Sue Fitch writes, “My first fractal! This was challenging but very exciting to see the work come to life. I can’t wait to do more.

I purchased this pattern from Nordic Needle. The design is by Cross Stitch Collectibles, Fractal 222, stitched on white, 14 count Aida. There were 90 colors used. The 25 pages of instructions appear overwhelming, but one page at a time gets the job done. These pages were not bound so it was easy to mark up and cross off stitches as I progressed. I drew grids on the cloth and numbered the rows and columns with washable ink.”

Written by: Ryan

• How long have you been with Nordic Needle?

  Since December 2006, so almost 5 years now. :]

• What is your favorite needlework technique?

  It’s a toss-up between goldwork and blackwork. I love the uniformity and complexity of each technique, as well as the thought process that goes into mapping out the designs. I also really enjoy Hardanger, Brazilian, and three dimensional embroidery (e.g. stumpwork).

• What is your favorite tool, gadget, thread, or other Nordic Needle item and why?

  It depends on the project, but I really love the Star De-Tailor and the Metallic Thread Scissors. I have also grown quite fond of my Illumineyes (without magnification).

Written by: Ryan

• How many years have you been with Nordic Needle?

  14 yrs – Started in ’96 – had time off a couple of times! :) I always go one year less??? Not sure if that’s correct!!!

• What is your favorite needlework technique?

  Hardanger – I love that you don’t have to change thread so often! I’ve tried many since I started (Silk Ribbon, Brazilian, Canvaswork/Needlepoint, Punchneedle, Felting, Paper Embroidery, Swedish Weaving, & Needle Painting)

• What is your favorite tool, gadget, thread, or other Nordic Needle item and why?

  Mesh Bags (6463 #’s) So nice to organize a project & easy to grab if you’re on the go – with kids!!!

Written by: Ryan

• She has been with Nordic Needle since 2006, but has only been a full time employee since 2010. She is the Shipping Supervisor.

• I have dabbled in a little bit of everything, but Hardanger/Drawn thread/Pulled thread are by far my favorite. Surface Embroidery is a close second. I usually have more than one project going on at one time (like so many of us do) and Embroidery gives me a nice brake from counting and having to be precise. It is a little more “free” and “mindless”.

• The best tool that I could have for the type of projects I work on is a good, sharp scissors. I use Gingher scissors #7191, they have a sharp point for cutting fabric threads in Hardanger and do not dull as fast as some of the cheaper scissors. A good scissors is always a good investment when doing Hardanger and other cutwork.

  My favorite thread to use is Caron Collection (Watercolours and Wildflowers). The variegated colors can do so much for a project! There are also so many colors it is hard to choose sometimes. I usually find more colors I like, than projects I have to do. I haven’t used Valdani perle cottons yet, but am planning on using them on a project I have coming up!

Written by: Ryan

• She’s been with NN since 2009 and currently handles our accounting.
• Her favorite gadget is my North Dakota needle minder, “…because I can use it for my needles as well as my crochet hooks!”
• Gwen has been the angel for the Romanian Point Lace class for two years, but her real love is for crochet.

Written by: Ryan

• We chose this picture from retreat because Mary Ann has the most infectious laugh!
• She’s been with NN since 1986!
• Her favorite technique is Hardanger Embroidery.
• She was an Angel for the Chinese Dragon Boats class at retreat. Her favorite gadget are the Opticaid magnifiers as “they just work perfect for me!”

Written by: Ryan