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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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Blog > Share and learn with Di van Niekerk

Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 14 by Di van Niekerk

Did You Know?   The simplest of stitches will often be the most effective. A common error is to use too many stitches in one design. The best approach is to keep to a few stitches and use different textures of ribbon and thread to create an  interesting dimension.   I would love to see what you are making, please email me your pictures! Until next time, have fun...

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Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 13 by Di van Niekerk

Did You Know?   Needles should be changed regularly as they can become blunt after repeated use.  Typically, it is recommended to discard needles safely after two or three projects. If a needle begins to feel sticky or loses its shine, it should be replaced. Avoid using the sharp end of the needle to adjust the ribbon stitches, as this may damage or tear the ribbon.   I would...

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How to Make Stumpwork Wings from Organza Ribbon or Fabric by Di van Niekerk

Hint: Use this technique to add that special touch of a little moth in 3D  to make a brooch, to add a delightful touch to clothing, scrapbook pages, curtains, handbags, quilts, cushions...     Hawk Moths and Honeysuckle from my Perfect World book   Hello everyone, hope you are having a good day ♫♬♪   Today I will show you a quick and easy way of making life-like stumpwork...

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The Moth - Ribbon Embroidery and Stumpwork by Di van Niekerk in issue #127 of Inspirations Magazine

I am proud to show you this lovely artwork that is featured in the latest stunning issue ( issue #127) of Inspirations Magazine. I must tell you that it is in my top 5 favourites of all time…this piece I am keeping for my own gallery 

Here you will learn how to make a little stumpwork moth (the easy way), how to make three-dimensional leaves and how to create dimension in your work. Learn how to make a sturdy main stem and the delicate flower stalks and how to make flower petals with variegated silk ribbon.  I hope you will love this piece as much as I do.

Don’t miss out on  the beautiful kit to be found here on Inspiration's website. 

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How to Make a Lisianthus Flower (or Rose Bud) in Silk Ribbon - by Di van Niekerk

  These white flowers do add to the beauty of this ribbon embroidery arrangement, don’t you think? Lisianthus, also called Texas bluebell, prairie rose or prairie gentian, is valued for its vibrant colours and attractive blooms. Here is a short tutorial about how to create this lovely flower. I used this technique for my popular Box Full of Lessons  (number 13 in the series) and here’s an extract on how...

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Beautiful Monograms by Carman Chan from Hong Kong

I wanted to show you these lovely pieces by my friend Carman Chan in Hong Kong I love the colours that she chose to embellish the panels that I made for my Monogram book. If you want to embroider a monogram (printed in colour onto cotton fabric) for a special occasion, scroll down here until you find the letters... Letter E .   ,Letter L .   .Letter J ....

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A Little Bird Told Me You Would Love this New Needlebook Kit!

The 'Little Bird' needlebook is the third kit in this series and features an exquisite design of a charming little bird and vibrant butterflies amongst lush green leaves. Frilly pink petals of dainty little flowers, captured within an ornate frame of background stitches and glittering wings.

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You will learn a lot from this kit with detailed instructions and step-by-step photographs by Di van Niekerk. Be creative and grab the opportunity!

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A Beautiful Heart in Ribbon Embroidery ♡

  The weekend has arrived along with a cold front in Cape Town, signalling the beginning of winter. For many of you in the Northern Hemisphere, warmer days are on the horizon; enjoy them! Today, we feature an exquisite ribbon embroidery work by Leeanne Hill from Southern California. . . Leeanne wrote:  “I just wanted you to see what I did with the Love You Heart kit. Thank you...

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Creative Embroidery Techniques with Leather by Di van Niekerk

   Don't you just love this little girl with her jeans and leather belt? And look at her leather shoes ♥ In Cape Town we have a wonderful leather shop called Woodheads (est. 1867) and we get our leather off cuts from them.  I will show you examples of where we used leather in our embroidery. Maybe you too will have some ideas for your embroidery projects. I would love...

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Silk Ribbon and Stumpwork by Sonia Lacson from Florida

  Today, we have a piece titled "Children Fishing" by Sonia Lacson from Sarasota, Florida, USA. Sonia purchased the Children Fishing kit from us, here at Dicraft in Cape Town, and created this masterpiece. The design features outstanding dimension, showcasing her skill in dimensional embroidery. . . .   I asked Sonia to share her embroidery story. She replied: “My name is Sonia Lacson, and I was born in...

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