Firstly, thank you to everyone who either commented on the blog or emailed feedback regarding my questions about the type of needlework instructions that you’d prefer. It was really interesting and useful to hear all the points of view, and why people preferred what they preferred.
Today’s question is about video demonstrations. This is something I have been thinking through.
My main concern is that I am left-handed, so any stitching I do is with my left hand. Lefties will understand how confusing it will be to see a right-handed person stitching and have to translate that to what they need to do. However, even though we put up with that all the time(!) I don’t need to force that upon right-handed people (though maybe it would help them to understand what it is like to be in a left-handed minority…!). So if I was to do stitching demonstrations, I would probably need to practice well so that I can do it with my right hand and not look like I’m terribly inept at stitching!
So, IF (and that’s a very big IF) I was to do some video demonstrations of stitches and/or techniques, what would you like to see me demonstrate? I’m not thinking particularly of whitework, as I also have two stitch dictionaries with many stitches that could be demonstrated.
While encouraging responses like, “Yes, please!” are lovely, they’re not really what I’m looking for. I’d really like your suggestions for which stitches/techniques you’d like to see me demonstrate. They might be stitches or techniques you’ve struggled with or never really understood. They might be stitches that you have not yet attempted because they scare you too much. So please be as specific as possible!
I have actually done a video demonstration before, many years ago. You can find my demonstration of how to do one of the Mountmellick knitted fringes here (if you’re reading this in an email), or below, if you’re reading on that actual blog. My video skills and quality have improved since this video, but you have to start somewhere!
I look forward to reading all your suggestions. And please understand this is not a commitment that I will be doing it, just something that I will look further into. The left-handed/right-handed thing really is something that I will have to overcome!
White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.
Left-handed video demos would probably be a boon to lefty embroiderers everywhere! I myself am a righty though. Do you maybe have a friend who could do the righty demos, and you could feature both in one video? Is that too hard?
I would want to see hardanger techniques. I would love to do hardanger, but the stitches have baffled me so far. And since I want to do Mountmellick someday, I’d like to see that too! I remember the knitted fringe video featured above, and I thought it was very good–nice and clear.
Thanks Dangermom! That’s really excellent feedback, and makes me think maybe I could corner the market on left-handed stitch instruction *videos* too! 🙂 I do think that doing both left- and right-handed would be good. Will have to think that through further. Thanks.
Hi Yvette
As “Dangermom” has suggested, I too thought of Videos for LEFT-HAND Stitch instructions which is rare. I would like some Videos on Ukranian Drawn Thread Embroidery.
Do you have any thoughts of teaching some Pulled Thread Embroidery techniques in your future Projects?
Thanks
Hi Shaz, Thanks for your thoughts on left-handed videos. I think you and Dangermom have a very good point. And thanks for the vote for Ukrainian. 🙂
I haven’t really done much pulled thread embroidery. If it was to come up as part of a style of embroidery I was investigating, then I would include it as part of that. Actually though, there are pulled thread stitches used in Hardanger embroidery, so there will be some in the upcoming book. It isn’t a major focus though.
I am left-handed and was given your “Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion” as a gift last Christmas. Since you already specialize in left-handed instruction, I’m sure left-handed embroiderers the world over would appreciate your videos! (I also crochet, and a friend recently asked me to help her find good videos for her left-handed daughter. It’s so helpful to see things demonstrated left-handed!)
Thanks, Kathryn, for your additional vote for left-handed instruction. 🙂