White Threads

video demonstrations?

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!

Counted thread instructions

If you were going to do a counted embroidery project using a number of needlepoint stitches (on evenweave fabric rather than canvas) would you like

1. step-by-step stitch instructions with diagrams that explain the steps how to do the stitch, and a chart to follow so you know where to put these stitches

2. a chart of the stitch with little numbers on insertion points, telling you where to put your needle next, with an additional chart of the whole design to follow

3. both?

My thoughts are as follows. Stitch instructions with diagrams teach you how to do the stitch and help you to understand the mechanics of it. Numbered diagrams are like paint by numbers – you can follow the process and end up with the right thing, but with much less understanding of the process.

What are your thoughts/preferences? Note, this is not for a class, just a stand-alone-make-by-yourself-following-the-instructions project.

(Photo is not of the aforementioned project, just of an old counted thread ornament I made some years ago.)

Exploring the needlework internet this week

I missed this post last week, seeing “normal programming” was slightly interrupted! Because of that, there’s lots today. Just keep in mind that I don’t actually go looking for these links – they’re just things I stumble across as I go about my daily business on the internet.

One of the Facebook pages I am a fan of is Tirelli Costumi. They do a lot of costuming for historical fiction films. This year at Cannes, there’s a new film called “Tale of Tales”. I haven’t any idea at all of what the film is about, but the costumes certainly caught my eye! There’s an article with lots of photos at History of Fashion and Textiles blog. The costumes that really caught my eye were the men’s ones with lace collars and cuffs. Wow! The blog is in Spanish, so you’ll need to translate the page.

My friend, Tamsin Harvey of Berrima Patchwork has released her new book called, “Constantinople Quilts” featuring beautiful appliquéd quilts. She was over at Quilt Market in Houston promoting the book, with some of her lovely quilts on display. https://www.facebook.com/MaywoodStudio/photos

I’ve updated The Big List of Online Textile Collections. There are now 60 links to museums which have searchable online collections. There are other museums which have *browseable* online collections, but my criteria for this list is that the collection must be searchable.

One of my very popular posts on Facebook in the last week or so has been about a piece of exquisite lace in the collection of the V&A museum. The motifs on this very pretty piece of lace remind me of the motifs used by William Morris and co in their wallpaper designs. The museum has 2.27m of it. I’m sure I could find a use for it, if they needed me to… 😉

I think I’ve mentioned before the amazing embroidery that I saw in a Portuguese language book in a library in Portugal which was done with straw on netting. I went looking for more information on this the other day, and found that it is called Bordados de Palha de Trigo. The straw sits like a flat ribbon, and looks like gleaming gold. You’d never expect that you could get such an effect with something as simple as straw! The following links were some that I found about the embroidery. (Portuguese language alert – you’ll need a translator!)
http://cienciapatodos.webnode.pt/news/os-bordados-de-palha-de-trigo-sobre-tule-da-dona-isaura-rodrigues-parte-i-/
http://cienciapatodos.webnode.pt/news/os-bordados-de-palha-de-trigo-sobre-tule-da-dona-isaura-rodrigues-parte-ii/
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W3Bf0Lv-Y-Q/UiXcSDMho1I/AAAAAAAACAA/hV6RD_liQnY/s1600/971975_544056185641169_404218601_n.jpg
Following my posting of these on the Vetty Creations Facebook page, Melissa posted a link to another fascinating article on a similar theme, all about straw embroidery. Thanks Melissa!

I’ve updated the Hardanger embroidery page on the Vetty Creations website, with some news words and new pictures.

I’m still going on about Rahul Mishra. Here’s a video about some of his latest work. I really think we should all wear our embroidery more. We need to wear elegant embroidery. I’ve had a design for a winter coat with embroidered collar and pocket bindings mulling around in my head since about last July. Hopefully one day it will become reality! For those who are reading this via email, you can view the video here.

The Royal School of Needlework has an exhibition of whitework on until December this year. The exhibition is only open on specific dates, and bookings are required. Featured styles of embroidery include Ayrshire, Carrickmacross, Hollie Point and Hardanger.

Well, that’s it for now, but I think that should give you quite a few hours of diversion!

The big reveal – new book title and cover

The day is finally here! I really do apologise for being so infuriating this week, but hopefully you’ve enjoyed at least some of the anticipation and excitement!

Without further ado, here’s my announcement video. If you’re reading this post as an email, you can view the video using the following link: https://youtu.be/EozuvKkIpek

“Early-Style Hardanger: Traditional Norwegian Whitework Embroidery” by Yvette Stanton will be released in late 2015. It will feature a range of projects, from small through to large. There will be all the usual step-by-step stitch instructions that you’ve come to expect from me. Also included will be many photos of historical examples, and some of contemporary use of old-style embroidery.

For all those who thought this announcement was going to be that the book’s release was imminent, I do apologise! So why did I announce the book’s title and cover now? Announcing them on Norway’s national day seemed very appropriate, and the day only comes around once a year! It helps to link the embroidery with the culture, and if you know me, you’ll know that I’m quite big on making sure I respect the culture that the embroidery comes from.

Please share the video and the picture below far and wide, and tell all your friends who may be interested! I’d love it if you’d help me get the word out. Stay tuned to White Threads for release details and for more information on the book.

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