March Kit - tiocfaidh ár mná
Are you ready to start stitching with me!? TIOCFAIDH ÁR MNÁ >>our women will come<<
No, not like that! It's a play on the Irish republican slogan 'tiocfaidh ár lá' meaning our day will come, referring to the day when we succeed in a free and united Ireland. So I suppose this version could be interpreted as the day we succeed in equality for women. I can’t take the credit for coining the phrase, but it’s definitely not as popular as I think it should be!
Sometimes, I look at the design printed on the fabric and think 'is stitching this really going to change it much? Should this be sold as a print rather than an embroidery kit?' I mean, I really liked the design, but I think with this one in particular I couldn’t quite picture the final piece in my head. Then I stitched it. And I remembered why I fell in love with this artform all over again.
Have you tried adding beads to your embroidery before? They're a great way to add small details, give some depth, and build up the sparkle. We're using 2 sizes of seed beads in this design - 11 and 15 - and they're so tiny! But don't worry, I always give you plenty extra in case one or two go walkabout. If you do decide to get into more bead embroidery, I’d definitely recommend using a velvet board. It helps to keep the beads in one place while you work.
We're also using metallic thread to really up the sparkle content with this one! If you've ever tried stitching with this type of thread before, you'll know its nothing like the cotton floss. It has a life of it's own and will not be tamed unless you're gentle and loving seriously though - keep your lengths short, stick to one or two strands, and have plenty of patience. This one can smell frustration. Also be prepared for the ends to fray and break, it's totally normal to trim an inch or two off the end to keep in manageable.
This design is definitely giving some witchy/tarot kinda vibes. So while stitching it, I got thinking - ever noticed how hand embroidery feels a bit like witchcraft? Each stitch is like a little incantation, weaving together threads of magic and imagination. With just a needle and some thread, we conjure up vibrant designs that tell stories and transform fabric into art. So grab your tools, witches, it’s time to create some enchantment! Let’s turn that needle into a magic wand!
