Exploring the needlework internet this week

It’s been a few weeks since I did one of these posts, but I didn’t have time to explore the needlework internet in the weeks up to and including the craft show. It’s taken me a little while to get everything back on track since then, so you’ve just had to be patient.

However, I have some real goodies for you today!

Tapestry weaving video
First up, a fabulous video from BBC Sussex about the Stirling Castle tapestries. There is more information about the project at the Stirling Castle website. When we were in the UK in 2002, for me to research for Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature, we stumbled across these tapestries being made at Stirling Castle. I had no idea these weavings were being done, and it felt like we’d uncovered a wonderful secret. To this day it remains one of my loveliest holiday memories.

Michele Hill’s latest book
Michele Hill has brought out yet another gorgeous Morris-themed patchwork/quilting/applique book to go with her previous two. Afternoon Tea with May Morris focuses on work of the daughter of William Morris, May Morris. As with Michele’s previous books, this one is filled with beautiful projects. Like me, this time she’s a self-published author, so please support another of the brave ones amongst us who decide to go it alone without a traditional publisher! Books can be purchased from Michele.

And for those who are interested, in 2005 I wrote an article for Piecework Magazine on May Morris. You might like to try and dig it up from somewhere to have a read! You can find it in Piecework Vol XIII, No 2, Mar/April 2005.

Articles about embroidery in the news
CNN featured an article on what crafting does for your brain. Bizarrely, they obviously couldn’t find any suitable picture of someone making something craft-ish in their photo library, because they featured a video entitled “Not into crafting: Build a gadget” right at the top of the article. Skip the irrelevant video and scroll down to the article! Honestly, CNN, it wouldn’t have been hard to find a suitable picture…

The Japan News featured an article on young Japanese women getting into embroidery with cafe-based workshops.

Embroidery inspiration
If you haven’t visited the Embroiderers Guild NSW Facebook page, I suggest you do. With the recent “Stitched Circles” installation at the Sydney Craft and Quilt Fair, most, if not all of the stitched circles have been photographed and displayed on the page. There’s lots of inspiration to be found there, with a very wide range of techniques used.

An exhibition starting and one ending
From the National Trust, starting on July 10th at Old Government House in Sydney is a new exhibition called Love Desire and Riches: The Fashion of Weddings. This exhibition has already toured Victoria (Australia) in 2014 and has now come to Sydney. I’ll definitely be going to see this! It seems that in recent years, Australian museums and historically-focussed organisations have realised that textile related exhibitions are very popular.

For those in Melbourne, Exquisite Threads: English Embroidery 1600s–1900s at the NGV ends on 12th July, so you’d better hurry if you want to see it! I never managed to get down there – never really expected to find the time or money, but we can always dream! I do know many who have seen it who thought it was spectacular, so if you can get along to see it, it is highly recommended!

Right. I think that’s me done for this week! I can’t think of anything else to update you on for now. Off to collect more… 😉