Over the years I’ve been asked many times what are my recommended stitching books and materials, as well as what art materials I use, technology, etc. I thought it’d be good to do a post about where to find my most recommended products, as well as a roundup of some past blog posts I’ve done that feature recommendations and reviews. 😊
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in these posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission (such as from Amazon). Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality, and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. I would never recommend something I wouldn’t use myself. 🙂
Recommended materials and products
The easiest way to see all the recommended materials and products I’ve talked about (and used) over the years is via my Amazon influencer shop. Of course, I’d love if you support your local bookshops and art/craft stores, I set up this “shop” simply to be an easy way to see everything in one place. I do know many people do prefer to order with Amazon as they can bundle order a lot of different products all at the same time (and save on shipping if you have Amazon Prime). So if you find something you like then please do make your purchase in whatever way suits you. 🙂
Blog post reviews and recommendations
Below you’ll find a selection of blog posts about specific materials, as well as several book reviews. I’m no longer doing reviews of stitching materials or books, but if you’re interested in art book reviews (as I may have “a couple” lying around, both technique books and historical books about various artists and designers), please do let me know. I love helping people “trip and fall” into owning some really lovely books, I’m such a book lover myself. 😍
Book Review: Bitten By Witch Fever by Lucinda Hawksley
“Bitten by Witch Fever” by Lucinda Hawksley, published by Thames & Hudson (in association with the National Archives) is an absolutely stunning and fascinating book about the history of arsenic used in fabrics and home decor items like wallpaper in … Read More
Book Review: Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery
This book review of the RSN (Royal School of Needlework) Book of Embroidery compendium, published by Search Press, will give you a good idea of the quality and content of the book, as we all know that buying books sight … Read More
DMC Diamant Metallic Thread Review
If you’ve ever wanted to try the DMC Diamant metallic needlework thread, then this review should help you out! Discussing both DMC Diamant and the new DMC Diamant Grande, learn about the differences between these threads and DMC Light Effects, … Read More
DMC Étoile embroidery threads: a review
If you’ve heard all about the new DMC Étoile embroidery threads but haven’t had a chance to pick some up yet, this quick review should give you a good idea whether they’ll be a yay or a nay for you. … Read More
Top 3 ways of transferring embroidery patterns to fabric
Transferring embroidery patterns to fabric doesn’t have to be difficult at all, but there are a variety of methods to choose from. The texture and thickness (and colour) of your fabric will often dictate which transfer method you use, as … Read More
Cross stitch needles: choosing the best needle for you
Sometimes it can be confusing when shopping for cross stitch needles, to know which brands to get and which sizes or types. Tapestry needles are the most commonly used in cross stitch, but there are other specialty needles available as … Read More
Beading embroidery and cross stitch: how to add bling to your projects
Beading embroidery and cross stitch projects doesn’t have to be hard, and it can add a wonderful flash of bling to your pieces. This cross stitch tutorial demonstrates the various kinds of needles you can use, how to stitch your … Read More
Metallic thread for cross stitch and embroidery
Metallic thread can really add a lot of pizzazz and sparkle to a project (and if you’re a magpie like me you love anything sparkly and blingy). The pattern I’m working on in the video below is the first time … Read More
Book Review: Colour Confidence in Embroidery by Trish Burr
Colour Confidence in Embroidery by Trish Burr is a lovely book that will help you learn how to use colour effectively in embroidery, such as by using contrast, light, and shadow. And, it will inspire you as well, it’s just … Read More
Book Review: Crewel Intentions by Hazel Blomkamp
As you can well imagine, I have quite the collection of stitchy and art books, so I thought it’d be helpful if I did a book review of some of my favourites. This review covers “,” and it’s written by … Read More
Top ten stitching tools: what a professional designer uses
It can be so tricky when you first start stitching — there are so many options for materials and supplies, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and not know what might work best for you. Of course, any stitcher would tell … Read More
Review: The Mr X Stitch Guide to Cross Stitch
I was lucky enough to be contacted by the publisher of the newest cross stitch guide to hit the market, The Mr X Stitch Guide to Cross Stitch, and asked to give my honest feedback. I was thrilled to be … Read More
Cross stitch fabrics: Aida, evenweave, and linen
If you’ve ever been to a needlework or craft shop, it can be overwhelming (in a good way) to see all the cross stitch fabrics that are available these days. Cross stitch fabrics come in a wide variety of types, … Read More
What needle threader is best for you?
If you’ve ever struggled to thread needles and wondered if there’s a better way, the good news is there are many options. Whether you use a needle threader, or whether you do it by hand, you don’t have to lose … Read More
Kreinik metallic threads: metallic floss for cross stitch and embroidery
If you love the look of metallic threads but sometimes find them hard to work with, then hopefully this video tutorial will help you to “see the light.” I was really fortunate to have been contacted by Kreinik, a family-operated thread … Read More
Top 10 Cross Stitch Tips
Want to learn to cross stitch like a pro? Have a look at this list and see if you know all these cross stitch tips and tricks that experienced stitchers live by! You’ll not only end up with a nicer finished … Read More
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