Welcome to my Blog. This a place to share and learn all things embroidery. Here I post inspirational stories and free lessons in the form of tutorials and guides. I also share tips, tricks and teach stitches and techniques.
You will also find free patterns and designs for you to unlock your creativity. It is a great place for any creative looking to learn or find inspiration in this art form.
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I always work on an embroidery frame or hoop. Some embroiderers like to use small hoops but if you learn to stitch in a larger hoop, you can see the entire design whilst you stitch. This helps with choice of colour and texture — one needs to see the bigger picture when deciding on colour and texture, plus the larger hoop does not damage the stitches. . Hint About Stitches All...
Ribbon Embroidery and Stumpwork Sampler - written by Di van Niekerk . I have something to inspire you today! The talented Jane Ludlow from Kent sent me a picture of the exquisite flower sampler she made as a wedding gift (how lucky is that couple!) and I thought I would show it to you... . This sampler is from one of my books titled RES and has over 30 elements in the...
The Beautiful Handpicked Collection that teaches so many needlecrafters across the world is now available in Book Format... And my April Flowers project has been included in Handpicked Collection 2! RELEASE DATE: October 2024. . . For the first time ever, the original 22 Handpicked projects are now available in book format, curated into Handpicked Collection Books 1, 2 & 3. All three books are launching at the same time in October this year, so do keep...
Annamaria Kelly, Ayesha PARUK’s teacher in Kloof KZN kindly sent me this lovely piece Ayesha made and wrote: . “Ayesha is simply loving her embroidery. These little pictures from Di’s range are especially popular. Di, we love your embroidery panels and will hopefully continue to make beautiful things to show you.” . I asked Annamaria about the shutters and the bench, and she replied that she finds accessories like...
I learned the hard way that nothing even begins to touch side with Di’s ribbons for superb softly variegated colours, which look so natural, softness and suppleness and absolute consistency in quality. And so, over the years, I have stayed true to Di’s ribbons, producing bowls or baskets of roses, tulips, peonies, and daffodils that can be found in homes in the USA, Ireland, and South Africa.
Blog post by Di van Niekerk. There’s a talented group of embroiderers in Hong Kong and I just love their work! Carman Chan and I have become friends over the years, and she kindly sent me this lovely baby block embroidery design she has made for her friend’s birthday!
The Embroidery Heart Challenge - an International Embroidery Competition by Di van Niekerk
NEW Launch.
Do join embroiderers from all over the world in the The Embroidery Heart ♥ Challenge
Embroider this lovely panel in thread or ribbon (or whatever you feel like using) to make a heart to frame or to fill with toy filling or wadding to hang up on a looped string or ribbon. Or a wedding gift or… whatever you feel like making with it. The possibilities are endless!