http://needlework.craftgossip.com Needlework news @ CraftGossip Sat, 05 Jul 2008 12:00:54 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en When I say electronic embroidery, I'm not talking about embroidery produced by a computer-driven machine. I mean embroidery that incorporates light and motion! On the Craftzine site, Becky Stern says, "I'll show you how to enhance your embroidery projects with illumination. I use conductive thread, a watch battery, and two light-emitting ... http://needlework.craftgossip.com/wow-electronic-embroidery/2008/07/05/ Deepa Balagopal has posted another excellent tutorial for an Indian embroidery stitch. This time, she walks us through chemanthy work - a complex spiraling stitch. Check out the instructions and then take a stab at this lovely technique.Share This http://needlework.craftgossip.com/another-great-tutorial-from-deepa/2008/07/04/ Kat Rocha of Cross Eyed Kat needlework designs is sponsoring a month-long stitchalong in honor of the Tour de France bicycle race. If you participate, you're in for a lot of fun, not to mention some great prizes - free Cross Eyed Kat charts! Check contest details on Kat's blog, and ... http://needlework.craftgossip.com/join-the-tour-de-france-stitchalong/2008/07/04/ Okay, maybe you can't actually become Matisse. But you can use his cutouts as design elements in your own needlework creations. See this great post by Janet Perry of Nuts About Needlepoint about how to take advantage of the Mastisse Artist Widget from Abrakadoodle.com. Thanks so much for the heads-up, ... http://needlework.craftgossip.com/you-can-be-matisse/2008/07/03/ Jeanne at Just String blog has posted an excellent tutorial on spiral trellis stitch. The explanation is clear, and lots of photos guide us through the steps. Be aware that, because the post is picture heavy, it may take a while to load. But hang in there; it's worth it!Share ... http://needlework.craftgossip.com/great-stitch-tutorial/2008/07/03/ With Independence Day coming up in the U.S. on Friday, patriotic patterns seem to be on everyone's minds. Here's a great free cross-stitch pattern with a seasonal flair. Thanks to designer Erica Michaels and Rainbow Gallery web site.Share This http://needlework.craftgossip.com/free-fireworks-pattern/2008/07/03/ Badbird's free embroidery pattern for July is available for download, and it's a cutie. Meet Jacob the Octopus, another brainchild of Andrea Zuill. Download the free pattern from the Badbird's blog.Share This http://needlework.craftgossip.com/free-embroidery-pattern/2008/07/02/ Janet Granger is a goddess of miniature needlepoint; and her site, Dollshouse Embroidery Kits, will help you become one, too. Janet's free online tutorials walk you through everything from basic equipment to working with fine fabrics such as 32-count silk gauze. Several additional tutorials are coming soon. Even if you're ... http://needlework.craftgossip.com/teeny-tiny-tutorials/2008/07/02/ I've just discovered Guyot Brothers, a manufacturer of filigree jewelry findings. The Guyot Brothers site notes a use for these metal bits and baubles that never before occurred to me: They can be used as miniature needlepoint or embroidery canvases. The site says, "Another product more recently considered as a base ... http://needlework.craftgossip.com/great-idea-filigree-embroidery/2008/07/02/ Reader Brenda Gomez asks, "I need a REALLY good needle threader. Or a better way to thread a needle. I hand embroider. I have broken 12 threaders in 2 months. The wires come out." I hear you, Brenda! A needle threader is a necessity for me. I'm not only at the ... http://needlework.craftgossip.com/help-brenda-find-a-threader/2008/07/01/