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Plans & Projects for 2022

     Anne      Leave a Comment

Happy New Year! 2022 is here already, waiting to be filled with new plans and projects, fresh inspiration, good books, and lots of embroidery! If you’ve read my last post, then you know how much I love making lists and planning and writing down resolutions.

flat lay featuring a 2022 planner, a lit candle, some markers, pinecones, and dried florals

I used to read the Dear Canada books a lot when I was younger, which are written as a diary from the heroine’s perspective. In Brothers Far From Home, the heroine finds her older sister’s list of New Year Resolutions, and after dutifully scoffing at it, proceeds to write her own in her journal. It stuck with me that they didn’t just make one resolution, but a whole list of them! I loved the idea so much that I took to it and have been writing my own list in my journal ever since. I make separate sections for actual resolutions, goals, and things I’d like to try.

Over the years though, I’ve found that writing down too many resolutions can be very disappointing since it’s hard to stick to them all. I like having the flexibility and the challenge of making more than one, but now I try to focus on fewer and doing them well.

I take a similar approach when it comes to craft projects, although my to-do list is always off the charts. I’m trying to accept the fact that I have too many ideas and not enough time. So this year I want to prioritize things that really bring me joy and that I’m inspired to work on. Here’s a list of plans & projects I’d love to accomplish this year:

 

Plans & Projects for 2022

 

Finish my 1860’s Ballgown Project

Le Monde Elegant 1867 Victorian fashion plate
November 1867 fashion plate from Le Monde Elégant

Oh, it would be such a dream to finally finish this dress! For those that don’t know, I was in a Costume Studies program at university. Our senior year’s final project was to re-create a gown from a fashion plate or portrait from the years 1867-69. Mine is based on the plate above. Unfortunately, the semester was cut short due to lockdown at the time, and I never finished the dress. I’m so close though! All I have left is to cut and sew the bodice, and then add the lace and other decorative finishing touches.

Why then has in been left in a box for nearly two years? Good question. Mainly because I’ve had inadequate space and equipment to work on it, but also because I just…never felt like it. I intend to change that this year though. The goal is to finish it in time for summer so I can take pretty pictures outside. I really look forward to sharing the final garment with you!

 

Sew More Clothes

Last year I really focused on embroidery, and while I did some light-sewing here and there, I didn’t sew many garments. I have a few skirts and dresses in my WIP pile that I really hope to finish, and I promised I’d make my mom a new winter skirt, so I’ll have to get sewing! I also hope to combine embroidery with dressmaking a bit more this year, so I might just need to add a new category for all these projects here on the blog. 😉 Would that be something to interest you?

 

Learn Needlepoint

flat lay showing a box full of embroidery skeins, the Floriography book by Jessica Roux, a cross-stitch pattern, and antique scissors

I don’t need any more hobbies, but I want a new hobby. Although, since needlepoint is so similar to cross-stitch, does it really count as a new hobby? My resolution should really be to finish any and all existing cross-stitches I’ve already started, but no, I’ve a fancy to try needlepoint instead. The thing is, I’ve already started to plan this project and I’m too excited to start. I’ll be covering an antique sewing box top with a beautiful Victorian flower design.

I bought the pattern on Etsy, and while the instructions are for cross-stitch, I’ll be working it in needlepoint instead, to copy the Berlin woolwork style that was so popular in the Victorian era. I received the thread I need for it for Christmas – pictured above, beautifully packaged by mom – and will use Aida cloth for fabric. I’m honestly so excited about this project, I might start it right now!

 

Master the Basics of Crochet

I started learning how to crochet in 2020, but never practice long enough to really achieve anything. I go too long without picking up my hook and yarn, and feel like I need to re-learn the basics every time! This year, I hope to stick to it long enough to complete a nice project or two. I find it extremely relaxing, more so than embroidery, and perfect to do while watching a good movie. If anyone has any great beginner crochet tutorials or books they know of, please drop them below! I’ve been watching Bella Coco Crochet on Youtube and love her style.

 

Reading List

flat lay showing two books: Jane Austen embroidery and Floriography, as well as some lace, antique scissors, and dried plants
I received these two gorgeous books for Christmas and can’t wait to use them!

Since I shared my top reads of 2021 in my previous post, I thought I’d also share the top books that are on my TBR for this year! I’m a very moody reader and never quite know what I’ll be inclined to pick up next, but I’ve had these on my radar for many months now:

All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot

I mainly have the lovely Gracie over at Austens & Alcotts to thank for bumping this one up the list, since she spoke so highly of it and wrote such endearing posts on it. I saw the wonderful Season 1 of the newest TV adaptation and absolutely loved it, but I’m not sure I’d be as eager to read the book if I hadn’t been so inspired by Gracie’s words. As it is, I can’t wait to read it and am thinking of ordering myself a copy!

Howard’s End by E.M. Forster

Again, I’m being heavily influenced by Gracie 😉. This is one of those books that I’ve seen so many people read and love last year, that I really want to join the party! I saw a film adaptation of it a while back and really enjoyed it. The book blurb definitely sounds like something I would enjoy, and there’s apparently a delightful mini-series to watch too!

Little Men by Louisa May Alcott

I’m always in the mood for Alcott around this time of year, and although I’ve a strong inclination to revisit Little Women, I’d like to read Little Men too! I remembered that I own a copy of it while I was in the middle of something the other day, and since then I’ve only been thinking about it. If I don’t end up reading it, I’d at least like to read something new by Alcott. I listened to An Old-Fashioned Girl last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m eager to discover more by this amazing author!

 

***

 

And this concludes my list of plans & projects for 2022! I will probably end up deviating from my list as I always do, but I tried to keep it shorter this year and set goals that are a bit more achievable. Of course, there’s a lot more I want to do and time does have a tendency to just fly by, but I intend to make good use of what time I am given and seek to cultivate a grateful heart.

Thank you for being here, friends! I’d love to know about your own resolutions or plans. How would you like to be creative this year? What’s on your reading list? I’d love to chat with you about it!

 

Warmest wishes for the New Year,

2021 Year In Review

     Anne      Leave a Comment

I love this time of year. After nearly a week of festivities with the family including board games, whipped cream desserts, and general lazing around, I really enjoy sitting down with my journal and next year’s planner to reflect, wonder, hope, and best of all, resolve. As a to-do list lover and stationery junkie, there’s nothing I love more than writing down my New Year’s Resolutions, making plans and setting goals for the year, and writing about my highlights of the past year.

I flip through the pages of my journal and remember with fondness all the memories that were created, and find some comfort knowing that I overcame the more difficult parts. This precious time of introspection never fails to bring me renewed peace and energy. I am thankful for all I’ve accomplished, and buoyed to try new things and start new projects this year!

 

My Top 9

I thought I’d share with you my top 9 crafty accomplishments of the year! Although I believe it’s important not to value our self-worth entirely on how much we accomplish, I think it beneficial to reflect on how we accomplish different things. Seeking to grow and learn and work with a thankful heart are more important than mindlessly creating content. So, here are the 9 projects/accomplishments I’m most proud of this year!

 

1. Starting This Blog

welcome, read my first post here

This might be what I’m most proud of in 2021! Despite beating myself up for not launching sooner, I’m so, so happy to have finally started this blog! It had been on my to-do list for a while, and I was definitely not prepared for how much I didn’t know anything about blogging, but I’m really proud of how far I’ve come! I’ve been blogging steadily for 8 months now, and feel like I’ve gotten into a pretty good routine. I’m still learning so much everyday, which keeps things both exciting and frustrating, haha! I love learning new things, but am often unprepared for how long certain tasks take. Nevertheless, here we are, and I can’t wait to see what 2022 has in store for my little corner of the Internet. Thank you all so much for being here, reading my posts and supporting my work! I appreciate it more than you know.

 

2. Discovering English Paper Piecing

finished hexie flowers and basted hexagons, as well as a pile of square fabric scraps, snips, and pins

Ahhhh EPP, what a joy this has been! I had absolutely no idea what EPP was until it started popping on my Instagram often. I finally gave it a try, following this video by the amazing Mollie of Wild Olive, and loved it instantly! Then I decided to turn her monthly Kawaii Crossing house patterns into hexie flowers using the EPP method, and it’s been so much fun! I share them over on my Instagram, and I also wrote a full post on how I make them.

 

3. The Garden Bouquet Project

flat lay view of the finished garden bouquet embroidery framed and surrounded by fresh flowers

When I think back to the month of August, this project is all I remember! I made it for my grandparents and didn’t have that much time to work on it, so I crammed as much embroidering in a day as physically possible and managed to finish it in time for my visit! It turned out just as I’d envisioned and I couldn’t be more pleased. It was the perfect project to practice new skills and refine old ones. I tried a new stumpwork technique for the currant berries, worked on my long & short stitch for the wild roses, and reverted back to my beloved ribbons to make the lily. I wrote several blog posts on the making of this project, so you can have a look and follow along if you’d like!

 

4. Beaded Blackberry Branch Project

flat lay close-up on beaded blackberries project and plate of blackberries with embroidery notions and dried flowers

Another rather intense, but immensely satisfying project was this beaded branch of blackberries I made last September. Inspired by one of my favourite books, Venetia by Georgette Heyer, I designed a branch of blackberries that I could stitch partly with beadwork. I ended up using a mix of silk shading, ribbonwork, and beadwork, and absolutely love it!

 

5. Practicing Drawing & Making my Own Patterns

embroidered wisteria branch finished view from top

This year, I really tried to focus more on designing my own embroideries, rather than always using someone else’s pattern. This was a pretty big challenge since drawing doesn’t come naturally to me and it takes me hours to draw a very simple shape. But after several months of pushing myself to pick up my sketchbook and practice, practice, practice, I can definitely see an improvement! Drawing outlines for embroideries doesn’t seem so unattainable anymore, and I’ve even been able to offer a couple of my own patterns for free here on the blog!

I’m super excited to keep drawing and making my own patterns in 2022!

 

6. Scissor Case with Victorian Embroidery

flat lay view of embroidered scissor case with dried plants, lace, embroidery hoop and red bow

As much as it’s been fun to come up with my own designs, I’ve always loved using vintage and antique patterns for sewing and embroidery. Earlier this month, I made this scissor case using a Victorian pattern from a Briggs & Co. pattern book, and it was wonderful. I adapted the pattern to fit my project and stitched it on felt really easily. The scissor case ended up being a Christmas present, but I’ll definitely need to stitch one for myself. A delight to make from start to finish!

 

7. Woodland Scene Embroidery

flat lay showing a woodland scene embroidered in a vine wreath

I tried something completely new and different this month as well, and mixed watercolour and embroidery in this wintery scene. This was one of my most challenging design of which I’m really proud of, and the addition of the watercolour turned out so well! As much as I love the long & short stitch, it wouldn’t look the same if the whole thing was embroidered. I really loved adding a little paint and will definitely try it again soon! This one was also a Christmas present, and it was so hard to part with!

 

8. Free-Handing Botanicals

dandelion embroidery hoop art against backdrop of real dandelions

If I challenged myself to draw and design more this year, I also challenged myself to try embroidering something without a pattern. I couldn’t believe that these little dandelions turned out decent! Normally, I can’t function without a pattern, without directions, recipes, instructions, etc… I actually like being told what to do in most instances, lol! But anyways, I decided to just free-hand this one and used a bit of crewel wool, and behold, the sunniest dandelions! I haven’t really done anything with this piece yet, but I’m thinking it would look really cute in a journal or herbarium.

 

9. Mixing Embroidery & Pressed Botanicals

finished embroidery work with black raspberries

For Christmas 2020, I received a gorgeous flower press made by my Dad, and let me tell you it got a lot of use this year! I’ve been pressing flowers since I was young and like to use them for cardmaking and journaling, but since I love mixing medias with my embroidery, it was only natural that I should try combining pressed leaves and embroidered berries! Not only does it save you some stitching time, but the effect is so beautiful and lifelike! The only thing is that it is very fragile and I’m not quite sure how to frame or preserve them…but it’s wonderful to work, and I’ll definitely be making more!

 

Bookish Highlights:

Since my one true love is Reading Books and so much of my work is influenced by literature, I thought I’d share a few of my favourite books this year! I didn’t read as much as I normally do, but I’m officially obsessed with audiobooks now. I find that they’re the perfect source of motivation to work on a repetitive task (like stitching!) and become so absorbed that time just flies.

 

Agatha Christie

I finally, finally, read an Agatha Christie mystery this year, and oh my goodness am I hooked!! She’s mainly the reason for my audiobook obsession, because who knew how pleasantly exciting it is to listen to a murder? Apparently a lot. I started with And Then There Were None, which sent chills down my spine, and then quickly plunged into the Hercule Poirot world. I’ve lost count of how many I’ve listened to. They’re so good, and you can find many of them for free on Youtube! I’m excited to try a Miss Marple book next.

 

The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim

finished wisteria hoop art against book cover of The Enchanted April on iPad

This was probably my top favourite book of 2021. What an utter delight! I wrote a review of it on Goodreads, and I also have a full post on the embroidery project it inspired. Witty, charming and idyllic, Enchanted April is a flower enthusiast’s dream. The beautiful descriptions, the rich landscapes, the psychological portraits, the sweet, sweet ending…everything is perfect! The 90’s movie adaptation is also perfect, and I highly recommend it! I watched it on repeat while working on my Garden Bouquet and I couldn’t have asked for anything better.

 

The Complete World of Beatrix Potter

Can you believe that I’ve only now read the tales of Beatrix Potter? I know, me neither. But there it is, I didn’t grow up with them. However, better late than never, and I can safely say that I absolutely love the darling stories! Who could resist the cutest bunnies, mischievous cats, silly geese, and other such charming creatures? Not to mention the beautiful and inspiring illustrations! I can definitely understand why she’s still so admired as an author an artist, and now proudly join the ranks of her fans. The movie Miss Potter starring Renée Zellweger is also heartbreakingly sweet, and I can’t get enough of it. Both film and tales have been a huge source of inspiration for me this year, and I’m so thankful!

***

And that’s it my friends, those were my top 9 achievements of the year, as well as my favourite literary discoveries! I hope you enjoyed reading my post, and I’d absolutely love to hear from you in the comments. What are you most proud of this year? What inspired you the most? Have you also read some really good books?

I can’t wait to continue sharing my little adventures with you in 2022.

 

Happy New Year, everyone!

 

Fondly,

10 Easy Steps to Successfully Begin an Embroidery Project

     Anne      5 Comments

Does anyone else get really impatient when it’s time to begin a new embroidery project? I just want to skip all the prep stuff and get stitching already! Unfortunately, not preparing adequately for an embroidery project will too often bring regret later on. It’s the little things that can really make a difference. Fortunately, preparing to begin an embroidery project isn’t as long or as daunting as it may seem. So if you’re like me (the impatient stitcher) or you’re new to the craft, here’s a list of 10 easy steps you can follow and prep before you make your first stitch.

 

10 best tips to begin an embroidery project

 

1. Choosing and Preparing a Pattern

The first logical step to beginning an embroidery project is to decide what you want to embroider. If you’re looking for inspiration, you can start with a quick Pinterest search, follow some talented embroiders on Instagram or browse Etsy for pretty patterns. There are also many books on embroidery that you can find that include patterns. Whether you draw your own pattern or find one you like, take a few moments to think ahead to what you want the final product to be. Will you be leaving the embroidery in the hoop to hang, or are you turning it into something else? What size do you want it to be?

Thinking ahead and having a bit of a plan before you begin your embroidery project can be so helpful and save you from disappointment later. If you bought a pattern, chances are the recommended dimensions will be included in the instructions. You can also scale a pattern using your printer’s settings to resize it however you’d like.

 

2. Fabric

Aaahhh, fabric! I’ve alluded to fabric choice for embroidery in two previous posts already – The Only Embroidery Tools You Need and Different Ways to Transfer an Embroidery Pattern, but it could undoubtedly fill a post all on its own. Generally, when working surface embroidery, you want a nice cotton or linen fabric. There are many different kinds and blends you can get, as well as different weights. If you choose something very light, like most quilting cottons, you can either double the fabric or use some interfacing to make it a bit sturdier. Light and medium weights are usually best suited for embroidery. I would recommend staying away from blends with too many synthetic fabrics in the mix. Hand embroidery is better worked on woven fabrics (as opposed to knits) because it’s much easier to keep the tension even and prevent puckers.

Anything stretchy and knit will be harder to embroider, and although you can definitely do it if you’re embroidering on clothes, I wouldn’t recommend using a stretchy fabric for hoop art or anything like that. Also think about how you will transfer your pattern. Some fabrics/colours are much easier for pattern transferring, so that’s something to keep in mind. Light-coloured fabrics are usually easier to begin with.

 

different fabrics suitable for embroidery; linen, cotton blend, factory cotton, medium weight cotton and light-weight cotton

 

3. Cutting Your Fabric

Before cutting your piece of fabric, I would again suggest taking a bit of time to think ahead to how you want to finish your embroidery. If you’re thinking of leaving it in the hoop, you’ll want to make sure you have enough hoop allowance to close the back when you’re done. I like to leave a good inch allowance all around when I make embroidery hoop art. If you want to finish your project another way, such as by mounting it in a frame, or turning it into a bag, needlebook, journal, or anything else, think about seam allowances and allow yourself enough fabric to work with. I can’t tell you how many times I didn’t leave enough seam allowance and had to resort to all sorts of patchwork to finish the piece! Very frustrating. So before you cut, think twice about how you plan to finish your work!

 

cut piece of fabric for embroidery with wooden placed on top

 

4. Ironing Your Fabric

Ironing the fabric before you begin stitching is such a simple thing, yet it can make so much difference! This is a step I nearly always want to skip because setting up the iron and ironing board always seem like a worse chore than it actually is. It’s done in no time, and really, who would want to embroider on crumpled fabric? Take the time to iron your fabric before you begin your embroidery project, it’s worth it!

 

5. Transferring the Pattern

Once you have a nicely cut and ironed piece of fabric and your pattern ready to go, it’s time to transfer the pattern onto the fabric. That’s also a topic that can cover many blog posts, and luckily I already wrote a full post on it: Different Ways to Transfer an Embroidery Pattern. It covers two different ways of transferring a pattern on light-coloured fabric: using a light source and the reverse transfer method.

 

lavender embroidery pattern transferred onto piece of light fabric

 

6. Using a Hoop

Now comes the time to pop the fabric into the embroidery hoop! I love this step, haha. If you plan on leaving the embroidery in the hoop, pick a size that will nicely fit your pattern. If you don’t plan on framing the embroidery with the hoop, I still recommend choosing a size that fits the pattern so you don’t need to move it as you embroider. When you’re working a big pattern though, you might need to move the hoop as you work each area.

An embroidery hoop is made of two rings: the outer ring, larger, usually has a little screw at the top, and the inner ring is smaller and fits inside the outer ring. Simply loosen the screw and the two rings will separate. Center your fabric over the inner ring, good side up, then place the outer ring over it, securing the fabric in place. Tighten the screw while adjusting the fabric until it is sitting nice and taut. There should be no ripples or puckers.

Some wooden hoops may have slightly uneven rings, which can cause uneven tension. It’s super annoying, and I recommend using another hoop, or binding it with fabric until it’s even. I wrote more about hoops and different kinds/sizes in the post The Only Embroidery Tools You Need.

 

close-up view of embroidery hoop ring with a hand resting on the screw
separated embroidery hoop
fabric placed in the hoop nice and tight, with embroidery floss bobbins beside and stork scissors

7. The Right Needle

For some reason, I always find the idea of finding the “correct” needle somewhat overwhelming…probably because I have too many needles and they’re in such a state of disarray that locating the right one really feels like looking for a needle in a haystack! But it doesn’t have to be that way! If you start by keeping your needles well-organized (in needlebooks, cases, or even small boxes), locating the right one will be so much easier.

As for the “right” one, this will depend on your project. If you start by purchasing a pack of “embroidery” or “crewel” needles, you will be fine for working surface embroidery. There are usually a few different sizes per pack so that you can use a longer or shorter needle if you prefer, or one with a bigger or smaller eye depending on how many strands of floss you like to work with. I like the DMC needles #3-9 for embroidery, which you can find in most craft stores.

 

pack of dmc needles and acorn needlecase with lots of needles spilling out

 

8. Embroidery Floss

This is a bit embarrassing, but when I first started embroidery, I didn’t know that you could separate the floss strands! Stitching small details was a mystery to me. Clearly I missed the part where they tell you that embroidery floss indeed comes in separable strands! The big brands like DMC and Anchor come in skeins of about 8 meters long made of 6 separable strands. While you can definitely choose to embroider with all 6 strands, knowing that they are separable will definitely be helpful 😉. Depending on your project and the style you prefer, you can use only 1 or 2 strands if you like! It’s perfect for working small details, as I finally figured out eventually. If you’re picking out the colours yourself, I recommend pulling out more than you’ll need to try different combinations. This is best done during daylight since thread colours look a little different at night!

 

skein of embroidery floss pulled out a little bit to show separable strands

 

9. Practicing Stitches

Now that you’ve got your pattern transferred to your fabric sitting nicely in the hoop, and a threaded needle ready to go, it’s time to begin stitching at last! The first stitch is the best part of a project (or is it the last?). If you’re unsure how you should begin and end your stitches, I have a full post on it with lots of helpful photos here. As you embroider, whether you’re following a pattern with instructions or following your heart’s desire, don’t hesitate to stop and practice a stitch if you need to. Ripping stitches out of a main project is sometimes necessary, but a great tip to avoid this is to practice something on a piece of scrap fabric first. If you get to a stitch that you don’t know how to do, or you feel like trying something new, practice first! You can have a look at the following tutorials if you need help with any of these stitches:

 

5 embroidery stitches to learn as a beginners
Straight stitch, running stitch, backstitch, splitstitch, stem stitch
the chain stitch easy tutorial
Includes the lazy-daisy stitch
the french knot easy tutorial
embroidery tutorial satin stitch

10. Personalize!

My last tip to successfully begin an embroidery project is to not be afraid to add your own personal touch! Change up the colour palette, use different stitches, add a quote or a touch of ribbon, and use materials you already have to really make the piece your own. I like to use some ribbon, lace, beads, and other bits and pieces in my projects, and it’s an excellent way of really making it unique. Even if you’re a complete beginner, don’t feel “bound” to pattern instructions. Follow the basics of embroidery, yes, but don’t be afraid to personalize. It’s immensely satisfying, and really opens the door to creativity.

 

embroidered lavender pattern stitched in two different ways with different colours, one of them in a frame, and a little sprig of dried lavender in between the two pieces
My “Lavande” pattern embroidered with different colours. You can shop this pattern here!

 

I hope these 10 easy tips will help you seamlessly begin your next embroidery project! Whether you’re following someone else’s pattern with instructions or making up your own, taking the time to go through all these little steps before stitching will make a difference. I even like to jot down notes as I embroider (things like what colours I’m using, modifications to the pattern, etc) so I can refer to them later. Happy embroidering my friend, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or comments! I’d love to help.

 

Fondly,

embroidery success: 10 easy tips to begin an embroidery project
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The Best Embroidery Book Recommendations For Beginners

     Anne      1 Comment

A few people have been asking for embroidery book recommendations for beginners lately, so I thought, why not make a post about some of my favourite ones? I know I said in my last post that I would be concluding the Garden Bouquet project next, but I’ve had to push that to Monday, October 4th. It will be a Grand Affair and Saturday was going to be too busy to sit down and have a cup of tea with you all. So Monday it will be! I still wanted to post something this week though, so this is like a bonus post!

 

my best recommendations for embroidery book

 

One of my favourite past-times – aside from the actual embroidery – is to go to the library to browse the craft books section. That was how I came across several wonderful books about hand embroidery some years ago, and how I mostly taught myself how to stitch. I love using books to learn new skills. Even though the Internet can be a wonderful wealth of information on so many hobbies, sometimes it’s just nice to do something that doesn’t require a screen. Hence, books.

Below is a short list of some of my favourite hand embroidery book recommendations (and a few blogs I love). I’ve used all of them and own two of them (the ones pictured). They were all incredibly helpful one way or another, so here’s a little break-down to help you decide which might be best for you.

 

Best Embroidery Book Recommendations for Beginners:

 

1. Embroidery Techniques & Patterns by Marie-Noëlle Bayard

 

book copy of Embroidery techniques and patterns by Marie-Noëlle Bayard

 

I was lucky enough to buy this wonderful book for only three dollars at a charity shop several years ago, when I began to be more serious about learning embroidery. This was the book I used to teach myself the basics, and I highly, highly recommend it. It has tons of stitches, all grouped by “families”, so that you can practice one type of stitch a few different ways before moving on to the next one. Ranging from the very basic stitches such as the stem stitch, all the way to the more complex ones such as the Palestrina stitch (haven’t used that one yet), the book covers all the stitches you will need, and more.

 

inside peek of Embroidery Techniques & Patterns

 

It features step-by-step photos of each stitch being worked, and it’s very easy to follow and well-explained. Each section also has a project with some instructions and a pattern to transfer. I haven’t done any of them, but there’s a wide variety of projects, from a cross-stitch wall hanging to curtains with drawn-thread work.

A very thorough, informative book that covers more than just the basics, and allows you to discover tons and tons of new stitches and techniques.

Available for purchase on Amazon.

 

2. A-Z of Embroidery Stitches by Country Bumpkin Publications

 

This is a very colourful and inspiring collection of embroidery stitches, with very clear step-by-step photos on how to work each stitch. I wrote in my Goodreads review that it had a really great French knot tutorial and really helped me during one of my first projects. The book is quite detailed, and provides useful information on things like fabric choice and working with hoops. There are even tips for left-handed stitchers! That can be hard to find sometimes as most stitchers tend to be right-handed, but this book has you covered if you’re left-handed.

The coloured photographs are beautiful and easy to follow, and it feature different stitches than in Embroidery Techniques & Patterns. Definitely another great book to peruse if you want to teach yourself many different stitches.

You can find it on Amazon, Chapters, and Barnes & Noble.

 

3. Long & Short Stitch Embroidery: A Collection of Flowers by Trish Burr

If you’re interested in needle-painting (also called silk shading or art needlework), then you simply must have a look at Trish Burr’s breathtaking work! She’s the expert on all things needle-painting, and there’s no one better to learn from than herself. The long & short stitch is what’s principally used in needle-painting, and this book will show you everything you need to know to get started! It has both beginner and more advanced projects, full stitch diagrams, thread keys, and instructions. You definitely don’t want to miss this book if you want to learn needle-painting and love botanical-illustration style flowers. Everything in this book is simply gorgeous.

See it directly on Trish Burr’s website, or buy it at Chapters , or on Amazon.

 

4. Colour Confidence in Embroidery by Trish Burr

book copy of Colour Confidence in Embroidery by Trish Burr

 

Yes, I’m listing another book by Trish Burr, because I find this one so useful too, and wish I had it sooner. This one is less about how to learn the long & short stitch, and more about how to accurately choose colours for your embroidery. It has pages and pages of useful colour schemes and everything you should know about colours; how to pick them, how they affect your embroidery, how to shade them correctly, etc…Even if you’re not as interested in realistic-looking needle-painting, the book is still a wealth of information if you need some help with colour palettes and preparing a project of your own design. It has helped me tremendously so far when picking shades for a project and using them appropriately to achieve a realistic floral effect.

 

inside pages of Colour Confidence in Embroidery by Trish Burr

 

Plus, there’s a whole section of patterns with diagrams and stitching instructions, featuring beautiful flowers and colourful birds. Some previous knowledge of needle-painting is definitely helpful for those projects, which is why I also strongly recommend Long and Short Stitch Embroidery.

See it on Trish Burr’s website, or buy it at Barnes & Noble, Chapters, or Amazon.

 

Blogs:

Blog posts and tutorials are also a wonderful way to learn a new skill. Sometimes, you don’t need or want an entire book to practice just one stitch, or follow a long Youtube video to complete a project. Sometimes a good old blog post is the best way to go (not biased at all, LOL). Below is a short list of some of my favourite embroidery blogs that I highly encourage you to check out!

 

Mary Corbet’s Needle n’ Thread:

Who in the embroidery world hasn’t ever consulted the Queen of All Things Embroidery? Most of us have definitely learned a thing or two from the one and only Mary Corbet over at Needle n’Thread, for the simple reason that she somehow manages to cover everything under the sun about hand embroidery! Her website is truly phenomenal. There’s everything and anything you could possibly be looking for, from basic stitch tutorials to sew-alongs, book recommendations, and other super useful posts, such as tips to create your own patterns, and what kind of needle you should be using. If there’s one blog you don’t want to miss, it’s this one!

 

Stitch Floral:

This is an absolutely beautiful blog dedicated mostly to floral embroidery and needle-painting. If you want to learn the long & short stitch and perfect your skills, Stitch Floral is also a wonderful place to start. Amina is lovely, comes up with the most beautiful colour combinations, and offers easy and informative posts. There’s also some bonus freebies on her site, and many posts full of helpful tips and tricks. Very inspiring, stunning work!

 

Wild Olive:

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I love to stitch the occasional Mollie Johanson pattern, because they’re just so irresistibly cute. If you like Things With Smiley Faces, Wild Olive is the perfect blog to check out! It’s full of cuteness, freebies, and fun craft ideas. Most projects are super beginner-friendly, quick and easy to stitch. Mollie’s patterns are my favourite to stitch when I just want to relax. They bring me so much happiness, and are just plain fun! Totally recommend if you’re looking for some easy projects to begin with.

 

embroidery book recommendations and vintage teacup

 

There are so many more resources I could have included in this list, but this will have to do for now! If you like this kind of post, I could definitely do a Part 2 with more embroidery book recommendations in the future. You’re also most welcome to have a look at my craft-books shelf on Goodreads, where I’ve reviewed and rated several craft books of various genres.

I hope this was helpful, and happy stitching! If you have any more questions or are looking for something more specific, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments.

 

Fondly,

recommendations for beginners embroidery books
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5 Inspiring Authors to Read Today

     Anne      2 Comments

Hello friend!

I thought I’d break up the Garden Bouquet project a bit (mainly because I don’t have much new progress to show hahaha!) and post about some inspiring authors this week! If you’ve been following the blog for a bit now, you probably know that I love books and get a lot of stitching inspiration from reading novels. If you’re new here, hello I’m Anne and I’m a bookaholic who loves embroidery. 😉 In any case, welcome to everyone! Today we’re having a lovely little tea party in which we will discuss 5 wonderful authors whose writing is inspiring. These authors craft beautiful worlds where you will want to lose yourself for hours, and emerge with new, fresh inspiration to live and create and find joy.

So pull up a chair, make yourself comfortable, and I will pour you a steaming cup of Earl Grey.

 

Literature inspiration - 5 authors you should read

 

**Click on any book title with a link to read the full review on Goodreads 🙂

 

1. Lucy Maud Montgomery

“There is so much in the world for us all if we only have the eyes to see it, and the heart to love it, and the hand to gather it to ourselves-so much in men and women, so much in art and literature, so much everywhere in which to delight, and for which to be thankful.”

Anne of the Island

 

stack of l.m. montgomery books with wild goldenrod

Of course, I simply must start this list of inspiring authors with the best of the best, the ultimate authority on all things inspiration – none other than L.M. Montgomery. Her books exude absolute beauty and loveliness. Have you ever read a book where each sentence was delightful? Each sentence somehow better than the next, so well-crafted yet never forced? That’s what Montgomery’s writing is like.

Descriptive, poetic, and yet utterly compelling in its simplicity, her writing flows naturally from page to page, transporting you to a time and place when life was simpler and people were happy. Famous for her beautiful descriptions of nature, Montgomery’s books are a complete delight to read and really make you want to learn to see and feel and appreciate nature for yourself (and perhaps attempt a line or two of poetry!). From giving imaginative names to places to describing nature in all its glory in a most loving way, the inspiration breathed into each of her books is endless.

paperback copies of Chronicles of Avonlea and Anne of the Island books surrounded by wildflowers and lace

Her stories are also filled with all the lovely little every day things that make us grateful to be alive. Baking pies, sewing a new dress, going for a walk over sun-drenched meadows, picking apples, the list goes on forever. Full of Edwardian charm and innocence, Montgomery’s books feature characters as endearing and loveable as her descriptions are, and I guarantee you’ll love it. There’s only one book of hers I haven’t liked as much as the others so far, but every single other one I’ve read was pure gold.

Aside from the most famous Anne of Green Gables series, other titles worthy of note include: The Blue Castle, The Doctor’s Sweetheart & Other Stories, and Chronicles of Avonlea.

 

2. Louisa May Alcott

“Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will bring few regrets, and life will become a beautiful success.”

Little Women

 

hardcover copy of little women by alcott surrounded by queen anne's lace and pressed daisies

While we’re on the subject of all things simple and lovely, what could be more inspiring than Little Women? Not only does it have much to teach us in terms of life lessons, but who isn’t inspired to draw, or paint, or write, or sew, or launch their own theatre club with private mailbox after reading the book or watching the movie? Little Women makes me want to craft. To create. To Make Things. Also to find a sweet, loving husband, but that’s not the topic of this post 😉. It’s such an inspiring read for so many reasons, and makes me want to be productive and try new things just by following what the four heroines are up to.

open Little Women book with pressed daisies

Alcott definitely has a lovely writing style and I’ve enjoyed some of her short stories as well, but I find it’s really the subject matter and imparted bits of wisdom that make her writing inspiring. It makes you want to be better (and not just at crafts lol). Reading one of her stories really just makes you want to take action, and I love that.

The Quiet Little Woman is one of my favourites of her short stories so far. It was such a sweet story that brought tears of joy and sadness to my eyes.

 

3. Georgette Heyer

“It was growing late, and though one might stand on the brink of a deep chasm of disaster, one was still obliged to dress for dinner.”

April Lady

 

a few inspiring books by author georgette heyer

As much as I love L.M. Montgomery and Louisa May Alcott, the love I have for Georgette Heyer’s books is just not the same. Probably my favourite author ever, Heyer has been crowned Queen Supreme of the Regency romance novel for her hilariously sublime portrayal of Regency life. Historically accurate yet undeniably escapist, Heyer’s novels are the perfect blend of comedy of manner, romance, and adventure. Ranging from mad romps through London or Bath (as in Frederica or Bath Tangle), to the quiet countryside (Venetia), there’s something for everyone to delight in. Her witty dialogue is unparalleled, and I warn you, you will laugh out loud at certain passages. 😉

 

Historical Inspiration

 

When I first started reading Heyer’s books, I was really struck by the quantity of fascinating period detail she’d manage to weave through her stories. It never felt too much or too forced, it was just beautifully illustrated. You can see the glittering ballrooms, the fashionable dresses, the well-dressed gents as clearly as if you were looking at a painting. It’s amazing. And it never fails to provide ample historical sewing or needlework inspiration. One day, I will recreate Léonie’s presentation gown, or Frederica’s ball-gown for her sister’s come-out.

front cover of Georgette Heyer's Frederica surrounded by wildflowers

“With a Georgette Heyer you don’t buy a book, you buy a world. If its suits you, you settle down forever.”

Time Magazine

I haven’t read all her books yet (she wrote over 30 historical romances!), but I already have so many favourites!! All the ones previously mentioned are top favourites: Frederica, Bath Tangle, Venetia, and These Old Shades, in which Léonie appears. And there are so many more!!

 

4. Jen Turano

“’I can cry at the drop of a hat.’
‘You find hat-dropping distressful?’
‘If it’s a nice hat, and it has dropped in the mud, certainly. I could cry about that for days.'”

A Most Peculiar Circumstance

 

various books by inspiring author Jen Turano

Someone once described Jen Turano as the American Heyer, and she was so right! Jen Turano is a modern-day author who writes fabulously farcical comedies set during the American Gilded Age (often taking place in New York or other such places where socialites dwell). As with Heyer, you enter into a wonderfully glamorous world full of witty repartee and screwball comedy. Her books are much less accurate and plausible than Heyer’s though. The emphasis is really on fun and comedy. Little of what goes on in her novels actually reflects life in 1880 New York, but it’s endlessly diverting and the characters are absolutely charming.

book copy of A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

I’ll be honest, some of her books were a bit much for me sometimes, but I have such fond memories of the Ladies of Distinction series that I simply had to include her on this list! Even the books that I enjoyed less (usually because they were just a *tad* too silly, and I was probably in the mood for something more serious) still had that wonderfully escapist quality that I find so inspiring. If you’re into historical sewing recreation and you like Victorian-era fashions, Turano’s books are like a goldmine of inspiration. Think cascading bustles, elegant rows of buttons on bodices, and lacy parasols.

My favourite book so far is A Match of Wits, the fourth book in the Ladies of Distinction series, although the entire series is really good!

 

5. Laura Childs

“Pungent, orange-red Assams. Smoky, slightly sweet Ceylon teas. Fragrant Darjeelings from the steep slopes of the Himalayas. There were also sparkling emerald green teas from Japan, gyokos and senchas, that were a touch puckery and a bit of an acquired taste.”

Shades of Earl Grey

 

bookcover Death by Darjeeling by inspiring author Laura Childs on iPad surrounded by bone china teacups and wildflowers

And lastly, we will end this list of inspiring authors with Laura Childs, whom I just started reading last year. Specializing in cozy mysteries, Childs has written many murder mystery series, all of which have a theme. I’ve dabbled in her Tea Shop Mysteries, and they are so sweet and loveable! Those are perhaps not words one would associate with murder mysteries, but the Tea Shop books are as cozy as cozy can get! The puzzles are rather easy to solve, but the ride to the end is really fun, and filled to the brim with delicious tea tidbits, tea recipes, steaming tea pots, and pretty tea cups.

The stories are set in modern-day Charleston, South Carolina, and drip with loveliness, historic district charm, and all things tea. If pretty bone china, soft pastels, and dainty sandwiches are your aesthetic, you will love these books! The main character, Theodosia Browning, owns the Indigo Tea Shop, a picture-perfect spot that always ends up at the center of the action. Featuring delightful characters, intriguing mysteries, and endless cups of tea, these are the books to read for an ultimate cozy experience. As an added bonus, tea recipes are included at the end of each book!

bookcover of the English Breakfast Murder by inspiring author Laura Childs on iPad surrounded by bone china teacups and wildflowers

So put the kettle on, dust out your vintage tea set, and invite a friend or two to sample your freshly-baked lavender-laced scones. These books will get you inspired to bake and cook and drink lots and lots of tea, guaranteed!

I’ve read the first four books of the Tea Shop Mysteries so far and enjoyed them all, but I’d say Death by Darjeeling and Shades of Earl Grey were my favourites so far.

stack of books by inspiring author Georgette Heyer with bone china teacup and porcelain figurine of two lovers on a settee

 

Thank you for joining me!

I hope that between dreamy tea parties, Victorian fashions, Regency ballrooms, Louisa May Alcott’s wholesome portrayal of simple life, and Montgomery’s breathtaking nature descriptions, you will find a little something to inspire you! Whether it’s trying out something new or re-imagining something you already do, may the various inspiration from these authors bring you joy. I hope you enjoyed this post, and I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Have you read any of the books I mentioned? Did you also find them inspiring? What other books/authors would be on your list of inspiring reads?

 

Happy reading my friends!

 

Fondly,

fresh inspiration - 5 authors to read
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Wonderful Tips for Embroidery & Home Decor

     Anne      Leave a Comment

Hello friend! I have some exciting news today!

The Diary of a Northern Belle was featured in a recent blog post article by Redfin. It’s all about how you can easily incorporate embroidery in your home in many different ways to enhance your space and give it that something special. 23 experts each provided their best tip on how best you can achieve this. This was a very exciting opportunity for me and I was very honoured to be able to contribute to the article! My tip is the very last one, so make sure you read the full article to see it 😉

Check out the recent Redfin article I was featured in:


Showcase Embroidery in Your Home: 23 Unique
Embroidery Ideas to Elevate Your Space


“The appearance of needlework in home decor is a definite sign that embroidery is making a
comeback. While it’s often thought of as a pastime reserved for your grandparents, we’re here to
tell you that needlepoint is enjoying its resurgence as a newfound hobby and collector’s item.
With a needle, thread, and a little creativity, embroidery can quickly transform your space and
allow your personality and imagination to shine through.


If you’re ready to get crafty and want some ideas to add a homey touch to your loft in New York,
NY, or decor inspiration for your cozy home in Toronto, ON, we’ve got you covered. Redfin
reached out to us and other embroidery experts to get our unique embroidery idea to reinvigorate
your space. So bust out your embroidery hoops and colorful threads to add some flair to your
home.”


Showcase Embroidery in Your Home: 23 Unique Embroidery Ideas to Elevate Your Space

basket of roses embroidery to elevate home decor

 

I hope you enjoy reading the article on the Redfin blog page and that you will discover a new useful tip or two on how to decorate your home with embroidery! There are so many ways to go about it, but the article really breaks it down into a bunch of useful tidbits.

A huge thank you to Hannah Tan from Redfin for reaching out and featuring my blog in the article! 🙂 I really appreciate the opportunity, and to be up there with the other experts! Woo 😀

Happy home decorating, and stay tuned for more embroidery ideas and inspiration here on my blog!

Fondly,