Love Embroidery Issue 14

fresh ideas with thread

Textile artists like Liz Payne – the creative mind behind this vibrant piece and the focus of our Designer Profile this month – are changing the way the world sees embroidery. As more artists begin to choose thread as their medium, so perception gradually shifts towards considering embroidery less a hobby and more an art form. We think that’s true no matter what the scale – and, as always, we’d like to encourage you to get creative in your own way. Play around with colours, use different textures or try a new technique this month. Most importantly, have fun! IMAGE © LIZ PAYNE, WWW.LIZLPAYNE.COM…

welcome!

As we move gladly into sunnier times, many of us are starting to feel more positive and motivated in ourselves. A seed of optimism has started to sprout – perhaps just poking its head above ground for the first time – and with gentle encouragement it will soon grow confident and tall. Mindful embroidery is just one source of self-care, but it's one that I believe can have huge benefits for mental wellbeing. Plus, it's wonderfully accessible and open to all – you only need a few threads, needle and fabric to get started! Whether you're new to the hobby or a seasoned stitcher, I hope you'll find plenty of inspiration inside this month's issue of Love Embroidery. As well as some incredible new techniques, you'll discover lots of feel-good…

we love

In with the old Bring a touch of luxe into your home this summer. The Victorian Glasshouse Collection of fabrics features a range of patterns inspired by the botanical gardens of the Victorian era. Some of the fabrics come pre-embroidered, but each has room for your own embellishments. Try highlighting the odd leaf with textured stitching or adding French knot berries before making cushions, curtains and more. www.i-liv.co.uk Mini treats Aptly named Sweet and Sharp Macarons, these delicious looking treats are cleverly disguised needle minders – and they come in a choice of raspberry or pistachio colour. Plus, those cream-filled centres are actually handy needle sharpeners. Simply insert your needle into the centre and it’ll come out good as new. www.cottonpatch.co.uk Editor loves Books can be a portal into another world, providing an escape from reality and…

the art of vintage

Templates for digital readers on p72 HOW TO MAKE THE KEYRING Press your embroidery on the reverse to avoid flattening the stitches. Then, to mount your stitching in the mini hoop, use the smaller wooden disc to mark an outline on the back of your fabric, ensuring the design is central. Cut around this outline with a 1.5cm border. Then, wrap the design around the smaller wooden disc and glue the excess fabric to the back. Place the design into the hoop then insert the nut through the top holes and secure with the bolt. Glue the larger wooden disc to the back and allow to dry. Tie the tassel to the top of the keychain. Remove the bolt from the hoop and then slide the keychain jump ring onto the nut…

slow fashion

Katrina Rodabaugh shows us how to incorporate embroidery into our wardrobes and embrace the idea of slow fashion in her new book Make, Thrift, Mend. Separated into digestible sections, and with a clear and simple plan that guides you towards a more sustainable clothing collection, Katrina’s book demonstrates how to maintain your current wardrobe and build on it with pieces designed to last longer. She shows you how to minimise your impact on the environment, while incorporating familiar stitches and techniques along the way. Make, Thrift, Mend by Katrina Rodabaugh (£17.99) from Abrams, www.abramsandchronicle.co.uk PHOTO © 2021 KAREN PEARSON, TAKEN FROM MAKE, THRIFT, MEND BY KATRINA RODABAUGH…

made naturally

MATERIALS • Tulle fabric: 25x25cm, white• Dried flowers used: campion seed head, glixia flowers (pink and white), golden clusters, statice (white), mangles everlasting (white and pink), peppercorn berries (pink), strawflowers (pink) and yarrow (yellow)• Embroidery hoop: 15cm diameter• Small, sharp scissors (for cutting and trimming the flower stems)• Craft tweezers (optional)• PVA glue and small paintbrush Olga Prinku specialises in embroidering with dried flowers. There’s no thread used in this project, instead you carefully work the stems of your flowers through the weave of the tulle fabric – as if they were the threads. Like many of her flowers on tulle hoops, this spring arrangement follows a subtle crescent shape – which Olga describes using a clock face in her steps. Before you get started, turn to p21 for Olga’s top tips…