White Threads

White Threads Floss Tube 81 – I DO want to run online classes but…

Today on White Threads Floss Tube the big topic is online classes, and what’s been stopping me from running them. I’ve been pondering a particular problem for years, and while I really do want to run online classes, I have not yet overcome this problem. I’d love your input if you have a possible solution!

I show you the three projects I have scheduled to teach in in person classes, so far, this year. And I show you the Vaupel and Heilenbeck linen bandings that finally arrived after a very long wait, the other day.

If you’re reading this in an email, the video can be found at https://youtu.be/7H4FJfD8gXw

Episode notes:
Vaupel and Heilenbeck linen bandings – http://www.vettycreations.com.au/catalogue-fabric.html#Vaupel

“Smøyg: Pattern Darning from Norway” – http://www.vettycreations.com.au/smoyg.html
Smøyg table runner – http://www.vettycreations.com.au/smoyg.html#supplies
Smøyg bookmarks – http://www.vettycreations.com.au/smoyg.html#bookmarks
“Sardinian Knotted Embroidery” – http://www.vettycreations.com.au/sardinian-book.html

“Frisian Whitework” project supplies packs – http://www.vettycreations.com.au/frisian-whitework.html#supplies

Embroidery classes in Walcha, full listing, for more information and bookings – https://www.trybooking.com/eventlist/vettycreations?embed=1
Mountmellick Embroidery Workshop – https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=748520&embed=1
Smøyg Pattern Darning Workshop – https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=750750&embed=1
Frisian Whitework Workshop – https://www.trybooking.com/eventlist/vettycreations?embed=1

Embroidery classes in Walcha

I have now organised three embroidery workshops in the NSW town of Walcha (where I live!). Each class is a two day class, from 9am – 4pm daily, with a 1 hour break for lunch.

Our venue, Walcha Handmade, is a small creative co-operative, with quality gifts and souvenirs available. We will be holding our class in the studio at the back of the shop. The room is heated with a combustion stove in colder weather. Walcha can be very cold at times, so we recommend dressing warmly with layers so that you can be comfortable whether in class or outside.

The class cost includes the project kit. For each of these projects you will need to bring equipment such as a hoop (size etc will be specified), scissors, and we highly recommend that you bring magnification and lighting. It is better to have magnification and lighting with you and not need it, than need it and not have it with you.

I will have a selection of my books, kits and embroidery supplies available for purchase during break times. If there are products that I sell (e.g. hoop and stand, laying tool, scissors etc) that you would like to order ahead of time and pick up at the class, please contact me well ahead of the class to organise this.

If you book into any of these classes, in these uncertain times, we recommend you have an appropriate travel insurance policy.

Mountmellick Embroidery Workshop on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th May.

Mountmellick embroidery is a style of floral whitework embroidery from Ireland. It uses white thread on white fabric and a range of knotted and padded stitches to create rich and sumptuous embroidery.

In this class, two projects will be offered: Pomegranate Biscornu and Wildflower Cushion. Both are worked with Mountmellick thread on cotton satin jean fabric. The stitches will be learned and the project started in class. There will also be a demonstration of the knitted fringe. All skill levels are welcome!

More information on the Mountmellick Embroidery Workshop can be found here.

Smøyg Pattern Darning Workshop on Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August.

Smøyg is pattern darning from Norway. Pattern darning is worked in running stitch, where the placement of the stitches is guided by counting the threads of the fabric. All skill levels are welcome!

The project is a small square panel (approx 13x13cm) which could be framed, mounted into a cushion, onto a box top or onto a bag. It is worked in Au ver a Soie Soie d’Alger threads on 28 count linen.

This class is a counted thread class, meaning that the stitches are positioned by counting the threads of the fabric. It requires careful concentration. You will learn two layered pattern darning, worked with a base colour, then highlighted with other colours. As the project is worked with two strands of silk thread, you will learn how to use a laying tool to precisely place the threads.

More information on the Smøyg Pattern Darning Workshop can be found here.

Frisian Whitework Workshop on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th August.

Frisian whitework comes from Friesland in the Netherlands. This sampler is in the style of Frisian whitework samplers that were often worked in colour to provide interest for the young girls making them. The sampler measures 12.5 x 26.5cm. It is worked in Gumnut Yarns Buds silk threads on pre-dyed 28 count linen.

This class is a counted thread class, meaning that the stitches are positioned by counting the threads of the fabric. It requires careful concentration. You will learn the specialty stitches used on this sampler, such as satin stitch, reverse cable stitch, chain stitch, and more complex techniques including ways to work the traditional satin stitch bird motifs, how to work clustered eyelets, and special ways to finish eyelets. All skill levels are welcome!

More information on the Frisian Whitework Workshop can be found here.

Covid note

When it comes time for the class, if you are not feeling well, please stay home. Please do not travel or attend this workshop if you or a member of your household has cold/flu symptoms, has been to a recent hotspot or are isolating following a COVID test. Because of the uncertain times we live in, we highly recommend travel insurance, to cover the unfortunate possibility that you may not be able to attend the class due to unforseen circumstances.

How to book and find more information

You can see the full listing of classes here, and from there you can go to each individual listing for the details of that class. There are links to information about accommodation options and getting to Walcha. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!

White Threads FlossTube 80 – Frisian Whitework advance copies have arrived!

So many things to tell you today in this episode of White Threads FlossTube!

The advance copies of Frisian Whitework have arrived
Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature is being reprinted and will be here soon
I show you a lovely gift from Tatiana in Russia
I’ve scheduled a Mountmellick embroidery workshop here in Walcha, and more workshops will be coming
Vaupel and Heilenbeck linen bandings will soon be back in stock (finally!)

If you’re reading this in an email, the video can be found at https://youtu.be/rQA09a3BVPg

Episode notes:
Frisian Whitework – http://www.vettycreations.com.au/frisian-whitework.html
ISBNs: Australia/New Zealand edition – 978-0-9757677-9-5, Rest of the world edition – 978-1-80092-024-8
Fries Museum – https://www.friesmuseum.nl/en
Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature – http://www.vettycreations.com.au/mountmellick-book.html
Mountmellick embroidery workshop information and bookings – https://www.trybooking.com/BQPHG
Vaupel and Heilenbeck linen bandings – http://www.vettycreations.com.au/catalogue-fabric.html#Vaupel

Mountmellick embroidery workshop

White Threads FlossTube 79 – Sardinian leafy framed panel & is my thread colourfast?

Sardinian Leafy Framed Panel

We cover a whole heap of things in this episode of White Threads FlossTube, including how to check if your threads are colourfast, that I think I’ve decided on and started work on my next book, a reminder about the Whitework Embroidery group on Facebook, and a look at the Leafy Framed Panel project from “Sardinian Knotted Embroidery”.

How to check for colourfastness

If you are reading this in an email, you can find the video at https://youtu.be/wqtGABe4O9w

Episode notes:
Whitework Embroidery Facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/whiteworkembroidery
Leafy Framed Panel project from “Sardinian Knotted Embroidery” by Yvette Stanton – http://vettycreations.com.au/sardinian-book.html

White Threads FlossTube #78 – Bullion knot tutorial

How to work bullion knots
Today on White Threads FlossTube I have a bullion knot tutorial for you. I show you how to make beautiful bullion stitches using a method that many of my students find works for them, particularly when they’ve never successfully made bullions before. I also demonstrate how to resurrect a bullion that went haywire, what to do about tapered bullions, and what the difference is between wrapping clockwise and anticlockwise. I talk about the best needles to use for bullions, depending on the thread you’re using. I use bullion knots in Portuguese whitework, Mountmellick embroidery, Frisian whitework and in general embroidery.

I’m also thinking of running some embroidery workshops in my little country town, so I ask you whether weekends or weekdays suit you better, and what styles of embroidery you’d like to learn.

If you are reading this in an email, the video can be found at https://youtu.be/BofHkYzZKIg

Episode notes:
Portuguese Whitework: Bullion Embroidery from Guimarães – http://vettycreations.com.au/portuguese-book.html
Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature – http://vettycreations.com.au/mountmellick-book.html
Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland – http://vettycreations.com.au/frisian-whitework.html
Mountmellick thread – http://vettycreations.com.au/catalogue-mountmellick.html#thread
Thread twist videos:
White Threads FlossTube #17 – https://youtu.be/M4UtJPABVLc
White Threads FlossTube #18 – https://youtu.be/FUAEannF2m8

Embroidery workshops in Walcha

I’m thinking of running some embroidery workshops here in Walcha (the little town where I live in rural NSW). Probably two day classes. If Walcha is within reach for you (it’s about 5.5 hours driving from Sydney and about 6.5 hours from Brisbane), would weekdays be better for you or weekends?

I have said to others who have enquired that I’m not teaching this year, because my daughter is doing her last year of secondary school. However, teaching locally in my home town doesn’t take me away from my family life, so I’m quite happy to do that!

There are many places to stay here in town, from the caravan park (also with onsite vans) to the pub, the motel, the guesthouse, and some B and Bs. Walcha is within driving reach of Sydney and Brisbane. If you would want to come on the train from Sydney, you’d book to Walcha, alighting from the train at Walcha Road with a connecting coach service to Walcha (just make sure you actually book the coach service!). There is also an airport at Armidale with flights to and from Brisbane and Sydney, where you could hire a car to drive the 45 minutes to Walcha. Lots of options and very accessible!

Walcha Tourism has some great information about attractions in the area, as shown in the video (https://youtu.be/mP2DaQ1-LYU).

Please let me know, would you prefer weekdays or weekends? And any requests for what you’d like to learn? (No promises there, but it might help me to gauge interest in certain topics.)

White Threads FlossTube #77 – 1 year anniversary! & embroidery on felt

White Threads FlossTube is one year old today! WOWEE! I can’t quite believe that we’ve made it this far. I started it right at the beginning of the whole pandemic thing, when people were going into lockdown, as I thought that giving them something to entertain, inform and look forward to might be helpful. Thanks for being part of it, whether you’ve been with me right from the beginning, or you’ve joined me further along the way. I’m so grateful to you all.

embroidery on felt by Yvette Stanton
Today I show you an embroidery I did on felt for an exhibition some years ago. It uses heaps of different stitches from The Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion and The Right-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion, worked with threads from my stash on a gorgeous piece of Colourstreams felt.

In this video I also tell you where the Hardanger bag in the previous episode was published, in case you’d like to make it too.

If you are reading this in an email, the video can be found at https://youtu.be/4hGXkuqqSz4

Episode notes:
Embroidery and Cross Stitch Magazine Volume 15, No 3 – “Night at the Opera” Hardanger bag project
Colourstreams felt – https://colourstreams.com.au/collections/felt-pure-wool
The Left-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion – http://vettycreations.com.au/left-handed-book.html
The Right-Handed Embroiderer’s Companion – http://vettycreations.com.au/stitch-dictionary.html
Creating an embroidery on felt video – https://youtu.be/VrJDNReGZAo

White Threads FlossTube #76 – Hardanger with a sheer overlay

Hardanger with shot organza overlay
In this White Threads FlossTube video I show you two examples of Hardanger with a sheer overlay. One is an evening bag, and the other is an unfinished project which helps to show and explain how the work is done.

I encourage readers to pre-order/purchase my book “Frisian Whitework” from a small business (such as a needlework shop or bookshop) rather than a multinational conglomerate, and talk about the supplies packs for the projects in the book.

If you are reading this in an email, the video can be found at https://youtu.be/yn6AEUFzRSs

Episode notes:
Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland – http://www.vettycreations.com.au/frisian-whitework.html

You make a difference to me

Yvette Stanton teaching Sardinian knotted embroidery on 2015 Needlework Cruise
Over the years, I have had contact with many people all over the world through my interests in needlework, my interaction in needlework-focused online groups, and through my business.

People come and go. Some hang around for a very long time, and I’m so very grateful. Some move on to other interests. Sometimes I hear that someone is no longer with us. I think particularly of Paula in Brazil, who always used to keenly anticipate my next book – whatever it was! She was always so encouraging, and so amusing the way she’d talk about me being such a tease in the way I slowly release information about what’s coming. She was a respected teacher of embroidery in Brazil. It was so sad to learn that Paula had died, and even years later, I’m still mourning her loss.

Yesterday I learned that Cheryl, who always ordered a good number of books for her shop whenever I had a new one, died last September. She was a kind, generous person, who was also always so encouraging to me. I sent her an email last week to let her know that the new book was getting near. It surprised me that I hadn’t had an enthusiastic email back from her, so I investigated. I was so sad to hear that after a short health battle, she had died late last year.

For me, this isn’t just a business. It is so much more. It is about sharing knowledge, sharing a passion, and also, sometimes I have the privilege of sharing in other people’s lives. If you’ve been around here for a short time or a long time, please know that I appreciate you, and I’m glad you’re here. You touch my life, and sometimes that makes a real difference to me. Thank you.

White Threads FlossTube #75 – Tutorial: using a laying tool and railroading

Today on White Threads Floss Tube I give a tutorial on using a laying tool, and also a demonstration of railroading. These are two techniques used to help create beautiful stitches when more than one strand of thread is in the needle. I used a laying tool for projects with multiple strands in my book “Smøyg: Pattern Darning from Norway” and also for the Whitework Sampler in “Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland”. It can also be very useful for working cross stitch. Railroading is an alternative technique that works with two strands.

If you are reading this in an email, the video can be found at https://youtu.be/vjYfN7seEWU