Welcome

Well today is the day!
Welcome to my very first post on my brand new blog.

I have been procrastinating long enough about starting a blog, but have finally taken the plunge into cyberspace!  I want this blog to keep you up to date with new stock for my on-line business Plume Art + Stitch which specialises in hand and machine threads of many kinds, creative textile packs, modern quilting fabric, lovely printed linens, wool felt and fabric, and exclusive Plume patterns.


I have been stitching for as long as I can remember and quilting since late 1970. Mostly self-taught I joined the Wellington Embroiderers' Guild in the early 1980s, was a foundation member of Capital Quilters and Wellington Quilters, and designed my first New Zealand inspired block in 1993.

As patterns editor for New Zealand Quilter Magazine I have created more than 60 original patterns, many of which were published in series and based on New Zealand's flora and fauna.

Issue 100 of NZ Quilter has just been released, but sadly it is the last issue of a wonderful magazine that has kept us all in touch and informed about the quilting scene in New Zealand for the past 25 years!

Thank you Anne (editor extraordinaire!) for bringing us such wonderful stories and inspiration. The magazine will be missed by so many quilters both here in NZ and abroad.




I mainly sell my Plume products at Quilting and Embroidery Work Days, Craft Fairs, Quilt Exhibitions and of course, national Symposiums (or should I say Symposia?). My specialized ranges are a little different from other retailers, and most of my hand embroidery threads are sourced direct from overseas suppliers in UK and Australia.

These are just some of the beautiful threads available from Stef Francis.

A basket of the luscious One-Off thread selections from Oliver Twists shown with canvaswork (needlepoint) needlebooks and pin cushions that I have designed and made with these threads.

The needlebook and pincushion at right are stitched with variegated perle 8 thread and ribbon. They are stitched on 18 count mono canvas.

The square pincushion and the little scissor fob in the centre of the photo are stitched with a thread selection from Oliver Twist using different canvas work stitches in a square arrangement.
The triangular pincushion on the left uses the same stitches, but is stitched in rows as a rectangle and sewn into a humbug shape.

The following kitsets are available in a variety of colours for NZ$35 each plus postage. The kitsets contain instructions, chart, embroidery threads, and a piece of canvas to stitch on.

 Needlepoint and Ribbon Needlebook and Pincushion

 Needlepoint Sewing Accessories

I stock four creative kitsets designed by Stef Francis which are available in a variety of colourways, all $55 each. The inclusion of hand-dyed threads and fabrics in the kits, means that every kit will look different when completed ; also, Stef encourages experimentation during the stitching process so that the end result will be truly original. All the kits contain full instructions and materials needed, but additional optional materials may be added to further embellish the work.

Embellished Elephant
 

Indian Sunflower

Floral Fantasia

Indian Mosaic

If you would like more information about any of these embroidery kitsets please use the 'Contact' form or email me at: jenny@plumeart.co.nz


I would love to receive feedback from you - I know this blog is not perfect but I think of it as a 'work in progress'.

I will leave you with a well-known quote from Albert Einstein "Creativity is contagious - pass it on"