This term I have returned to counted work and I am making a band sampler.
I started with the Wessex Flowers, which are going to be in the middle and I am going to work bands either side.
I am using congress cloth (25 count), silk threads (from Beautiful Stitches) and metallic threads (Treasure Braid).
Filed under Canvas Work, Embroidery
I finished my second coaster. I, unintentionally, went a bit ‘off-piste’ with this one. It’s a good thing the Sprats Head 2 (in the corners) are quite forgiving.
The design and threads are from Beautiful Stitches.
Filed under Canvas Work, Embroidery
I have started work on a second coaster – different threads and design. Both threads and design are from Beautiful Stitches.
I am using congress cloth and silk threads.
I am very pleased that I managed to get the Diamond Jessicas in the right place.
Filed under Canvas Work, Embroidery
The stitching on the coaster is finished.
I am using 24 count congress, silks and pattern from Beautiful Stitches.
I am planning a second one, but I think I might do my own design.
Filed under Canvas Work, Embroidery
I decided to do the class project for my Friday morning stitching group. This term, we are making coasters – we are going to put them in plastic snap frame things.
I am using 24 count congress cloth and silks from Beautiful Stitches.
My plan is to work on this in class (so not at home – I am going to work on Green Gables at home), but I will try to finish the border before next week, so I can learn the next stitch.
Filed under Canvas Work, Embroidery
Blackwork Triangles
I have done a bit more work – a tiny bit – on my blackwork sampler.
The new stitch is waffle (that’s what Becky Hogg calls it). I am struggling a bit with this stitch – working out what to do at the edges and just how to follow the pattern properly. Class starts again tomorrow though so I need to get going. I thought my eyes were part of the problem, but my optometrist says not yet – she suggested better lighting.
Filed under Blackwork, Canvas Work
Little Houses from Family Circle magazine 2016
I looked at these little houses and thought they would make a great school holiday project. I would whip one up as an example and then set the girls to it – you can see how much of my example I finished (school starts again tomorrow!).
I’m using a plastic canvas I found at Spotlight. There was no count on it, but I am using 6 strands of DMC embroidery floss. I strip the floss and then put it back together – Mary Corbet writes about it here.
Little Houses Progress
I anchor my thread with a waste knot (more Mary Corbet) and secure the thread with my first few stitches. Once I have been going a while I just use the existing stitches to anchor my new thread.
This is counted cross stitch, so requires a bit of concentration at first, but once you get going you can use your existing stitches as reference points. When I get to that point I listen to pod casts – BBC World Book Club. Dan Snow’s History Hit are two of my current favourites.
If you want to make your own Little Houses you can download the pattern here – you will have to provide an email address, but you can always unsubscribe later.
Filed under Canvas Work
Little Houses, Favourite Scarf and Nowhere Cowl
I finished my favourite scarf – it is currently blocking on my outdoor table. I am not too happy with the kitchener join – I think I should have had the pieces abutting each other rather than wrong sides together when I did it.
On the left of the image is the start of one of my Little Houses – I have to say working on the plastic canvas is surprisingly fun.
On the right of the image is my Nowhere Cowl – I don’t know if you can read it in the image, but there is quite a nice message about how the chart seems daunting, but is really quite easy. So far that does seem to be the case – it is quite easy to remember each row as I am doing it.
Craftsy – In the Hoop Gifts
I have also been watching my In the Hoop Gifts craftsy class – just the lesson on making zipper pouches. I do like the instructor – Sue O’Very -I am going to have to go and buy labels! I like how she has constructed her zipper bag and there a lots of little hints and tips I can use for other projects. Now to just get onto making one.
Filed under Canvas Work, Christmas Decorations, Machine Embroidery
Resting Birds – The Background
I am still working on the background – diagonal cashmere stitch – it is much quicker than the tent stitch and I have got myself into quite a nice rhythm, so even the tricky edge bits aren’t so bad.
I have been listening to Tess of the D’Urbervilles while stitching (read by Anna Bentinck) – damn you Alec D’Urberville and Angel Clare!
Filed under Canvas Work
It’s like watching grass grow – not that that is a bad thing. There is definitely a place for slow stitching. It is quite mesmerising – pulling the needle through the canvas.
Comparison is the thief of joy
I have been doing a lot of this lately – stealing joy.
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
And this as well – although I think (or hope) that I have had the fall. Sometimes I think I should not leave the house and socialise with people as I do it very badly.
Filed under Canvas Work
