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
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
Bargello
I’ve continued with my canvas work course this term. We had a Bargello lesson last week – above is my attempt. It is a very calming (not to mention easy) form of embroidery – I think my next piece will have Bargello in it.
I’m still working away on my sampler – two more sections to go.
Filed under Canvas Work
Canvas Work Sampler
Close Up
I have been working away on my canvas work sampler while watching Olive Kitteridge (which is great – I read the book and loved it, so was keen to see the adaptation particularly because Frances McDormand was Olive).
I have to say this sampler is very slow going. It was a mistake to use embroidery cotton – 9 strands all of that stripping! I should have used wool or picked a smaller canvas 18 count instead of 14. However, it is meant to be a learning experience. The green shape above was a pain to stitch – all that compensation around the edges.
Next up I want to try something pictorial and a bit folk arty.
Something Like This
I’m finding the idea of Berlin wool work quite appealing as well – although it is just tent stitch (so probably not that exciting to stitch).
Like this …
That way I could make something a bit more useful (maybe a cushion cover?).
However, I must finish my sampler first.
Filed under Canvas Work
