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March 18, 2026

O is for Orts! and Other News

 

Amazon Books

Continuing on with the ABC Archive Dive here on Needle ‘n Thread, I’d like to introduce you to O for Orts!

Orts, if you’re not familiar with the term, are leftover scraps of thread. Way back in the history of philology, orts were leftover scraps of food, but somehow, at some point, the word was adopted for thread.

And I know not when, nor why, nor where.

Nor do I care.

I like the word orts. And I like the fact that my laptop tries to auto correct the spelling of it. Oh, you ignorant piece of technology!

Orts are Thread Scraps
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March 16, 2026

Hemstitching a Hem on this Small Runner

 

My “home project” that I’ve written about here and here over the past many weeks is finished, except for the hem. The hem is almost finished, and hopefully, by the time you read this, it will be completely finished.

I haven’t taken as many photos as I normally would since I’m working on this at home. But we’ve done this type of work before here on Needle ‘n Thread, so I can refer you to previous tutorials, if you want to do the same thing on any of your own projects!

Avlea Arcadian Peony counted cross stitch runner - folk embroidery
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March 13, 2026

ABC Archive Series Index

 

We’ve been diving through the archives of Needle ‘n Thread since September of 2025, using an A-B-C format to pick out various topics that I’ve covered on the blog over the 20 years I’ve been writing it.

This index will give you a place to find the links to all the A-B-C highlights from this series.

You can find the Index under Tips & Techniques in the main menu here on Needle ‘n Thread, and you can also bookmark the index for future easy access.

As the series continues to develop, I’ll add the new link to each new article in the series.

ABC Archive Series on Needle 'n Thread
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March 10, 2026

N is for Needles!

 

There’s no surprise I’m highlighting Needles for the N feature in the ABC Archives series we’ve been exploring here on Needle ‘n Thread!

Needlework, after all, would be pretty difficult without needles. They’re about the only tool you have to have for embroidery. You could get away with no scissors, no hoop. But could you embroider (as in, regular embroidery) without a needle?

I don’t think so.

My Smiley Needle Guy
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March 4, 2026

Quick News – Apologies and More!

 

I just have a quick bit of news for you today, and an announcement in which I beg your patience…!

For those who don’t know, my dad (who is 95 this year), lives with me and I take care of him (right now, with lots of extra family help, thankfully!).

He has lately taken a turn for the worse and things are pretty demanding, mentally, physically, and of course, time-wise. This is taking a toll on work at Needle ‘n Thread – which takes a toll on, well, pretty much everything for Anna and me!

Mom and Dad, 2020
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March 2, 2026

M is for… Many Things! Mostly, Monograms!

 

Continuing with my A-B-C dive into the archives here on Needle ‘n Thread, we’re tackling the letter M today.

I had a hard time deciding on this one. Should I do the Marian Medallion? This was a very thorough step-by-step project, which included all kinds of techniques – and a smaller project (this Tudor-style goldwork and silk rose). There’s a lot to learn from that project!

But I decided instead to focus on Monograms, because I’ve touched on them so many times over the years. There’s a good collection of them here on the website, as well as very serviceable tips on how to stitch monograms in all kinds of ways.

Green & Purple monogram
Continue reading “M is for… Many Things! Mostly, Monograms!”

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February 27, 2026

Home Project Update – Some Tips & Thoughts

 

Quick Announcement! Life in Seasons 2 is on sale this weekend! If you have this book on your wishlist, now’s the time to get a copy, at the lowest price you’ll find it. Help us make room on our shelves and add a treasure to your library at the same time! You can read about it here, and you’ll find it available on sale here!

(And now, back to our regularly scheduled program…)

Oh joy! Oh bliss! It’s the Weeeeeekend!

I don’t actually live for the weekend. For one thing, I love my job, so weekdays don’t bother me.

For another thing, Saturdays are so stinkin’ busy! If the day is successful and I get everything done, sure, there’s a lot of satisfaction in that – but it’s hard to face Saturday from the vantage point of the pillow at 6:00 AM.

But Sundays! Sundays are different. Sundays are relaxed – church, brunch with the family, and hanging out with dad. And that’s when I stitch on my “Home Project” with some serious lusty gusto.

Home Project: Counted Cross Stitch folk design runner
Continue reading “Home Project Update – Some Tips & Thoughts”