Gem Show#3: Courtney Collection

Dionne    Cross Stitch, Free stuff     courtney collection, Free stuff, gem show, needlepoint silk

Were you a little startled at the vibrance of colours when you picked the threads for this one?  We were. 

We love the colours in the picture of the design on the front, but the Needlepoint threads are a lot brighter than the photo shows.  We have visually matched the threads to some alturnatives if you are looking for that lovely pink-almost-sepia finish on front cover of the chart. 

Gem Show #3 is another beautiful design from Courtney Collection, we are stitching a model for the shop we love it so much.

Stitching Forums

Dionne    Cross Stitch, Embroidery and Crewel, Knitting and Crochet, Tapestry and Needlepoint     crochet, Cross Stitch, embroidery, hand embroidery, knitter, needlepoint, stitching, tapestry

Stitching has an unfortunate reputation for being a little solitary, this is probably the reason for the global success of the “Stitch and Bitch” gatherings.  If you are looking for online Forums to showcase and share your work while checking out others, and finding new inspiration, here are a few I have found and like.

Cross Stitch This site is MAD! incredibly busy, and has lots of  helpful advice, don’t let the heading fool you.  Members don’t, and there are postings and advice on other stitching habits arts as well as cross stitch.  No advertising or sponsored links.

The Hand Embroidery Network is a relatively new forum, it has a comprehensive directory of stitches and a rapidly growing membership.  Some limited advertising on the site.

Needlepoint.about.com This is not as busy a site as others, but it is very specific to needlepoint and tapestry and focuses on a very good techniques and terminology resource, free patterns and support.  There are quite a number of sponsored links and advertising for needlecraft and other products.

Ravelry is a monster!  This is a one stop shop resource for the knitter and crocheter which would explain the over two hundred thousand members.  There is advertising but you have to go hunting for it!  How novel!

Stitchin Fingers is a textile and fibres forum rather than a particular stitching discipline.  The Take a Stitch Tuesday discussion opens up a world of possibilities for you to try out new stitches then you can check out the photos of other people’s take on it, very cool.  There are a couple of Google ads but they are limited to the side bar.

Crabapple: Elaine’s Botanicals

Dionne    Embroidery and Crewel     double running stitch, Elaine's botanicals, embroidery, pistol stitch, pistol stitch and french knots

Craig was unimpressed when I mentioned in passing I had forgotten to talk to Mum about the Crabapple for a little help with this post on Elaine’s Botanicals.  “What about telling your readers that when you met your husband, the house he lived in had the most beautiful Crabapple tree in the garden?”  I must have looked dubious and shrugged, “I remember biting into a crabapple in my teens”  … ?!

I don’t know why, …

does anyone know why teenagers do anything!?  He went on to inform me that the crabapple in the front yard of his house was the most beautiful he had ever seen, including in gardening books.  Unfortunately it is not quite the right time of year yet and we do not have a photo.  Will update when I can …  Between you and me I think he was a little disappointed that its beauty had not made an impression on me.  Sorry honey.  Will have to make a trip to photograph it for him to make up.  Elaine has completed her Crabapple in double running stitch, stem stitch, pistol stitch and french knots.  Its beauty is not seasonal.

Louisa Harding knitting pattern books available now at Victoria House Needlecraft

Dionne    Knitting and Crochet, What's New     knit, knits, knitting, louisa harding, luxury fibre, pattern books, patterns

Easy glamorous style from Louisa Harding

Bit tired of all the same old look in knits?  Wanting something flattering, yet feminine with just a little twist of originality?  Louisa Harding knitting patterns could be the answer.  Her designs feature flattering fit and drape, with an elegant silhouette.  Original patterns with a nod to glamorous bygone style are a hallmark of her designs.  We do not stock her yarns, but have a range of 4, 5, 8 and 10ply luxury fibre yarns that will substitute beautifully.  We have a range of her current books available now, online and instore for $35.00.

Has the GFC put a dampner on your travel plans?

Dionne    Tapestry and Needlepoint, What's New     Europe, european landmark, european scenery, GFC, old master reproduction, SEG, SEG de paris, tapestry

Wish I took better photos in the dark

Less disposable income this year?  Not travelling due to the GFC?  Why not take a piece of Europe home to your place anyway, with an old master reproduction or European landmarks and scenery in a tapestry from Victoria House Needlecraft. 

The front window no longer photographs as well since the window tinting

Some of these new tapestries from SEG de Paris arrived this week, I have been planning these windows for months.  They aren’t all loaded yet, so email or call us for any you are interested in.  Window display looks better as a drive by in the dark, since the window tinting was put in to protect our stock and reduce the summer heat.