I have been slowly but steadily making progress with my commission. Having to design something to someone else’s specifications does limit you, but in a good way. The person who made the commission was quite clear about the image he wanted me to create. I have to make that work within the parameters he has set which … More Making a Moka
In recent weeks I have posted a number of pictures of projects, here and on IG, that have mostly been made up of French Knots. It is one of those stitches that seems to provoke a reaction, even amongst experienced stitchers. A couple of people have asked me what the secret to successful French Knots might be. It … More What’s Knot to Love?
This week I started another little project. I did wonder if I really should do so given that this is what my current Work In Progress pile looks like: Before I went on my sabbatical I had less time to stitch, so I used to be a lot more disciplined. I generally didn’t start a … More The WIP Pile
I have been embroidering since I was about 5 years old – I will have to write about how I discovered stitching another time – but until very recently I only worked on kits. I had a number of my own ideas that I wanted to work on and when I started my sabbatical and moved … More Ducks in a Row
Yesterday I did a little realising…..in both senses of the word. We have had some unseasonably mild weather in Udine. Although winter here is characterised by cold but sunny days, we are enjoying the feeling of the sun warming our bones a little. So, with the sun out and Spring flowers starting to burst forth, … More Realising
Wow! I am feeling a great weight of responsibility! A friend of ours from the UK has requested that I make an embroidery for him. In the last year, we have moved to Italy and he has moved to Madrid. We like to stay in touch and compare notes about what we miss about the … More My First Commission
This last week we have been in the UK catching up with family and friends and getting some necessary things done. We arrived back in Italy this evening so, in an effort to avoid unpacking for just a little while longer, I thought I would write a post about another fair isle project I completed … More Fair Isle Forever
One of the funny things about coming to live in Italy is that many of our friends in the UK seem to think that we are enjoying hot weather all year. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Whilst we have a lot of clear, sunny days – they are cold. Really cold! In addition … More Snuggle up!
I love to collect vintage embroidery kits. In my opinion the best era for these is the 1970’s and early 80’s. My favourite designer from that time is Chris Davenport. I will probably do a future post (or three) about her work, and when I go back to the UK for a visit, I will … More Ciao!
I love experimenting with colour and trying out new embroidery stitches. It isn’t always easy to buy kits that really challenge an experienced embroiderer. Counted cross stitch kits proliferate but, much as I love them, I also want to enjoy the texture and variety available to an avid stitcher. There are some wonderful embroidery designers … More Flower Crush
Ambrosia Stitches 