following our discussion on needles ( and thanks to all those that sent in your comments and shared information) Mary Corbet followed up with some very interesting information.  You can read the whole article here:

http://www.needlenthread.com/2012/05/the-broken-needle.html#more-14437

Thanks for that Mary you are a minefield of information!  I think she also made mention of Pony needles in an earlier article?  I am still in awe of the way we are able to communicate via the internet on a global scale – I have this image of the worldwide needlework community sitting around a grand boardroom table discussing needles!

Have a wonderful weekend.  Trish

I have spent this week updating my website, re-doing the shop front, books and downloads section.  The changes include a Delivery page with details on International & Domestic shipping and a Currency Calculator so you can calculate the prices in your own currency.   Hopefully you will find it easier to navigate and enjoy some of the new kits and products that are available.  You can see details of each section here:

Shop

Books

Downloads

Delivery

You will notice that embroidery needles are now available for purchase.  Following lengthy discussions on the best type of needle to use for needle painting embroidery in my classes I decided to do some test runs.  I normally use a crewel/embroidery No 10 for 1 strand and a No 9 for 2 strands – these have worked well for many years, but I have more recently taken to using a Sharps needle size 11 and am really enjoying it!   The sharps has a thinner, shorter shaft and smaller but rounded eye which makes it easier to work the stabbing motion needed for needle painting, plus the smaller eye seems to glide through the fabric and thread easier.  Below is a picture of both – notice the long eye on the crewel needle (right) and the small rounded eye on the sharps needle (left).  As you will see the sharps needle is slightly shorter than the crewel.

Packets of Richard Hemming English sharps No 11 needles are now available for sale, these are ideal for 1 strand of embroidery which is what I mostly use in my projects.  The current kits  include the crewel/embroidery needles but new stocks will now include the sharps needles instead.

I hesitate to say “English” needles as apparently the manufacturers are no longer producing needles in England and of course like everything else, more recently these are being manufactured in China and then exported to the USA etc.  But the current manufacturers have purchased the English machinery and equipment, so the production process is still the same and therefore the quality should also remain so.  Only difference is that “English” needles are no longer manufacturered in England!

Below is an example:  The packet on the right purchased about a year ago were the original Richard Hemming needles Made In England (notice the Made In England at the bottom of the pack).  The packet on the left are the new needles purchased recently  (no Made In England on the pack).

Things to look out for when buying good quality needles are:

• Feel the tip of the needle with your finger – if it feels rough (still has burrs on it) then it has not been scoured which means it will catch when passing through the fabric.  The thread should pass easily through the eye, if it does not then the eye has probably not been scoured properly.  Needles are manufactured using a process where the waste metal around the eye and point is removed and scoured to remove burrs.
• If your needle snaps when in use or does not easily glide through the fabric there is every possibility that you have purchased a cheap alternative to the ” made in England” needle. (which is no longer made in England!)  Good quality needles are hardened and tempered to remove brittleness and finally nickle plated and polished so that they glide easily through the fabric.  .

I should mention that because the Sharps needles are so fine they will bend a little with use – but should not snap.  You will need to replace your needle once or twice or possibly more often depending on the size of your project.

So the big question is:  DOES THE NEEDLE YOU USE REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO YOUR EMBROIDERY?  The answer is a resounding YES !

• The right needle will glide through the fabric and threads easily without having to use a pair or pliers, even when the stitching gets quite thick.
• The right needle will make your stitching flow, blend better and provide a smoother transition of stitches.

The two brands of needles I prefer at present are S.Thomas & Sons or Richard Hemming and these should be available from any good needlework outlet.  If you have anything to add or needle tips would love to hear from you.

Wherever you are in the world have a wonderful weekend and happy stitching.  Trish

Just to let you know that I have a incorporated a new system for PDF pattern downloads on my website – see here.   There are now 20 past and present project patterns available, including some of your old favorites which have been discontinued,  as well as current ones that have just been released.  Each pattern will now automatically download after payment which saves any waiting for me to send it by email.

Each project file includes full step by step colour instructions, a tracing outline, material list and thread list.  Once the file is received you can simply trace your outline onto a piece of fabric, dig out the relevant threads and get going.  If you are anything like me when I decide I want to start a project I want to start now!

I have added this service in an effort to make my projects readily available without any postage costs or delays, but of course a range of kits will still be available for sale for those of you who prefer to have your outline pre-printed onto the fabric.  I have a few new kits to add to the range and will be working on it this week.

South African residents can also take advantage of this facility – you can find details on International & Local delivery on the new website page here.   A currency exchange tool has been added so that you can convert the prices to your local currency here.

I would love to hear your feedback on what you think of the new facility, and if you have anything in particular you would like to see added.  I have done a test run using my husband’s paypal account (you can imagine how thrilled he was to have to pay for 2 downloads that he neither wants nor can use!!) but of course if you have any problems with the download feature please let me know so I can rectify it immediately.

Have a lovely week wherever you are.  Trish

As promised here is the article on the BATB convention held from 14th – 21st April in Adelaide, Australia.  Beating Around The Bush is a bi-annual convention hosted by Country Bumpkin, who are the publishers of Inspiratons magazine and many of the familiar books we have on our bookshelves including the A-Z series.  You can find more information here:

Country Bumpkin headquarters and shop are located in the beautiful city of Adelaide in South Australia.

Attending this event as a teacher was one of those pivotal moments in life.  I was nervous to meet all those international embroidery tutors I had only heard or read about but also excited at the prospect of being a part of such a premiere event.  It was wonderful to meet these teachers, exchange ideas and find that we were all just ‘normal’ people with common ground.  (depends what you mean by normal!)   The convention was held at Immanuel College in Adelaide – what a wonderful venue with its beautifully kept grounds, large airy classrooms the +/- 300 delegates felt right at home.

I was in my element with the modern facilities in each classroom such as smartboards, projectors and whiteboards – connecting 22 lights to powerpoints was a challenge but with the help of the trusty BATB team we managed to get it all together.  Here is a picture of my class diligently at work (but believe me there was plenty of laughter and chatting going on in between!).

I taught 3 classes – a one day and 2 x two day classes and had students from New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, USA and UK.  They were such lovely people, enthusiastic, helpful and appreciative and all managed to almost complete their projects in the alloted time which was wonderful.  A few students even managed to complete their whole bird project by lunchtime of the second day which was incredible.  Many of you have emailed asking for kits of the splendid fairy wren, unfortunately they were sold out at the convention but the good news is that Inspirations magazine will be publishing the project in the near future.

The organisation was incredible – the team of Country Bumpkin staff were always on hand to help and deserve a standing ovation for the amount of work and preparation that went on behind the scenes to make this event a happy, fun and productive time for everyone.  The team wore bright pink polo shirts so they could be easily recognised -  could not help asking how many shirts they had and was told they had one each so had to wash it every night!  Below (left to right) is Laur Equizi -General Manager, Sally Bradshaw – BATB co-ordinator and Fiona Fagan the new director of Country Bumpkin.

A mini Country Bumpkin shop was located opposite the classrooms in the courtyard which meant easy access for students at tea and break time and was a frenzy of activity!

Tea and lunch was provided by outside caterers in the courtyard, which comprised tea, coffee, cake, a choice of sandwiches or wraps, even vegetarian options etc.  We were royally fed and I think mention was made about +/- 4000 teabags being consumed over the 5 day period!

The tutors and students were accomodated in different venues according to budget – some of the students stayed on site at the College in boarding facilities and were locked in by the staff every night.  (I presume this was to stop them bunking out or getting up to nonsense?).  Others stayed in nearby apartments and hotels.  Manyof the tutors, including myself were accomodated at the 5 star Stamford Grand hotel which was wonderful – I think longingly back on those buffet breakfasts and wish I had taken advantage of them at the time!

We were transported by coach to the event every day and this was a great time to mingle and catch up with others.

On the Wednesday everone got the day off to attend the Stitchers Market day and then a tour of Adelaide in the afternoon. THe market day was packed with vendors from all over the country and was such a treat to have the opportunity to browse and fill our shopping trolleys with such a variety of stitching goodies.  At this point I was becoming very conscious of weight in my suitcase so had to hold back a bit!

Every night saw some form of entertainment, from the Quiz night where Hazel Blomkamp was master of ceremonies and lost her voice (say no more?), to the Ausise barbeque, open shop and finally on the last night the grand gala dinner.  The dinner was the culmination of a wonderful week’s experience and everyone who attended was treated to such an interesting talk by Jenny Aiden Christie of the Royal School Of Needlework who was able to give us some inside info into the workings of Kate Middleton’s bridal dress.

Many people stood up at the dinner and expressed their thanks to Country Bumpkin for such a wonderful week, a great time was had by all and all I can say is start saving for 2014 ladies this is something you should attend at least once in your lifetime!

Wherever you are hope its a happy and productive week with lots of stitching.  Trish

I taught over 100 students between Brisbane and Adelaide – from all parts of Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, Singapore there was even one from the Outback! (you know where Crocodile Dundee comes from).

The students I taught will stay with me forever, they were quick to learn, appreciative, had a great sense of humour and achieved so much in such a short time that I was in awe of them.

I even had a teacher in one of my classes, which was a bit intimidating but she was an absolute honey so needn’t have worried.  Can you guess who this is?

I got to meet teachers from all over the world,  even one of my mentors Tanjia Berlin from Canada , we became firm friends mainly because she gets my humour and we have loads in common.  I am a bit concerned about her adversity to Macdonalds Milkshakes but we agreed to disagree!  There were many others who I have only heard or read about and it was so interesting to compare notes, I certainly did learn a lot.   There is so much to tell that I think I will have to spread it out over a few blog posts.  Next week I will tell you all about the Beating Around The Bush convention which can only be described as awesome.  I know that the team who organised it must be flat on their backs right now, they certainly put every effort into the event and deservedly,  it was a huge success.  While I am about it thanks so much to Sally & Fiona for finding and returning my cell phone to me after the gala dinner, you are life savers!

I hope you are creating some beautiful pieces of embroidery and till next time wherever you are take care and happy stitching.  Trish

I am happy to report that I have heard from the publishers that Colour Confidence For Embroidery has gone into a second reprint!  This is the reason that it has been temporarily off the shelves but should be available again very soon in fact I think Amazon Uk has stock again.   Thank you all so much for your support, it is wonderful to know that it has been so well received!

THis will be my last post till end of April, the online shop is taking last orders today and I am ready to leave for Australia in the next few days.

Untill then wherever you are stay happy and keep stitching!  Trish

I have received several emails from readers with regards difficulties in obtaining copies of the new book Colour Confidence In Embroidery.  It seems that the normal channels such as Amazon etc have sold out and there is no indication as to when new stocks will arrive.  I am unable to get stock myself at present and  am trying to find out what is happening, the publishers have informed me that it has gone into a reprint so this could be the reason for the delay.    In the meantime copies are available from anyof the links below who will ship internationally:

The Book Depository

Search Press

Country Bumpkin

Nordic Needle

Mace & Nairn.

All Australian outlets have stock, such as All Threads Embroidery, Lyns FIne Needlework and Crewel Gobelin.

A reminder that online sales on my website close on Friday 30th March for the month of April.   Have a wonderful week wherever you are and happy stitching.  Trish

A reminder that online sales will be closed from 2nd – 28th April 2012 as I will be away in Australia.  Last shipping date will be next Friday 30th March.

Any orders that are placed in this period will not be shipped till my return on 28th April.  Apologies for any inconvenience.

Have a wonderful weekend.  Trish

Just to say a big thank you for the support you have shown by attending workshops in Australia, the response has been amazing and I am very much looking forward to working together with you in the classes.   However due to some recent cancellations, there are still a few places left in the Brisbane workshops and I would love to see them filled before I leave:)  You can find details of these classes here.  Or you can telephone All Threads Embroidery on: 07 3398 5540

Frangipani – one day level all.  Flutterby – one day level all.  Blue Kingfisher – two day class,

All Threads Embroidery in Brisbane have stocks of the Daylight portable magnifying lamp as suggested in my post yesterday.  You can purchase here.

If anyone has any questions please feel free to email me and enjoy the rest of your week.  Trish

One of the stipulations when attending a needle painting workshop is that you bring with you a magnifying lamp –  I thought I should explain this further.  Even if you have almost perfect eyesight, or magnifying specs or great prescription specs, you will not see the individual stitches of your embroidery without the help of a magnifying lamp.  The essential word here is LIGHT.  Even if you have good magnification without light it is virtually useless.

I spent many years doing long & short stitch without a magnifying lamp and when I finally acquiesced I could not believe the difference it made!  Everything became clear and I was horrified when I looked at my previous stitching to see that I had gaps and overlapping stitches all over the place.   Once you have used a magnifying lamp you will never look back, it is the best investment you will ever make, and if you are serious about needle painting embroidery it is essential.

I had a lady who came to me for lessons she was insistent that she could do her embroidery without the help of a magnifying lamp.  For months she struggled, got frustrated and eventually said “Trish what am I doing wrong?”.  I asked her to use my magnifying lamp for the morning and see how she got on……………… the difference was like night and day and her work improved dramatically  from that time on.

Many students arrive at a class armed with what they think is a magnifying lamp but actually it is just the mini cousin of the real thing!  These are what you should not bring:

Choose The Right Light.  By magnifying lamp I mean either a floorstanding or portable daylight magnifying lamp with at least 12/15w and minimum of 3.5″ lens.  The work area should be large enough for you to see most of your project through.   The larger ones that have a floor stand are great for home use but not necessarily convenient for lugging to workshops so you may prefer to get yourself a portable one.

Recommended.  If I had to recommend one light that does it all I would say go for the Purelite.  It has the option of both mains or battery which is great for workshops as no cords in the way, but is also large enough to use at home.  I use the purelite with the table clamp for workshops and battery pack.

Here are some examples of magnifying lamps that are good for workshops:

Here are some links of available magnifying lamps in Australia here.

This site is offering 30% off here.

IF you are coming from another country such as the USA you may want to consider purchasing a purelite with battery from Amazon UK here:

Hope this makes it all clear for you and please don’t hesitate to email me if you have any questions.

Trish