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
Birds – look they match my flowers
Miss A has been unwell – headache, sore throat, cough (usual winter ailment), but it means we have been sticking close to home. So there has been a bit of canvas work done (and a lot of television viewing – 800 Words, Pitch Perfect 2). I am enjoying the process – very calming, although I suspect the back ground will be extremely annoying (do I do a different stitch to make it more interesting?)
Filed under Canvas Work
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
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
