I learned to embroider when I was a kid – around 10 years old – when my aunt and older sisters were really into cross stitch (remember the ’80’s?). Eventually, I migrated to surface embroidery, teaching myself with whatever I could get my hands on.

When I finished college, I got into serious embroidery as a result of a growing interest in historical and ecclesiastical embroidery. I began reading a lot, collecting books, pieces of embroidery, and other resources, taking pictures and looking at pieces up close. I launched into trying this technique and that technique, until I figured out the one question that always pops into my mind when I see a beautiful piece of embroidery: “How did they do that?” As far as stitching goes, I’m pretty much self-taught.

For my “real job,” I’m a teacher. I’ve been teaching English for 17 years and I also teach teachers how to teach. (By the way, if you find grammar errors on my website, feel free to slap me!)

During the summer when I’m not traveling, I teach embroidery to children. In fact, that’s how Needle ‘n Thread was born. It was an off-shoot of teaching embroidery to others. I just decided to expand the audience a bit. Hence, the How To embroidery videos.

This site is dedicated to Needle lace, Stumpwork (also known as Raised Embroidery), Samplers, Counted Thread and Embroidery kits by Doreen Holmes.

You can sign up here for one of Doreen's acclaimed residential courses,
based in her beautiful Somerset farmhouse or take one of her online classes in stumpwork, needlelace and embroidery, from the comfort of your own home.

You can also purchase one of Doreen's books or kits - these include modern and reproduction samplers, counted thread, cross stitch, stumpwork (Raised Embroidery) and Needlelace kits produced under Doreen's own label - 'Leisure Needle' and the best-selling range of Stumpwork and Embroidery that Doreen designed for Pearsall's Embroidery - now owned by John and Carol of Langley Threads, in Cardiff.

Welcome to the website for The Guild of Needle Laces. A non profit making organisation, set up in 1983 to promote the interest, skills, teaching, conservation, history and exhibition of all needlemade laces

Make, learn and talk about needle lace.

We specialize in antique flat woven tribal Oriental rugs, kilims, and bags but also handle tapestries, embroideries and other ethnic textiles.

About 1150 rugs and textiles are shown in the groups below. Click on a title to open the section. Then explore other parts of the site by scrolling down to links later on this page. More than 5000 photos illustrate a variety of textile art topics.