Embroideries

We learned a lot of things at the Embroiderers' Guild's shindig. Here's a quick summary, that some of you might have received in our most recent newsletter.

Apparently Hardanger embroidery is making a comeback. For those who have to look it up, including me, it's also called Whitework embroidery. It's traditionally done on white cloth with white thread, but any colors can be used.
We have several suggestions for good scissors to use, including the ones pictured above. They might not be the best choice, unless you're traveling, in which case they are awesome. These folding scissors are remarkable, because the points are still nice and sharp. I admit to bias because I took the picture!
For non-traveling people, we have some forged Dovo embroidery scissors, and then we have a pair (shown on the right) that are technically Silhouette scissors. This last pair is wonderful for any sort of delicate work; they were originally designed to cut out paper silhouettes, a popular form of imagery in Victorian times. Veeeery intricate, sort of like this Hardanger stuff. Wow, to those of you who are trying to do this. Me, I'll stick with simple counted cross stitch on canvas.

The other hot-button topic from the shindig was cutting metallic thread. Serrated scissors really are needed if you are using metallic thread, but those are hard to find. However, did you know that we can customize your scissors for that purpose? Any scissor can be serrated so just bring it in and we will be glad to fix it up for you. Carl is also checking into ordering scissors that come with the serration, so that you all won't have to leave your scissors with us for a couple weeks. We'd love to be able to do it while you wait, but serrations take some time and precision.

Since the winter holidays are approaching and our best scissors come from Germany, you might want to stop in or order soon. If we have to special order something, we want to be able to get it to you on time!

Embroidererererer's are awesome!

Here's a picture of Carl and Glenna in our booth at the EGA's National Seminar. Apparently they had a blast, and our new scissors were a hit. A longer report will be forthcoming, so keep your eyes on this space.

On Screen

Question answering time! Want to know what type of knife is used in the opening of the TV show Dexter? In the season one opening, Dexter is fixing breakfast and he uses a knife to cut up various things, but the one we get the best view of is one he's slicing an orange with. It's a tomato knife, shockingly enough. Unfortunately, my TV isn't good enough for me to make out what the two itty-bitty lines of text on the back of the blade say, even when I pause the DVD.

So I can't tell you what it is, but I can tell you what it isn't. If you watch closely, you can see that the knife has a substantial bolster, and that the metal continues unusually far back into the handle. This leads me to suspect that the knife has an all-metal handle. Wustof's Culinar line is all-metal, but the knife has a subtly different shape and no writing on the reverse.

Anybody with a better TV than me know what it says?


If anyone is interested in hearing about knifes in other TV shows/movies, drop me a line. Or better yet, mail me the movie at the Cutlery.
(What? It could happen.)

A Stitch in Time...

Embroiderers' Guild of America (EGA) is having it's National Seminar at the Hyatt in downtown Louisville, from August 31st through September 5th. This year they are celebrating their Golden Gala (that is, their 50th Anniversary). The EGA is based in Louisville, and also has a blog.

For more information on the annual seminar and where it will be held next year, here is a link to the schedule posted on the EGA website. The brochure for the 2008 seminar is a blast to look at (gorgeous pictures), and someone snuck in a reference to a Peter Paul & Mary song. People after my own heart.

Sadly, the registration for this year has already closed, but for those of you who are already there, Heimerdinger Cutlery will be there, too! I bet you were wondering why I was posting this, weren't you?

On September 3rd (Wednesday), Carl will be at the Merchandise event, from 11 to 7. It will be held in the Golden Galleria. Carl will have some old stand-bys and some brand new products with him to the event. In particular some particularly attractive embroidery scissors from Dovo. I'd love to link you a picture, but they're so new we don't have them on the website yet!


Of potential interest to everyone in the audience is the EGA's National Stitch-In-Public Day, also on Sept. 3rd. Here's the official story:

EGA invites stitchers of all ages and skill levels to join in a day of community crafting that will celebrate the traditions and trends of needlework, right right where they are. There's no cost - just an effort to encourage community among stitchers. Embroiders, quilters, knitters and who will shine a light on their crafts Sept. 3 by stitching together in public spaces such as coffee shops, parks, malls – anywhere they can be seen. Let EGA Headquarters know about your event so photos, stories and updates can be shared online. Contact Brad at bcape@egausa.org if your chapter or group of stitchers wants to organize an event. Call (502) 589-6956.

Time for me to break out my cross stitch!

(By the way, did anyone else ever think that the saying "A stitch in time saves nine" had something to do with time travel? No? OK, too much Science-Fiction for me as a small child.)