Author Archives: Karen Dennison

The Notes section of my Christmas Notebook is for whatever I want it for. Mostly, I do many, many items that are the same, yet customized for each recipient. An example it the year I did shopping/beach/gym/whatever bags for everyone. … Continue reading →

I get that it is September and NOBODY wants to hear anything about Christmas, however, my sewing list for that particular time of year is extensive, or as Luella likes to call it, insane. Because of that, I need to … Continue reading →

When I think of the term Cutwork Embroidery, I think of Hardanger. but the much more common form is Eyelet fabric. The origins of the current forms of cutwork date back to the Italian Renaissance. And the techniques quickly spread … Continue reading →

My first experience with shadow work was as a gift from my mother when she returned from a trip to China. She brought back a very sheer piece of silk, mounted in a beautiful wooden frame. It had a kitten … Continue reading →

Textured embroidery is a beautiful way to embellish fabric. I could think of two off the top of my head. Silk Ribbon Embroidery and Brazilian Embroidery. Both are just beautiful and have a lot of texture to them. Silk ribbon … Continue reading →

Crewel is traditionally a freestyle embroidery stitched with wool yarn. In fact, the Crewel is an old Welsh word that means wool. Very heavy threads used to be used but today there are lots of options. Crewel has been around … Continue reading →

The word “Work” often describes the materials, or look of an embroidery type. Berlin wool work is a style of embroidery similar to today’s needlepoint. It was typically executed with wool yarn on canvas. It is usually worked in a … Continue reading →

Hand done embroideries have been the standard for millennia. And with each culture (as well as inside cultures) different styles, materials and techniques resulted in a multitude of varied pieces of art. As each artisan worked at self expression adding … Continue reading →

Embroidery is an ancient skill. The examples from medieval Europe are exquisite. Whether the artisans were embroidering flowers on dresses, hunting scenes on upholstered furniture, or pastural views on wall hangings, the pieces that are still remaining completely enthrall me. … Continue reading →

What is it about artists that we just can’t leave good enough alone? There are some absolutely beautiful fabrics out there that will speak to whatever you are listening to. There are traditional prints, retro prints, contemporary designs, and photo … Continue reading →