Learn more about Mary and her dedication to adding beauty to the world.

I learned to embroider when I was a kid, when everyone was really into cross stitch (remember the ’80’s?). Eventually, I migrated to surface embroidery, teaching myself with whatever I could get my hands on.

I got into serious embroidery when studying art history in college, as a result of a growing interest in historical and ecclesiastical embroidery. I began reading a lot, collecting books and pieces of old embroidery, taking pictures and looking at pieces up close. I tried different techniques, until I figured out the one question that always nagged me when I saw a beautiful piece of embroidery: “How did they do that?” I couldn’t rest until I knew.
Back then (mid-1990’s and pre-internet), it was practically impossible to find supplies! In the US, surface embroidery was not nearly as popular as it is now.
When I finished my BA, I began teaching high school English. Eventually, I picked up my post graduate studies again. Once I finished post grad work, I became a college professor, teaching teachers how to teach.
After 18 years in the academic world, five of which were simultaneously spent building Needle ‘n Thread, it became clear that I could not give 100% to my professional career and to Needle ‘n Thread.
I took the plunge, stepped out of the academic world, and devoted myself full time to Needle ‘n Thread.

Thanks for joining me on my embroidery adventures! The gallery images are from Mary's website. View more at:  https://www.needlenthread.com/