Marcy’s Musings

Hi, everybody. Angus and I are happy to see signs of springtime. Although it’s still cold here on the Oregon Coast, the trees are budding and we’re seeing more sunshine.

Gayle tried her hand at a new embroidery technique this week: ribbon embroidery. We’re going to spotlight that technique in just a moment. First, take a look at Gayle’s projects, a keepsake box and a tote bag.  The technique is surprisingly easy, but you can’t rush it. Gayle says she caught herself humming that old .38 Special tune Hold On Loosely while she worked!

Before I forget, I want to direct your attention over to FreshFiction where you can enter Gayle’s latest contest. The contest is called Beautiful and Cozy Springtime Prize Pack and the prize is a signed copy of Dead Pan and a Tarte Health Couture Spring Greening Reusable Straw Palette (a $95 value).  Be sure and enter (and you can do so more than once), and good luck!

Embroidery Spotlight: Ribbon Embroidery

Even if you’re new to embroidery, don’t be afraid to give this beautiful needlecraft technique a try. To get you started, here are some links to ribbon embroidery sites:

Beginners’ Silk-Ribbon Embroidery: Five Easy Stitches - Here the editors of Threads magazine provide illustrated step-by-step instructions.

Gathered Flower Demonstration 

Silk Ribbon Embroidery Beginnings - Allow Suite 101 editor Michelle Dompierre Southern to help you learn the basics of ribbon embroidery.

Ribbon Embroidery Patterns and Instructions - Includes links to patterns by various About.com contributors.

If you try your hand at ribbon embroidery, please share your photos here!