Front Cover!
Inside
I finished my journal cover-I used a silk dupion (has a beautiful lustre). It frayed like made though and I didn’t want to trim the corners in case it just frays away (I did zig-zag all of the raw edges).
I think the embroidery it too large for the cover, but that is what I made it for and realistically I am not going to use a bigger journal.
Filed under Canvas Work, Sewing Machine
Journal Cover – Front
Journal Cover – Open
Journal Cover – Inside
This is my first attempt at constructing a book cover in the hoop. There were three hoopings; front, back and then joining them together. It works quite well – I am happy with the size – it could do with a bit of top stitching around the edges (but that would have to happen afterwards and not in the hoop). I have joined the two halves using a wide zig-zag and then hidden that under a grosgrain ribbon. This bit doesn’t work so well, so I am thinking of other options – bias binding or an embroidered strip – plus I think the cover of the zig-zag needs to be a bit wider.
I put a silk dupion to use with my canvas work. I am still thinking about the best way of inserting the canvas work – I don’t want any raw edges showing.
Filed under Canvas Work, Digitizing, Machine Embroidery
Just some of the current projects
There are too many good things to do and not enough time! I have my bird cushion – I mostly work on this at my embroidery class with Ann-Marie (although I have done a bit at home while watching Murdoch Mysteries – neither requires much concentration). I have my February jumper, which after many false starts is going well, but it does require concentration. Which is why I have a third project – I wanted something small (unlike the bird cushion) and easy to do. I decided on a scarf (Favourite Scarf Ever), which uses a ball of misti alpaca sock yarn (I have a lot of misti alpaca sock yarn and it seems a shame to hide it away in my shoes). This is a deceptively easy pattern – I’m getting lots of compliments on my high level of knitting skill!
Filed under Canvas Work, Knitting
Embroidery for Journal Cover
I have started to construct the journal cover – it shouldn’t be that difficult, but I have managed to measure wrong once (luckily I found out before cutting the fabric).
My girls have gone back to school, so I have put my sewing machine away, which will, of course, delay sewing this thing – although I still have a bit of cutting to do so I don’t really have an excuse.
Filed under Canvas Work, Fabric Stash, Sewing
Embroidery for Journal Cover
I finished the embroidery for my journal cover – now I need to make it into the cover. This will, of course, involve a trip to the fabric store. I had a quick look in my stash, but nothing suited.
This was a relaxing piece to work – it is all one stitch (an elongated cushion stitch). Definitely fullfilled my need for something meditative to do while watching television – the congress cloth might be the finest form of canvas I can do. I noticed I struggled to see it ocassionally and even felt a bit cross-eyed at times.
Next up is this
Resting Birds Cushion – from Fine Cell Works
I bought it from Mosman Needlecraft, while in Sydney. The shop assistant was very helpful and I am hoping for another relaxing T.V watching project.
Filed under Canvas Work
Canvas Work Progress
I have continued with my canvas work class. This term I am working on a journal cover. This term I have been very busy – extra students for tutoring and I have joined a running group, so I can improve my times (well it is really so I can stay fit and eat more!). All this means is that there is not a lot of extra time for embroidery, so I wanted something simple to do. This design only has cushion stitch and I find I can get into a rhythm and time just vanishes.
While working on this I have been watching series 6 of Downton Abbey (I pre-ordered from amazon.co.uk and it arrived unexpectedly one day). The costumes are spectacular – well worth watching just for that.
Filed under Canvas Work, miscellaneous
Threads from the DMC Whimsical Collection
New Project
My Canvas Work embroidery class has re-started and I needed a new project (after finishing this one).
As much as I find the process of embroidering wonderful, I am never sure what to do with the finished project. Just how many framed pieces, bags and covered boxes does one person need?
This piece is destined to be a journal cover, which should get a bit of use. I currently use an A5 notebook (along with my google calendar) to keep myself organised.
I’m just using the one stitch – cushion stitch (but it is elongated). I wanted to stitch something simple that didn’t require too much concentration so I can use it to relax or when watching T.V.
Filed under Canvas Work
Canvas Work Pendant
I have been working on this at my canvas work embroidery class (which is here). We used a silk sha fabric base, which was very small and might be the limit of what my eyes can tolerate. The middle section is a lattice with green and pink thread and a bead in the hole, green border is cushion stitch and the purple border cross stitch.
I’m glad I got this finished because I’m feeling over-whelmed with my number of unfinished projects. All though now I have to decide what to finish next.
Filed under Canvas Work
Finished Sampler – Not the best picture!
I finished this last week at my embroidery class – it was such a mammoth effort, blood, sweat and tears (literally in the case of the blood!).
I am so pleased that I finished it, but not all that taken with the final result. Having said that, this was always going to be about the journey. Slowing down and finding the quiet rhythm of needle through fabric. I will frame it and hang it on the wall as a reminder of slow pleasures and that a lot can be achieved by doing a little every week.
Filed under Canvas Work
Canvas Work Sampler
I have finished the rectangle of the sampler – it still needs a border, but I am thrilled to have finished the inside!
This was worked on 14 count canvas – which meant 9 strands of embroidery thread (I used DMC floss)! I’m definitely moving onto a smaller count next time.
Each ’tile’ is a different type of stitch. In some cases the compensation at the edges drove me mad!
Filed under Canvas Work
