric. From there it was 5 simple ingredients … fabric, thin pellon, a bamboo hoop, black embroidery thread and an embroidery needle.
Lastly, I can’t forget to mention my favourite Australian store for all things needlework … Every Sewer Needs. I helped out on their stand at the Newcastle craft show at the beginning of this year, and boy did I bring home some cool embroidery goodies! I recently grabbed a set of their Lovely Legs (which I named … yes, I’m totally bragging, because I think it’s a clever name!) so I can embroider without holding my hoop!
I keep at least 2 embroidery projects on the go, and they’re an excellent way to pass the time in waiting rooms. I store mine in zipper pouches, taking the pattern, fabric in hoop, threads, needle and small scissors with me when I think I’ll be waiting around.
This has me wondering … are you an embroiderer? What’s your favourite type of stitchery? Leave me a comment and let me know!
In case you were wondering, this is not a sponsored post, I just genuinely adore these small businesses, and have shopped happily with each many times. Full transparency, though, I do have an affiliate partnership with Creative Fabrica, so if you click through and make a purchase, I do receive a commission (which is at no cost to you). I’m also a customer at Creative Fabrica, because I love supporting such talented digital artists and pattern makers.
Find all episodes of The Craft Room Podcast here, or tune in on your favourite podcast app or Spotify.
