Tag Archives: Machine Embroidery

December 18, 2016 · 11:38 am

Zipper Pouch

Finished 5 by 7 Zipper Pouch

I made one of the zipper pouches from my Craftsy course – Miss A did ask me why I keep making things brown and I think I have fallen into the trap of not wanting to use my ‘good’ fabric on a practice.

It came together pretty smoothly. A few things I need to remember for next time:

  • the design needs to be rotated 180 degrees as the hoop attachment on my janome is on the opposite side to whatever machine the designer used.
  • don’t iron over the labels if you have used an erasable pen!
  • there is a lot of wasted fabric and I could cut the pieces much smaller.

Next up I am going to try the 6 by 10 version – as this one is slightly too small (getting my phone in and out is a bit painful).

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December 13, 2016 · 10:57 am

A Finished Object Plus Some New Projects

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.

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Filed under Canvas Work, Christmas Decorations, Machine Embroidery

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November 24, 2016 · 3:54 pm

A Return to Digitising

My new design

My new design

I know the above image doesn’t look like much, but this is going to be my new zip pouch. I measured my phone – because it is important my phone fits in – and then designed it around that measurement.

It will be lined and the front below the zip will have embroidery (although that might have to be done before rather than during the process of making this bag.

It takes a long time to digitise anything – even something as simple as this (it is essentially rectangles and straight lines).

I have this silk I want to use …

Silk!

But perhaps I need an allover design?

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September 12, 2016 · 12:44 pm

Silk!

Silk!

Silk!

Every friday afternoon Miss P goes to a different primary school than her usual one. This different school is in a suburb a long way from ours – well outside my comfort zone. I don’t know where anything is or even what there is to do. There is no point in coming home after dropping her off, so I have been exploring.

Last week I put ‘fabric stores’ into Google Maps and surprisingly there was one 7 minutes away! Fabulous Fabrics! It was fabulous – so many beautiful fabrics – the beaded ones were amazing.

I bought 2 metres of silk – the pinkish one (called peony) and an ivory one.

I plan to make an embroidered evening bag/clutch thing. I want to use some of the designs from here – I just need to decide if I want an allover design or individual designs.

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June 9, 2016 · 2:34 pm

Journal Cover – Machine Embroidery

Journal Cover - Front

Journal Cover – Front

Journal Cover - Open

Journal Cover – Open

Journal Cover - Inside

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.

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February 17, 2014 · 4:40 pm

Sampler Quilt – Courthouse Steps Block

Courthouse Steps Block

Courthouse Steps Block

I finished the four blocks that make one courthouse steps block. As I want this quilt finished, I’m trying to do a little often.

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February 3, 2014 · 11:42 am

Embroidery

Images from 'Royal School of Needlework - Embroidery Techniques'

Images from ‘Royal School of Needlework – Embroidery Techniques’

I really like textiles and embroidery. I like the look of embroidery and the stories behind the creation of embroidery, but I am too lazy/impatient to do hand embroidery. I do like machine embroidery – both free motion and the digitised version – what I would really like to do is create embroidery that looks like it has been done by hand using my embroidery machine. To this end, I have been trying to improve my digitising. I made this blackwork sampler and now I am trying to learn silk shading. I am discovering a few tips and tricks with my software (which is Embird) and like anything I just need to practise.

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November 30, 2013 · 2:20 pm

Bears Paw Block is Finished

Finished Bears Paw Block

Finished Bears Paw Block

This is the third of my foundation pieced blocks.

I can’t say I am that thrilled with my fabric choice, but I am determined to get this quilt finished.

Next up is Courthouse Steps.

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November 25, 2013 · 2:13 pm

Bachelor’s Puzzle Block Finished

Finished Bachelor's Puzzle

Finished Bachelor’s Puzzle

This is my second attempt at this block. In the previous version the finished block was too small – I forgot about seam allowances when I digitised the block!

Two blocks down ten to go.

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November 19, 2013 · 4:00 pm

Blackwork Sampler

I have done a practice stitch out of my sampler.

Stitching away

Stitching away

Here is the finished version …

Finished Sampler

Finished Sampler

My sewing machine had a bit of a moment at one point – the bobbin and top threads got all tangled, there was a horrible noise and it ground to a halt, however, I am happy with the final results. I think more stabilisation and a nicer fabric and it will be fine.

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