White Threads

We’ve moved!

town streetscape In the past month, we have moved house from Sydney to the town of Walcha (pronounced Wolka) in the New England region of New South Wales. We have been warmly welcomed by the community. My husband has started at his new job, and my daughter has started at her new school. Our elder daughter remains in Sydney as she is now at university.

The picture shows a view down one of the main streets early on the morning of Anzac Day. It was about 7 degrees Celcius. When my doctor found out we were moving to Walcha, she said, “What are you moving to that cold little hole for?” It is undeniably cold here, but it is a lovely town, with many creative people, so I think we’ll do just fine!

Today is my first day back in the office, in my new office! I’ve been filling many orders, and will continue to over coming days. I’ll still be back and forth from Sydney for a while as I do some work on our Sydney house. I apologise that there will still be some times where I’m not in the office and therefore unable to send out orders until I return. As we’re no longer in a metropolitan area, post will take a little longer than it previously did. I apologise for this, but that’s where we live now!

We’re settling into our new house, and I’m starting to get my office organised. There are still a lot of books to go on bookshelves, fabric to be organised, and homes to be found for various things. One of the first things we did was to paint the walls of my office the appropriately named “Linen White”, instead of the bright yellow with a pink feature wall! It’s much more conducive to being creative now!

We’re making new friends and adjusting to a different way of life. Apparently there has been great excitement that a new family has moved to town. I was coming down the driveway the other day, and there was a man walking along the street on the other side of the road. He yelled out, “Welcome to Walcha!”. Everyone knows we’re new, and people have been so welcoming.

Many people have asked what I’ll do here, and the answer is – of course – continue writing my books! There is a co-op called Walcha Handmade that I might get involved with. And over the next year, I’ll look for other ways to be involved with the community. I’m sure I won’t have any problem occupying my time, even if it is just knitting new garments to keep me and the family warm!

Book tour – Smøyg: Pattern Darning from Norway

Some people go on a book tour when they release a new book. I’ve never done this, but I thought I could instead take you on a tour of some of my books. I know that some of you have been along for the ride since the beginning but some of you are newer to my books and may not be aware of particularly some of the earlier ones. You are all most welcome to join me on my book tour!

Our previous stop on the book tour was The Right-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion. Today is the last day of our tour, and we will take a tour of Smøyg: Pattern Darning from Norway by Yvette Stanton. Thanks for coming along for the ride with me!

This is another book I didn’t have plans to write. I learned of smøyg when I was in Norway researching Early-Style Hardanger. As I really liked the embroidery, I decided to try it out. I made a collar for a shirt, which, when I wore it, people asked me, “So when are you going to teach us that?” And that set the little cogs turning.

Many people wonder how to pronounce smøyg, so if you view my video here, you’ll hear me say it.

Smoyg Pattern Darning from Norway

I loved doing the research for this book. Smøyg is used in so many different ways, on so many different types of items that it was fascinating to learn about it all. The introductory section of the book details the many uses, with heaps of lovely colour photographs. The many different ways it is used also gave me much scope for many different projects – there are 13 in the book. I know people think of me as being a whiteworker, but I also love colour, so I found the projects for this book most enjoyable.

Most styles of smøyg uses a fine wool thread on evenweave linen fabric, but some use silk thread instead. There are projects in the book using each.

In the back of the book there is an appendix which visually shows thread and fabric compatibility. This is because I realise that the threads I have available to me might not be available to you. By way of a large series of stitched samples on different counts of fabric, the guide will help you to choose a thread which will work well for the count of fabric you have.

Here’s what some people have said about “Smøyg: Pattern Darning from Norway”:

This book is a little gem! It has a bit of everything, from history to projects you can actually do (and some small ones for instant gratification or last minute gifts), to very detailed tutorials. But those are elements that I would expect from a great craft book.

Where I think this one goes one step further is the fabric and thread compatibility guide at the end of the book. With all crafts it takes time trial and error to discover those things and the guide saves you from a lot of frustration! – Ms. Sofia Komninou

Ok so to be honest I had never heard of Smoyg, but I am always looking for new ways of darning and embroidery so I was thrilled to receive this book. I spent ages just reading about the history of Norwegian darning and looking at the various patterns and guides to stitches and techniques. There are 13 beautiful embroidered projects using bright colours and various designs. The step by step instructions make it so easy to follow and there is even informative parts telling you what problems you may have along the way. I am not experienced and did initially find it all a bit daunting, but I must say I have just completed my first project and it is perfect. I would highly recommend. – A Tinkler

The thing to remember about pattern darning is that it is all just running stitch, so the technique is certainly not difficult! If this sounds like something you want or need to try, you can purchase your copy of Smøyg: Pattern Darning from Norway by Yvette Stanton from Vetty Creations or from your favourite needlework retailer.

Book tour – The Right-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion

Our previous stop on the book tour was Early-Style Hardanger. Today we will take a tour of The Right-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion by Yvette Stanton.

I never planned to write this book. I wrote The Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion for all the lefties like me, who wanted to see needles pointing in the direction we use them. I didn’t think right-handers needed yet another stitch dictionary, because all stitch dictionaries are written for right-handers. However, right-handers said to me, “But we want YOURS!” and so, I did a right-handed version to keep them happy, and going by the sales, it has kept them happy!

The Right-Handed Embroiderers Companion

Each stitch is taught in fully diagrammed, step-by-step format. The clear diagrams help you see exactly how to work the stitch, and concise written instructions explain each step. This stitch dictionary has a photo of each finished stitch so you can see exactly what it should look like, and there are vibrant inspiration photos for each stitch to show you creative ways to use them. For each stitch there is also a diagram showing how left-handers work the stitch, to compare the right- and left-handed methods, which is very useful for right-handed teachers of left-handed students. (Actually, all right-handed teachers should have a copy of The Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion for the use of left-handers in their classes.)

There are no projects in this book, as it is full of stitch instructions – there are over 170 stitches included. So instead of sharing photos of projects, instead I’ll let others tell you why they love about the book.

The Right-Handed Embroiderers Companion

This is a great book to take with you to classes as a resource. Just be careful that someone doesn’t nick it because they like it so much! Many people have on hand while stitching at home, and use it as a constant reference.

If you’re left-handed, don’t forget, I wrote a left-handed stitch dictionary just for you.

You can purchase The Right-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion by Yvette Stanton from Vetty Creations or from your favourite needlework retailer.

Book tour – Early-Style Hardanger

Our previous stop on the book tour was Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature. Today we will take a tour of Early-Style Hardanger by Yvette Stanton.

Ever since I wrote Elegant Hardanger Embroidery I had wanted to do another book on Hardanger, taking readers right back to the historical style which is so very different from contemporary Hardanger. Eventually, the right time came to do that, and I visited Norway to research it, timing my visit for 17th May, which is Norway’s national day. On this day, many Norwegians parade in their folk costume, making it a culturally spectacular day! I also visited museums, spoke with curators and studied many historical items.

Early-Style Hardanger

The book opens with information about and examples of historical-style Hardanger. There are two pages which visually compare the differences between contemporary and old-style Hardanger. As well as the step-by-step instructions for both left-handers and right-handers, there are 10 beautiful projects, ranging from small and quick, to large and more of a commitment. They are worked in the traditional linen thread on fine evenweave linen fabric (not Hardanger fabric, which is not traditional!). This creates a very lacy effect. A couple of projects are also reinterpreted in colour for a bit of variation.

Early-Style Hardanger

Here’s what some people have said about “Early-Style Hardanger”:

“I have been eagerly awaiting delivery of Yvette Stanton’s new book “Early Style Hardanger” since its publication was announced, and I have not been disappointed. This is a must have book for a needleworker’s library. Normally I dip into books but I have been totally enthralled from the 1st to the 160th page, all of which are packed with over 1500 colour photos and diagrams.” —Nicola, Hands Across the Sea Samplers, UK

“I LOVE it!!! I am going to show it to my mum (from Hardanger, learned hardanger-stitching from her mum who was taught by her mum…), she doesn’t like reading English, but she doesn’t really need to read with those illustrations! -I am just going to keep it for myself for a while first. 😀 Kudos! Excellent work! *Happy!*” – Iris, Norway

“I received my book today and WOW. It’s awesome!! The pages comparing old and new are eye-openers. Add the history, projects, and the stitches, WOW. I LOVE your new book! I’m glad I ordered it and have it to drool over before I decide what to make first. Maybe I’ll start with the biscornu and then go for the square mat…” — Jana, USA

This book is quite different to my earlier Hardanger book, Elegant Hardanger Embroidery which teaches contemporary Hardanger. Early-Style Hardanger focuses particularly on traditional, historial-style Hardanger. Some of the stitches are old stitches that have fallen out of regular usage in contemporary Hardanger. Because the two books are quite different, though there is some overlap in the stitches, they each have their place.

If you’d like to learn more about the history and cultural roots of Hardanger, this is the book for you. You can purchase Early-Style Hardanger by Yvette Stanton from Vetty Creations or from your favourite needlework retailer.

Embroidery and International Women’s Day

I’ve wondered whether to write this post or not. I don’t want to alienate my male readers by any stretch of the imagination. I want to encourage them in their embroidery pursuits. However, I hope that this post might be helpful and/or thought-provoking for women embroiderers.

Today is International Women’s Day (or it will be soon, if it isn’t already, where you are). You’ve probably seen posts on social media and articles in the press about it (and if you haven’t yet, you probably will soon!).

International Women’s Day makes me think about embroidery. Partly because I’m pretty much always thinking about embroidery, but partly because embroidery is so often associated with women.

In contemporary life in most of the cultures that we belong to, women and girls are the ones doing embroidery. Of course, boys and men can do embroidery too. Some of them do, and some of them are very good at it.

However, I do wonder why it is that when men do good embroidery or teach embroidery, so often women fawn over them so much. Why do we do that?

Perhaps it’s because we want to encourage them in a pursuit that is so often seen as being outside of the realms of what men do. We know how valuable it is to us, and we want others to experience that value too. It certainly isn’t a bad thing if men can also experience some of the things that are culturally regarded as feminine.

Perhaps it’s just because they’re quite unusual in an environment that is usually so heavily populated with women. They can be a bit of a novelty, after all.

Perhaps it is because somehow we feel that if men do embroidery, it legitimises embroidery as a pastime for us women. You probably recoiled a bit at that. But is it even a little bit true? Maybe? Personally, I don’t need a man to do embroidery for me to know that it is a worthwhile and enjoyable thing to do.

Have you noticed this adulation of male teachers and embroiderers, or is it just me? Am I way off beam? (You can tell me I’m wrong if you wish!) If you have noticed it, why do you think it happens?

In some cultures, men are very adept with needles and thread. The tentmakers of Cairo are an excellent example of this. There are some excellent male embroidery teachers. I can think of Gary Clarke, Owen Davies and Mike Parr amongst others. In all my years teaching embroidery, I’ve only ever had one male student in my classes, and I do wish I’d had more. I know that there are many men who enjoy my embroidery books, though, and I’m very happy for them to. I do know of men who do beautiful embroidery.

So yes, let’s celebrate and encourage the men who do embroidery. But let us also encourage and celebrate all our wonderful women friends who do embroidery. Let’s proclaim their achievements from the mountaintops, and not just within the embroidery world. Let’s quietly encourage them as we sit alongside them in a class or stitching group. Let’s comment on their embroidery posts on social media, to let them know we’ve seen and value their work. Let’s build each other up and celebrate our embroidery together. The more of us we have along for the ride (and yes, that includes men too), the more fun the ride will be!

Book tour – Mountmellick Embroidery

Our previous stop on the book tour was the French language versions of “Portuguese Whitework” and “Sardinian Knotted Embroidery”. Today we will take a tour of Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature by Yvette Stanton and Prue Scott.

I wrote this book with my twin sister, Prue Scott, who is an embroiderer, embroidery designer and botanical artist. As Mountmellick embroidery is an embroidery with plant motifs, it seemed appropriate to ask her to do it with me.

Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature

Mountmellick embroidery comes from the town of Mountmellick in Ireland, and is a floral whitework embroidery with lots of texture. It features a distinctive knitted fringe, and is worked in completely matt cotton thread on heavy cotton satin jean fabric. The motifs are lifesize or larger. We’re not talking about dainty needlework here – it’s big and bold!

As well as the step-by-step embroidery stitch instructions and knitting instructions, there are 17 needlework projects in the book, ranging from small to large, some with lots of embroidery and some with not so much.

Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature

Here’s what some people have said about “Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature”:

“It’s one of the most comprehensive embroidery books that I have ever bought. It is absolutely beautiful and so full of information. It will make it a lot easier for me to master Mountmellick.” V, Tasmania, Australia

“This book begins with a fascinating history of Mountmellick embroidery in which the authors share their discoveries and observations of historic examples of this technique found during their research. After outlining fabric and thread requirements there is a collection of all the stitches used to build up Mountmellick motifs with clear, detailed instructions on how to work each one. The projects are varied as Mountmellick can be used for many applications as it is robust and, being all white, can be hot washed. There are traditional projects such as doilies and mats as well as contemporary applications such as bolsters and lampshades.

The book comes complete with full size pull out patterns for easy tracing of the larger designs and there are instructions on how to create the traditional knitted fringes that accompany Mountmellick work. It is the perfect place for beginners to start yet with plenty of detail and substantial designs for more experienced embroiderers.” Mary Hickmott’s New Stitches

Because the fabric and threads used for this embroidery are quite unusual, Vetty Creations stocks a full range of Mountmellick embroidery supplies, including the matt cotton thread, cotton satin jean (and polycotton satin jean for those wanting an alternative), knitting cotton, and the embroidery needles required.

If the pattern and texture of this beautiful style of embroidery delight you as much as they delight me, maybe it’s time to try Mountmellick embroidery! You can purchase Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature by Yvette Stanton from Vetty Creations or from your favourite needlework retailer.

Book tour – French translations

Our previous stop on the book tour was Elegant Hardanger Embroidery. Today we will take a little detour into France to look at some French translations of Yvette’s books: Portuguese Whitework which became “La Broderie Blanche Portugaise” and Sardinian Knotted Embroidery, which became “La Broderie Sarde À Points Noués”.

La Broderie Blanche Portugaise and La Broderie Sarde À Points Noués

These two books have been published in French by leading French craft book publisher Les Éditions de Saxe in their Broderie Créative range.

You may remember at about this time last year, I visited the big craft show in Paris, “Aiguille en fête”. While in Paris, I also met with the publisher at Editions de Saxe, and these two books have been the result of that. I really like what they’ve done with them – while a very different look than my versions, they look great! I really hope that these go well for them, and they can translate others of my books, particularly the stitch dictionaries.

La Broderie Sarde À Points Noués – Sardinian Knotted Embroidery

“La Broderie Sarde À Points Noués” has all the same step-by-step instructions and projects as in the original “Sardinian Knotted Embroidery”. This time they’re in French though, which is a real boon for French stitchers.

La Broderie Sarde À Points Noués

La Broderie Blanche Portugaise – Portuguese Whitework

“La Broderie Blanche Portugaise” also has all the same step-by-step instructions and projects as in the original “Portuguese Whitework”, this time in French.

La Broderie Blanche Portugaise

If you’re a French speaker or even just a Francophile and are interested in these books, they can be obtained from Editions de Saxe or your favourite French needlework retailer. In addition, I have a few copies that you can contact me about, if you’re interested.

Book tour – Elegant Hardanger Embroidery

Our previous stop on the book tour was The Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion. Today we will take a tour of Elegant Hardanger Embroidery by Yvette Stanton.

This is a great book for learning how to do Hardanger embroidery. It has step-by-step instructions and a large range of projects.

Elegant Hardanger Embroidery by Yvette Stanton

One of the important features of this book is the way it clearly shows you what not to do for mistakes people commonly make, and then of course, it shows you the correct way to do it. It includes instructions for many different stitches, including the lacy buttonhole edge, knotted and looped picots, and a range of filling stitches.

There are fifteen projects in the book, as always, ranging from easy to difficult and small to large. Something for everyone!

Waterlily cushion from Elegant Hardanger Embroidery

Square Sampler from Elegant Hardanger Embroidery

Trish Runner from Elegant Hardanger Embroidery

The projects are worked on a range of fabrics, including Hardanger/Oslo fabric, Lugana and evenweave linen. This gives the opportunity to try them out and see the differences between each type of fabric. A range of threads are also used, from pearl cotton, to silk pearl, and even stranded cotton. White, coloured and overdyed threads are used, and there’s even some beading!

If you’re wondering what the difference is between this book and my other Hardanger book, Early-Style Hardanger, they’re quite different books. While there is some overlap in the stitches included (and both have step-by-step stitch instructions and a range of projects), each has some stitches that aren’t in the other one. “Elegant Hardanger Embroidery” is more of a general Hardanger book, whereas “Early Style Hardanger” is more about a specific style of Hardanger. So each have their place.

Here’s what one happy reader had to say about Elegant Hardanger Embroidery:

“I’ve found your book to be so helpful with different stitches and stitching problems. In fact, I’ve used your book twice within the past week and it sits right next to my stitching area.

The information section in the front of the book, along with the stitch diagrams/instructions are outstanding! The diagrams of the dos and don’ts for each stitch was great. I taught myself Hardanger from magazine instructions and didn’t realize I’d also taught myself some bad habits.

Your instructions and diagrams explain and show exactly why you should and shouldn’t do something. Your instructions are well written, and easy to follow and understand.

I really wish I’d found this book at the beginning of my hardanger learning curve. This embroidery book is really outstanding and I would recommend it to anyone interested in Hardanger – from beginner to experienced!” Ruth, San Diego CA, USA

This book was designed for use by absolute beginners, and yet also has some more involved and difficult stitches that will engage even experienced Hardanger stitchers. If you’ve been wanting to try Hardanger, Elegant Hardanger Embroidery is a great place to start.

You can purchase Elegant Hardanger Embroidery by Yvette Stanton from Vetty Creations or from your favourite needlework retailer.

Book tour – The Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion

Our previous stop on the book tour was Sardinian Knotted Embroidery: Whitework from Teulada. Today we will take a tour of The Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion by Yvette Stanton.

I wrote this stitch dictionary because I am left-handed. I realised that left-handed students in my classes loved having a left-handed teacher. I decided to package myself up into a book so that they could take “me” everywhere with them. When I’m exhibiting at shows, I get a constant stream of lefties thanking me for writing the book, because they love it.

The Left-Handed Embroiderers Companion

Each stitch is taught in fully diagrammed, step-by-step format. The clear diagrams help you see exactly how to work the stitch, and concise written instructions explain each step. This stitch dictionary has a photo of each finished stitch so you can see exactly what it should look like, and there are vibrant inspiration photos for each stitch to show you creative ways to use them. For each stitch there is also a diagram showing how right-handers work the stitch, to compare the right- and left-handed methods, which is very useful for lefties and righties working together.

This is a great book to take with you to classes as a resource. Many people have it with them while stitching at home, and use it as a constant reference.

And if you’re right-handed and feeling a little left out, have no fear, there is a right-handed stitch dictionary as well. I’ll feature that on another day of my book tour.

You can purchase The Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion by Yvette Stanton from Vetty Creations or from your favourite needlework retailer.

Book tour – Sardinian Knotted Embroidery

Yesterday we looked at Portuguese Whitework: Bullion Embroidery from Guimaraes. Today we will take a tour of Sardinian Knotted Embroidery: Whitework from Teulada by Yvette Stanton.

Sardinian knotted embroidery, known locally as Punt ‘e Nù, comes from the town of Teulada in southern Sardinia. If you read the book title quickly and your mind registered “Scandinavia” or “Sicily”, you’re not the only one – many make similar mistakes! Just in case you’re not sure where Sardinia is, there are two islands off the coast of Italy. The top one is Corsica and the lower one is Sardinia. It is part of Italy, but the people who live there generally identify as Sardinian, not so much as Italian.

Sardinian Knotted Embroidery

As with all my books, there are step-by-step instructions for all the stitches and techniques. This book was one of the first in which I included both left- and right-handed instructions. Left-handed instructions are in green, and right-handed instructions are in blue. It means that both left-handers and right-handers have instructions just for them.

There are 11 projects in the book, ranging from very small through to very large. They include the Square Mat, Petite Doily and Pendant. The patterns and motifs are formed by working tiny little knots on the surface of the fabric. Yes, they’re all knots! It creates wonderful texture, but can be a pain in the neck when you make a mistake (not that you will, of course, because you’re such an accomplished stitcher! 😉 )
Sardinian Knotted Embroidery

Sardinian Knotted Embroidery

This is what some people have said about the book:

“Sardinian Knotted Embroidery is a delightfully thorough voyage into the world of a little-known Italian needlework technique native to a small area on the island of Sardinia. Grab your passport and explore this embroidery without fear as Yvette is with you every step of the way. She has anticipated your doubts and worries and addresses them all to give you the confidence to complete every exquisite project in this book making it an extremely enjoyable embroidery trip.” Jeanine Robertson, www.italian-needlework.blogspot.com

“Sardinian Knotted Embroidery is another Must-Have for your needlework library!” Mary Corbet, www.needlenthread.com

The supplies used for this form of embroidery are 28 count linen, No 12 pearl cotton, and tapestry needles. Because of the unique way this embroidery is worked, it is best not to work it in a hoop or frame. All of these supplies can be found at the Vetty Creations website.

Sardinian knotted embroidery is a unique form of embroidery, which the people of Teulada are rightly very proud of. So, give it a go, and try this beautiful, traditional form of embroidery for yourself.

You can purchase Sardinian Knotted Embroidery: Whitework from Teulada by Yvette Stanton from Vetty Creations or from your favourite needlework retailer.