tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60126472024-02-24T02:47:30.427-08:00Historical Embroideress copes with modern worldSharing a bit as I learn new techniques, design classes and projects that challenge modern stitchers to learn historic embroidery, and do a variety of projects.Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-87782881735101829892014-05-19T14:51:00.002-07:002014-05-19T14:51:41.511-07:00Fiber + Mysteries = Bouchercon 2014 Murder at the BeachMost of you know that I am a fiber-holic. If it has to do with fiber I want to know about it, play with it, embroider with it, and otherwise understand how it was made and how to use it to its best advantage. I embroidered and knitted when I was a child and became hooked early on. I have also read mysteries since I was a child.
I read Mary Monica Pulver's early mysteries where my medieval Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-62542317893626932492013-12-03T13:15:00.002-08:002013-12-03T13:15:42.987-08:00Musings on CreativityOne of my needlework groups, in particular my ANG chapter, had an interesting challenge that I opted into - Robin style. They gave us a piece of 14 ct canvas in cream, a line chart with 120 threads divided into sections of differing sizes, a few threads in the red/pink/purple range, some charts and said go. The design needed to be within the 120 thread square. The design theme was hearts. The Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-79456824907303999322013-11-15T12:51:00.000-08:002013-11-15T12:51:55.891-08:00Finally Getting My Stitching Mojo Back - what I did this weekendFor the past 18 months I have been in a bit of a funk about stitching. When I stitched it had to be something that the tension was pretty defined and preferably had a plan in place. Surface embroidery took a back seat - physical tension affects stitching tension. But stitching is a part of my life that is important so I was intent on finding a way to make some lemonade .
There are several Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-51385498048478878512013-05-25T12:54:00.001-07:002013-05-25T12:54:34.956-07:00It is all about the contextMy mentor Linn Skinner used to emphasize that needlework did not happen in a vacuum. As history unfolds, economics change, and discoveries happen so needlework reflects these changes and values.
One of her good friends and needlework exhibit show partner, was a retired Deacon from Durham Cathedral. Linn was fascinated by the Durham textiles and talked of them often.
For those in needlework Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-49352626853782579602012-06-30T16:04:00.002-07:002012-06-30T16:04:23.726-07:00Reminiscing About Linn Ruth SkinnerThis last week I was at the Embroiderers Guild of America (EGA) Region Seminar for the Greater Pacific Region (GPR) in Tacoma Washington when I received the news of Linn's passing. She was my mentor, teacher and friend. I would not have come so far in my career in embroidery if not for her. I know that there are many of us who would say the same thing - thank-you Linn.
In my quest during the Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-79554820022864983972012-04-23T13:54:00.001-07:002012-04-23T13:54:57.294-07:00More on BooksSince I like to do historical embroidery, some of you have asked me about the 2 books put out by Jacqui Carey. What follows is MY personal observations. In short - if you do Elizabethan Embroidery you need these books.
In 2007, Phillipa Turnbull (http://crewelworld.com) put together a dream embroidery event with Jane Lemon and Jacqui Carey. During the week of instruction we walked through all Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-47135207114351553032011-10-06T11:07:00.000-07:002011-10-06T11:20:24.954-07:00The Right Tools - Mellore for GoldworkMellore -- This tool is used primarily in traditional goldwork. When you need to nudge a thread into place, use the mellore. When you need to make the stiff gold bend into a nice tight turn, use the mellore. When you need to straighten a recalcitrant thread, use the mellore.The sharp point can be used like an awl but mostly the edges of the mellore are used to persuade the stiff metal threads to Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-7243411476015622792011-08-03T19:28:00.000-07:002011-08-04T10:42:20.356-07:00Costume College Recap & 15th AnniversaryDetails on my LJ since most of my costuming friends are there. I have pictures of Will and I and a bit about our activities. Enjoy!http://broider-barones.livejournal.com/Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-22193205859027671152011-07-04T14:18:00.000-07:002011-07-04T14:36:09.797-07:00Running with FiberRunning fast these days - but what's new with that :)I am trying to take a fiber break every day - knit, embroider, etc.Had a blast at the Griffin Dyeworks Retreat. We made the right choice to motel even with the 20 minute drive to site. My sinuses, my body, and my general diet health was better by having options not available at site. Even managed to get Will excited about the dyeing :) Drove Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-41467957145355884722011-05-08T11:31:00.000-07:002011-05-08T12:12:58.580-07:00The Right Tools - Needles for EmbroideryOne of the things I don't get asked is what are the right tools. The right tools and the right materials make embroidery fun and a whole lot easier. Makes me wonder when I see people "just making do" or look at a needle curiously when I put it into a kit.The Right Needle for the Job:Not so long ago I would just pick up the needle that felt right or could make do for the job at hand. No longer! Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-79357708530665909642011-05-02T12:35:00.000-07:002011-05-02T12:40:31.067-07:00A Very Special WeekendThis weekend I was admitted into the highest Arts order for my medieval hobby in recognition for my embroidery - the Order of the Laurel. Details of the weekend can be found on my Live Journal post . There are pictures linked to my Facebook page as well. I know more will follow. At some point I will do a webpage with all the info and picture summary, but for now...Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-31566622479913383932011-04-19T13:30:00.000-07:002011-04-19T14:09:54.030-07:00A Week with Original ThinkersRealized that I had not yet posted about my wonderful adventures with Jean Littlejohn and Jan Beaney - aka Double Trouble . I was fortunate to attend one of their rare week long retreats here in the US. On their website they state their philosophy of teaching as "Our aim is to give students the confidence to design and create their own unique work". They sooooooo live up to this.They gave us Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-29096978228116832832011-03-24T11:11:00.000-07:002011-03-24T12:31:20.427-07:00The ProjectThis a a very well wrapped front and partial back of my Elizabethan Pouch Project. Well wrapped due to weather constraints :)About a year ago some friends pushed me to do a historically documentable project. After a number of false starts and several rounds of consultation with my friends this is the result. The inspiration is a purse dated 1600 and shown in a magazine published by Lanto Synge asSabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-45340288070122303632011-02-20T12:50:00.000-08:002011-02-20T13:20:48.436-08:00Catching Up with This and ThatOn the Stitching front -- I am working on a BIG project. It is big in that it takes - bloody forever to get the work done. It is a small project in size - the whole thing is 6" x 6". The medium is seed pearls (in the truest form - 1 - 1.5 mm) and bullion on silk with various padded levels. It is quite the learning experience. I will blog more about it and the process of working the piece when it Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-55719422699675384082010-12-22T12:20:00.001-08:002010-12-22T12:50:43.886-08:002010 in FiberIt has been an interesting fiber year. Learned lots - good and frustrating, but overall really fun!Fiber should be fun in my opinion. If it isn't then find something else to do with your time and energies. Each technique is not for everyone, but if it adds to your knowledge... At least that is why I try lots of new things. Some come easier to the hands, but each adds to my knowledge base in Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-56794421848702276012010-10-13T12:45:00.000-07:002010-10-13T12:46:37.128-07:00Hiatus Due to Busy IIKnowing that August/September would be very busy we decided to schedule a vacation in later September - a cruise. San Francisco to San Francisco - 10 days - the Sea Princess - doing the inside passage of Alaska. Yes we have done this before - but 10 days - no cooking, no laundry, no bed making, no airports, entertainment - or not....and beautiful scenery. Took about 600 pictures which I will Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-3588310810439206362010-09-15T11:13:00.000-07:002010-09-15T11:42:44.181-07:00Seminar Class MusingsFirst - I will not share pics of the class projects. The projects are copyright by the designers so....I took 2 classes. I was careful not to choose classes that would fill during early registration as I didn't feel that it would be fair to other students knowing that I could be pulled out of class at any time and for any amount of time. I also chose classes that I felt my absence would not Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-81470683577866036902010-09-13T12:27:00.001-07:002010-09-13T12:36:05.350-07:00ATCsBefore I left for Seminar I attended a class at my local chapter on embellishment. The teacher covered how to do some fancy beading, working with Angelina, capturing stuff behind veiling, etc. Lots of ideas of things to do!Then at Seminar we had an ATC Board - bring/make 1 and take 1 on Friday. Some brought several. I brought 4. I traded 2 and put 2 on the board for general trading.These were Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-83469223763114359382010-09-12T12:42:00.000-07:002010-09-12T12:43:47.720-07:00Busy TimesThe kittens helped us pack but failed to contribute enough fur to hold me over for the full time away. Sept 1 was pack the MDX full (well at least 2 full hotel carts full) for the move to the San Francisco Marriott Marquis. Sept 2-3-4 were Board meetings - 8 + hours a day.On the evening of the 3rd a group of us went to the Impressionist exhibit at the DeYoung. It was fascinating to see the Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-82683517476583429252010-08-08T11:11:00.001-07:002010-08-08T11:21:13.681-07:00Ruching!How could I forget how much fun it is to work with ribbon or fabric and do ruching! This flower was from a class with a lady who teaches needlework, embroidery and design a local sewing center. Her bags are works of art and they were all decorated with ruching!This flower is silk charmeuse cut on the bias and done with zigzag ruching. The leaves are 2 types of ribbon. I've done a bit of ribbon Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-40056199895001974612010-08-03T19:57:00.003-07:002010-08-03T20:04:09.194-07:00KittensThese kittens - age 8 weeks are now ours. They were strays found by my brother in law at his work. A couple of people have been collecting the strays and getting them fixed. The older kittens went off to become barn cats. These 2 young ones have been socialized for the past couple weeks by my brother in law and his wife. We have been thinking about a kitten to keep the Pickwick Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-25542908276015581692010-08-03T14:19:00.000-07:002010-08-03T15:46:46.708-07:00Long Update - trip, knitting, knitting and moreI know time flies when you are having fun, but life seems to do so also.When last we left our intrepid adventurers...... we were setting out on a nearly 3 week road trip. But before I tell that story - here is the bag from the class I took on knitting and felting.The bag is smallish and designed to teach changing colors, picking up stitches, eye cord, and a couple other bits. This bag is not yet Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-4670381838934884672010-06-06T11:06:00.000-07:002010-06-06T12:01:22.690-07:00The Good, the Bad, and the continuing sagaHad a blast doing the medieval thing at Maker Faire. Since the EGA booth had enough people working it, I opted to do the medieval booth. Maker Faire is the largest DIY event and stuff from steampunk to teslas happen along with everything fiber or electric or fire or.... Our booth was a mix of demos of arts, fighting, and display. I had my fiber arts and jewelry out. I brought stitching, knitting,Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-28807985729087958102010-05-28T10:39:00.000-07:002010-05-28T10:57:27.143-07:00Embroidery - Costuming - Embroidery Coming full CircleI started doing embroidery when I was in grade school. Mostly crewel pictures and follow the lines on table cloths. My Mom did needlepoint and that was the next step. I branched into doing some minor embroidery in high school. I also started doing costuming in high school/joined the SCA. Played in the SCA, Dickens and other such through college and did some limited costuming. Returned to SCA, etcSabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6012647.post-25390728224296425292010-05-24T14:25:00.000-07:002010-05-24T14:42:08.686-07:00Results of playing with woolAbout a year ago, there was a "challenge" on Live Journal to offer to make a gift for the first 5 who signed up. Your prize was a gift from someone else on whose journal you made a request . It was a "pass it forward" kind of thing. I made 2 of the Viking Chain weaving bracelets and these 3 pouches as my "gifts".I am enjoying the Medieval Islamic Knitting. It is rhythmic and fun. The projects Sabrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02218482012954304519noreply@blogger.com0