Orts: Threads of Creativity
Orts is newsletter collecting small snippets of creativity: embroiderers, textile artists, illustrators, DIY projects, and how we can make time for our creative endeavors. Published on Fridays.
How to protect your skin from scratchy threads 🧵
Sharing threads of creativity 🧵 Written by Sara Barnes Whenever I talk about stitching on clothes, one question inevitably comes up: doesn't the embroidery feel scratchy on your skin? It can, but don't let that discourage you from embroidering your clothes! There's a material you can use to ensure that doesn't happen. It's Sulky brand Tender Touch. (It's one of my DOs for upcycling your clothing with embroidery.) What is Tender Touch? Tender Touch is a lightweight stabilizer meant to protect...
Stitching passports and a duck fanny pack 🦆
Sharing threads of creativity 🧵 Written by Sara Barnes I tend to alternate periods where I'm consuming a lot of television and when I'm listening to podcasts and audiobooks. I'm in the podcasts-and-audiobooks cycle and have three recommendations (that no one asked for). I just finished Sea of Lies. It's a true crime podcast series that looks back at a case where a man was found dead in the ocean by two fisherman back in the '90s. It's wild! Noble is another true crime podcast examining what...
5 embroidery supplies to help simplify your stitching
Sharing threads of creativity 🧵 Written by Sara Barnes Lately, I've been thinking a lot about the things I own. I've mentioned before that I'm having a low-buy year, which means taking stock of everything I use and how it's serving me. This includes embroidery and crafting supplies. Some things, while great, aren't must-haves for me. But others are; they make my embroidery a little easier. Without further ado, here's my list of five supplies that I use regularly. What's on your list? I'd love...
A Craft Atlas and a secondhand fabric stores map 🗺️
Sharing threads of creativity 🧵 Written by Sara Barnes The way I write my 5/5 newsletters is that I collect links whenever I see something interesting. I save them on Instagram, add them to my project on Notion... the point is that I don't have a central place where all the links live. So when I start writing, sometimes a theme inadvertently emerges. That's what happened this week! I'm sharing many 3D embroideries—including a new book coming out. Scroll down to see them. 👉 ICYMI: This secret...
Dos and don'ts for upcycling your closet with ✨ embroidery ✨
Sharing threads of creativity 🧵 Written by Sara Barnes I'm doing a low-buy year (similar to a no-buy year), and one way I'm doing it is by zhuzhing the clothing in my closet that could use some love. Embroidery is the perfect way to do that! By embroidering a shirt, that cozy frock can have a new lease on life with stitching and appliqué. Whether you're doing no-spend, low-spend, or just want to live more sustainably, embroidery on clothing is possible for anyone! But what will you embroider?...
Melty bead tapestries and fiber frog bags 🐸
Sharing threads of creativity 🧵 Written by Sara Barnes If you're a U.S. reader, you might've heard the news that Joann fabric and craft stores declared bankruptcy for the second time in a year. Now it seems like they really might go under. I'm sad—they are my favorite of the "big three" craft stores. If you're curious about what happened or just want to know who they owe the most money to (👀), check out this comprehensive episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast. 👉 ICYMI: Kinusaiga was...
How 'The Art of Embroidery Design' will help you hone your creative voice
Sharing threads of creativity 🧵 Written by Sara Barnes Excerpted from The Art of Embroidery Design © by Christi Johnson. Used with permission from Storey Publishing How do you create artwork that's authentic to you? It takes time, play, and observation—among other things. (It's hard work!) Finding your visual language does not happen overnight. That's why having a guide towards doing so is invaluable. And it's precisely why I was excited to check out fiber artist Christi Johnson’s newest...
What to do "when your brain goes on strike"
Sharing threads of creativity 🧵 Written by Sara Barnes I love clicking around on the internet. I love getting into rabbit holes; that's one my favorite ways to find new artists making cool and interesting work. In the early 2010s, I'd often find folks by going to the "links" section of a personal website. Remember that? When people had entire pages dedicated to people you should visit next? We should bring that back. But as social media became what it is today, I sat back, a bit, and let the...
Who are the artists inspiring you?
Sharing threads of creativity 🧵 Written by Sara Barnes There are some artists whose influence has a gravitational pull on our creative lives. Within their work is something that we innately respond to. Maybe you can put your finger on it. Perhaps it’s indescribable.For many years, I’ve shared the work of artists I love and admire on my blog, Brown Paper Bag. Many have inspired me in my artwork. But well before that, before I was logging on and clicking around, I found artists who were...
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Stitching ceramics 🪡 🫖
Sharing threads of creativity 🧵 Written by Sara Barnes Thanks for being a paid subscriber to Orts! I know it's been a while, and I'm so grateful for your support. TBH, I was feeling a bit burnt out by the latter half of 2024. But I had a restful Christmas and New Year and am feeling rejuvenated. Onward to a Wednesday 5/5! Caroline Harrius ✨ 5 creatively inspiring things 1️⃣ I’ve become interested in bead embroidery—I took a workshop on it last year, but haven’t had time to explore it...
Orts is newsletter collecting small snippets of creativity: embroiderers, textile artists, illustrators, DIY projects, and how we can make time for our creative endeavors. Published on Fridays.