Hi again!
I’m back from Craftcation, where I took a beaded embroidery workshop, learned how to quilt-as-you-go, and successfully punch-needled my way into a new craft obsession.
And now, it's time for 5/5! Beaded Starburst, purple paradise, and a “spotlight” embroidery await. Keep on scrolling for five creatively inspiring things and five ways for you to DIY.
ICYMI, this tote bag-turned-chore coat was the most clicked link in the last 5/5 email.
✨ 5 creatively inspiring things
1️⃣ Embroidered hoop-in-a-hoop creations are like magic to me. This piece by Deanna of Six Eyes Stitches is one of my favorites. The way she uses a small hoop within a much larger hoop to “spotlight” the composition is so clever.
2️⃣ A jacket is a blank canvas for embroidery and appliqué. Lindzeanne shows the vibrant possibilities with an all-over appliqué focusing on a limited palette emphasizing shape design. I don’t know if I would rather wear this or frame it. (Fun fact: Lindzeanne is in my new book!)
3️⃣ Give this crocheted face a squeeze. It might take you by surprise! 👀
4️⃣ I have a massive sweet tooth (I’m writing this after polishing off a bag of sour gummy bears!), and I’m in awe of bead embroidery (it’s challenging!). Beaded Bodega is the best of both worlds. Here’s a completely beaded Starburst and a pack of Pocky.
5️⃣ Here’s some serious weaving inspiration: beautiful figurative works by Marion Weymes. This is an unconventional self-portrait in which her body is integral to the final piece.
🪡 5 ways to DIY
1️⃣ You know what makes a granny square better? Cats! Pony McTate has created a best-selling “Many Cats Square” pattern that will have you crocheting a cushion. If you’re covered with cushions, try a single Cat Granny Square instead. [affiliate]
2️⃣ Here’s how to frame your stumpwork embroidery. Life With Bess offers a quick tutorial on removing it from its hoop and placing it into a picture frame.
3️⃣ Have a couch that’s been torn up by a cat? Use up your thread scraps with embroidery sewn into your couch. The method works in random stitches.
If you’re looking for something more structured, Sarah Neubert has a tutorial: woven upholstery mending. In this 15-minute video, she shares weaving and darning techniques to visibly repair damaged upholstery.
4️⃣ Have you tried punch needle? After years of wanting to try it, I finally learned how. It was easier than I thought it would be. (My expectations of being able to do it successfully were low!!) This looks like a fun (albeit more challenging) pattern you can into a cushion. [affiliate]
5️⃣ Make a tidepool with artist Amy Reader! You might remember Amy from a One Person, One Project interview about felted fungi inspired by the forest floor. Well, in this all-inclusive kit, you'll learn embroidery and needle felting techniques to create your own purple paradise.
Talk to you next week,
|
|
Sara Barnes
Embroidery illustrator and writer
|
