Happy New Year!

Stitch Factory & the 'Stitch Witch' would like to take a moment to thank everyone for a wonderful year and wish you all Happy New Year 2015!! Thank you for your continued support! We look forward to stitching for you in the new year.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from Stitch Factory!!!

With Christmas only four days away, we wanted to take a minute to wish all of our wonderful clients Happy Holidays!! Thank you for your continued support and remember, we are here for all of your custom embroidery needs!!

To find out more, visit: http://stitchfactorymaryland.com/

December Schedule & Crofton Holiday Party!

Good afternoon everyone,

In case you were wondering about my December in-store schedule, here it is! The only thing missing in this photo is YOU so come by and see me!

Tuesday, Dec. 8th from 1-8pm

Wednesday, Dec. 9th from 1-8pm

Thursday, Dec. 10th from 1-8pm

Friday, Dec. 11th from 10am to 8pm at the HUNT VALLEY store (not Crofton) 

Saturday, Dec. 12th from 10am to 8pm, at Hunt Valley

Tuesday, Dec. 9th from 1-6pm 

Wednesday, Dec. 10th from 9am-4pm

Thursday, Dec. 11th from 1pm-8pm

Friday, Dec. 12th from 9am to 6pm

Saturday, Dec. 13th 9am to 4pm

Tuesday, Dec. 16th from 1pm to 6pm

Wednesday, Dec. 17th 9am to 4pm

Thursday, Dec. 18th from 1pm to 8pm

Friday Dec. 19th from 9am to 6pm **LAST DAY to accept orders for Christmas**

Tuesday, Dec. from 1pm to 6pm 

Lots Going On at the Crofton Dover!

Hi Everyone!

The Stitch Witch is staying busy as we all prepare for the holidays. The Dover Saddlery in Crofton, where you can find me most days, is also busy with holiday plans! We wanted to share a few of those with you here so you can join in on all of the fun! 

From November 25th thru December 2nd they are having a Holiday Sale with up to 60% off!

Tuesday, December 2nd, from 6:00-8:00pm  they are having a Holiday Party for friends and family members. 

Join them for a private shopping event:

*Holiday Sale

*Free Drawings

*Refreshments

Thursday, December 4th, from 4:00-7:00pm there will be a Breyer Horse Fun party!

Join them for a fun evening:

*Free Stablemates Painting

*Crafts & Activities

And of course, if you are looking to come by and see me for your embroidery needs, here is my schedule:

11/25;: Tuesday from 1-6

11/26: Wednesday from 9-3

11/28: Friday from 9-6

11/29: Saturday from 9-6

Things to Embroider: Holiday Gift Ideas!

Good Morning Everyone!

As you are probably aware, Christmas is only 37 days away! If you wanted to do a personalized, custom embroidery gift for someone but didn't know what to do, here are some ideas of things you can have embroidered!

Besides the standard hats, shirts, jackets, etc. here are a few out-of-the-box things you could have customized!

-Canvas Bags
-Blankets/Throws
-Backpacks
-Sports bags
-Doll clothing
-Cooking aprons
-Bath/hand towels
-Purses
-Kid's lunch boxes
-Beach Bags
-Golf Bags
-Baby Blankets
-Baby Onesies
-Saddle Pads
-Horse/Dog Blankets
-Baby Bibs
-Bath robes
-Umbrellas
-Door Signs

Here are some photos of work I've done recently!

Only 44 days left until Christmas!!

Good morning everyone!

There are only 44 days left until Christmas and I am busier than ever! If you have something you would like embroidered for Christmas, NOW is the time! Be sure to stop-in the Dover Saddlery in Crofton, MD and drop off your items before it's too late.
My in-store schedule for the upcoming weeks will be as following:

• 11/11 Tuesday, 1-6
• 11/12 Wednesday, 9-3
• 11/13 Thursday, 12-8
• 11/18 Tuesday, 1-6
• 11/19 Wednesday, 9-3
• 11/20 Thursday, 12-8
• 11/25 Tuesday, 1-6
• 11/26 Wednesday, 9-3
• 11/28 Friday, 9-6
• 11/29 Saturday, 9-6

For more information and directions, you can visit their website at: http://www.doversaddlery.com/crofton-retail-store/a/354/

Dover Saddlery Crofton, Maryland Hours this week!

Don't forget to stop by and see me at the Dover Saddlery in Crofton today from 1pm-6pm, tomorrow 9am to 3pm, and Thursday from 12pm to 8pm for all of your embroidery needs!

For more information, you can visit: http://www.doversaddlery.com/crofton-retail-store/a/354/

It's never too early to start thinking about holiday gifts!

Good morning bloggers,

Although Halloween is right around the corner, it's never too early to start thinking about your holiday gift list. As we all know, the holidays are a busy time! Especially for the Stitch Witch! So, beat the rush and order your custom embroidery gift items today!! You can contact me at: (410) 271-0732  or at patriciadane@comcast.net

Don't wait! Put in your orders now before I am too busy!

-The Stitch Witch

Come See Me at Dover Saddlery this week!

Good Morning!

This week I will be at Dover Saddlery in Crofton, MD on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday! On Tuesday I will be there from 1pm to 6pm, on Wednesday 9am to 3pm and on Thursday 12pm to 8pm. Come by and see me for your custom embroidery needs!  If anything, at least stop by and say hi!

For more information, you can visit Dover's website here: http://www.doversaddlery.com/crofton-retail-store/a/354/

Fantastic Time at Days End Fall Festival!

Good morning everyone!

Life has been good...and very busy! I had a fantastic time last weekend a the Days End Farm Fall Festival. I was able to support the rescue and sell various embroidered items on spot.

I also wanted to welcome new client, Fast Dogs! They are a business that makes martingale-style collars to sell locally to pet stores. They make wonderful products for your pets, so be sure to check them out! https://www.facebook.com/Fastdogs2

Up next for Stitch Factory is the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Marketplace Symposium THIS WEEKEND! It will be held Saturday October 4th and Sunday October 5th at the Pimlico Racet Course starting at 9am. This is a fun and informational event every year, and I am really excited to be a part of it! Be sure to stop by the Stitch Factory booth and see me!

For more information, and to get your tickets visit: http://www.retiredracehorseproject.org/images/files/MakeoverFlyer8.5x11front_back.pdf

Great Weekend at the Maryland Horse Council BBQ

Good afternoon bloggers-

This past Saturday, the Stitch Witch went to the 8th Annual Maryland Horse Council BBQ at the Capital Polo Club. The rain cleared and the wind dried out the polo fields enough for two professional polo matches, a local 'celebrity' polo match, live music and a silent auction (which had those fox embroidered hand towels!). A great time was had by all!

Next up, I will be at Days End Farm Horse Rescue this weekend for their fall festival! It's looking like the weather is going to be gorgeous, so make sure to come out if you can! For more information click here:    http://www.defhr.org/pdf/FF14%20Flyer.pdf

Don't forget to come see me at Dover Saddlery in Crofton this week for all of your embroidery needs! You can find my schedule online at: http://stitchfactorymaryland.com/

Have a great week everyone!

The Stitch Witch is Keeping Busy!

Good afternoon everyone,

Things have been busy for the Stitch Factory! You may have seen Patricia, the Stitch Witch out and about lately. Coming ups is the Days End Farm Fall event on September 20th as well as the the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover on October 4-5th. Keep an eye out because you never know where the Witch will show up next!

Also, today, we want to share with you a recent embroidery job.  Brooke's mom, Deb, had a cooler with a set of initials on it.  What we were able to do was remove the stitches from the original cooler and embroider over it for her daughter.  Brooke's horse, Dancer's Choice seems to approve and both he and Brook are happy!

Maryland Horse Council's 8th Annual BBQ & Picnic!

Good Afternoon Everyone!

Coming up on September 6th, at the Capital Polo Club, the Maryland Horse Council will be hosting their annual BBQ and picnic! I love going to this event every year, and this year Stitch Factory has donated a set of fox embroidered hand towels for the silent auction. There are always a lot of great auction items every year, so be sure to come out and support the Maryland Horse Council!

Aren't these fun? 

For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, please visit: http://www.mdhorsecouncil.org/MHC_BBQ_Equiery%20Ad.jpg

Don't Forget About Our Digitizing Special! Now Through September 2014!

Good Morning-

We hope you had a wonderful weekend! Today, we wanted to remind you about our special going now through September 2014. Have you always wanted to put your logo on some gear for your farm? Or what about a gift for a friend? Now is the time to get your logo digitized and embroidered! Beat the Christmas rush and order now. For more information, take a look at this link:

 http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs134/1102092631929/archive/1117752130011.html

Wonderful Weekend at Harford House and BEST Show!!

Good Morning!

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I was at the Harford House Saturday and it was fabulous! Many people came out and were able to experience a horse show first-hand. I was also at the season end BEST (Black Eyed Susan Horse Show Series) show as well. Both shows were fabulous and I had such a great time! Backpacks were even given to lead line, short stirrup and long stirrup classes.  (However, I was so busy I didn't have time to snap any photos of my work...next time for sure!)

Thank you to both shows for having me!

The Stitch Witch

Return of the Saddle Pads!

They are back!!! Dover Saddlery's saddle pad drought is over! The store has been re-stocked with saddle pads just in time for your fall showing season. Be sure to stop in the Crofton location and see me so I can embroider them for you. You can also contact me at my website: www.stitchfactorymaryland.com 

Not Just For Equestrians!

Good afternoon everyone!

So you may have seen many of my recent work lately, which was for equestrians. Although I love my horse clients, embroidery can be for anyone! Recently, I had another client who wanted some monogrammed stuff for her upcoming beach vacation.

It's not too late to get your beach gear monogrammed today! Contact me at: http://stitchfactorymaryland.com/

Show Your School Spirit!

Are you looking for something to embroider on a saddle pad, but not into monograms? Why not show your school spirit!? One of my clients, who is an alumnus of James Madison University (and still full of school spirit) decided to, and we think it turned out great!

Whether you are on a riding team, high school team or are just full of pride for your school team...why not show it off?  Contact me today to get your scholastic-themed saddle pad!

Genius Saddle Pad Marketing Idea!!!

Good afternoon everyone!

I often get requests for all types of custom embroidery...after all, you can embroider just about anything! A little while ago, I ran into a request from a client that I found to be so cool (and smart!)

Dover customer Elizabeth Farina did and it worked! We all know at horse shows, flyers can get lost on a bulletin board...why not advertise your mount while competing in the ring?! With a 'For Sale' saddle pad?

Contact me today to purchase your FOR SALE saddle pad! I have plenty of white pads available and can embroider any color that you want! How cool is that?

The Stitch Witch is Coming to Days End Farm Horse Rescue!!

Good morning everyone!

I am thrilled to announce I will be heading to Days End Farm Horse Rescue (DEFHR) this Friday & Saturday, June 27th & 28th.  I will be in the main room in the Legacy Barn with my embroidery machine ready to work from 10am to 5pm. I am also donating 50% of all proceeds back to Days End to help support the horses in their care.

Here are some specialty prices available to anyone who comes to see me on site:
$15 to embroider DEFHR's logo sized at 5"x 3 1/2" OR, $20 to embroider DEFHR's logo larger than 5"x 3 1/2". I am really looking forward to being there and hope that you will come see me for all of your embroidery needs and support this great organization!

See you Friday & Saturday,

The Stitch Witch,
Stitch Factory

June Calendar is here!

Good Morning Everyone-

I have published my schedule for this month and wanted to share with you!

June 3: at Dover Saddlery, Crofton MD
June 4: at Dover Saddlery, Crofton MD
June 5: at Dover Saddlery, Crofton MD
June 6: at Dover Saddlery, Crofton MD
June 7: at Dover Saddlery, Crofton MD
June 10: at Dover Saddlery, Crofton MD
June 11: at Dover Saddlery, Crofton MD
June 12: at Dover Saddlery, Crofton MD
June 13: at Dover Saddlery, Crofton MD

*June 14th: at the Retired Racehorse Training Project Symposium, Dodon Farm
*June 15th: at the BEST Horse Show

June 17: at Dover Saddlery, Crofton MD
June 18: at Dover Saddlery, Crofton MD
June 19: at Dover Saddlery, Crofton MD
June 20: at Dover Saddlery, Crofton MD
June 21: at Dover Saddlery, Crofton MD
June 24: at Dover Saddlery, Crofton MD
June 25: at Dover Saddlery, Crofton MD
June 26: at Dover Saddlery, Crofton MD

*June 27: At Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Woodbine MD
*June 28: At Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Woodbine MD

To find out my specific hours at Dover Saddlery, please check their website: http://www.doversaddlery.com//a/354/

Be sure to stop by and see me for all of your custom embroidery needs!

Great weekend at Prince George's Equestrian Center!

This past weekend, Stitch Factory was at the MHSA Show at the Prince George's Equestrian Center doing on-the-spot embroidery and taking orders! What a great weekend with beautiful horses and beautiful riders. Don't forget, if there is a show you would like Stitch Factory to come to, contact Patricia at:
(410) 271-0732 or at patriciadane@comcast.net

Remember, we can do saddle pads, bonnets, shirts, jackets, polo wraps and more!

See what our clients are saying:
"Maryland Hunter Pace Circuit team sponsored by The Greene Turtle Restaurant....Patricia did all of our embroidery and it is just fantastic!!! She is an absolute pleasure to work with and has amazing customer service standards. Thank you for making us the talk of the town!"

The History of Embroidery: Part 1

Many people don't really how far back the history of embroidery goes! So, for something fun and educational, I'd like to do a short blog series featuring articles on the history of embroidery. This article was taken from the British Victoria and Albert Museum. Part one covers Medieval Embroidery...enjoy!

Medieval embroidery

During the middle ages embroidery was a popular way of decorating luxury textiles. The rich and powerful medieval Church owned huge amounts of embroidered textiles, often donated by wealthy. Documents show that embroidery was commissioned for clothing for royalty and the nobility, but very little of this survives. Furnishings were probably decorated with applied embroidered motifs.

Opus Anglicanum (English work) is now used as the generic name for ecclesiastical embroidery which was produced in England from the early Middle Ages until the Reformation. The majority of the surviving pieces date from the 13th century onwards, together with a small number of earlier pieces. Much secular embroidery was also produced but virtually nothing survives.

Although nuns and other amateur needlewomen produced embroidery from as early as the 8th or 9th century, practically all the surviving examples of Opus Anglicanum were worked by professional embroiderers, both men and women, in workshops generally run by men. The names of some of these embroiderers, both male and female, are recorded in contemporary documents.

At its height, from the mid-13th century to the mid-14th century, Opus Anglicanum was much sought after throughout Europe and the 1295 Vatican Inventory lists over 100 examples. Opus Anglicanum at this time was as important as painting and the work of goldsmiths.

Church vestments, including copes, chasubles and altar hangings, were decorated with embroidery, which was usually worked on linen, silk or velvet with silk and metal threads, pearls and other jewels. Underside couching, a technique used mainly during the peak period of Opus Anglicanum, made the gold thread appear to be in an unbroken line on the face of the vestment or hanging, as no couching threads are visible on the surface. Split stitches worked in spirals were used to form the contours of the faces.

Magnificent vestments had sacred scenes or figures of saints on them, which could be seen and understood by a largely illiterate population. Scenes on copes were contained within design frameworks like those on paintings and stained glass, and were placed in such a way that the figures would appear upright when the vestment was worn, often with a key image such as the Coronation of the Virgin at the top. After the Reformation, the church had no use for embroideries with sacred subjects and they were no longer made. Vast stocks of medieval examples were destroyed to recover the pearls and the gold thread, or exported to Catholic countries overseas. A few were preserved by English Catholic families.

Brocaded silk chasuble with embroidery in silk and silver-gilt thread, by unknown maker, probably England, 1400-30. Museum no. T.256-1967

15th-century embroidery

From the end of the 1300s, the techniques used by embroiderers began to change because of competition from European embroidery workshops, and changing requirements. In the 1400s, Italian weavers were producing luxury silk and velvet patterned fabrics and importing them to England in large amounts. A fine example with metallic threads and motifs of camels is used in the Erpingham Chasuble.

Embroiderers adapted their work by developing simpler techniques which could be produced more quickly and applied to the fine Italian cloths. This included applied work - small motifs embroidered on linen then cut out and stitched onto a finer cloth background, or larger bands of embroidery used as orphrey bands sewn onto the background cloth.

Unlike today, designers of embroidery are often not known. Professional embroiders certainly worked with artists for specifically commissioned pieces, and there was a repertoire of designs which they used. Embroiderers may have also adapted or modified the designs. Patterns, styles and motifs tend to reflect the fashions of the time and the same styles appear in different art forms. During this period, embroiderers in professional urban workshops produced most of the highest quality embroidery. Workshops were mostly in London and were usually run by men and employed both men and women. The embroiderer's work was regulated by informal Guilds, to ensure the highest standard of work.

16th- and 17th-century embroidery

Whereas medieval embroidery is known almost exclusively through ecclesiastical examples, Tudor embroidery is almost entirely secular. Professional workshops had long experience of secular embroidery and found little difficulty in producing the new styles of ornament influenced by the Renaissance. Workshops were likely to have their own draughtsmen to produce designs and numerous pattern books were available. Woodcuts and engravings in contemporary herbals and bestiaries and other illustrated books were also used as sources.

Professional workshops now had to meet the competition of large numbers of enthusiastic amateur needlewomen. The spread of domestic embroidery reached every conceivable surface: sheets, valances and coverlets, table carpets, cupboard carpets, cushions for benches and chairs, coifs, stomachers, sleeves, handkerchiefs, bags, hawking gear, needlecases, book covers, bookmarks, book cushions, shoes, gloves and aprons.

A large number of embroidery stitches were used in the Tudor and Stuart periods, but the most common were satin and split stitches (worked in silks usually on a silk ground) and tent, cross and gobelin stitches (worked on linen canvas mesh, known as canvas-work embroidery, where the shape of the stitches is dictated by the open plain weave of the base fabric). Canvas-work embroidery is often sub-divided according to the use of different threads and stitches.

Monochrome

Black embroidery on a white ground became known as blackwork. A limited range of linear stitches was used. Some blackwork pieces used a variety of diaper fillings (an all-over pattern of diamond shapes). Towels, table and cupboard cloths, coverlets and pillows were decorated and shifts, shirts, caps, coifs, jackets and other linen accessories were also listed in inventories.

Polychrome

Multi-coloured silks were often combined with metal thread and spangles (an early name for sequins) and worked in a greater variety of stitches, sometimes including three-dimensional or raised effects. These embroideries were very English in character: coiling stems with floral motifs, roses, carnations, honeysuckle and other typically English flowers interspersed with birds and beast, caterpillars and butterflies, formed the basis of the most popular designs.

Embroidery designed by William Morris, English, about 1880. Museum no. T.192-1953

19th-century embroidery

By the middle of the 19th century a revival of church embroidery, influenced mainly by the architects A.W.N.Pugin and G.E.Street, was underway. This in turn had an effect on secular work, but it was the influence of William Morris which brought a real revival of the art. Morris’ first experiments in embroidery design were made about 1860 to provide decorations for his own home, Red House. He discouraged the use of Berlin woolwork embroidery believing it to have been responsible for the loss of traditional skills, and instead advocated the use of a wide range of traditional embroidery stitches for his innovative and original designs.

Largely as a result of Morris' influence, a number of bodies promoting an interest in embroidery were established. One of the first of these was the Royal School of Art Needlework (now the Royal School of Needlework) which not only became a centre for the production and sale of embroidery, but also a training school for students. Design compositions for their 'art needlework' took on many forms with irises, daffodils and cranes reflecting the influence of the fashionable Aesthetic movement (though the Victorian love for Berlin woolwork continued unabated). It became a tradition, started by the Royal School of Needlework that ‘artists’ supplied the schools with designs and that embroiderers were not artists.

What Can You Embroider?

Good morning!

Often, people ask me, what types of things can you embroider besides clothing? Well, there are many things that can be custom embroidered for a little bit of flair!! Check out this article from ehow.com, on a few things you can embroider.

What Things Can You Embroider?

By Anya Marcot, eHow Contributor , last updated December 17, 2013

Things for the Home

Using embroidery, you can create a living space full of your own personal touch. Embroider cushions and pillows in your living room with designs that complement the furniture color. Make cloth lampshades stand out with your own border and refined details. Place settings and napkins at your next dinner party that display intricate designs you have created. Embroider a picture that tells a story onto a tapestry to hang on your wall as art. Embroider draping and hanging curtains with a landscape that relates to the room; a specific design style works for the bedroom, while an ocean scene or seashell theme is more appropriate for the bathroom.

Things to Wear

Walking through any department store, you will see men's and women's fashions saturated with embroidery. Designs printed on garments can fade while embroidery keeps looking new; embroidery imbues the look of elegance and quality to the garment. With embroidery, you can renovate tops and shirts into something new and create unique garments. Embroider a dress with flowers in a similar color scheme, or add accents to gloves. Embroider a hat with your favorite team logo, or embroider a favorite phrase or word onto a hat or T-shirt. Embroider children's clothing, bibs, baby blankets, socks or canvas shoes. If it's fabric, you can embroider it.

Things to Give

If someone you know owns a handheld device that can shatter into a million pieces, embroider a stylish protective covering for it. Think of a polyester or vinyl laptop case as a canvas, and add designs that suit the person's taste. Embroider a skull onto an MP3 player sock or onto a cloth phone holder you made yourself. Embroider stuffed animal outfits with the names of a couple or a message for the receiver. Order bags or totes to turn into works of art or spa slippers to embroider and give as a gift.

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/list_5974420_things-can-embroider_.html#ixzz2zX6Q0TE9

My work will be at Rolex!!

Good afternoon everyone!!

I am so excited to announce that my saddle pads are going to Rolex this year! Be sure to see the Retired Racehorse Training Project while you are there, and help support a great cause!

For more information on the Retired Racehorse Training Project, click here:
http://www.retiredracehorsetraining.org/

Stay tuned to see more samples of my work!

Welcome to the NEW Stitch Factory Blog!

Good afternoon everyone!

We are excited to have an official blog for Patricia Dane and the Stitch Factory Maryland! Here you can find latest examples of her work, as well as other tips and interesting articles. We hope that you will enjoy it and remember us for all of your custom embroidery needs!

Thanks,

The Stitch Factory
www.stitchfactorymaryland.com