Happy World Embroidery Day!

Yes, today is World Embroidery Day!

In 2011 a local group belonging to Broderiakademin, the Swedish Embroiderers’ Guild, took the initiative to plan and create a special day to celebrate embroidery. World Embroidery Day was born. It’s now celebrated yearly on July 30.

So we thought we’d celebrate with a sneak peek at some of the embroidery work in our office, both finished and in-progress:

A while back, Brandy added lush embroidery stitches over the floral motifs of Laura Berringer’s INDIGO INFLUENCE, all raw-edge appliqued onto a background of Laura’s hot pink COLOR INFLUENCE texture print!  We loved the results ; )

Pati just started a yet-to-be-identified project, using our all-cotton BASECLOTH as the foundation.  I think she actually started this on her bus commute  ; )  The Basecloth’s slightly pebbled texture and medium weight make it the perfect support for all types of embellishments.  It’s also great for clothing, which you can then embellish as you like.Look for all eight colors at your favorite quilt shops.

       

Next, in the showroom we came across this gorgeous pillow, a contemporary design by Miriam Gourley. She adds hand stitching over a mix of FADE OUT neutral tonals by Laura Berringer, with appliques of Kim Eichler-Messmer’s IMBUE BATIKS.

We could all probably use little “embroidery break”, a minute to slow down end enjoy some creative, tech-free handiwork, so why not today? As mentioned on the World Embroidery Day website, “Make 30th July a day filled with creativity for the sake of Peace, Freedom and Equality”. Check out the manifesto in English, and find links to other languages on the site, too — Happy Stitching!

Quilt Market-Bound, Part II – Booth Demos & Cool Clothes!

It’s that time again — final prep mode continues as we prepare to greet our quilt shop owners and industry friends at Spring Quilt Market!  This time, the trade show is in Portland, OR, May 18-20.  If you’re attending, you’ll find us in Booth # 737.

 

Pati Violick, our Director of Advertising & Marketing, will share a few cool techniques in the booth for various types of handwork, incorporating our versatile new basic BASECLOTH.  

And speaking of Basecloth, you’ll also want to see some of the gorgeous garments designed by Amy Barickman of Indygo Junction, also in the Basecloth – we told you it was versatile!   These easy, timeless silhouettes prove that our season-spanning cotton Basecloth goes far beyond quilting and needlework.  Shown below in three of the eight classic colors, the clothing patterns below (and many others) are available through Indygo Junction.  Now… for extra credit, imagine a bit of embroidery or other custom handwork along the edge of one of these garments…