New Freehand Embroidery: Red-hot Blues French-knot Mandala

The 78th Annual League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair begins in less than two weeks, so I’m in embroidery overdrive.

Icy-hot french-knots (more than 150!) make up the bulk of this freehand embroidery.

I love the nubbly texture of this french-knot mandala design… it feels amazing to the touch! If you come by my booth in Tent 7, you can feel for yourself.

Silk & cotton hand-dyed yarns are doubled then knotted to form this freehand embroidery.

This is my newest design, and I’m planning on stitching a few more before the Fair opens on Saturday, August 6, 2011. It’s very meditative to build up the embroidery, knot by knot.

Each art-to-wear hat is signed, dated and numbered. "Red-hot Blues" is #65 in 2011.

There are so many amazingly talented craftsmen at this fair: from glass-blowers, to raku potters, to printmakers, to rug-braiders, and more. Not only can you meet these artists, you can also enjoy free daily craft demonstrations, and learn their secrets.

I hope you’ll be able to visit!