tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54200538054099772712024-03-18T07:46:25.443-02:30Eglantine StitcheryAurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.comBlogger173125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-12155666712206391492020-12-19T23:45:00.000-03:302020-12-19T23:45:39.006-03:30Tutorial for an Easy Padded Ornament<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ceSMaRNyp4/X96saTip6EI/AAAAAAAAFrk/9Ghte7vHqrc38HddBPRvpqi1uf6qhCe2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s500/BWS_Sharing_2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="500" height="219" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ceSMaRNyp4/X96saTip6EI/AAAAAAAAFrk/9Ghte7vHqrc38HddBPRvpqi1uf6qhCe2gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h219/BWS_Sharing_2.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's so hard to believe, but another holiday season is upon us! After what has been an incredibly challenging and difficult year for many, I know I'm not the only stitcher behind on Christmas gift stitching right now. So I'm sharing an older step-by-step photo tutorial - <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2013/08/final-finish-snowflake-in-summer.html">Final Finish: A Snowflake in Summer!</a> - from way back in August 2013 that is perfect for last minute ornament assembly!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fzjkTt-aRk/X96suLL-qiI/AAAAAAAAFr0/4dqtIL3QfG4skHeYwOU9SGfIS2xchqi-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/BS_C_Front_Back.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1200" height="276" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fzjkTt-aRk/X96suLL-qiI/AAAAAAAAFr0/4dqtIL3QfG4skHeYwOU9SGfIS2xchqi-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h276/BS_C_Front_Back.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /><br /></a><br /></div><div>This type of flat, padded stitched ornament with twisted cording edging and tassel is the standard way of finishing stitched ornaments in my family, and I first learned how to do it from my Stitchy Guru Mother many years ago. These days, I've been experimenting more with ornaments laced over cardboard, for a firmer structured look, but these quick padded ornaments are great for sending in the mail - they are unbreakable and light! This makes them extremely easy to store too.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fiBEcG4czwg/X96stxjHkcI/AAAAAAAAFrw/hrWcWCWuux4q0S-LwdU8_fjU2WGUDNtFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/BS_C_Turning_Insert_Stuffing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="400" height="340" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fiBEcG4czwg/X96stxjHkcI/AAAAAAAAFrw/hrWcWCWuux4q0S-LwdU8_fjU2WGUDNtFQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h340/BS_C_Turning_Insert_Stuffing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's an example of the step-by-step photos I took while making my ornament - here I'm showing how to make the padded insert from two layers of quilt batting. I hope you'll find the tutorial helpful, and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments or e-mail me (my address is in the sidebar under the pretty postage stamps)! You can read more about the beautiful snowflake design - a freebie from <a href="http://wyrdbyrdsnest.blogspot.com/p/blackwork-smalls.html" target="_blank">Wyrdbyrd Designs</a> - and my stitch choices in the <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-very-special-snowflake.html" target="_blank">original post</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>I added a lot of sparkle with seed beads and metallic thread!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6BLucAZidWs/X96tIulxo4I/AAAAAAAAFsA/oDa-jzEWecom-uFzsrCh6qgxJuPBhSMtACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/100_6681.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1600" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6BLucAZidWs/X96tIulxo4I/AAAAAAAAFsA/oDa-jzEWecom-uFzsrCh6qgxJuPBhSMtACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h260/100_6681.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>If you make an ornament of your own using this tutorial, I'd love to see it! As the years pass by and I grow older, family traditions like these little padded ornaments mean so much more to me. They are stitched with love, and that is what really matters β€ Wherever you are and however you are celebrating this year, I wish you health, happiness, creativity and much stitchy joy!!!<br /></div><div><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXdvsA1vM98/X96-UM8lPhI/AAAAAAAAFsM/GicrCPkFlr0pUZXx7K3MPeNbClMjzyPsACLcBGAsYHQ/s852/Christmas_angel_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="852" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXdvsA1vM98/X96-UM8lPhI/AAAAAAAAFsM/GicrCPkFlr0pUZXx7K3MPeNbClMjzyPsACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/Christmas_angel_3.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>β Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year from Eglantine Stitchery β</b></div><b></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-13494947350582727072020-11-06T22:52:00.000-03:302020-11-06T22:52:01.681-03:30π A New Start for Autumn π<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QAcXrGSOst4/X5n0Hoh6GXI/AAAAAAAAFmU/voF09ok8uGgG74HtF9um5OC5AsZqY4cBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1141/DG_FFKit_CU2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="1141" height="334" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QAcXrGSOst4/X5n0Hoh6GXI/AAAAAAAAFmU/voF09ok8uGgG74HtF9um5OC5AsZqY4cBgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h334/DG_FFKit_CU2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>
Has there ever been something that you would absolutely love to stitch but have never been able to buy for some reason (or have bought but haven't had the time to start)?
<a href="https://www.simplicity.com/simplicity-storefront-catalog/needle-arts/counted-cross-stitch/fall-fairy-counted-cross-stitch_70-35262/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dimensions Gold's Fall Fairy</a> has been at the top of my wishlist for years! I've loved it ever since I first saw it on the cover of a <a href="https://www.herrschners.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Herrschners</a> mail order catalogue when it was released several years ago (unfortunately, I can't remember the exact year - if you do, please let me know! I'd really appreciate it). </div><div><br /></div><div>Most of my stitching has been gifts for others, and I rarely do large projects - and never one for myself, as of yet, although I have several planned in my Stitchy Stash. They require a much larger commitment of time, energy and resources - and space! </div><div><br /></div><div>And Dimensions Gold kits are expensive, because the designs are complex and intricate - in my opinion, they're the best mass-market cross-stitch kits available, although I've ever only worked one: <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/search/label/Twilight%20Angel" target="_blank">my Twilight Angel</a> (which is a smaller Gold Petites kit), which is still unfinished (but not forgotten - I'm still waiting on finding the perfect frame to finish stitching on the background scattering of stars and sequins and the embellishments). </div><div><br /></div><div>To my surprise and delight, a very kind friend - who isn't a stitcher (yet!), but who happened to remember my love for this kit from a passing conversation - gifted me the Fall Fairy for my birthday this year, and I'm so excited and grateful to finally have a chance to stitch her! It's an amazing feeling to get your dream project in your hands π</div><div><br /></div><div>This design is based on <a href="http://goldenwoodstudio.com/art/fantasy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ruth Sanderson</a>'s amazing artwork:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9AQZKvXKxhk/X5tutJycx8I/AAAAAAAAFmk/QGSfnZ7vqsAFJZGJL31prVnAURcUH5WfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/RuthSandersonartwork.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="1600" height="293" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9AQZKvXKxhk/X5tutJycx8I/AAAAAAAAFmk/QGSfnZ7vqsAFJZGJL31prVnAURcUH5WfgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h293/RuthSandersonartwork.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Although the cross-stitch version is cropped and simplified - the fairy is missing her butterfly wings, and the many little pixies and sprites have vanished - she retains the lovely joyful exuberance that I also feel for Autumn. You can almost feel the magic wind she's creating whirling the leaves and whipping her clothes! </div><div><br /></div><div>And the Fall Fairy is part of an informal seasonal series of Dimensions Gold Sanderson artwork adaptations! I absolutely love designs based on the Four Seasons πβπ·π»</div><div><br /></div><div>There is also the beautiful <a href="https://www.simplicity.com/simplicity-storefront-catalog/needle-arts/counted-cross-stitch/woodland-enchantress-counted-cross-stitch_35173/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Woodland Enchantress</a> (Winter):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pZ75DC9VUck/X6XgK2VSIvI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/A8Lm8XAfPPcdGZlqz2Kb66SlP-nW9YzTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s497/RSDGKits_WoodlandEnchantress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="497" height="363" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pZ75DC9VUck/X6XgK2VSIvI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/A8Lm8XAfPPcdGZlqz2Kb66SlP-nW9YzTQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h363/RSDGKits_WoodlandEnchantress.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Thanks to my Stitchy Guru Mother, who gifted this kit to me a few years ago (she was looking for the Fall Fairy to give me but it was out of stock at the time), I also have the Enchantress in my Stash and she will make a wonderful companion for my Fall Fairy! </div><div><br /></div><div>She's a kit I've put off stitching because, frankly, the design is very intricate and a little intimidating π I also thought I would need a dedicated space to leave her set up - and an actual needlework stand of some kind - but I'm finding ways around both with my Fall Fairy. So if I can finish this kit, this will be the next big project I tackle π</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, there is the delicate <a href="https://www.simplicity.com/simplicity-storefront-catalog/needle-arts/counted-cross-stitch/spring-fairy-counted-cross-stitch_70-35354/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spring Fairy</a>, playing a flute (I love her wings!): </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ltBp1UBrqdc/X6XgVuDOTbI/AAAAAAAAFoU/PZo4MVU_y40pvWPtuKQYjjsEA_gP5o38QCLcBGAsYHQ/s499/RSDGKits_SpringFairy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="499" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ltBp1UBrqdc/X6XgVuDOTbI/AAAAAAAAFoU/PZo4MVU_y40pvWPtuKQYjjsEA_gP5o38QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h360/RSDGKits_SpringFairy2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And finally, there is the charming <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Dimensions-Collection-Fairytale-Counted-11-Inch/dp/B00OY2D8UY#:~:text=Dimensions%2018%20Count%20Gold%20Collection%20Fairytale,Counted%20Cross%20Stitch%20Kit%2C%2015%20by%2011-Inch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fairytale</a> (Summer), which unfortunately seems to be out of production at the moment:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9SrApQbykQ8/X6XgdkJbN4I/AAAAAAAAFoc/xi68-DCa-mAhbWk3nnKWexcJp14W8QrlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s417/RSDGKits_Fairytale_Summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="417" height="324" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9SrApQbykQ8/X6XgdkJbN4I/AAAAAAAAFoc/xi68-DCa-mAhbWk3nnKWexcJp14W8QrlwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h324/RSDGKits_Fairytale_Summer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Although I don't think these were meant to be an official set, I do think they compliment each other perfectly! For anyone who has wondered what comes in a Dimensions Gold kit, I thought I'd do a quick run down. The kit contents come in clear plastic folder with a large full-colour photo on the front:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jq_wiPqqJjI/X6XhSnGgT8I/AAAAAAAAFok/qmMgpA2MFYgV2fCWdQS_TaVQVqglManvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1549/DG_FFKit_FullSq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1549" data-original-width="1549" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jq_wiPqqJjI/X6XhSnGgT8I/AAAAAAAAFok/qmMgpA2MFYgV2fCWdQS_TaVQVqglManvwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/DG_FFKit_FullSq.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The charts have changed, and are now on shiny paper. I was concerned at first that this wouldn't take highlighter well (I mark off the stitches as I do them to keep track of my place), but thankfully it does. Both pages are double sided, with no overlap. There is a small inset for the detailed backstitch on the face. The symbols are large, clear and multi-coloured. There is an additional page with instructions in several languages, a legend for floss and materials, and stitch diagrams and order.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVnxZXDWZg8/X6XjVvYfO9I/AAAAAAAAFow/HPB2LWMCCuYJrYpYdZhWfMWOioSaCZ0pwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DG_FFKit_Charts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVnxZXDWZg8/X6XjVvYfO9I/AAAAAAAAFow/HPB2LWMCCuYJrYpYdZhWfMWOioSaCZ0pwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DG_FFKit_Charts.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My favourite part of Dimensions Gold kits are the presorted threads!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gnTYGOJu8kc/X6XjspglY0I/AAAAAAAAFo4/aiFtxxAqiq0Hw8SP8qzin8tHuObbR_L9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1650/DG_FFKit_Threads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="1650" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gnTYGOJu8kc/X6XjspglY0I/AAAAAAAAFo4/aiFtxxAqiq0Hw8SP8qzin8tHuObbR_L9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/DG_FFKit_Threads.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>There are 38 colours (with 8 blended colours) and a single-stranded gold metallic. They come already affixed to two cards with a small image of the colour and the colour number. Extra threads for some colours come in additional bundles labelled with the colour number only. I love these, and I make my own versions for nearly every project. </div><div><br /></div><div>The only thing that could be improved is including the stitch symbol by each colour! I try to draw my own on, but they're always wonky π I also use a hole punch to add a parking spot for each thread colour on the opposite side, in the white space. For the blended colours, I'll be making my own little thread card to keep them tidy.</div><div><br /></div><div>The kit comes with a gorgeous blue-gray 16 count Aida - the colour of a blustery Autumn sky - and gold beads. There are also two needles, one tapestry and the other crewel (for beading, I think, although it's a little thick). I'm using a 17x17 <a href="https://qsnap.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Q-Snaps</a> style frame (mine is made by <a href="https://www.hakidd.com/product.php?iproductid=2005234" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unique</a> / <a href="https://www.hakidd.com/index.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">H. A. Kidd</a>) instead of a hoop.</div><div><br /></div><div>For this project, I decided to do something I've never done before: I gridded the fabric!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVDKyBOxF4c/X6Xrp-J7KRI/AAAAAAAAFpE/r-jPLZU2CxMRVFJyVT-ww0SKSz9Lzt1nQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Gridding_Full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1665" data-original-width="2048" height="325" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVDKyBOxF4c/X6Xrp-J7KRI/AAAAAAAAFpE/r-jPLZU2CxMRVFJyVT-ww0SKSz9Lzt1nQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h325/Gridding_Full.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Although I've seen gridding recommended for larger projects, I've never tried it before. Because the design is fully stitched (also a first for me!), I wanted to make the counting easier. <b>It took some time to set up but I'm so glad I did - it's really helped</b>! </div><div><br /></div><div>There are many different ways to <a href="https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/gridding-cross-stitch-fabric-984370">stitch a grid pattern</a> on your fabric, and several different special materials available, including guideline threads. Most <a href="https://lordlibidan.com/cross-stitch-gridding-techniques/">tutorials</a> recommend an easy-to-see colour not used in your project (frequently bright red) and a stiff thread, like fishing line or monofilament.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pZcZ1NQosLY/X6XsXM9N98I/AAAAAAAAFpM/2rFewPO7Xr8Qo2R5m0J-JpjtAvw1d3KuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1728/Gridding_CU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="1728" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pZcZ1NQosLY/X6XsXM9N98I/AAAAAAAAFpM/2rFewPO7Xr8Qo2R5m0J-JpjtAvw1d3KuwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/Gridding_CU.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Since I was impatient to start my Fall Fairy, I used sewing thread to grid, using the <b>Over 8, Under 2</b> method to make 10 stitch squares. I chose this design because it keeps the majority of the thread visible on top the fabric, so it's easy to adjust the tension and there's less chance of getting the gridding thread caught up in my cross-stitches. I only gridded the vertical lines, and that works well for me - again, less gridding thread to catch in my stitches, but a great guideline for positioning them. </div><div><br /></div><div>As you can see, I started the threads on the front side of the fabric from the bottom, gridded up and over and then back down, in a U shaped pattern. I let the ends dangle so they are easy to adjust and hopefully easy to pull out once my stitching is finished!</div><div><br /></div><div>The blue star pin is marking the middle of my fabric, the point where all four sections of the pattern converge. I later changed it out for a less pointy (and therefore less thread-catchy) green heart pin. I left the gridding threads a little slack so they float over the cross stitches; it's easy to make them tighter or looser by pulling them out with your needle, and I just nudge them aside when stitching close to them.</div><div><br /></div><div>It took a bit of time to adjust to working in this new way and it was awkward at first but I'm only sorry I never tried it before! It really does give you a way to double-check your placement and avoid counting errors. I've made a few small ones but the grid has made me catch them much faster than I would have otherwise.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XOmOJfXBPcM/X6XvFn0VRfI/AAAAAAAAFpY/4kJG47k3aoMXkULyaw8YsgEy-v7ugRqkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1728/DG_FFKit_Start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="1728" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XOmOJfXBPcM/X6XvFn0VRfI/AAAAAAAAFpY/4kJG47k3aoMXkULyaw8YsgEy-v7ugRqkQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/DG_FFKit_Start.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's my start so far! I'm really enjoying stitching my Fall Fairy during her Season, it makes it extra-special π What's your dream stitchy kit or project? And do you enjoy seasonal stitching? I hope you'll follow along with me on this new stitchy adventure! <br /></div><div><br /></div>Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-91608085355631307762020-10-29T23:47:00.001-02:302020-10-29T23:47:34.240-02:30𧩠Puzzle Review: Sewing Room π§Ά<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOZBRZ-aaqE/X5tyG6y5KNI/AAAAAAAAFm0/WlCPbwoShiwDrgWPPg-lpW1xgIxw8zjWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1224/SewingRoom_withBox_Square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1224" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOZBRZ-aaqE/X5tyG6y5KNI/AAAAAAAAFm0/WlCPbwoShiwDrgWPPg-lpW1xgIxw8zjWgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/SewingRoom_withBox_Square.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Continuing on with my current love of crafty jigsaw puzzles, this is <a href="https://www.eurographicspuzzles.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eurographics</a>' <a href="https://www.eurographicspuzzles.com/en/6000-5347.aspx?o=6000-5347" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sewing Room</a>, with beautiful artwork by fantasy artist <a href="https://www.ciromarchetti.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ciro Marchetti</a>! </div><div><br /></div><div>Although they're really not at all similar, it reminded me of a <a href="https://www.simplicity.com/simplicity-storefront-catalog/our-brands/dimensions-crafts/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dimensions Gold</a> kit I've always liked called <a href="https://www.simplicity.com/simplicity-storefront-catalog/needle-arts/counted-cross-stitch/maggie-the-messmaker-counted-cross-stitch_03884/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maggie the Messmaker</a> (with artwork by the late <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20151117092615/http://charleswysocki.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Charles Wysocki</a>):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bR4KxLp-tTo/X5tzN3GKG8I/AAAAAAAAFm8/TuEEu8PksGcPKVBdLSSVADpqKjX3XBe0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s500/maggie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bR4KxLp-tTo/X5tzN3GKG8I/AAAAAAAAFm8/TuEEu8PksGcPKVBdLSSVADpqKjX3XBe0gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/maggie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Both feature a mischievous cat let loose in a craft room, lying next to a beautiful vintage sewing machine. I'm not a cat owner (fiercely allergic in fact) but cats and creative pursuits just seem to compliment each other - most of the crafters I follow online have feline "helpers" who adorably lend a paw (or two) in photos πΈ</div><div><br /></div><div>I absolutely loved putting this 1000 piece puzzle together, the colours are so vibrant:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A6giMZon4-Y/X5t0KYfBgEI/AAAAAAAAFnI/DT9_uQTeX3kEhwC3DD-eNWTqT5Ljdkv_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1561/SewingRoom_Full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1561" height="294" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A6giMZon4-Y/X5t0KYfBgEI/AAAAAAAAFnI/DT9_uQTeX3kEhwC3DD-eNWTqT5Ljdkv_ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h294/SewingRoom_Full.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I really liked the other crafts included: the patchwork pillows, the balls of wool and knitting needles, the pretty floral hats and the tatted lace doilies. The rolls and bolts of fabric were especially fun to put together. The portraits of two lady seamstresses were a lovely touch. And there are all kinds of cute little details - I especially loved this little mouse sneaking up on the sleeping cat:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKVDUUCubEM/X5t0YahFqiI/AAAAAAAAFnM/aAfXtAKNm7ENFbhvenKxuuYd-xF9va5LQCLcBGAsYHQ/s940/SewingRoom_Cat%2526Mouse_Square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="940" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKVDUUCubEM/X5t0YahFqiI/AAAAAAAAFnM/aAfXtAKNm7ENFbhvenKxuuYd-xF9va5LQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/SewingRoom_Cat%2526Mouse_Square.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The pieces are a regular grid design but fit together very nicely. I highly recommend this one, and it would make a lovely gift for that crafty puzzler in your life π</div><div><br /></div><div>Do you craft with help from a pet?</div>Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-71413999352642274952020-08-02T03:59:00.000-02:302020-08-02T04:02:37.807-02:30Review: Cobble Hill Jigsaw Puzzles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TuzKsQbluRA/Xtu55I08QqI/AAAAAAAAFgM/0V_6FLq-am8-iUyJPRmjIbzJvi0fficDACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/CH_Grandma%2527sButtons_LoveNeverFaileth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TuzKsQbluRA/Xtu55I08QqI/AAAAAAAAFgM/0V_6FLq-am8-iUyJPRmjIbzJvi0fficDACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/CH_Grandma%2527sButtons_LoveNeverFaileth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>"Love Never Faileth" - one of my favourite details from <i>Grandma's Buttons</i></b></div><br />
The world has become really overwhelming since the last time I posted! I hope you and your loved ones are keeping well, as much as possible right now π <br />
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One of the few perks of the pandemic is a renewed interest in jigsaw puzzling 𧩠In my family, we usually always did a puzzle together at Christmastime; often Santa Claus would leave a gift for "all of us" under the tree, and in the post-Christmas lull we would all put a few pieces in here and there. I have very happy memories of those times π<br />
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What I've never done, until now, is buy a puzzle for myself and put it together from start to finish alone - and I've discovered that I really love it! When I can't focus on anything else, or I'm feeling restless, anxious or upset, working on a puzzle calms me down. I love the bright colours, shifting the pieces through my hands, knowing that it will all fit together in the end - somehow π I enjoy the process as much as the finished result.<br />
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As a consequence, I've discovered a whole new world of premium puzzle manufacturers and puzzling fans and reviewers! For anyone else getting back into the world of puzzles, I highly recommend having a look at brand websites, YouTube reviews that show actual puzzles in assembly to get a feel for a brand's design, and searching for puzzle blogs. I've only scratched the tip of the iceberg, but I was happy to find a thriving online jigsaw community that is currently growing by leaps and bounds!<br />
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A trio of helpful links to start with: <br />
𧩠<a href="https://jigsawjunkies.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jigsaw Junkie</a>'s extensive <a href="https://jigsawjunkies.com/puzzle-brand-comparison/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brand Comparison</a><br />
𧩠<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2umy62ojMfxzzHkVcgEUUA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Karen Puzzles on YouTube</a>, with helpful videos on all aspects of puzzling;<br />
𧩠and <a href="https://myjigsawjournal.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Jigsaw Journey</a>, the blog of an avid puzzler!<br />
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First, I worked through my small pile of puzzles from Christmases past. My favourite was this one, <a href="https://www.cobblehillpuzzles.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cobble Hill</a>'s <b><a href="https://www.cobblehillpuzzles.com/Sewing-Notions-p/80098.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sewing Notions</a></b>:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyHXtwVAOE0/Xtu9K00RfQI/AAAAAAAAFgY/AuUDNNgkKgsRpIv_d1xr6-QlSjxs4VqhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SewingNotionsPuzzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1595" data-original-width="1595" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyHXtwVAOE0/Xtu9K00RfQI/AAAAAAAAFgY/AuUDNNgkKgsRpIv_d1xr6-QlSjxs4VqhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/SewingNotionsPuzzle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I bought this for us for Christmas 2016, but that was a very difficult time with a death in the family and so I didn't put it together until April 2019. The gorgeous image - which includes vintage needlebooks, needle packages, embroidery floss, wooden thread spools, crochet hooks, knitting needles, and many buttons! - is by amazing college artist <a href="https://shelleysdavies.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shelley Davies</a>. My favourite detail is this vintage cross-stitch band:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tyIdpYpiVwM/Xtu-G0WKg4I/AAAAAAAAFgg/U81CqhxDoZsHwz--MErUTkwk18L15YVIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SewingNotionsPuzzleCloseUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tyIdpYpiVwM/Xtu-G0WKg4I/AAAAAAAAFgg/U81CqhxDoZsHwz--MErUTkwk18L15YVIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/SewingNotionsPuzzleCloseUp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And to my surprise and delight, when I posted about this puzzle on Instagram, Shelley told me that it's actually pillowcases that her Grandmother made! How wonderful is that?! One of the things I love about most needlework is the way it transcends generations and is often passed down in families π<br />
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<b>Notice the beige edging on the box: this is the old-style Cobble Hill puzzle, starting with number 5</b> (it is now available in the <a href="https://www.cobblehillpuzzles.com/Sewing-Notions-p/80098.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">improved new version</a>, but this is something to be aware of as older stock may still exist in stores). They do not have a reference poster, so the corner with the logo is a mystery. Also, although I love the image so much, the cut on the pieces wasn't great, with a lot of "play" between them - you couldn't put small sections together and then move them to the board. It was also my first <b><a href="https://www.cobblehillpuzzles.com/Our-Puzzles-s/1951.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">random cut</a></b> puzzle, where all the pieces are different shapes, and it was very challenging at first! It's something I've really come to love though, you know for sure you have the right piece in the right place. And the unique shapes are interesting to the eye.<br />
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Recently, I treated myself to two more of <a href="https://www.cobblehillpuzzles.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cobble Hill</a>'s <a href="https://www.cobblehillpuzzles.com/Craft-and-Hobby-Jigsaw-Puzzles-s/1893.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>crafty puzzles</b></a>:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pul1ckz4RYk/XtvAFmIE5TI/AAAAAAAAFgs/gHH8hxxkFyQfkXEZwpjR1-fei6aRvggbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/CH_Grandma%2527sButtons%2526CrazyQuilt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1600" height="287" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pul1ckz4RYk/XtvAFmIE5TI/AAAAAAAAFgs/gHH8hxxkFyQfkXEZwpjR1-fei6aRvggbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/CH_Grandma%2527sButtons%2526CrazyQuilt2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.cobblehillpuzzles.com/Crazy-Quilt-p/80245.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crazy Quilt</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.cobblehillpuzzles.com/Grandma-s-Buttons-p/80066.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grandma's Buttons</a></b></div><br />
<b>You can see these are the new number 8 series, with a green edging.</b> The number 5 series puzzles had a sky-blue cardboard for the pieces, which didn't fit together as well as they could. I'm happy to report the new version - with a regular cardboard back - fits together beautifully! These new puzzles share the lovely matte <b>linen finish</b> of the last series. Both come with a "poster", which to my delight is an uncreased great quality print, suitable for framing for your craft room!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CxCGgz8W_GA/XtvBxdudrYI/AAAAAAAAFg4/aFQ3KZryOMIWhY3fP8Zy0zqR-BVRtEkswCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/CH_Grandma%2527sButtons_Print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1529" data-original-width="1600" height="382" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CxCGgz8W_GA/XtvBxdudrYI/AAAAAAAAFg4/aFQ3KZryOMIWhY3fP8Zy0zqR-BVRtEkswCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/CH_Grandma%2527sButtons_Print.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This puzzle was a delight to put together from start to finish!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALXqaEAECLY/XtvDTmMOPKI/AAAAAAAAFhE/4NlXqGJIuDg33FXkqmCZS0bqTjobXvcWACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/CH_Grandma%2527sButtons1000_Rectangle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1600" height="279" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALXqaEAECLY/XtvDTmMOPKI/AAAAAAAAFhE/4NlXqGJIuDg33FXkqmCZS0bqTjobXvcWACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/CH_Grandma%2527sButtons1000_Rectangle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It was so fun to look at all the different buttons! In my family, we have a tradition of button tins. I have fond memories from when I was very young of playing with my Great-Grandmother's button tin; I could spend ages shifting the buttons through my hands, marvelling at the different colours, shapes and textures. Not much has changed π My Grandma has several small collections, mostly lost and orphaned buttons; my Mom has a large collection, mostly on cards from her sewing days; and I'm proud to have my own these days! Some of the buttons in the puzzle were similar to ones in our collections, and some - like the sparkler on top of this dish - I'd love to own!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQiLB0-iQJc/XtvDc-OoAYI/AAAAAAAAFhI/WD4E40rw3-AR-QGSyhs1vHeVOlRATwUTACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/CH_Grandma%2527sButtons_BlueGreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="1600" height="317" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQiLB0-iQJc/XtvDc-OoAYI/AAAAAAAAFhI/WD4E40rw3-AR-QGSyhs1vHeVOlRATwUTACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/CH_Grandma%2527sButtons_BlueGreen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
With this puzzle, I found myself putting together each dish by colour, then doing the edges of the dishes, followed by the pretty vintage floral background.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U6TVuoLgx70/XtvEkFm7BuI/AAAAAAAAFhU/MCdGs61L460_tDg-W6Vmpe764xDHnNyAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/CH_Grandma%2527sButtons_Roses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="1600" height="316" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U6TVuoLgx70/XtvEkFm7BuI/AAAAAAAAFhU/MCdGs61L460_tDg-W6Vmpe764xDHnNyAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/CH_Grandma%2527sButtons_Roses.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I love the little ribbon roses in this dish too!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KDFH4n95khc/XtvE7fBoOcI/AAAAAAAAFhc/-RetD7kewxgROTJSa2IZIWc5uRxeicw9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/CH_Grandma%2527sButtons_GoldDish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KDFH4n95khc/XtvE7fBoOcI/AAAAAAAAFhc/-RetD7kewxgROTJSa2IZIWc5uRxeicw9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/CH_Grandma%2527sButtons_GoldDish.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And this single gold-rimmed dish reminds me of beautiful real Mother-of-Pearl buttons that were plentiful in my Great-Grandma's button tin, so long ago π<br />
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Since I was a young child, I've been fascinated by crazy quilts! The traditional rich jewel tone colours, the beautiful specialty fabrics like velvet and satin, all the different textures of appliques and ephemera, the intricate combinations of stitches - it all speaks to my stitchy soul and my magpie stashing instinct! I would love to make one of my own some day, and I have been collecting a few books on the subject for inspiration. <br />
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So I was thrilled to discover <a href="https://www.cobblehillpuzzles.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cobble Hill</a>'s <b><a href="https://www.cobblehillpuzzles.com/Crazy-Quilt-p/80245.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crazy Quilt</a></b> puzzle:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qiS8tGJhoKM/XyZQjy306fI/AAAAAAAAFjM/qGlMX2aE2DAsVyel-o0WIgzHNZXvgE94gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/CH_CrazyQuiltBox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qiS8tGJhoKM/XyZQjy306fI/AAAAAAAAFjM/qGlMX2aE2DAsVyel-o0WIgzHNZXvgE94gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/CH_CrazyQuiltBox.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This was another puzzle I greatly enjoyed and would highly recommend, but it is definitely on the more challenging side! I had thought that I would enjoy following the stitches in the seam treatments, but the puzzle image is a painting by <a href="http://klebesadel.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Helen Klebesadel</a> (from her series <a href="http://klebesadel.com/gallery/quilts-3/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Watercolor Quilts: Everyday Use</a>) and up close all the stitches fragment so you can't really match them up. The colours are much farther ranging than the brights you immediately see, because the draping of the quilt necessitates lots of really dark shading. So I put the pieces together by colour!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kllHjWCHGuQ/XyZQqCtyZzI/AAAAAAAAFjQ/TbRsmdVPE3M092DIxwG-CGxHlljov8n3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/CH_CrazyQuilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kllHjWCHGuQ/XyZQqCtyZzI/AAAAAAAAFjQ/TbRsmdVPE3M092DIxwG-CGxHlljov8n3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/CH_CrazyQuilt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It's a very fun effect, because while you're working close up with the pieces it almost looks like stained glass, and then when you step back from it, all the stitches finally come into focus and you see the quilting effect! Although the cover image is vertical I ended up putting together the puzzle horizontally, as I find it easier to reach that way. <br />
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I use a sheet of black foam board core and hold it in my lap, across the arms of a comfy chair; it's light and maneuverable, the dark colour makes the pieces show up, and it's easy to stow away under a couch or a bed while the puzzle is in progress. And, as you can see, it's just the right size for most 1000 piece puzzles!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ2jBLbyyFE/XyZQqSZkWuI/AAAAAAAAFjU/coiVvZIBPd0Sff39vcfZiptwgvRhfhLAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/CH_CrazyQuilt_Fan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ2jBLbyyFE/XyZQqSZkWuI/AAAAAAAAFjU/coiVvZIBPd0Sff39vcfZiptwgvRhfhLAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/CH_CrazyQuilt_Fan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
My Some Day Crazy Quilt will definitely have a fan motif, I've always been drawn to them - so I was thrilled to discover this one in the puzzle (there is also a traditional cobweb too)! It was also very fun to try and identify the different embroidery stitches used. This is one of the most challenging puzzles I've ever done, and the most challenging puzzle I've ever done solo, but it was worth it and it's one I can see doing again and again.<br />
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Although Cobble Hill puzzles are in the pricier "premium puzzle" bracket, I think they give excellent value for money and are sturdy, to withstand repeated assemblies. I love both of these images enough to do the puzzles again, and they would make great gifts for a housebound stitchy friend! Although jigsaw puzzles have been nearly impossible to buy during the pandemic, due to renewed interest and manufacturer closures, <a href="https://www.cobblehillpuzzles.com/in-stock-puzzles-s/2096.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cobble Hill has recently reopened</a> and is slowly restocking, and I've noticed that a lot of other puzzle companies are doing the same. I have bought all of mine on <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon Canada</a>.<br />
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<b>Do you do jigsaw puzzles? Do you have a favourite brand or subject?</b> In addition to crafty things, I love bright colours and also enjoy bird and flowers motifs - not unlike my stitching preferences, in fact πAurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-9164540581721222522020-04-12T14:59:00.000-02:302020-04-12T14:59:12.463-02:30Flashback: Easy Felt Easter Ornaments <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x423n2fgLos/XpNMxaMCwJI/AAAAAAAAFdw/eTBxPDm_FmQS1qQitUtdtgOOwqc7smwKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/easterbunny_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x423n2fgLos/XpNMxaMCwJI/AAAAAAAAFdw/eTBxPDm_FmQS1qQitUtdtgOOwqc7smwKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/easterbunny_edited.jpg" width="344" height="400" data-original-width="694" data-original-height="807" /></a></div><br />
<b>Happy Easter, Happy Spring, Happy Happy Everything!</b> This year, due to the pandemic, I think Easter is going to look very different for everyone, but if you have some extra time this afternoon and would like to make something for the holiday, I have an older tutorial (from 2015) that you might enjoy for <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2015/03/easy-fun-embroidered-easter-eggs.html">Fun Felt Easter Egg ornaments</a>! <br />
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They're really simple - just pull out your stash of felt and your embellishment tin (or wherever you keep your sparkly bits!) and go to town with your imagination π<br />
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This egg with the ribbon embroidery - which was surprisingly simple! - is probably my favourite πΈ The beaded ruching was really fun to do and it turned out to be really pretty. It's a technique I'm definitely going to try again in a future project. I think it would make a great edging for an ornament too!<br />
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Wherever you are and whatever you're doing this year, I wish you a Spring filled with Sunshine, Flowers and Small Joys Everywhere π And lots of Creativity too! π¨<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-729iG9KXw0o/XpNODko2wcI/AAAAAAAAFeE/wWeJu5CQT9o5qApfFogit-C6W_TCM9T4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bunny2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-729iG9KXw0o/XpNODko2wcI/AAAAAAAAFeE/wWeJu5CQT9o5qApfFogit-C6W_TCM9T4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/bunny2.jpg" width="383" height="400" data-original-width="543" data-original-height="567" /></a></div>Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-71632217357323633682020-01-03T15:06:00.000-03:302020-01-03T15:06:34.174-03:30𧡠A Needlepoint Round Robin! π§΅<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x4-QwzAuXEI/Xg9ukSE-tJI/AAAAAAAAFZY/GJd1dEiMC_UTb-YPTZbb0rV_He25U60FgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/TravellingCanvas_CloseUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x4-QwzAuXEI/Xg9ukSE-tJI/AAAAAAAAFZY/GJd1dEiMC_UTb-YPTZbb0rV_He25U60FgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/TravellingCanvas_CloseUp.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1347" data-original-height="1347" /></a></div><br />
Happy New Year π Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that 2020 brings lots of lovely stitching your way π I had a fun stitchy adventure over the Holidays! My friend Shannan of <a href="https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/">Bobbin and Fred</a> told me a about the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/passthecanvas/">#passthecanvas</a> project hosted by Dish on Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/dishingstitches/">@dishingstitches</a>) a few months ago and I was so excited to join in! <br />
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Dish is sending her beautiful funky geometric needlepoint canvas to stitchers around the world, like a round robin, and we each stitch five blocks in a week before sending it to the next stop! Happily, I received the canvas on December 30th, and I really enjoyed working on it in the quiet of the post-Christmas rush - it's now on it's way from snowy Newfoundland & Labrador β to sunny Florida ππ<br />
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It has been many - MANY - years since I last tried needlepoint! When I was a teenager, I made a sampler out of my Stitchy Guru Mother's leftover supplies from her own bargello adventures in the 1970s. I used her vintage stitch guides to make an add-as-you-go mix of stitch blocks. I remember working on it all one Summer - it was my first and last experience trying to stitch outdoors π The wind liked to play with my threads, all the bright colours attracted flies and creepy crawlies, the sun was in my eyes - it was awful! And the edges of the canvas, even covered with masking tape, were so sharp that I took to wearing a pair of neon pink and black leg warmers on my arms to protect them from scratches, and they were way too hot, which added to the misery π€£ <br />
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That sampler is still in a tote box, waiting to be made into a cushion. I always meant to try more needlepoint, but I had trouble finding the supplies. So although I was super excited to add my block to the travelling canvas, when I first opened it, I was a little intimidated too. I had no idea what threads or stitches to use!<br />
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Here's the canvas as I received it! There are so many beautiful blocks, in all kinds of threads - velvets, braids, wools, metallics, and cottons. The stitch texture is fabulous, I wish you could run your fingers over the blocks and feel the stitches for yourself!<br />
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The package came with the canvas, a white storage bag (I just used the Ziploc the canvas was in), a little blue book to record your name, stitches used and materials used (which was so helpful and inspiring to read, especially the little messages to other stitchers!), and a cute little pocket stitch guide that was SUPER HELPFUL:<br />
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It's hard to tell from this photo, but it's a tiny book! With my favourite lay-flat coil binding. Small enough to slip in a project bag, and packed full of stitch diagrams:<br />
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I had so much fun flipping through this little guide and wondering what stitches I could try! Here are my five blocks, with a bit about stitching them:<br />
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Like most of the other stitchers, I chose my colours based on the printed blocks on the canvas. I started with the center block, using a leftover black Kreinik braid from the <a href="http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Metallic-Bag-O-Bits.html">Bag O' Bits</a> I received for the <a href="https://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-joys-of-spontaneous-stitching.html">SFSNAD Challenge</a>. I taught myself Norwich Stitch from the stitch guide (although I modified to fit the smaller space).<br />
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I absolutely LOVE this stitch, and it's one I will try again! It results in a wonderful woven effect π It looks complex, but is surprisingly quick and easy to do as long as you pay careful attention to the order of the stitches. Using a non-divisible thread like the braid makes the woven effect stand out and makes it easier to lay the stitches.<br />
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Then I added the teal block. I knew I wanted lots of sparkle, but I didn't have many thicker threads suitable to needlepoint canvas on hand. I had intended to buy some DMC perle (pearl) cotton for this project, once I knew which blocks/colours I was stitching, but it being the Holidays, the local quilt shop that carries it was closed and I didn't have time to order anything online. <br />
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So I improvised! For this block, I used DMC 3812 (nine strands) with Gutermann Metallic Blending Filament in #235 (4 strands) and did a slanted Satin Stitch. <br />
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The small blue block was next. This was my first time using the new <a href="https://www.dmc.com/us/thread-5000/embroidery-thread-5001/etoile-embroidery-thread-9000495.html">DMC Etoile</a> thread in C798 (a gift from my friend <a href="https://www.stitching.ca/">Karen</a>!). It is very different than regular floss, it is fluffy and spreads easily, giving it great coverage! I used 9 strands, and it worked great on this canvas. I intended to make Smyrna Cross Stitches, but I liked the base Cross Stitches so much I left them - I love the filigree look, where the canvas peeks through! I added a Woven Cross Stitch in the corner where both stripes meet. <br />
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And now for the BLING:<br />
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This is, without a doubt, my favourite block π You know how I love glitter!<br />
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This magnificent beauty is Needlecraft Craft Cord, meant for needlepoint and plastic canvas! It has a white base with a rainbow of pastel metallics woven in, in shades of teal, pink and gold. It is #55026, Rainbow White Frizette.<br />
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It came in a small bag of stitchy supplies from a thrift store that I bought several years ago, and I have been looking for a way to use it ever since! I was so disappointed when I realized it was too thick to go through the canvas easily. I put it aside, but in the end I decided I really wanted to make it work. So I laid it on top of the canvas, weaving it together at the corner (inspired by the Norwich stitch) and then worked Padded Brick stitch over top, with DMC 957 (six strands). It's a little wonky, and definitely quirky - so much so that I debated taking it out for a while - but it's super sparkly and love it β¨<br />
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And for my last block, I ended up going entirely off script. It was spontaneously stitched (seems to be my new stitchy theme lately, and I'm really loving this approach)! I wanted something softer after the bling block, so I used DMC 964 (9 strands) to stitch what I think is Smyrna Star, On Point, with Compensation Stitch edging (aka Make It Up As You Go Along Stitch) π It's not quite what I had in mind when I started stitching, but I do like the fun zig-zag bumpy texture and the pretty seafoam green colour.<br />
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And finally, I stitched my initials next to Shannan's (hers are in blue, to the left of mine, and her blocks are on the lower left of mine) using the same pink from the bling block. It is amazing to be part of project with stitchers I don't know from all over the world, but it is also really cool to stitch on the same project with a stitchy friend I do know, which is why I chose to stitch my blocks next to the ones Shannan did π€ I did tent stitch first like all the other stitchers but then couldn't resist making them Cross Stitches π<br />
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And here is the canvas, ready to pass on to the next stitcher! I'm so glad that I had to chance to participate in #passthecanvas, and it's inspired me to try more needlepoint in the future β€π§΅ And if you have any online suppliers you'd recommend, I'd love to hear about them! I've been looking for Canadian shops, but haven't had much luck so far in finding blank needlepoint canvas; most offerings are tent stitch kits, or painted.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Have you participated in a crafty round robin project, or would you like to?</b></div><br />
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Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-5734058282646034162019-12-24T01:11:00.000-03:302019-12-24T01:11:10.969-03:30β€π§΅π Merry Stitchmas! ππ§΅β€<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WxOpJU67qS0/XgGSbPH94HI/AAAAAAAAFY0/oUToAfi_dxYrkDB5rWEADlGHKtTGwKjEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ChristmasSewingangelborder.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WxOpJU67qS0/XgGSbPH94HI/AAAAAAAAFY0/oUToAfi_dxYrkDB5rWEADlGHKtTGwKjEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/ChristmasSewingangelborder.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It's so hard to believe that the Holidays have come around again! Seems like only yesterday I was getting ready for last Christmas π 2019 has been another challenging year for me, with serious illness in the family that demanded most of my attention. <br />
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Thank you so much to everyone who still reads these posts and has left kind comments, they mean the world to me π Hopefully 2020 will be a better blogging year β<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Wishing you a Christmas that is Merry & Bright<br />
and a Stitchtacular New Year!</span></b></div>Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-7360865562065116522019-12-04T20:57:00.000-03:302019-12-04T20:57:06.309-03:30π Stitchy News: Holiday Special π<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EpTas_mJU1s/Xeg7wQq2czI/AAAAAAAAFWc/lqRWjw5Xr5wCI4V1yApMhu8WfDN97s5hwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SN_Holiday_Ed_PNG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="500" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EpTas_mJU1s/Xeg7wQq2czI/AAAAAAAAFWc/lqRWjw5Xr5wCI4V1yApMhu8WfDN97s5hwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/SN_Holiday_Ed_PNG.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It's that time of the year again, and the Holiday Rush is upon us! It's the first time in forever that I've done a Stitchy News post, but I have some exciting news to share with you today, including an online stitchy advent calendar and a great giveaway! β€πβ€<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Ygzj51k4cg/Xeg8I9DheVI/AAAAAAAAFWk/tRM-cAnLW_MctJtn0IX8I7yGAmb0_Ew7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Divider_Snowflakes_PNG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="30" data-original-width="510" height="24" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Ygzj51k4cg/Xeg8I9DheVI/AAAAAAAAFWk/tRM-cAnLW_MctJtn0IX8I7yGAmb0_Ew7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Divider_Snowflakes_PNG.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/2019/12/stitchers-christmas-hand-turned-tools.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fhlBt0uautY/XehAcdvsNDI/AAAAAAAAFW0/7nETt2zfnQEuCGAdU5tnju8qMMpkkrotgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/stitchers-christmas-19-stitch-n-turn-01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Mary Corbet of <a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/">Needle N' Thread</a> is generously running her fabulous <b>A Stitcher's Christmas</b> giveaway series again this year, where she shares top of the line embroidery notions and supplies! She's currently on the <a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/2019/12/stitchers-christmas-hand-turned-tools.html">2nd Giveaway</a>, so make sure to visit the website or sign up to her free newsletter (which sends you the blog posts as they are published) to keep up with the giveaways. If you're new to <b>A Stitcher's Christmas</b>, please visit <a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/2019/12/stitchers-christmas-pick-your-threads.html">this year's first post</a> for more information on how it all works π<br />
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It's a super popular series, and there's often hundreds of entries for each giveaway, which can seem discouraging. But I was incredibly fortunate, and won the <a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/2017/12/inspirations-all-around.html">Inspirations Giveaway from 2017 </a>, so if I can win, you can too! I wasn't blogging at the time so I haven't shared my kit finishes yet but I will soon. It was an incredibly difficult year for me, the first Christmas after my beloved Grandpa died (on Christmas Day 2016) and that prize made me pick up my needle and thread for the first time in over a year, and helped get me through a terrible time. Best of luck to you if you enter β<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Ygzj51k4cg/Xeg8I9DheVI/AAAAAAAAFWk/tRM-cAnLW_MctJtn0IX8I7yGAmb0_Ew7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Divider_Snowflakes_PNG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="30" data-original-width="510" height="24" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Ygzj51k4cg/Xeg8I9DheVI/AAAAAAAAFWk/tRM-cAnLW_MctJtn0IX8I7yGAmb0_Ew7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Divider_Snowflakes_PNG.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://bugsandfishes.blogspot.com/2019/11/retro-baubles-felt-christmas-decorations-sewing-tutorial.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BLl9A2x36hE/XehAXzlVcvI/AAAAAAAAFWw/w3UjMOWzlv4tR-1Fa3S0oo3GYufOoKlHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Vintage%2BFelt%2BChristmas%2BBaubles%2BSewing%2BTutorial.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Laura at <a href="https://bugsandfishes.blogspot.com/">Bugs and Fishes</a> has a super cute <a href="https://bugsandfishes.blogspot.com/2019/11/retro-baubles-felt-christmas-decorations-sewing-tutorial.html">Retro Felt Baubles Tutorial</a> for you, great for making last minute Christmas gifts! If you leave the ornaments unpadded, as Laura mentions, they would also be fabulous for sending in Christmas cards. There's all kinds of possibilities to pull out your embellishment tin and go crazy, and I think these would be a great way to use scraps of pretty trims and edgings!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Ygzj51k4cg/Xeg8I9DheVI/AAAAAAAAFWk/tRM-cAnLW_MctJtn0IX8I7yGAmb0_Ew7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Divider_Snowflakes_PNG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="30" data-original-width="510" height="24" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Ygzj51k4cg/Xeg8I9DheVI/AAAAAAAAFWk/tRM-cAnLW_MctJtn0IX8I7yGAmb0_Ew7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Divider_Snowflakes_PNG.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.dmc.com/us/heart-pattern-9008110.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="490" height="358" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kSbBJIjhgCM/XehEFT5uVKI/AAAAAAAAFXY/JTdshazhCWAbKfyq03ZFyP0EeHPnmDOnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/DMC.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
DMC has a number of <a href="https://www.dmc.com/us/free-patterns-5041/free-patterns-5042/free-cross-stitch-patterns-5044,by-theme-christmas-442.html">free holiday patterns</a>, including this pretty <a href="https://www.dmc.com/us/heart-pattern-9008110.html">Nordic Heart</a>. It uses two shades of the shimmering new <a href="https://www.dmc.com/us/thread-5000/embroidery-thread-5001/etoile-embroidery-thread-9000495.html">Etoile floss</a>, but would look lovely in a single shade of <a href="https://www.dmc.com/us/coloris-24-colors-available-9001710.html">variegated Coloris</a> too! There's a cute <a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f2/4a/55/f24a55c75a8d86cf733b71ede4167bdc.jpg">Coloris Christmas Tree freebie</a> as well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Ygzj51k4cg/Xeg8I9DheVI/AAAAAAAAFWk/tRM-cAnLW_MctJtn0IX8I7yGAmb0_Ew7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Divider_Snowflakes_PNG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="30" data-original-width="510" height="24" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Ygzj51k4cg/Xeg8I9DheVI/AAAAAAAAFWk/tRM-cAnLW_MctJtn0IX8I7yGAmb0_Ew7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Divider_Snowflakes_PNG.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://serendipitousstitching.blogspot.com/2019/12/2019-online-advent-calendar.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8iB3yyv9lms/XehB_s6mMsI/AAAAAAAAFXE/iKOGJL52H0wUcULfQG9cTQnkqhlacMFbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/advent.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
The wonderfully imaginative Jo at <a href="http://www.serendipitousstitching.blogspot.com/">Serendipitous Stitching</a> is hosting her annual <a href="http://serendipitousstitching.blogspot.com/2019/12/2019-online-advent-calendar.html">Online Advent Calendar Blog Hop</a> again this year! The image above is one of my favourite finishes of Jo's, from her very first <a href="https://serendipitousstitching.blogspot.com/2011/12/advent-calendar-door-no-1.html">2011 Online Advent Calendar</a> π This is such a great event, where stitchers share some holiday themed projects from years past and a bit about their own traditions. Make sure to hop along for some Christmas stitching and finishing inspiration! I look forward to it every year β€<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Ygzj51k4cg/Xeg8I9DheVI/AAAAAAAAFWk/tRM-cAnLW_MctJtn0IX8I7yGAmb0_Ew7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Divider_Snowflakes_PNG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="30" data-original-width="510" height="24" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Ygzj51k4cg/Xeg8I9DheVI/AAAAAAAAFWk/tRM-cAnLW_MctJtn0IX8I7yGAmb0_Ew7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Divider_Snowflakes_PNG.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4b39hrftPc/XehIxr672BI/AAAAAAAAFXk/t1kcl_diFesIwnZ6C7fX-EaYyzEBAD8RwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/BW_PO_Collage_F%2526B_Finish_Floss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4b39hrftPc/XehIxr672BI/AAAAAAAAFXk/t1kcl_diFesIwnZ6C7fX-EaYyzEBAD8RwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/BW_PO_Collage_F%2526B_Finish_Floss.jpg" width="400" height="244" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="732" /></a></div><br />
Finally, if you're looking for a super quick little ornament to whip up in a hurry, why not try my free <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2013/12/advent-calendar-hop-2013-door-4.html">Blackwork Poinsettia Ornament</a>? It's two-sided, easy to customize, and doesn't need any backing fabric! I also have a full tutorial for the easy Whipped Chain Stitch Edging. This was my contribution to Jo's <a href="http://serendipitousstitching.blogspot.com/2013/12/2013-online-advent-calendar.html">2013 Online Advent Calendar</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D7fFizURJhk/XehJZUXJhwI/AAAAAAAAFXs/uT6t6Sb8OB8w7Org5B0kaRTNOVLJQpBYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/B%2526F_Ornament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D7fFizURJhk/XehJZUXJhwI/AAAAAAAAFXs/uT6t6Sb8OB8w7Org5B0kaRTNOVLJQpBYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/B%2526F_Ornament.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1080" data-original-height="1080" /></a></div><br />
In February, my friend Shannan from <a href="https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/">Bobbin & Fred</a> stitched this <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2019/02/stitcher-feature-blackwork-poinsettia.html">gorgeous variation</a>, and I had the pleasure of interviewing her about her finish for the blog! This remains one of my favourite patterns and can easily be made in a weekend. If you do stitch up a version, I'd love to see it, and feature you here on the blog if you like! π<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrlGlRUAp-U/XehNDaXBRsI/AAAAAAAAFX4/mqTX7wJkWdgvKcqw7AiViPx3DXBYxgx8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Santa_Sewing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrlGlRUAp-U/XehNDaXBRsI/AAAAAAAAFX4/mqTX7wJkWdgvKcqw7AiViPx3DXBYxgx8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Santa_Sewing.png" width="337" height="400" data-original-width="1276" data-original-height="1516" /></a></div><br />
Are you making like Santa Claus and doing any gift making this year? I don't have mine all lined up yet but I'm thinking about projects - unfortunately, they're all Super Secret!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>β€ Whatever you're making for the holidays this year, may your Christmas be Merry & Bright, and may you Jingle All The Way β€ </B></div>Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-19455055414297313172019-11-16T16:19:00.000-03:302019-11-16T16:19:16.634-03:30Free Style SAL: Lattice Heart Finish!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UGX3vILBT5g/XdApywI-72I/AAAAAAAAFTE/ieQka-Fs70Y6g3cmZiMKC_cJ6Y3Y3zjsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SAL_Finish_Purple2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UGX3vILBT5g/XdApywI-72I/AAAAAAAAFTE/ieQka-Fs70Y6g3cmZiMKC_cJ6Y3Y3zjsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/SAL_Finish_Purple2.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1592" data-original-height="1592" /></a></div><br />
Happy news! I've been co-hosting the <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2019/09/join-me-for-free-style-sew-along.html">Free Style Sew Along (SAL)</a> on Instagram (I'm <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aureliaeglantine/">@aureliaeglantine</a>) with my friend Marianne Matthews (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mariannematthewsxx/">@mariannemathewsxx</a>), and it has been an amazing stitchy adventure! In my last post, I shared some of <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2019/10/free-style-sal-progress-inspiration.html">my progress</a>.<br />
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This was my first planned spontaneous stitching project π By which I mean that when I stitched my <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-joys-of-spontaneous-stitching.html">Joyful Jester</a>, I started with a basic outline for felt applique and then I sat down with a bunch of embellishments - acrylic gems, sequins, beads, trims, metallic thread - and just made it up as I went along. It was so much fun, and just sort of flowed!<br />
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Ever since then, I've wanted to try to recapture that feeling, and with this project I deliberately set out to be flexible and spontaneous. I started with a basic double heart outline and a very simple idea (please see <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2019/09/join-me-for-free-style-sew-along.html">my SAL intro post</a> for details):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bUoVYK3pA9M/XdBL75CUqdI/AAAAAAAAFVM/goRkTUEWZaInMH1pYMSg07TPgRZbgMpQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SAL_Plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bUoVYK3pA9M/XdBL75CUqdI/AAAAAAAAFVM/goRkTUEWZaInMH1pYMSg07TPgRZbgMpQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/SAL_Plan.jpg" width="400" height="192" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="576" /></a></div><br />
As cross-stitchers, we're used to planning out our whole project before we start. We usually choose the chart, fabric, threads and any extras before we begin. Spontaneous stitching is a different way of creating, and it is both frustrating and freeing! My cohost Marianne works in this style for all her projects, both embroidery and cross-stitch, making them up as she stitches. It's a technique that lets you experiment! <br />
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Some of my stitch ideas, such as this <b><a href="https://stitchfloral.blogspot.com/2018/10/looped-blanket-turkey-stitch-flowers.html">Turkey Stitch Flower</a></b>, didn't work out:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dC8kWFkvngA/XdAwUjJ7nDI/AAAAAAAAFT0/9j7ZDOsE9sAuYfZLm7RwKbbk0oeUuRI8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SAL_LoopyFlower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dC8kWFkvngA/XdAwUjJ7nDI/AAAAAAAAFT0/9j7ZDOsE9sAuYfZLm7RwKbbk0oeUuRI8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/SAL_LoopyFlower.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div><br />
I tried a lot of stitches on this project that were new to me, and it became a sampler of sorts. Although I loved this idea, it didn't fit with the image I had in my head for my heart, and so I cut it out. But the stitches themselves were not wasted - now I know how to make a funky loopy or cut flower for another project some other time! So while it was frustrating in the moment that it didn't work, it was also a great learning experience. <br />
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One of the other fun things about hand embroidery is that it's usually a lot easier to "unstitch" than cross-stitch - this flower took me over an hour to put in, after fussing with the cutting and taking process photos, but less than a minute to cut out π€£<br />
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I found myself constantly thinking about different ways to stitch flowers and leaves, and how to put into practice stitches I've always admired but never tried. The Fishbone Stitch leaves and Buttonhole Stitch flower are some of my favourites, and I love the Double Cast On Stitch I learned for the fuschia roses! The Granitos stitch I learned for the Daisies is super useful, incredibly easy, and one I will definitely be using again πΌ<br />
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For inspiration, I even made a <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/eglantinestitchery/sal-inspiration-flowers-leaves-lattices-free-style/">a special Pinterest board for the SAL</a>, which has lots of tutorials and ideas you can use in any embroidery! I will also link to some of the tutorials in the list of stitches at the end of this post. It was very interesting to see my heart grow, blossoming from a simple lattice to a cheerful, colourful riot of flowers:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xTWD3BJX1gE/XdAscc0d5KI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/mazpT60VCjokOegqGNvmM_5NcDaq8odRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SAL_Progress1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xTWD3BJX1gE/XdAscc0d5KI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/mazpT60VCjokOegqGNvmM_5NcDaq8odRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/SAL_Progress1.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J0D2pD_gBsM/XdAscimTzzI/AAAAAAAAFTU/AOq0prJf-zUbAIH6gjPFG_3VRRuCrp7JgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SAL_Progress2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J0D2pD_gBsM/XdAscimTzzI/AAAAAAAAFTU/AOq0prJf-zUbAIH6gjPFG_3VRRuCrp7JgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/SAL_Progress2.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div><br />
And after some surprisingly serious internal debate, LOL, I decided not fill in the empty spaces between flowers with French Knots. I thought that they would take away from the little French Knot flowers I had already added. I did try a few stitches but ended up taking them out, and instead added some turquoise seed beads for sparkle:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8zxcnotve20/XdAso39Ga8I/AAAAAAAAFTY/7vlwdGT4pF8vN6bS2sL9c9Ur85hEcl9zgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SAL_Finish_PurpleTilt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8zxcnotve20/XdAso39Ga8I/AAAAAAAAFTY/7vlwdGT4pF8vN6bS2sL9c9Ur85hEcl9zgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/SAL_Finish_PurpleTilt2.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
You know I love sparkle! Overall, this was such a fun project and now I just want to stitch flowers on EVERYTHING π For anyone who is interested, here are some details:<br />
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I don't think I've ever shown one of these before, but I make little cardboard thread keepers like this for nearly every project and find them very helpful for keeping my working threads from becoming tangled! I just use nice white cardboard, usually rescued from some kind of packaging (this was gift card holder), punch as many holes and I need (as you can see, I added a few extra to this one as I went along!) and write the project information and floss colour names with a fine Sharpie. They usually look a little neater than this one, but I forgot to take a better photo, so please forgive the mess!<br />
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<b>DMC Floss Colours</B>: (from top left, clockwise): <br />
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<b>554</b> (Violet, Light)<br />
<b>892</b> (Carnation, Medium)<br />
<b>444</b> (Lemon, Dark)<br />
<b>907</b> (Parrot Green, Light)<br />
<b>3607</b> (Plum, Light)<br />
<b>3708</b> (Melon, Light)<br />
<b>3837</b> (Lavender, Ultra Dark)<br />
<b>3846</b> (Bright Turquoise, Light)<br />
<b>B5200</b> (Snow White)<br />
<b>972</b> (Deep Canary)<br />
<b>905 </b>(Parrot Green, Dark) <br />
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𧡠Stitches Used, with tutorial linksπ§΅<br />
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π <b>Small Heart</b> π<br />
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<b>Lattice:</b><a href="http://www.embroidery.rocksea.org/stitch/couching-family/jacobean-couching/">Jacobean Couching</a> (Lattice 3846, Cross Stitches 444)<br />
<b>Center Heart Scalloped Border:</b> <a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/2013/04/stitch-fun-scalloped-buttonholed-chain-stitch.html">Scalloped Buttonholed Chain Stitch</a> (3708)<br />
I later whipped the bottom of the green Chain Stitch base with 3837, as you would for <a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/2006/11/whipped-backstitch-video-tutorial.html">Whipped Backstitch</a><br />
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π <b>Large Heart</b> π<br />
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πΈ <b>Flowers:</b> πΈ<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFWFMCPlPxc&feature=share">Loose Cast On Stitch</a></b>, also known as Double Cast On or Two Needle Cast On <br />
<b><a href="https://stitchfloral.blogspot.com/2017/06/buttonhole-stitch-lesson-3-filling.html">Buttonhole Stitch Flower</a></b>, double layered<br />
<b><a href="https://stitchfloral.blogspot.com/2018/10/spider-web-stitch-tutorial.html">Spiderweb Roses</a></b> also known as <a href="https://flamingotoes.com/woven-wagon-wheel-roses-embroidery-stitch-tutorial/">Woven Wagon Wheel Roses</a><br />
<b><a href="https://www.carinascraftblog.com/2014/08/05/stitch-tutorial-granito-stitc.html">Granito Stitch</a></b> (see also Mary Corbet's <a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/2012/07/granitos-in-embroidery-video-tutorial.html">video tutorial on flowers</a>)<br />
<b><a href="https://www.allfreesewing.com/Basics-and-Tutorials/How-to-Lazy-Daisy-Stitch/">Lasy Daisy</a></b> (also known as Detached Chain), some filled with <b><a href="https://embroideryforbeginners.com/straight-stitch/">Straight Stitches</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://stitchfloral.blogspot.com/2018/12/french-knots-crash-course-learn-to-get.html">French Knots</a></b> (also see this <a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/2015/07/changing-the-size-of-french-knots.html">very helpful article</a> by Mary Corbet, which includes this great tip: use a Milliners Needle - a needle whose eye is the same width as the shaft - for French and Bullion Knots! It totally changed my stitching and made French Knots - my longtime <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2011/07/adventures-in-embroidery.html">Stitchy Foe</a> - possible for me π)<br />
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Flower centers: <b><a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/2011/03/satin-stitched-dot-tutorial.html">Satin Stitch Dots</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BE36K4GQx74/">Needleweaving</a></b>, French Knots (444 & 972)<br />
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πΏ <b>Leaves:</b> πΏ<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vwXbrB__8xY/XdA7hy45AQI/AAAAAAAAFUc/oHoG1rpMkSIml16KAabzIrRPpLPKlKW3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SAL_Finish_CU_PurpleFlower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vwXbrB__8xY/XdA7hy45AQI/AAAAAAAAFUc/oHoG1rpMkSIml16KAabzIrRPpLPKlKW3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/SAL_Finish_CU_PurpleFlower.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysbfRhHHtdk">Raised Fishbone Stitch</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/2013/08/stitch-fun-fly-stitch-leaves.html">Fly Stitch Leaves</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://namastehandembroidery.com/blogs/news/all-about-satin-stitch">Satin Stitch</a></b> with <b><a href="https://stitchfloral.blogspot.com/2019/02/stem-stitch-crash-course-everything-you.html">Stem Stitch</a></b> edging<br />
Lazy Daisy, with Straight Stitch filling<br />
<b><a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/2013/09/stitch-fun-buttonhole-stitch-leaves.html">Buttonhole</a></b>, with Straight Stitch filling<br />
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πππ <b>Border:</b> πππ<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e8pRsUGgD9g/XdA7pRFP0fI/AAAAAAAAFUk/yuPsuCcenWo6sm1TUQu0ALkmgOpy496WwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SAL_Finish_CU_RightSide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e8pRsUGgD9g/XdA7pRFP0fI/AAAAAAAAFUk/yuPsuCcenWo6sm1TUQu0ALkmgOpy496WwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/SAL_Finish_CU_RightSide.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
Worked like Whipped Backstitch, but the base is a Double Granito stitch, for extra width and a more even ratio of turquoise to yellow (Base 3846, Whipped Stitches 444)<br />
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If you have any questions about this project at all, please don't hesitate to ask! I really want to thank everyone who took the time to follow along with my progress, and those who left helpful and encouraging comments π <br />
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Your enthusiasm for my Lattice Heart kept me going, even when I was frustrated. Spontaneous Stitching is such a simple concept, but like most things, it's easier said than done and requires practice like any new technique, at least to those to whom it doesn't come naturally - like myself π Whenever you're trying something new, there's always a bit of uncertainty and self-confidence - am I doing it right? Is it good enough? Am I wasting my time?- and all your feedback really helped π<br />
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I haven't final finished my Lattice Heart off; for the photos, I just tucked the excess fabric under the hoop. But I really like the way this Anchor Glitter Hoop matches the project, and I may buy another and finish it off as Hoop Art.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l3H0B2F5l9I/XdBJHBRhh3I/AAAAAAAAFVA/YB5Cd69oTcAm1nyqC7A3pLdPKXd56ciDACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SAL_Finish_Purple2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l3H0B2F5l9I/XdBJHBRhh3I/AAAAAAAAFVA/YB5Cd69oTcAm1nyqC7A3pLdPKXd56ciDACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/SAL_Finish_Purple2.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1592" data-original-height="1592" /></a></div><br />
The Free Style SAL is still ongoing - anyone can jump in, at any time! It's a completely free, relaxed, and flexible stitch along. I'll be sharing some fabulous SAL finishes in my next post. Please use the hashtag #freestylesewalong when posting on Instagram so we can find you! You can also post elsewhere, but please send me a link so we can feature you. Just chose an outline motif and fill it with spontaneously stitched flowers π Any needlework style is welcome - cross-stitch, embroidery, quilting, mixed media, needlepoint etc. - as long as it fits the spirt of the SAL! <br />
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<b>Does the idea of Spontaneous Stitching appeal to you?</b>Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-60368766093927466352019-10-03T18:56:00.001-02:302019-10-03T18:56:59.505-02:30Free Style SAL: Progress & Inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kHwuktvueE/XZZgKBN4PiI/AAAAAAAAFO0/lEXh6PID2cckJU3nrw0mAstntiGoFWw3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SAL_Progress_Ruffle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kHwuktvueE/XZZgKBN4PiI/AAAAAAAAFO0/lEXh6PID2cckJU3nrw0mAstntiGoFWw3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/SAL_Progress_Ruffle.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
My stitching on my double heart for the Free Style Sew Along on Instagram is starting to take shape! But first, I wanted to let you know about a <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/eglantinestitchery/sal-inspiration-flowers-leaves-lattices-free-style/">Pinterest Board I just made for the SAL</a>, with links to tutorials and stitch guides for flowers, leaves, lattices and outlines: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><I>If you have any suggestions for this board, please e-mail me the links!</I></div><br />
Even if you are not stitching along with us, these are ideas you can adapt to any project!<br />
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For anyone who missed my <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2019/09/join-me-for-free-style-sew-along.html">previous post</a>, the Free Style Sew Along is a stress-free, stitch-at-your-own-pace simple SAL! Started by my Instagram stitchy friend Marianne and myself, you can join in at any time and post your progress anywhere online, including your own blog. The idea is to find a simple outline motif you like - Marianne and I are both using the same double heart, which you are welcome to use as well (please see <a href="eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2019/09/join-me-for-free-style-sew-along.html
">my previous post</a> for the free pattern and other motif ideas) - and fill it with spontaneously stitched flowers πΌπ·π»<br />
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My last post covered my materials, pattern choice and transfer. I've added a few new colours, which I'll list in a later post since I may add a few more before I'm finished π¨ <br />
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Here are my first stitches:<br />
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A trio of Spiderweb Roses and a little lattice!<br />
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Then I added some Fishbone Stitch Leaves (following Mary Corbet's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysbfRhHHtdk">excellent video tutorial</a>) and a little pink ruffle using Mary's <a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/2013/04/stitch-fun-scalloped-buttonholed-chain-stitch.html">Scalloped Buttonholed Chain Stitch Tutoria</a>, which looks fancy but is super easy once you get the hang of the tension! <br />
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I find it very helpful to hold on to the top of the chain stitch with one hand while gently tightening the Buttonhole Stitch loops with the other, and sort of slide them close together until each space is filled. I didn't count my Buttonhole Stitches, I just filled each arch until I couldn't add any more.<br />
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You could stitch down the center of each arch, and I might do so before I'm finished, but I like the free standing texture right now, even if my loops are a little wonky π<br />
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Fishbone Stitch Leaves are something I've been wanting to try for AGES, so I was very excited with how these turned out!!! They are fun to stitch too, and have great texture; I'm sure I will be adding some more here and there before I'm finished π<br />
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And that's it from my end so far! Please do feel free to jump in and stitch with us π You can follow the link in my sidebar at right to my Instagram profile (@aureliaeglantine) or leave a comment below! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask and I'll do my best to answer πAurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-23678458552892011522019-09-29T20:28:00.000-02:302019-11-16T13:27:26.397-03:30Join Me For A Free Style Sew Along!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C1VVYRGGDLE/XZEmXWiQSlI/AAAAAAAAFMs/LUjktO_kWp0gPDDroWJBlA31SqsG5J7yACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%255B000879%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C1VVYRGGDLE/XZEmXWiQSlI/AAAAAAAAFMs/LUjktO_kWp0gPDDroWJBlA31SqsG5J7yACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/%255B000879%255D.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
Exciting news!!! I recently posted some photos on Instagram, of some DMC floss I recently bought (at the new DMC display at my local Walmart, of all places!) without a specific project in mind. I was so surprised and excited to find the new display that I just couldn't help myself, and picked up a handful of bright, cheerful colours π¨ Fellow Instagram stitcher Marianne Matthews (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mariannematthewsxx/">@mariannemathewsxx</a>) messaged me with a great idea. She asked if I seen any of those pretty free style floral embroideries that are popular right now, and I knew exactly the style she was thinking of! <br />
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Projects like <a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/">Mary Corbet's</a> <a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/2016/08/hairy-edges-knobby-bits-the-back-of-the-hoop.html">Voided Floral Monogram</a>:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eolKifliMMI/XZEomckr--I/AAAAAAAAFNA/ng9Gqq6YOUQB14xPHcCQ2c2NCHEV_0-ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/voided-monogram-floral-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eolKifliMMI/XZEomckr--I/AAAAAAAAFNA/ng9Gqq6YOUQB14xPHcCQ2c2NCHEV_0-ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/voided-monogram-floral-14.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="800" /></a></div><br />
Ever since she posted this beautiful project on her <a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/">Needle N' Thread</a> website, I have been very intrigued by the idea of spontaneously stitching flowers! Mary has three great posts about this project that are well worth reading: <a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/2016/08/embroidering-a-voided-floral-themed-monogram.html">Embroidering a Voided Floral-Themed Monogram</a>, <a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/2016/08/a-is-for-almost-finished.html">A is for Almost Finished</a>, and <a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/2016/08/hairy-edges-knobby-bits-the-back-of-the-hoop.html">Hairy Edges, Knobby Bits & The Back of the Hoop</a>. She goes through her stitch process from start to finish!<br />
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Inspired by that idea, Marianne and I have decided on a simple Double Heart pattern:<br />
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We are flipping the voided part though, filling inside the outline instead of outside of it.<br />
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There are no rules or set dates for the SAL, it's totally stitch-at-your-own-pace π The only requirement is to use a simple motif and fill it with spontaneously stitched flowers! You are welcome to use the double heart. Other suggestions: a simple five petal flower outline (a flower of flowers!), a geometric shape (diamond, circle, square, triangle, rhombus, star), an initial or monogram, a name, a short word (joy, hope, love)...the possibilities are many, and if you search "outline clipart" you may find some inspiration! <br />
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To create the heart, I found a free use clipart design I liked and then I shrunk the same design to make the cutout in the middle. Both Marianne and I are stitching a lattice in the center, but you could leave it blank, or stitch a single large flower or little bouquet. Anything you like!<br />
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This is my VERY tentative little doodle of what I'm thinking of stitching - proof that you don't need to be an artist to be an embroiderer π I'd like to do a trio of Stem Stitch roses on the top left hand curve, with leaves on either side, and a slanted lattice in the middle. The squiggles are roses, lazy daisies and straight-stitch aster type flowers πΈ<br />
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For colours, I am going to try to stick mainly to the brights I bought, perhaps adding a few others:<br />
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Floss colours from left to right: 3846 (turquoise), 907 (green), 3607 (pink), 3837 (purple) and 444 (yellow). They are a little brighter than I would usually choose, but it's nice to try something different. And they are very cheerful! For fabric, I'm using some of my favourite turquoise that I had left over from my <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-joys-of-spontaneous-stitching.html">Joyful Jester</a> project, which is very fitting because that was my first truly spontaneously stitched project π<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zo5A1XHvfb0/XZEqMR5PUYI/AAAAAAAAFNQ/XcQ5jw2kEy4THU7xJZn6LwUxsVpQN-x6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Heart_Transfer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zo5A1XHvfb0/XZEqMR5PUYI/AAAAAAAAFNQ/XcQ5jw2kEy4THU7xJZn6LwUxsVpQN-x6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Heart_Transfer.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Please excuse the streaky windows; the bright sunlight was not kind!</I></div><br />
I did a quick window transfer, taping first the pattern and then the fabric to the glass. I used a fine black <a href="http://pilotpen.us/brands/frixion/">Pilot FriXion</a> pen to trace the design: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Np20jt1X2Jw/XZEtcXNiZVI/AAAAAAAAFNo/vMxrkNlzbdEtYNBfXdTduUpkN1l-TzzFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Window_Transfer_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Np20jt1X2Jw/XZEtcXNiZVI/AAAAAAAAFNo/vMxrkNlzbdEtYNBfXdTduUpkN1l-TzzFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Window_Transfer_2.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
I'm expecting to stitch over the lines, but in case I don't, if you blast this ink with a hair dryer (or any heat) it will disappear. I know there have been concerns about the ink reappearing when it gets cold, but this is a fun, fast project and I don't mind taking that chance. I wouldn't recommend using this pen for heirloom quality work though, just in case! I added some dots as guidelines for the spoke placement on the roses, using coins (a quarter for the large, a nickel for the small ones) as a template.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1kp-7RDRyg/XZE2IVqBtMI/AAAAAAAAFOY/oV6c4aFb9FcJsoM5SimyLBGufR1imFc-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Heart_TransferCU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1kp-7RDRyg/XZE2IVqBtMI/AAAAAAAAFOY/oV6c4aFb9FcJsoM5SimyLBGufR1imFc-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Heart_TransferCU.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="551" data-original-height="551" /></a></div><br />
I'm also excited about using my brand new 8" Anchor Sparkles embroidery hoop, which I lucked into at Walmart on the same trip where I bought my floss! They have recently redone the embroidery section at my local store and I really hope that this will be maintained. I have sized my heart to print at about 5.5" in size but you can adjust it as needed. If you have any trouble downloading the pattern, please let me know!<br />
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Here's a picture of the <a href="https://www.yarnspirations.com/ca-en/anchor-sparkles-embroidery-hoop-frame/A4401.html">Anchors Sparkles hoop</a>; they are supposed to be available 6", 8" and 10" and in yellow and purple too. They also have a lip on the inner hoop to grip the fabric tightly, very much like my favourite <a href="https://www.yarnspirations.com/ca-en/susan-bates-hoop-la-embroidery-hoop-frame/14401.html">Susan Bates Hooplas</a>:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EcMTy5-sAJA/XZEwBdEauiI/AAAAAAAAFOM/dP8a4Bij4Yc7l4tHEkRTKxADTIOnfMPOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%255B000882%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EcMTy5-sAJA/XZEwBdEauiI/AAAAAAAAFOM/dP8a4Bij4Yc7l4tHEkRTKxADTIOnfMPOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/%255B000882%255D.jpg" width="400" height="399" data-original-width="1523" data-original-height="1521" /></a></div><br />
I really love the silver glitter embedded in the translucent blue plastic:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQzdB9BI6Fk/XZEuNAlRJ3I/AAAAAAAAFNw/04Do-XGcp_IlkylZkpQzVyF623VywGyFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%255B001063%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQzdB9BI6Fk/XZEuNAlRJ3I/AAAAAAAAFNw/04Do-XGcp_IlkylZkpQzVyF623VywGyFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/%255B001063%255D.jpg" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div><br />
So that is the stitchy news from here! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANbzVEWRp10/XZE2rPA8D7I/AAAAAAAAFOg/Ur3ZJJln0WIc5F7Mt4Ud6Dvba8TbvM-CACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%255B000878%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANbzVEWRp10/XZE2rPA8D7I/AAAAAAAAFOg/Ur3ZJJln0WIc5F7Mt4Ud6Dvba8TbvM-CACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/%255B000878%255D.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
<b>I'd love it if you joined in and stitched along with me!</b> You can join us on Instagram, or share your pictures on your own blog. You can also send me photos to post here, if you aren't online elsewhere. Please use the hashtag <b>#freestylesewalong</b> to share, so I can find you, and tag me! I'm <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aureliaeglantine/">@aureliaeglantine</a> on Instagram π<br />
Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-87094660621401787602019-07-19T22:07:00.000-02:302019-07-19T22:07:57.024-02:30Beautiful Batiks: Fabric Inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wTbAwhU3KRs/XS9wrpXp7CI/AAAAAAAAFJo/F-hQLuojiF4a00ZQC8uiPX0Ju1Umpw8IQCLcBGAs/s1600/Batik1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wTbAwhU3KRs/XS9wrpXp7CI/AAAAAAAAFJo/F-hQLuojiF4a00ZQC8uiPX0Ju1Umpw8IQCLcBGAs/s400/Batik1.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
And now, for something a little different! Recently, a nearby small local quilt store had an information session about hand-dyed Batik Fabrics, from a company called <a href="https://www.trendtexfabrics.com/">TrendTex</a> which is a wholesale distributor here in Canada for several fabric lines, including <a href="https://hoffmancaliforniafabrics.net/">Hoffman Fabrics</a>, which was the focus of the presentation. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-26OKqhHKw/XS-NRfx9XeI/AAAAAAAAFLk/fy0KbOESB98AkAO5Zd_K3rl7otKE082LACLcBGAs/s1600/s-l300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-26OKqhHKw/XS-NRfx9XeI/AAAAAAAAFLk/fy0KbOESB98AkAO5Zd_K3rl7otKE082LACLcBGAs/s400/s-l300.jpg" width="267" height="400" data-original-width="200" data-original-height="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hawaiianshirtdude.com/magnum-pi-hawaiian-shirt-collection/"><i>This list</a> of Magnum's iconic shirts is a fun read! The presenter opened with a shot of this shirt (the back of a man with dark hair wearing it), asking if we could recognize the shirt or the wearer. No one did, but it's in <a href="https://alohafunwear.com/blogs/news/a-brief-history-of-the-magnum-pi-shirt">The Smithsonian Museum</a> now!</I></div><br />
<a href="https://hoffmancaliforniafabrics.net/about/">Hoffman</a> is the California company that is credited with bring Batik into the main stream via Hawaiian Shirts in the 1980s (worn by none other than the original <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080240/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_40">Magnum P.I.</a>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000633/">Tom Selleck</a>)! They sell traditional <a href="https://hoffmancaliforniafabrics.net/php/catalog/fabricshop.php?a=sc&Category=24">Bali Batiks</a> and more contemporary <a href="https://hoffmancaliforniafabrics.net/php/catalog/fabricshop.php?a=sc&Category=24">Indah Batiks</a> under the brand name <a href="https://hoffmancaliforniafabrics.net/php/catalog/fabricshop.php?a=sc&Category=108">Me + You</a>. Interestingly, this line is also selling <a href="https://hoffmancaliforniafabrics.net/php/catalog/fabricshop.php?a=sc&Category=109">Solids</a> made of Batik cotton, which are a great compliment to the busy traditional patterns.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-af2OwgRg2Qg/XS9xo09JDTI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/RTXysd20rn0Fg30G4f7ErqD4rXj-iJRzgCLcBGAs/s1600/TrendTex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-af2OwgRg2Qg/XS9xo09JDTI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/RTXysd20rn0Fg30G4f7ErqD4rXj-iJRzgCLcBGAs/s400/TrendTex.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The Goody Bag, which came with a small roll of Batik squares, a branded chocolate bar, a pen, a handy little tape measure and a lint roller</I></div><br />
At first I was hesitant to attend, since I'm not a quilter (yet) and the event was directed at quilters, but one of the shop ladies encouraged me and I'm glad I did! For the grand sum of $5, I got a great goody bag with small squares of Batiks perfect for backing ornaments or small embroideries and an information session about the TrendTex company and the fabrics they carry. When we took our seats, we also filled out a small questionnaire (about how often you quilt, etc.) that doubled as a ticket to a prize drawing of fabulous fabric sets (charm squares, jelly rolls, quilt kits). Not surprisingly, I didn't win a thing LOL If mine was the only ticket in the drawing, I'd still lose π<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNuvHosHwxA/XS9yIBfGICI/AAAAAAAAFKM/CAjIM5svhcM6yJR_EHQpasQki4fRdSOMgCLcBGAs/s1600/BatiksBag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNuvHosHwxA/XS9yIBfGICI/AAAAAAAAFKM/CAjIM5svhcM6yJR_EHQpasQki4fRdSOMgCLcBGAs/s400/BatiksBag.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>These were the fabrics in my Goody Bag! The assortments were random.<br />
I particularly liked these indigo blue and turquoise combinations:</I></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wSwtfzp9K5Y/XS9yNvVW7-I/AAAAAAAAFKQ/P3JfOE5760o5Nt5YHTJ4Z9-YU2it6oYsgCLcBGAs/s1600/Batik_Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wSwtfzp9K5Y/XS9yNvVW7-I/AAAAAAAAFKQ/P3JfOE5760o5Nt5YHTJ4Z9-YU2it6oYsgCLcBGAs/s400/Batik_Blue.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
There were also discounts on Batiks cut off the bolt, but all of the fabrics I was really interested in - the vibrant rainbow hues - weren't available, unfortunately. There are so many different types of quilting fabrics, sewing notions and embroidery threads on the market these days that it can be overwhelming, especially when you live in a rural area like I do and have to order most of them online without being able to see them in person first. I wish there were more information sessions like this, just so we - as stitchy customers - could get a better idea of what we can buy! And where we can buy it π <br />
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Because TrendTex is a wholesale distributor, based in British Columbia, you can't buy fabric from them directly. However, if your quilt store is serviced by TrendTex, you can ask the owner(s) if they would be willing to order a specific item in for you; they may be happy to do so and you never know until you ask! The <a href="https://www.trendtexfabrics.com/batik">Batik section of the TrendTex website</a> is fun to browse, just to get an idea of the patterns and colours available.<br />
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Some of my favourites are the rainbows:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lpqjCKz2IXU/XS9z60G2ulI/AAAAAAAAFKo/vosyNa5fQqc4Rv5K8DRXCUsFedR_ptBcACLcBGAs/s1600/HoffmanBatiks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lpqjCKz2IXU/XS9z60G2ulI/AAAAAAAAFKo/vosyNa5fQqc4Rv5K8DRXCUsFedR_ptBcACLcBGAs/s400/HoffmanBatiks.jpg" width="323" height="400" data-original-width="604" data-original-height="749" /></a></div><br />
And the foliage (leafy botanical) designs:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RE9EzhvQhv0/XS90fJc81lI/AAAAAAAAFK0/YX7yzHJQ0domS-s60TZk1zrDe4XT4LIrwCLcBGAs/s1600/HoffmanBatiks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RE9EzhvQhv0/XS90fJc81lI/AAAAAAAAFK0/YX7yzHJQ0domS-s60TZk1zrDe4XT4LIrwCLcBGAs/s400/HoffmanBatiks2.jpg" width="330" height="400" data-original-width="609" data-original-height="738" /></a></div><br />
I have never used a Batik fabric, although I've often admired them at the quilt store! They are quite expensive, and the reason for this is that they are traditionally hand-dyed and hand-decorated, usually using a labour-intensive wax-resist dyeing technique. <br />
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The presentation included a YouTube video about traditional Batik making (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLTmu5m5bFU">Batik of Java: A Centuries Old Tradition by The Asian Art Museum</a>), which shows intricate, beautiful fabrics I'd never seen the like of before:<br />
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<iframe width="500" height="255" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PLTmu5m5bFU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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I was a little disappointed that we didn't see a video about the methods that are used today for manufacturing Batik quilting fabrics. But when I got home, I discovered this documentary by Mr. Batik about modern methods of production:<br />
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<iframe width="500" height="255" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-nsMFIZfBiE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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And I was also able to find a video from Hoffman about their Batiks! There is no narration but it gives a great, quick overview of the dyeing process.<br />
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<iframe width="500" height="255" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/opetwPOBlcw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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It is very interesting to contrast between the videos and see what has and hasn't changed with the creation of Batik fabrics over time. I found the making of the copper stamps ("cops") very interesting, and during the workshop, a vintage cop was handed around to us - it was incredibly heavy! Thee speed and accuracy of the printers with these heavy block stamps is amazing!!<br />
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While modern Batik is not the artform traditional Batik was, it still makes beautiful fabric where each bolt is different. Although it's important to note that there are ethical concerns about the working conditions in Batik factories, especially around the handling of toxic dyes and chemicals. We were told during the presentation that Hoffman Fabrics takes pride in its workers and provides the best possible conditions; even though the process looks primitive, the hot local conditions make heavy protective clothing very uncomfortable to wear.<br />
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For anyone wanting to read a little more about the history of Batik fabric, there is a quick overview <a href="http://www.wonderfulmalaysia.com/faq/a-colorful-history-of-batik.htm">here</a> and a more detailed account at the <a href="https://www.batikguild.org.uk/batik/history-of-batik">Batik Guild</a>.<br />
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I also discovered a video by American Patchwork & Quilting with seven tips for sewing with Batiks; although the video is for machine sewers, the tips are adaptable for hand sewers and embroiderers too!<br />
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<iframe width="500" height="255" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PyQhd2mxDjc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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Towards the end of the powerpoint presentation by the TrendTex representative, we were surprised with another roll of gift Batiks, slightly larger squares, again in random assortments. We were able to pick from several that the rep held out to our row, and again I missed the bright rainbow colours but I am very pleased with the pretty fabrics I did get, especially the chrysanthemum print: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LXVkmB2H-SM/XS9zNi4qBwI/AAAAAAAAFKc/6jtmxxiNbKElLtgZTWCWZJzoPO8jX6xlQCLcBGAs/s1600/Batik3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LXVkmB2H-SM/XS9zNi4qBwI/AAAAAAAAFKc/6jtmxxiNbKElLtgZTWCWZJzoPO8jX6xlQCLcBGAs/s400/Batik3.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1579" data-original-height="1579" /></a></div><br />
Here's some close-ups: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hnkYNnDxE-o/XS-IkyTIXSI/AAAAAAAAFLI/qSQfYYTZhmQu5kvfOxGXBSrxZifVVRlrgCLcBGAs/s1600/BatikMix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hnkYNnDxE-o/XS-IkyTIXSI/AAAAAAAAFLI/qSQfYYTZhmQu5kvfOxGXBSrxZifVVRlrgCLcBGAs/s400/BatikMix.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
The fabric on the bottom is much prettier in person, with very light blues and yellows:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVvjlNJ65M8/XS-Ik-TKh7I/AAAAAAAAFLE/orhgRD32UCgpMQ_iapG2vSxKhWPzv3hlwCLcBGAs/s1600/BatikMix2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVvjlNJ65M8/XS-Ik-TKh7I/AAAAAAAAFLE/orhgRD32UCgpMQ_iapG2vSxKhWPzv3hlwCLcBGAs/s400/BatikMix2.jpg" width="399" height="400" data-original-width="1368" data-original-height="1371" /></a></div><br />
I'm really looking forward to trying to stitch on these beautiful Batiks. One thing I learned from the information session that really surprised me is that the repeated dyeing in the wax-resist method makes the cotton fibres draw tightly together, and indeed Batik fabric has a smoother feel when compared to quilting cotton. The representative said that this makes hand-sewing with Batiks more difficult, so I'm glad to have smaller pieces of fabric like this to practice with.<br />
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Some more of my favourites - this one reminds me of sea kelp:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4dFtO08A1Q/XS9xkIn2C3I/AAAAAAAAFJ0/ZNEwbGTFf70XDVx7H8W9MqYf4CYo_eWkwCLcBGAs/s1600/Batik4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4dFtO08A1Q/XS9xkIn2C3I/AAAAAAAAFJ0/ZNEwbGTFf70XDVx7H8W9MqYf4CYo_eWkwCLcBGAs/s400/Batik4.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
And I love the traditional Batik wax dots on this pretty colour mix:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n3yF7529IKU/XS9xcCz-P3I/AAAAAAAAFJw/jLOZ1Z0rT50Ul7flDAscXC38HriUg5jiACLcBGAs/s1600/Batik2_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n3yF7529IKU/XS9xcCz-P3I/AAAAAAAAFJw/jLOZ1Z0rT50Ul7flDAscXC38HriUg5jiACLcBGAs/s400/Batik2_2.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
And finally, my very favourite of them all - this lovely chrysanthemum print:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-enReTRmb4mQ/XS-KWo5XCmI/AAAAAAAAFLY/s4wvKoW8HRwSZJ3Pa2BaqcY1hkttXrpTQCLcBGAs/s1600/Batik_Chrysanthemum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-enReTRmb4mQ/XS-KWo5XCmI/AAAAAAAAFLY/s4wvKoW8HRwSZJ3Pa2BaqcY1hkttXrpTQCLcBGAs/s400/Batik_Chrysanthemum.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1598" /></a></div><br />
One thing I've noticed about Batiks is the beautiful, unusual colour combinations. A favourite Batik print would be an excellent jumping off point for developing a floss colour palette for a stitchy project! And the variegated nature makes them an attractive backing fabric, in my opinion, for stitchy patterns that use a lot of colour, or for when you can't match a single shade exactly. They are lively, colourful and powerful prints, even when used in small amounts!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>What do you think of Batiks? Have your ever worked with them, or would you like to? And would you attend a fabric information session?</b></div><br />
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Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-11697580378495497232019-06-21T20:51:00.000-02:302019-06-21T20:51:27.594-02:30GG: Stitching Finish - Tiny Sheep Trio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVMwpMwZ9GwSdUoVsyg7f_8t0Eb0LE2TfDI7nfPuCfXfP7D8tCcNTb_G_D8epsDV6MEVx750X9ZKjdaS9cMOulYCDKTOIW69Aj9gynOiJs-c0bQTCwHPISu2wkm6j_W58jor4RtGieDUh/s1600/Sheep_Hoop_Crochet_Pineapple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVMwpMwZ9GwSdUoVsyg7f_8t0Eb0LE2TfDI7nfPuCfXfP7D8tCcNTb_G_D8epsDV6MEVx750X9ZKjdaS9cMOulYCDKTOIW69Aj9gynOiJs-c0bQTCwHPISu2wkm6j_W58jor4RtGieDUh/s400/Sheep_Hoop_Crochet_Pineapple.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Stitching Finish! Sheep Trio</b><br />
February 2019 Design from <a href="https://www.historicalsamplercompany.co.uk/cotton-and-twine-subscribe/">Cotton & Twine Boxes</a> <br />
(won in a Giveaway, for more information please read <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2019/03/review-cotton-twine-stitchy-boxes.html">this post</a>)<br />
* Crafty bonus: the photo background is a Pineapple Doily that I crocheted! * </div><br />
Finally, and at long last, my first <a href="https://serendipitousstitching.blogspot.com/2019/06/june-gifted-gorgeousness-link-up-post.html">Gifted Gorgeousness</a> of the year! Although I'm a little late to the party, Jo kindly leaves the linky open until the end of the month, and I'm so happy to be able to jump in with this stitching finish π GG is a great relaxed SAL to encourage stitchers to work on gift projects - either things they have received as gifts, or are giving as gifts. As I won this kit as part of a Giveaway, it was a gift to me!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uqe2rq13UJQ/XQ1aXRw6ujI/AAAAAAAAFIE/c-XkV9FrDhcXt549SPrCQcabe2OggVNBgCLcBGAs/s1600/Sheep_Hoop_Floral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uqe2rq13UJQ/XQ1aXRw6ujI/AAAAAAAAFIE/c-XkV9FrDhcXt549SPrCQcabe2OggVNBgCLcBGAs/s400/Sheep_Hoop_Floral.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
Although the <a href="https://www.historicalsamplercompany.co.uk/cotton-and-twine/cotton-and-twine-past-boxes-2/">February Cotton & Twine Box</a> come with a cute floral printed hoop to use for finishing this project (which you can see in <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2019/03/review-cotton-twine-stitchy-boxes.html">my last post</a>) you may notice that this hoop is plain. That's because as I was stitching this cute design I thought the slightly oval shape of the floral frame would make a beautiful Easter Egg! Indeed, I even bought some backing fabric and floss to make an eggy ornament but I ran out of time and Easter has come and gone. So I think I may leave it as is until next year, and then decide π<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0DHQaVONQcA/XQ1aclgfERI/AAAAAAAAFII/TtmA8wMirFcaAFQaSJKHYcZXdW8qLJ_xgCLcBGAs/s1600/Sheep_Hoop_Floral_Tilt_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0DHQaVONQcA/XQ1aclgfERI/AAAAAAAAFII/TtmA8wMirFcaAFQaSJKHYcZXdW8qLJ_xgCLcBGAs/s400/Sheep_Hoop_Floral_Tilt_2.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1421" data-original-height="1421" /></a></div><br />
This was a cute, fun Spring design to stitch that worked up quickly! Although the kit instructions said to use two strands of floss, I used three (as I usually do) for a plumper look and I had plenty of floss with the exception of one of the greens. Helpfully, the floss card listed the DMC numbers so I was easily able to substitute a strand from my own stash. This is also very useful if you would like to stitch multiples of the same project.<br />
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I shared some progress pictures on my Instagram as I went, and I enjoyed watching the project grow from three teeny tiny sheep πππ...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pVAfUn1rsIE/XQ1fEueG_9I/AAAAAAAAFIg/OuEXmzyXEiICtV4MgPNaWKSTChsYFrQkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Sheeps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pVAfUn1rsIE/XQ1fEueG_9I/AAAAAAAAFIg/OuEXmzyXEiICtV4MgPNaWKSTChsYFrQkgCLcBGAs/s400/Sheeps.jpg" width="400" height="399" data-original-width="1584" data-original-height="1581" /></a></div><br />
...to three sheep in a field of daisies πΌππππΌ...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z2BgElAN8C4/XQ1fE4jZDzI/AAAAAAAAFIk/6ldqPPiu1WIry78KiVTJkrns91Hfdlm1ACLcBGAs/s1600/Sheeps_FieldofDaisies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z2BgElAN8C4/XQ1fE4jZDzI/AAAAAAAAFIk/6ldqPPiu1WIry78KiVTJkrns91Hfdlm1ACLcBGAs/s400/Sheeps_FieldofDaisies.jpg" width="400" height="399" data-original-width="1493" data-original-height="1490" /></a></div><br />
...to three sheep among in daisies, standing under a heart β€πΌππππΌβ€: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AEOSkSpZ_zs/XQ1fE4hxVCI/AAAAAAAAFIo/lMMn4s3wK2EUbqQkwMnqeY_IvvWKsNtcgCLcBGAs/s1600/Sheeps_Flower_Start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AEOSkSpZ_zs/XQ1fE4hxVCI/AAAAAAAAFIo/lMMn4s3wK2EUbqQkwMnqeY_IvvWKsNtcgCLcBGAs/s400/Sheeps_Flower_Start.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1579" data-original-height="1579" /></a></div><br />
And finally, the end result: three adorably teeny tiny sheep frolicking in a daisy-filled meadow, under a floral arbor crowned with a heart! πΈβ€πΌππππΌβ€πΈ<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hD5oTs-bzMY/XQ1hxOjl16I/AAAAAAAAFI8/O9EuY1BLJEgFeIB28Kt8nBfVHc_I7J04wCLcBGAs/s1600/Sheep_Finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hD5oTs-bzMY/XQ1hxOjl16I/AAAAAAAAFI8/O9EuY1BLJEgFeIB28Kt8nBfVHc_I7J04wCLcBGAs/s400/Sheep_Finished.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1579" data-original-height="1579" /></a></div><br />
For the Easter Egg ornament, I bought some more floss in the pretty pink colour of the central heart to make some cording for the edging, and some coordinating mottled pink cotton fabric for the back. I was hoping to find some sheep print fabric but no luck this year! Maybe that will be my excuse for waiting until next year for final-finishing it - trying to find the right fabric π<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NwBoxfMyfLM/XQ1Z_PMDg-I/AAAAAAAAFH8/X5W5XONjexQRfOJywDjbSC8bkHHKD-EYQCLcBGAs/s1600/Sheep_Hoop_Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NwBoxfMyfLM/XQ1Z_PMDg-I/AAAAAAAAFH8/X5W5XONjexQRfOJywDjbSC8bkHHKD-EYQCLcBGAs/s400/Sheep_Hoop_Blue.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1547" data-original-height="1547" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Did you stitch anything for Easter or Spring this year? <br />
Or are you planning anything for Summer?!</b></div>Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-2893206016992365732019-03-16T15:14:00.001-02:302019-03-16T15:14:43.795-02:30Review: Cotton & Twine Stitchy Boxes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MgX4JDadcSs/XI0ghyKAWfI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/p35-eQL1WpUSsPiht1bb_gyCFs-7oBQSgCLcBGAs/s1600/C%2526TG_box.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MgX4JDadcSs/XI0ghyKAWfI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/p35-eQL1WpUSsPiht1bb_gyCFs-7oBQSgCLcBGAs/s640/C%2526TG_box.JPG" width="490" height="330" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Giveaway Win: February 2019 <a href="https://www.historicalsamplercompany.co.uk/cotton-and-twine-subscribe/">Cotton & Twine Box</a></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>DISCLAIMER:</b> <I>This is not an advertisement and I am not affiliated with <a href="https://www.historicalsamplercompany.co.uk/cotton-and-twine-subscribe/"">Cotton & Twine</a> or it's parent company, <a href="https://www.historicalsamplercompany.co.uk/">The Historical Sampler Company</a>. The giveaway win had no obligation to review or post about this box; all opinions are entirely my own.</I></div><br />
I was absolutely delighted when I found out that I had won an Instagram competition for a stitchy subscription box from British company <a href="https://www.historicalsamplercompany.co.uk/">Cotton & Twine</a> (on Instagram as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cottonandtwineboxes/">@cottonandtwineboxes</a>)!!! I rarely win anything, so it was a very lovely surprise π<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zHrM8_mFixs/XI0hGIiJ8pI/AAAAAAAAFDY/iH294VG_LRoA6cbiMQmXNbAwU-e5lO2CwCLcBGAs/s1600/C%2526TG_BoxOuter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zHrM8_mFixs/XI0hGIiJ8pI/AAAAAAAAFDY/iH294VG_LRoA6cbiMQmXNbAwU-e5lO2CwCLcBGAs/s400/C%2526TG_BoxOuter.JPG" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
You have probably noticed that there are all kinds of subscription boxes around today, ranging from beauty products to books. Why not needlework supplies? This is my first experience with a subscription box of any kind, and this pretty printed box came in a protective plain cardboard liner box. I like that you could easily reuse it for other mail!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rJIaI0eh7n8/XI0hGMM9lAI/AAAAAAAAFDc/Vc2VzFmpSkgMm-FPIpqKtlpz284n2fgDgCLcBGAs/s1600/C%2526TG_BoxOuter2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rJIaI0eh7n8/XI0hGMM9lAI/AAAAAAAAFDc/Vc2VzFmpSkgMm-FPIpqKtlpz284n2fgDgCLcBGAs/s400/C%2526TG_BoxOuter2.JPG" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><I>The printed floral motifs would make a nice embroidery pattern!</I></div><br />
<a href="https://www.historicalsamplercompany.co.uk/cotton-and-twine/">Cotton & Twine Subscription Boxes</a> are produced by <a href="https://www.historicalsamplercompany.co.uk/">The Historical Sampler Company</a>, run by two friends, <a href="https://www.historicalsamplercompany.co.uk/about-historical-sampler-company/">Joanne and Suzanne</a>, who design cross-stitch and tapestry (also known as needlepoint) patterns. In April 2018 they started the subscription boxes, and you can see the themes/contents of <a href="https://www.historicalsamplercompany.co.uk/cotton-and-twine/cotton-and-twine-past-boxes-2/">past boxes</a> to get an idea of what they are all about. <br />
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Although you can sign up for a continual, automatically-renewing subscription, you can also buy one-off boxes, if a slot is available (there are a limited number produced each month). The March 2019 box is currently sold out but you can register for e-mails about future boxes <a href="https://www.historicalsamplercompany.co.uk/cotton-and-twine-subscribe/">right here</a>.The Historical Sampler Company also offers <a href="https://www.historicalsamplercompany.co.uk/gift-boxes/">Gift Boxes</a>, available for order at any time with a similar idea and make up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HEKe0tlBqiI/XI0nAnK0IrI/AAAAAAAAFF8/XIl8g-8Xn4wsZmly730LlBIu_pGOPXFIACLcBGAs/s1600/C%2526TG_Sticker2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HEKe0tlBqiI/XI0nAnK0IrI/AAAAAAAAFF8/XIl8g-8Xn4wsZmly730LlBIu_pGOPXFIACLcBGAs/s400/C%2526TG_Sticker2.JPG" width="400" height="298" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1191" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><I>The box contents came prettily wrapped up in pink tissue paper, sealed with this lovely sticker of the C&T logo! It makes you feel like you're opening a present</I> π</div><br />
The Cotton & Twine boxes are super fun: they each contain a small stitchy project with full kit, some related goodies and some sweet treats, along with some type of tea (very British!). It's a wonderful idea - take some time for yourself, make a cup of tea and stitch away for an afternoon! My box arrived on Friday morning, and I couldn't help but think it would make a great weekend entertainment π<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GsgONB_EKVs/XI0rQSYz7xI/AAAAAAAAFGI/OXOeQ1QrqXoEDyNQM2-0eXseaH-9MiztgCLcBGAs/s1600/C%2526TG_Flatlay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GsgONB_EKVs/XI0rQSYz7xI/AAAAAAAAFGI/OXOeQ1QrqXoEDyNQM2-0eXseaH-9MiztgCLcBGAs/s400/C%2526TG_Flatlay.JPG" width="400" height="320" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1280" /></a></div><br />
Here are the complete contents: Sherbet Pips candy (totally new to me!), Green Tea bag, 3 cute wooden Gift Tags, a DMC floral hoop and the March 2019 Pattern and kit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UEjZRg22b8Y/XI0rrsWHwQI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/zRduy5FxeP8pSWKFNp8mDYoAgLYVkAYuACLcBGAs/s1600/C%2526TG_Kit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UEjZRg22b8Y/XI0rrsWHwQI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/zRduy5FxeP8pSWKFNp8mDYoAgLYVkAYuACLcBGAs/s400/C%2526TG_Kit.JPG" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
The stitchy kit comes with a full size, easy to read Black & White pattern insert in the pamphlet, with a full colour photo of the finished design on the front. The little pink organza bag contains the contents: a piece of <a href="http://shop.zweigart.de/navishop/sticken-shop/handarbeitsstoffe/aida.html?___store=en&___from_store=de">Zweigart</a> 16-count tan Aida, pre-folded into quarters, the DMC threads (with thread numbers) on a presorted cardboard keeper, and a gold tapestry needle in a sealed plastic slip.<br />
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But my absolutely favourite part is this super cute DMC floral print hoop, which you can use to frame your stitching when it's done β€πΈ I had no idea there was anything like these on the market, and they are adorable! Each box came with one of four different colours (shown with the photo from the pattern pamphlet):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bgckR3orHQk/XI0s0Kv0DFI/AAAAAAAAFGc/N7Y_9NBt4jUdVfMtZR3zRRHkVYwivs9dACLcBGAs/s1600/C%2526TG_HoopFlatIN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bgckR3orHQk/XI0s0Kv0DFI/AAAAAAAAFGc/N7Y_9NBt4jUdVfMtZR3zRRHkVYwivs9dACLcBGAs/s400/C%2526TG_HoopFlatIN.JPG" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1452" data-original-height="1452" /></a></div><br />
I was hoping for the pink, but I got the yellow and I truly love it! Cheerful and sunny π<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EPR714g7LZg/XI0s0bsco3I/AAAAAAAAFGg/gY8TRAnwMlg4-yy5niSZcpWc204tW1GsQCLcBGAs/s1600/C%2526TG_Hoop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EPR714g7LZg/XI0s0bsco3I/AAAAAAAAFGg/gY8TRAnwMlg4-yy5niSZcpWc204tW1GsQCLcBGAs/s400/C%2526TG_Hoop.JPG" width="400" height="344" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1377" /></a></div><br />
I love how the Cotton & Twine patterns are modern while still being classic and pretty. I've gotten the fabric hooped up and I'm stitching the little sheep right now; I hope to have a finish to share soon! Overall, I'm super impressed with the quality of the <a href="https://www.historicalsamplercompany.co.uk/cotton-and-twine/">Cotton & Twine boxes</a>, and I would recommend them to anyone interested. If were to offer suggestions for future C&T boxes, I would ask them to consider some minor changes:<br />
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𧡠The organza bag is cute and reusable, which I love! You can just squeeze the tiny hoop in empty, but not with the fabric in: if it were just a few inches larger, it could serve as a project bag while you're working, which would be great!<br />
𧡠The wooden gift tags are lovely but I couldn't help thinking it would be better if they had holes along the side to serve as thread keeps! I really don't know how I'm going to use three either; maybe one tag and another little something would have been better;<br />
𧡠I would personally rather have had no tags at all (since they aren't stitchy) and another hoop - one to use to frame the project, one to use on a future project;<br />
𧡠Small stitchy supplies and tools - thread skeins, needle minders, thread keepers, themed scissors could be included in future boxes along with projects.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Have you ever tried a stitchy subscription box (of any needlework technique), or have you been considering one?</b></div>Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-79744791348228956832019-03-07T15:52:00.000-03:302019-03-07T15:52:30.623-03:30SFSNAD SAH Challenge Virtual Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n94Wvi1OKqk/XIAEQinQxGI/AAAAAAAAFCI/LvOvzgQZ8xQJ4Q0WFW94VXivfg-n24NrgCLcBGAs/s1600/MakeDoandMendED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="482" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n94Wvi1OKqk/XIAEQinQxGI/AAAAAAAAFCI/LvOvzgQZ8xQJ4Q0WFW94VXivfg-n24NrgCLcBGAs/s400/MakeDoandMendED.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Original WWII Poster excerpt; see full poster at the <b><a href="https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/32383">British Imperial War Museum</a></b></i></div><br />
If you're a stitcher or crafter, you've probably heard that old thrifty phrase "Make Do and Mend", which came from the shortage of supplies under rationing during the Second World War. This phrase also happens to be the theme of the last <a href="https://www.sfneedleworkanddesign.org/about-the-challenge/" rel="nofollow">Stitch At Home Challenge</a> from the <a href="https://www.sfneedleworkanddesign.org/" rel="nofollow">San Francisco School of Needlework</a> (SFSNAD).<br />
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You may remember my <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-joys-of-spontaneous-stitching.html">Joyful Jester</a>, which I entered in the previous Stitch At Home Challenge - <a href="https://burlesquechallengegallery.tumblr.com/">Burlesque</a>. In that challenge, we were given a <a href="http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Metallic-Bag-O-Bits-Small.html" rel="nofollow">Bag O' Bits</a> full of scraps of metallic threads, courtesy of <a href="https://www.kreinik.com/"rel="nofollow">Kreinik</a>, which we had to use in our project. For the Make Do and Mend Challenge, participants were, fittingly, encouraged to use found items and stash supplies in innovative ways - that is, to "make do" π<br />
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Many of the participants also took up the second half of the Challenge -"mend" - by incorporating <b>visible mending</b> into their work. Mending is a very old technique, where the aim was usually to repair cloth as seamlessly as possible. Visible mending takes the same techniques but uses highly contrasting threads for a decorative approach. There is a whole school of thought behind this method, including a rebellion against "fast fashion", but for an introduction I enjoy following the <a href="https://tomofholland.com/portfolio/" rel="nofollow">tomofholland</a> blog. <br />
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Visible mending also draws heavily from the Japanese mending traditions of <b><a href="https://www.seamwork.com/issues/2016/04/sashiko" rel="nofollow">Sashiko</a></b>, which according to <a href="https://www.athreadedneedle.com/blogs/with-a-threaded-needle/sashiko-kogin-hitomezashi-boro-what-are-we-stitching">A Threaded Needle</a> encompasses four types of stitching: <b><I>Simple Sashiko</I></b> (<a href="https://www.mybluprint.com/article/heard-of-sashiko-embroidery-were-smitten" rel="nofollow">tutorial: clouds pattern</a>), <b><I>Hitomezashi</I></b> (<a href="https://sakepuppets.com/2013/10/02/hitomezashi-sashiko-a-tutorial/">tutorial</a>), <b><I>Kogin</I></b> (<a href="https://redgatestitchery.com/blogs/create/kogin-embroidery" rel="nofollow">examples</a>) and <b><I>Boro</b></I> (see <a href="https://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/sewblog/authentic-japanese-boro-boro-mending-boro-inspired-patchwork/" rel="nofollow">Authentic vs. Modern Boro and Boro Style </a>, <a href="https://medium.com/@leftsideoffashion/the-traditional-japanese-art-of-boro-is-experiencing-an-unexpected-resurgence-88149aebe6d7" rel="nofollow">Boro in Fashion</a>, <a href="https://www.threadsmagazine.com/2018/03/22/boro-style" rel="nofollow">tutorial for clothing</a> from Threads magazine and this <a href="http://www.handmadiya.com/2015/09/japanese-boro-bag-tutorial.html" rel="nofollow">Boro Bag tutorial</a> for a sense of the style).<br />
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I first discovered the SFSNAD on Instagram, and what I really love about their Stitch At Home Challenges is that they are free to participate in, for stitchers of any skill level, and are open Internationally. You can ship your project to San Francisco, for display in a special exhibition at the end of each Challenge, or - as I did - you can send in a photo to be used in the Online Gallery that is hosted a few months after the end of the Challenge.<br />
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But what is really neat, and what I wanted to share with you today, is that for the Make Do and Mend Challenge, the SFSNAD has made a <b>Virtual Tour</b> available on YouTube, and it is amazing to watch! It is so fun to see the many different interpretations on the theme, and to see the wonderful creativity of the stitchers who participated. <br />
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The YouTube link is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuB-UKZ557w&t=23s" rel="nofollow">here</a>, or you can watch the tour below:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fuB-UKZ557w" width="480"></iframe></div><br />
The current Stitch At Home Challenge theme is <a href="https://www.sfneedleworkanddesign.org/rules-and-entry-form/" rel="nofollow"><b>Borders</b></a> and submissions are open until April 15th, 2019. Please see the Challenge post for entry forms and rules, and the <a href="https://borderschallenge.tumblr.com/" rel="nofollow">Borders Inspiration Blog</a> for ideas. I will not be entering this time, but I really enjoyed the <a href="https://burlesquechallengegallery.tumblr.com/">Burlesque</a> SAH Challenge and hope to participate again sometime in the future π<br />
Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-22932511452672836232019-02-17T17:20:00.001-03:302019-02-17T17:20:43.845-03:30Stitcher Feature: Blackwork Poinsettia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SoMg2P3pOJM/XGmRxaWPf2I/AAAAAAAAE_k/5NZlo30_ifguoYDuVQwdtpTLAJTJQT85ACLcBGAs/s1600/B%2526F_Ornament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SoMg2P3pOJM/XGmRxaWPf2I/AAAAAAAAE_k/5NZlo30_ifguoYDuVQwdtpTLAJTJQT85ACLcBGAs/s400/B%2526F_Ornament.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>My free <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2013/12/advent-calendar-hop-2013-door-4.html">Blackwork Poinsettia Ornament</a> stitched by Shannan of <a href="https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bobbin & Fred</a></i></div><br />
I'm absolutely thrilled and delighted to introduce you to Shannan Grierson, a new stitchy friend I've met on Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bobbinandfred/">@bobbinandfred</a>)! She is a very talented designer specializing in needlepoint who blogs about her adventures with trusty French bobbin spool (Bobbin) and Fred (Bobbin's goat friend), at <a href="https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/">Sewing With Bobbin and Fred</a> π <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hS_Vtp3MR-A/XGmcOV12wUI/AAAAAAAAFAM/E7NQI6l5RyUlm38Aj8eKe8eaSsldjcsvACLcBGAs/s1600/BobbinandFredlogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="1600" height="106" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hS_Vtp3MR-A/XGmcOV12wUI/AAAAAAAAFAM/E7NQI6l5RyUlm38Aj8eKe8eaSsldjcsvACLcBGAs/s320/BobbinandFredlogo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Shannan's cute logo, showing Bobbin on the left and Fred on the right!</i></div><br />
Shannan kindly wrote an introduction for you too, so in her own words:<br />
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<i><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Hello Happy Stitchers! I'm <a href="https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/p/about-me_3.html">Shannan</a>, the author of <a href="https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/">Sewing with Bobbin and Fred</a> and designer of needlework projects. My aim in life is to cover as many things as possible in hand stitch. I love all styles of needlework and so my designs span across embroidery, needlepoint and counted canvas.<br />
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I'm very passionate about turning flat hand-stitched fabrics into 3D pieces as I find the construction process fascinating and I like to create things we can all use on a daily basis. <br />
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I love trying new techniques and I love Christmas so I was very happy to find Aurelia's blackwork ornament design. I hadn't tried blackwork before this and I found it a wonderful introduction into a new way of sewing... and my Christmas tree's going to look so pretty this year!</b></span></i><br />
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You may remember this little <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2013/12/advent-calendar-hop-2013-door-4.html" target="_blank">free Blackwork Poinsettia ornament pattern</a> and finishing tutorial that I shared a few years ago (for <a href="http://serendipitousstitching.blogspot.com/">Jo</a>'s 2013 Advent Calendar Blog Hop!):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OsykYiVdxwo/XGmTcSOEEVI/AAAAAAAAE_8/6uLmeM3spZUgrrNncsAFZYkmL-4baSCCwCLcBGAs/s1600/BW_PO_Collage_F%2526B_Finish_Floss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1200" height="243" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OsykYiVdxwo/XGmTcSOEEVI/AAAAAAAAE_8/6uLmeM3spZUgrrNncsAFZYkmL-4baSCCwCLcBGAs/s400/BW_PO_Collage_F%2526B_Finish_Floss.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
When I shared it again on Instagram for Throwback Thursday (#tbthursday), Shannan told me she liked the pattern, and I was absolutely thrilled when she started stitching her own variation, sharing her progress as she went. If you have a quick look at her website or social media, you will notice that Shannan has a super fun, vibrant sense of colour and I absolutely LOVE the new colour combination she came up with, along with her decision to stitch it on pretty green Aida:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QI43ykJlQUY/XGmRr0nC-aI/AAAAAAAAE_s/zRA1O-mUQmQbNJuy2x_Ly6cP74zaiuh2QCEwYBhgL/s1600/B%2526F_Stitching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QI43ykJlQUY/XGmRr0nC-aI/AAAAAAAAE_s/zRA1O-mUQmQbNJuy2x_Ly6cP74zaiuh2QCEwYBhgL/s400/B%2526F_Stitching.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Isn't Shannan's bright and cheerful colourway beautiful?!</i></div><br />
She also followed my <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2013/12/advent-calendar-hop-2013-door-4.html">finishing tutorial</a> (which you can find at the bottom of the pattern post), which is super easy and can apply to any ornament. It's a modified version of Whipstitch Edging, worked over Chain Stitch (instead of the traditional Back Stitch), which makes picking up the stitches with your needle so much easier! <br />
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Here's a photo of the edging in progress, from my tutorial:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YB2ulmsm7II/XGmgntD6sgI/AAAAAAAAFAc/a58Kx-c0VJUSRdVw7Y2CwhHUhkC2P-8YwCLcBGAs/s1600/chainstitchtutorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YB2ulmsm7II/XGmgntD6sgI/AAAAAAAAFAc/a58Kx-c0VJUSRdVw7Y2CwhHUhkC2P-8YwCLcBGAs/s400/chainstitchtutorial.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And here's Shannan's lovely, clear closeup of how the Whipstitch looks over the Chain Stitch - you can see the beautiful braided effect of the edging:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jt2NFHftihg/XGmgvx8z7YI/AAAAAAAAFAg/8yS-u0z2Xgo3GyBAhptQNehP5HWGx5miQCLcBGAs/s1600/B%2526F_Edging.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jt2NFHftihg/XGmgvx8z7YI/AAAAAAAAFAg/8yS-u0z2Xgo3GyBAhptQNehP5HWGx5miQCLcBGAs/s400/B%2526F_Edging.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Shannan had a really great question about the edging too. When you put your back and front together, using this method, you end up with two lines of chain stitch next to each other. Which loops do you go through? That depends entirely on the look you're going for. I chose to go over both of the loops, but you can also go underneath the pairs of loops, which leaves the tops of the Chain Stitches visible. The original magazine article I adapted this technique from also suggested just picking up the inner arm of each loop pair for beading, but the seam would be significantly weaker.<br />
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I have added some more information about this and a quick info graphic to the post π<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Xs_3zuFZgE/XGmg6wFYRQI/AAAAAAAAFAs/tYCRA0C-3-omUl1otrbPIMozUO2UF_N0QCLcBGAs/s1600/B%2526F_CloseUp.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Xs_3zuFZgE/XGmg6wFYRQI/AAAAAAAAFAs/tYCRA0C-3-omUl1otrbPIMozUO2UF_N0QCLcBGAs/s400/B%2526F_CloseUp.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Many thanks again to Shannan for kindly stitching and sharing her version of my free <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2013/12/advent-calendar-hop-2013-door-4.html">Blackwork Poinsettia Ornament</a>! When you pop over to visit her, be sure to check out her great <a href="https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/search/label/Tutorials?&max-results=20">Tutorials section</a>, where she has a lovely free pattern for her gorgeous Turkish Jewel Needlebook, designed to match the <b>Turkish Jewel Scissors Pouch and Minders</b> recently published in <a href="https://www.needlepointnow.com/">Needlepoint Now</a> magazine:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/2018/11/new-pattern-turkish-jewel-scissor-pouch.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x141dnYBuco/XGmuO4rNroI/AAAAAAAAFBM/HKeD2PCZ5DgI8z4WfY8qkuFhSndpmtR-ACLcBGAs/s400/Turkish%2BJewel%2BNeedlebook%2B17%2Bwl.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I've never tried making a needlebook, and I don't have much experience with plastic canvas, but I recently bought some to make this pretty project and I'm looking forward to learning this new technique. I have another project on the go at the moment, but I'm hoping to try my hand at stitching Shannan's needlebook soon!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>I love designing and sharing projects with you, and if you stitch any of them up, I'd absolutely love it if you could send me some pictures to share!</b> π</div>Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-46944992845242863662019-01-12T19:56:00.000-03:302019-01-12T22:08:16.035-03:30A New Year Brings New SALs!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xrr_WQzyXGs/XDpt-IzlxoI/AAAAAAAAE8g/WFNidcDkG2ch7jmrpbhO504TYMyr5s2SACLcBGAs/s1600/NewYear3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xrr_WQzyXGs/XDpt-IzlxoI/AAAAAAAAE8g/WFNidcDkG2ch7jmrpbhO504TYMyr5s2SACLcBGAs/s640/NewYear3.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><br />
Happy 2019! I hope this is a spectacularly Stitchtacular Year for all of us π Although I know I probably won't be able to blog regularly, due to continued illness in my family, I couldn't resist joining in with Jo's fun <a href="https://serendipitousstitching.blogspot.com/p/gifted-gorgeousness-2019-sign-up-page.html">Gifted Gorgeousness (GG) SAL</a> again this year:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://serendipitousstitching.blogspot.com/p/gifted-gorgeousness-2019-sign-up-page.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="https://serendipitousstitching.blogspot.com/p/gifted-gorgeousness-2019-sign-up-page.html" border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="268" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jK_QknoxAXY/XDpvqlZR_bI/AAAAAAAAE84/lcMpm6IqPWUQ1a_uxHBdkHLnHdiG6CxBwCLcBGAs/s400/GG_SAL_2019.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><br />
This is a relaxed SAL that posts every month on the 15th, and is meant to encourage us to use up stitchy supplies given as gifts. You can join in every month, or on an as-you-can basis (which I'm doing). The full rules are on the <a href="https://serendipitousstitching.blogspot.com/p/gifted-gorgeousness-2019-sign-up-page.html">FAQ post</a> on <a href="https://serendipitousstitching.blogspot.com/">Serendipitous Stitching</a>. I've participated in past GG SALs and it's a great way to meet new stitchers! <br />
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Jo also <a href="https://serendipitousstitching.blogspot.com/2019/01/a-finish-and-incentive-to-ffo.html">mentioned</a> a great new SAL that is just starting. It's so new that it doesn't have a name yet, but Rachel at the <a href="http://tenhourstitcher.blogspot.com/">Ten Hour Stitcher</a> is starting a Fully Finished Off (FFO) SAL to encourage stitchers to make something - anything - with previously stitched projects. <br />
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As she says: "<i>It saddens me that there are probably hundreds of completed cross stitches stored away in drawers and boxes when all that might be needed is a bit of encouragement or inspiration for their owners to dive in and have a go at fully-finishing some, even if it's only one or two.</i>"<br />
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This will also be a relaxed, join when-you-can sort of SAL (right up my alley!) and more details will be given around the 10th of February, as she is more accurately able to gauge stitcher interest. So if this sounds like something you'd like to join - and as an added incentive, each entry will count for a prize draw! - head over to <a href="http://tenhourstitcher.blogspot.com/2019/01/new-sal-coming-soon-fully-finished.html">her post</a> and tell her you're interested. If this gets off the ground, I might try to jump in for a month or two. Although I don't have the majority of my unfinished stitching with me right now, I do have a few small projects that are waiting to be FFO! And, no doubt, I'll make more in need of finishing this year too π<br />
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Although I'm not a big believer in New Year's Resolutions, my Stitchy Goals for 2019 are to keep experimenting with hand embroidery and embellishment, and to stitch whatever takes my fancy LOL I'd also really like to update the blog too, as time permits.<br />
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EDITED: I totally forgot TAST! <a href="https://pintangle.com/tast-faq/#comment-394302">Take A Stitch Tuesday</a> is a SAL that has been hosted by Sharon B at <a href="https://pintangle.com/">Pintangle</a> for the last few years, for hand embroidery. It is meant to teach a new embroidery stitch each week, with an additional Beyond TAST level for those who want a challenge. There is a group <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/56846286@N00/pool/">TAST Flickr pool</a> where you can see lots of stitchy goodness and which will give you a better idea of the SAL. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYEPV8XfwFA/XDqTgCWjfuI/AAAAAAAAE9E/wYcR5cX0IggXsW-YeH0PX7YufJezAh2bgCLcBGAs/s1600/TAST.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="150" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYEPV8XfwFA/XDqTgCWjfuI/AAAAAAAAE9E/wYcR5cX0IggXsW-YeH0PX7YufJezAh2bgCLcBGAs/s200/TAST.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
You can customize the SAL by working stitch samplers or doodle cloths, a big sampler, monthly small projects or one big project. Some people have made beautiful fabric books, with each page being variations on a stitch, such as this <a href="https://thecraftycreek.com/2018/11/08/stitches-in-time/">amazing example at Crafty Creek</a>. Or you can use the stitches in projects you are already making. You can post every Tuesday with a single stitch, or post some Tuesdays with several stitches at once. It's a challenge I've greatly admired from afar for the last four or five years, and I hope I can dip in and out of that one too this year. I still have so many hand embroidery stitches to learn π<br />
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<b>How about you? Any Stitchy Goals for 2019? And are you participating in any SALS this year? I'd love to hear all about your plans for this year!</b>Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-40201743041836506082018-12-23T19:53:00.001-03:302018-12-23T19:53:33.472-03:30β€π A Very Merry Christmas! πβ€<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d1lsim0IqEw/XCALZGIFCVI/AAAAAAAAE64/1fZ8dkvLf68Y0AttgKAlD-ohGp9WnND1QCLcBGAs/s1600/2018_TheGreatestGift_Blue_Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d1lsim0IqEw/XCALZGIFCVI/AAAAAAAAE64/1fZ8dkvLf68Y0AttgKAlD-ohGp9WnND1QCLcBGAs/s400/2018_TheGreatestGift_Blue_Front.jpg" width="440" height="439" data-original-width="1313" data-original-height="1311" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>β€ The Greatest Gift is Love β€<br />
My Variation of a <a href="https://lizziekateblog.blogspot.com/">Lizzie*Kate</a> design from the<br />
Just Cross Stitch 2001 Christmas Ornament Special</b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(There's a lovely finish of the design by Anne on Flickr <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/55558177@N00/16141852541">here</a>, closer to the original)</div><br />
Hope you're getting into the Christmas Spirit! It's been a little hard for my family this year, as it's our second Christmas without my beloved Grandpa. He died on Christmas Day 2016, and last year was a blur - I have no idea how we got through it to be honest. This year his loss is always in our thoughts, and the grief hits hard at the strangest times. So I stitched this little ornament as reminder to us all that it's not the Holiday hustle and bustle that matters, but the time we spend together and the memories that we make π<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8_tW3WpaVtE/XCANj6Y-rMI/AAAAAAAAE7E/uGtogMHrkvQ_1u9d8G0Bx6VeJGTIYihLwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018_TheGreatestGift_Blue_Star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8_tW3WpaVtE/XCANj6Y-rMI/AAAAAAAAE7E/uGtogMHrkvQ_1u9d8G0Bx6VeJGTIYihLwCLcBGAs/s400/2018_TheGreatestGift_Blue_Star.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1499" data-original-height="1499" /></a></div><br />
I really enjoyed working on this, and it stitched up quickly! My first idea was to stitch everything with beads, but the lettering looked too wobbly, since I was using inexpensive silver-lined seed beads that have a pretty sparkle but unfortunately aren't a regular size. So I settled for beading the star and the border, which I turned into little red flowers with gold centers. The lettering is in metallic floss, for some extra sparkle β¨<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwAoi0LEvLY/XCAOJhZ1fcI/AAAAAAAAE7M/9iMjeykOB7QtXR6hPLxxv1Qct6KQUCkvACLcBGAs/s1600/2018_TheGreatestGift_Blue_Back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwAoi0LEvLY/XCAOJhZ1fcI/AAAAAAAAE7M/9iMjeykOB7QtXR6hPLxxv1Qct6KQUCkvACLcBGAs/s400/2018_TheGreatestGift_Blue_Back.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1437" data-original-height="1436" /></a></div><br />
In keeping with the sparkle, I found this beautiful glittered gold fabric for the back! It is so lovely, especially in the Christmas lights - it looks like it's sprinkled with real gold dust π Unfortunately I had trouble capturing that in the photo. <br />
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And I used some of my favourite cording, a red-gold-green tinsel cording I found at Michaels a few years ago (and really wish I'd bought more of!):<br />
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It's a little challenging to attach, but I've found that sewing through the trim with invisible thread does the trick. And the end result is fantastically sparkly! I tried to capture all that pretty glitter, and this is the closest I could get (sorry it's a bit dark):<br />
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You can see a little bit of that gorgeous silver-lined seed bead shine on the star β <br />
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2018 has been an interesting stitchy year for me! Although I haven't been able to do nearly as much with the blog as I'd hoped, I joined Instagram and have greatly enjoyed the huge stitchy community over there. I was awed and incredibly thankful for the support my <a href="eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-joys-of-spontaneous-stitching.html">Joyful Jester</a> entry to the SFSNAD Stitch At Home Challenge brought π€ And I've been having a ton of fun experimenting with hand embroidery. <br />
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Hopefully 2019 will bring more stitchy time, for all of us! π<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Best Wishes for A Very Happy Holidays, and a Stitchtacular New Year!</b></div>Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-81542970878788200752018-12-04T15:24:00.000-03:302018-12-04T15:24:57.193-03:30A Maple Leaf for a Canadian Traveler!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PFdfQYLQrOI/XAa-7OItarI/AAAAAAAAE5U/9AKXyaphHvoNA8yqGf7JaeWBNQrH8yxVgCLcBGAs/s1600/CMLP_Finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PFdfQYLQrOI/XAa-7OItarI/AAAAAAAAE5U/9AKXyaphHvoNA8yqGf7JaeWBNQrH8yxVgCLcBGAs/s400/CMLP_Finish.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1539" data-original-height="1539" /></a></div><br />
As Winter sets in and Christmas is coming just around the corner, I want to take a step back and bid a fond Farewell to Autumn! You may remember the <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2018/10/lolli-grace-free-autumn-leaf-sal.html">Lolli & Grace Autumn Leaf SAL</a> from October; if you do, this design will be very familiar π My best friend loved the finished needlepainting project so much she almost took it home with her LOL<br />
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Although she's always generously supportive of everything I make, it's been a while since she so obviously fell in love with one of my projects. She mentioned it would make a nice bag - a tote, or a purse - and after some thought, I decided to stitch a "<b>bag brooch</b>". <br />
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She's not one for wearing pins or brooches on a shirt or coat, so I wanted a larger motif she could pin to any of the canvas messanger bags she usually carries. The pins make it removable, for when the Autumn season is over. She's also a globetrotter who loves to travel, and Canadians like ourselves often wear badges or pins with the Maple Leaf to find fellow explorers, so this colourful little brooch can also serve that purpose! <br />
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I hope it will be a fun reminder of home when she's off having adventures abroad β€<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-glH6ddZrMtg/XAbA2hE-4YI/AAAAAAAAE5g/OmHAIVikgXoh0xCB9elU-8ZuJYUmN0fhACLcBGAs/s1600/CMLP_Comparison3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-glH6ddZrMtg/XAbA2hE-4YI/AAAAAAAAE5g/OmHAIVikgXoh0xCB9elU-8ZuJYUmN0fhACLcBGAs/s400/CMLP_Comparison3.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1598" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
Here's the brooch in comparison with the original project! For the hoop, I enlarged the pattern slightly; for the brooch, I used the original Maple Leaf sizing. The colours and technique are the same. If you would like to stitch your own, the pattern, stitch guide and incredibly helpful video tutorials are all still available on the <a href="http://www.lolliandgrace.com/">Lolli & Grace</a> site, and you can find all the direct links in my <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2018/10/lolli-grace-free-autumn-leaf-sal.html">project post</a>.<br />
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This was my first time finishing an oversized embroidered brooch, and it was very much a trial-and-error process! I stitched my leaf on felt, just ordinary acrylic craft felt, in a pretty turquoise colour. Originally, I wanted to cut the border following the outline of the leaf, but I was rushed for time and went with a simple circle. In the end, I really like the extra colour, and the way the felt picks up those beautiful blues Anne chose that make this project so unique π¨<br />
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I did baste a square of sew-on stabilizer to the back, for extra strength:<br />
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The brand is Pellon, but I'm not sure which type. It is very firm. I bought it off the bolt at my local craft shop. It did require a little extra strength to sew through it, but it made sure the felt didn't stretch (which was extra likely since I was stitching in hand without a hoop!) and it really helped to make sure the felt didn't pucker under the weight of all that thread painting. All the different colours result in quite a few layers of thread!<br />
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When I was finished stitching, I removed the basting threads. Since I was going for an outline finish at first, I spent some time cutting the stabilizer close to the stitching but in hindsight I would have just cut it to the circle shape, as it would have added some extra support to the backing. And would've been so much simpler π<br />
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<b>The main problem with finishing an oversize brooch is making it stiff enough to stand on its own and keep its shape.</b> Although I don't have any pictures of the process, what I did was cut the top of a clean plastic salad container - the kind you get from the deli - to shape. This type of plastic is clear and somewhat flexible. I did not want a thick plastic that might get brittle, and so be more likely to break. <br />
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I cut the plastic circle about 1/4 inch smaller than the felt, to give me room for my Blanket Stitch Edging. I punched four holes in the middle of the plastic with a hole punch. Then I cut a circle of polyester quilt backing, and sewed that to the plastic, tacking through the circles. This gave me a stiff insert with batting on one side.<br />
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For the back, I cut out a matching circle of felt, and sewed two pinbacks on either side of the middle. I used two because the brooch is oversize, and I wanted some extra security. To assemble, I put the insert batting side up - to cushion to the back of the stitches - and sandwiched it between the embroidery (right side up) and the backing circle of felt. Then I sewed the edges with blanket stitch.<br />
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I'm very happy to say that that recipient is very pleased with her bag brooch! I really like that the brooch is removeable and can be pinned to anything fabric. I hope the finish holds up with wear, but only time will tell π <br />
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β Do you have a traveler in your life? Have you ever stitched something for them? π<br />
Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-25690526743417891832018-11-07T20:23:00.001-03:302018-11-07T20:24:24.503-03:30Meet Annabelle, my Autumn Songbird!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pia7iGX528Q/W-Ik4tshx5I/AAAAAAAAE2o/l5Vlg8eZ7fEWst5p5FWnAE5LGQd3xhoGwCLcBGAs/s1600/VintageBird_Finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pia7iGX528Q/W-Ik4tshx5I/AAAAAAAAE2o/l5Vlg8eZ7fEWst5p5FWnAE5LGQd3xhoGwCLcBGAs/s400/VintageBird_Finish.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Annabelle, the Autumn Songbird </b><br />
Adapted from a <a href="http://needlecrafter.com/patterns/detail/?refNum=10007">Free Vintage Transfer</a> (Vogart)<br />
Tester for the Blue Washable Marker and Lazy Daisy Stitches</div><br />
I have been in love with the vintage embroidery pattern that inspired this beautiful bird - whose name was chosen because Annabelle is <a href="https://www.babble.com/baby-names/baby-girl-names/meaning-of-annabelle/">Gaelic for "Joy"</a> - for YEARs now:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://needlecrafter.com/patterns/detail/?refNum=10007">Three Birds in a Tree</a> <br />
# 10007 / Animals & Insects / Vogart at <a href="http://needlecrafter.com/">Needlecrafter.com</a></b></div><br />
Although it doesn't appear to have been updated since 2016, Needlecrafter is one of the best sites online to find free vintage embroidery transfers, and it is home to the pattern that I used for my first-ever embroidery, <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2011/07/adventures-in-embroidery.html">Bluebirds of Happiness</a>. <br />
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I wanted a tester to try the Blue Washable Pen I recently used for <a href="https://www.blogger.com/eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2018/10/meet-sammy-vintage-squirrel.html">Sammy the Squirrel</a>. I was interested to see if having the full Lazy Daisy outline marked would help make my stitches rounder. When I'm using a permanent transfer method - lead pencil, fine-tipped Sharpie marker or iron-on pencil - I usually only put dots in place of the bottom and top tips on each petal. <br />
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This is because I find it difficult to make my stitches perfectly match the lovely even teardrops of the pattern designs. But when you have a lot of Lazy Daisy stitches close together, all those dots can be a little confusing, especially since I usually have French Knot dots marked in the middle of the flowers too. It's like playing Connect the Dots - and sometimes it's frustrating to figure out where everything goes π<br />
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So I decided to focus only on one bird; this is my variation! I made some changes: altering the branch, adding another tail feather, changing the beak and adding extra French Knots and scattered Detached (Single) Lazy Daisies in the body for some extra colour. I also added another leg, because only one didn't look quite right!<br />
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You may notice the colours look a little familiar. That's because I loved the colour palette from my <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2018/10/lolli-grace-free-autumn-leaf-sal.html">Lolli & Grace Autumn Leaf SAL</a> so much that I just had to use it again! I made some minor substitutions in the original colourway and I kept those for this project. If you'd like to stitch your own Autumn Songbird, here is the Colour & Stitch Key: <br />
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The Blue Washable Marker (mine is the Unique Brand, from Walmart, that I used for <a href-"http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2018/10/meet-sammy-vintage-squirrel.html">Sammy the Squirrel</a>) worked like magic again! A quick dip in a plastic container of cold water and Abracadabra! Shazam! Bibbety-bobbity-boo!!! A beautiful, joyful Songbird!<br />
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One teeny tiny minor quibble: my fabric choice was not the best. I have seen this pretty and unusual mustard yellow colour everywhere this Autumn, and when I found some fabric on the bargain wall, the same type of linen I used for <a href="eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-joys-of-spontaneous-stitching.html
">The Joyful Jester</a>, I was thrilled! That project was felt applique, so I've never actually embroidered on this fabric before. The loose weave means that it's easy to overstretch, and although I tried very hard not to do so, I distorted the fabric. Significantly.<br />
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I was SO proud of my Satin Stitch in this project, especially the Tail Feathers:<br />
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Smooth, right? This was the first layer I intended to use as padding but it worked out so well that I kept it to the single layer. The leaves were Satin Stitched inside as well. Out of the hoop, unfortunately, that fabric distortion means that all my painstakingly-stitched Satin Stitch went wavy and wonky π So it has to be stretched in a hoop or a frame.<br />
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Lesson learned!<br />
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Thankfully, my other major achievement - the Bullion Knot feet - emerged relatively unscathed π Those teeny tiny toes are so cute!<br />
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<b>Verdict:</b> The Blue Washable Marker wins again! I'm so impressed with this embroidery transfer method. It really did help take the guess work out of my Lazy Daisies, although again the linen was not a good fabric choice. The nubby texture means that it was harder to mark the fabric and I had to go over most of the lines twice. Also, because I couldn't mark smoothly on the textured surface, I couldn't really get the teardrop shape of the Lazy Daisy stitches and they ended up more like straight lines LOL!<br />
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<b>I really love the flexibility this marker gives you - you can change elements, as I did with this project when I reshaped the beak, you can add or omit parts of the pattern. Not having to stick to the pattern lines gives you so much stitching freedom!</b><br />
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And my Lazy Daisy stitches do look a little rounder than normal, which is a definite plus since mine usually turn out kind of skinny. In all likelihood, this had nothing at all to do with the marker and just happened because I was paying extra attention to them, but I'll take all the help I can get π<br />
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I'm so pleased with how Annabelle turned out, and I think she's lovely. A little songbird to sing a happy, joyful tune on these golden late Autumn afternoons while the leaves fall, reminding us that Spring will come again once Winter has its turn πππAurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-8916892868019831652018-10-29T21:06:00.000-02:302018-10-29T21:39:43.412-02:30Pilot FriXion Tester: Vintage Pumpkin <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSjmGUe_kPPiZiCuFQLfPcAIG38kTTfvWb39kvfwAU0cGmBCJFqWsyzOCEkdfqsz_PAeJQFyrrT_Sp66P0nwiXmsJmN_WfqtNKEFOX_PG3arLIJIaUVngAHtWYMlkqTe9CNF-xfFlcr5N/s1600/VP_Peach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSjmGUe_kPPiZiCuFQLfPcAIG38kTTfvWb39kvfwAU0cGmBCJFqWsyzOCEkdfqsz_PAeJQFyrrT_Sp66P0nwiXmsJmN_WfqtNKEFOX_PG3arLIJIaUVngAHtWYMlkqTe9CNF-xfFlcr5N/s400/VP_Peach.JPG" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1511" data-original-height="1511" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Vintage Pumpkin</b><br />
Test Piece for Pilot FriXion Pen Transfer Method<br />
</div><br />
Following <a href="http://eglantinestitchery.blogspot.com/2018/10/meet-sammy-vintage-squirrel.html">my success with using a blue Washable Marker</a> to transfer an embroidery pattern, I decided to work up a small tester with another very popular transfer method I've never tried: <a href="http://pilotpen.us/brands/frixion/">The Pilot FriXion Pen</a>!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mwoAt2knNDQ/W9ePbMHdllI/AAAAAAAAE1c/Jd3VapXfcisF7ABiRh8zhvIPndzr6gGZQCLcBGAs/s1600/PilotFrixionLarge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mwoAt2knNDQ/W9ePbMHdllI/AAAAAAAAE1c/Jd3VapXfcisF7ABiRh8zhvIPndzr6gGZQCLcBGAs/s400/PilotFrixionLarge.JPG" width="400" height="294" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1177" /></a></div><br />
The FriXion pens are not meant for use on fabric. They are ink pens that come with an eraser on the bottom end (and wow, do I ever wish these had been out when I was writing exams in school!). They are very popular among quilters but are <b>controversial</b> in the embroidery community. Mary Corbet of <a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/">Needle N' Thread</a> very succinctly sums up <a href="https://www.needlenthread.com/2014/09/embroidery-design-transfer-question-frixion-pens.html">her reasons</a> for not using these pens to transfer embroidery patterns.<br />
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Namely, <b>the ink does not really disappear</b>. It can leave "ghost lines" that usually re-emerge if the embroidery gets cold, which is something to keep in mind if you are sending your work through the mail. So this is <b>not a flexible transfer method like the Washable Marker - you have to intend to cover most of your lines</b>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-288kjMPq8xI/W9eQem9fzoI/AAAAAAAAE1k/hx2-NT1W6kIvwAnrrNgyDhYwUFgzvjDMQCLcBGAs/s1600/PilotFrixion_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-288kjMPq8xI/W9eQem9fzoI/AAAAAAAAE1k/hx2-NT1W6kIvwAnrrNgyDhYwUFgzvjDMQCLcBGAs/s400/PilotFrixion_05.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
Last year, a good friend sent me a black Pilot FriXion pen to try. They come in several different types and sizes. Mine is the extra fine 0.7 ballpoint, and I love the way it writes! The line is clear but thin, and the ballpoint glides over the fabric. Like the Washable Pen, you need to be able to see through your fabric to trace your transfer.<br />
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Most articles on using FriXion pen for embroidery transfers say that you need to iron the ink out. Since I usually iron embroidery from the back (placing the front on a thick fluffy towel so the stitches aren't squashed), I was a little nervous about ironing on the front. Then, a few weeks ago on Instagram, a stitcher said she used a hair dryer. Genius!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0ChEcnLyt0/W9eS6_NpFrI/AAAAAAAAE1w/399KJyagrc8ddDT-2wLAi-MOfEUNtI52QCLcBGAs/s1600/100_6337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0ChEcnLyt0/W9eS6_NpFrI/AAAAAAAAE1w/399KJyagrc8ddDT-2wLAi-MOfEUNtI52QCLcBGAs/s400/100_6337.JPG" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
So that's what I tried, and it worked a treat! I'm afraid there are no good Before-and-After shots, because I did stick very close to the pattern. A few little bits around the curly vines were all I had to go by, but one blast of heat and they vanished. Obviously, this is something I will have to experiment with a bit more, but I am optimistic that these pens would be a good method for quick, casual patterns. <br />
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<b>I really like that the line is easily visible but that you do not need to wash the finished embroidery</b>. And although the FriXion pens do not give you the flexibility of Washable Markers, <b>they do give you a tiny bit of wiggle room</b> versus a lead pencil (my usual method). You need to be sure of your design and stick close to the drawn lines but if you do have an "oops!" moment, you can blast it away with heat.<br />
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I am looking for a transfer method that gives fine, non-smudging, easily visible lines that are thin enough to be covered by outline stitches, and this pen seems fits that bill!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1YnZXSnWwHM/W9eUzALfGFI/AAAAAAAAE2E/6KPCmGVVomcQCjerhl_FvEg0hH0sPQf-QCLcBGAs/s1600/100_6327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1YnZXSnWwHM/W9eUzALfGFI/AAAAAAAAE2E/6KPCmGVVomcQCjerhl_FvEg0hH0sPQf-QCLcBGAs/s400/100_6327.JPG" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div><br />
<b>Project Details</b><br />
<br />
βΎ Vintage Pumpkin from online freebie, unfortunately no longer available<br />
βΎ 4" wooden embroidery hoop<br />
βΎ 100% quilting cotton, Ecru<br />
βΎ DMC Floss: <br />
<b>Pumpkin:</b> 900 (Dark Burnt Orange), 6 strands, Stem Stitch<br />
<b>Leaves:</b> 986 (Very Dark Forest Green), 4 strands, Split Stitch Outline, and Backstitched Veins<br />
<b>Curly Vines:</b> 988 (Medium Forest Green), 2 strands, Stem Stitch<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1jvggJfoAHs/W9eUgT9ycAI/AAAAAAAAE18/iMcCJJvd3dU5n3rmso-7l6BPsmoH3Yt1gCLcBGAs/s1600/100_6334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1jvggJfoAHs/W9eUgT9ycAI/AAAAAAAAE18/iMcCJJvd3dU5n3rmso-7l6BPsmoH3Yt1gCLcBGAs/s400/100_6334.JPG" width="400" height="316" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1265" /></a></div><br />
All in all, I'm very happy with how my little Pumpkin turned out! I'm having fun right now stitching up these little transfer method testers, and the next is a pretty little bird that will try out the Washable Marker on Lazy Daisy stitches πΌ<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n7iCJif6nMU/W9eXfTQXBgI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/UOTQnu64dGswRk9f-219EuWcQEoEZIyewCLcBGAs/s1600/VintagePumpkin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n7iCJif6nMU/W9eXfTQXBgI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/UOTQnu64dGswRk9f-219EuWcQEoEZIyewCLcBGAs/s400/VintagePumpkin.JPG" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1529" data-original-height="1530" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Have you used a Pilot FriXion pen to write on fabric? How did you find it?</b></div>Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-55376375384235700012018-10-24T20:24:00.000-02:302018-10-24T20:24:50.988-02:30Meet Sammy, the Vintage Squirrel πΏ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlHqDvJnzec/W9DE56ZjopI/AAAAAAAAEzo/OU-e7CsrmXQQJ8dlbRUZZXWqGgVFQE-_ACLcBGAs/s1600/VS_Finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlHqDvJnzec/W9DE56ZjopI/AAAAAAAAEzo/OU-e7CsrmXQQJ8dlbRUZZXWqGgVFQE-_ACLcBGAs/s400/VS_Finish.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1525" data-original-height="1525" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Sammy the Vintage Squirrel </b><br />
from Vintage Embroidery Transfer <br />
(from an online freebie that is no longer available)<br />
</div><br />
This fun little squirrel was my first experience using a Washable Marker to transfer an embroidery pattern! My pen is the <a href="https://fabricville.com/en/unique-wash-out-marker-blue.html">Unique brand</a>, and I bought it at Walmart for less than $5 CA. DMC makes a <a href="https://www.dmc.com/us/dmc-embroidery-transfer-pen-9000082.html">popular one</a> as well. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xrF38840Tek/W9DZbnB4KYI/AAAAAAAAEz4/VmZgPbQQ8CgMiMe_dtIzsFiFZKVgy9YqwCLcBGAs/s1600/100_6273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xrF38840Tek/W9DZbnB4KYI/AAAAAAAAEz4/VmZgPbQQ8CgMiMe_dtIzsFiFZKVgy9YqwCLcBGAs/s400/100_6273.JPG" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1279" data-original-height="1280" /></a></div><br />
The blue is nice and bright and easy to see! It has a felt-pen like tip which gives a pretty thin line. Unfortunately, it doesn't really write like a pen. I found it more effective to use quick, short strokes - much like using a pencil or pen to transfer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9Wsi6pGVL8/W9DZ9-dWu9I/AAAAAAAAE0A/XnTMOc9PaCgloNld-MlYwXH_4nzmSwedgCLcBGAs/s1600/VS_Tracing_WashableMarker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9Wsi6pGVL8/W9DZ9-dWu9I/AAAAAAAAE0A/XnTMOc9PaCgloNld-MlYwXH_4nzmSwedgCLcBGAs/s400/VS_Tracing_WashableMarker.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
These types of Washable Markers are very popular for embroidery transfers because you don't have to worry if your lines don't quite match your stitching, which also gives you some flexibility. If you want to omit or change the shape of an element you can! This would be incredibly helpful with stitches like the Lazy Daisy. There's a great article by Cheryl Fall about <a href=https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/are-washable-fabric-markers-safe-1177659">using washable pens for embroidery transfers at Spruce Crafts</a>.<br />
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For cross-stitchers, these have some use too. I have recently seen someone on Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/moiraestitches/">@moiraestitches</a>; see her <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/stagecoachinthewoods/">#StageCoachInTheWoods</a> for progress) use one of these markers on Aida, to outline a monotone (single colour) pattern for easy stitching. I think this is a fantastic idea, and saves you from having to constantly consult a chart for simple designs or for large blocks of colour in more complex designs. You could also use them to mark the center of a design or to help mark borders for accuracy!<br />
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I followed the lines pretty closely, but I still had a tiny bit of blue showing:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rwJ5KKG95v0/W9DojvrzxQI/AAAAAAAAE0U/L__ZiPKbSr8p4F6MHXKFPxRn-LosZAEfwCLcBGAs/s1600/VS_Before_Washing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rwJ5KKG95v0/W9DojvrzxQI/AAAAAAAAE0U/L__ZiPKbSr8p4F6MHXKFPxRn-LosZAEfwCLcBGAs/s400/VS_Before_Washing.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1580" data-original-height="1579" /></a></div><br />
Here's a close-up - the red arrows point to visible marker lines:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cwbtyI1PlRE/W9Dorx_ClHI/AAAAAAAAE0Y/9uFE6xKmjs0NPIiJC2DP5O0qbM82T2BTQCLcBGAs/s1600/VS_Squirrel_BW_Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cwbtyI1PlRE/W9Dorx_ClHI/AAAAAAAAE0Y/9uFE6xKmjs0NPIiJC2DP5O0qbM82T2BTQCLcBGAs/s400/VS_Squirrel_BW_Blue.jpg" width="399" height="400" data-original-width="936" data-original-height="938" /></a></div><br />
I have to admit that I was nervous to wash Sammy, especially with the black and white eye! But a quick dip in cold tap water (I used a sandwich container) and it was like magic: when the marker lines hit the water, they vanished! No scrubbing at all!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XFk7p5zsKO0/W9DpFAyY0SI/AAAAAAAAE0k/QEwGDdSiH9k2LQJs1qgmb1aCBVw6I0obACLcBGAs/s1600/VS_Washing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XFk7p5zsKO0/W9DpFAyY0SI/AAAAAAAAE0k/QEwGDdSiH9k2LQJs1qgmb1aCBVw6I0obACLcBGAs/s400/VS_Washing2.jpg" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div><br />
Presto, changeo! Abracadabra! Ta-DA! I'm totally impressed, and can't wait to try this marker again π <br />
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<b>Project Details:</b><br />
βΎ Fabric is 100% quilting Cotton, light beige<br />
βΎ 4" vintage wooden hoop<br />
βΎ DMC Floss: 919 (Fur), 3833 (Ears), 310 (Nose and Eye), 001 (Eye highlight), 780 (Acorn) and 938 (Acorn Cap)<br />
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I used 3 strands of floss for most of the stitching. I used 2 strands of white for the teeth, and also for the white Eye Highlight, with 1 strand of black for Split Stitch to define the outside of the Eye. First, I tried stitching the Eye with all black and adding the highlight with a French Knot, but I didn't like the way the Knot stood out. So I took it back and made a tiny circle with Satin Stitch for the highlight, with a Fly Stitch border:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2QSGNSner1Q/W9DrYnCdTtI/AAAAAAAAE0w/KbuN79rw0a4LNbP9TlE68_iWcvqQiAeCwCLcBGAs/s1600/VS_Head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2QSGNSner1Q/W9DrYnCdTtI/AAAAAAAAE0w/KbuN79rw0a4LNbP9TlE68_iWcvqQiAeCwCLcBGAs/s400/VS_Head.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
I like it a lot better! The other place I struggled was Sammy's tail. I wanted a floofy, fluffy, floomphy tail, and I considered using Turkey Stitch first. I worked some samples in the top left corner of the cloth. After a LOT of hemming and hawing, I eventually settled on doing the outside lines on the tail with 6 strands, using Stem Stitch:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbS8pX82CoI/W9DsHfaRm7I/AAAAAAAAE04/Uv7f8ng_GG8jHYIVviUkPgJnV4HnP8EfwCLcBGAs/s1600/VS_Tail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbS8pX82CoI/W9DsHfaRm7I/AAAAAAAAE04/Uv7f8ng_GG8jHYIVviUkPgJnV4HnP8EfwCLcBGAs/s400/VS_Tail2.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
It wasn't as fluffy as I wanted but it gave me a nice bit of extra lift:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DZOigQKPOk/W9DsLKRZ0aI/AAAAAAAAE08/VRm6iuXfNw4WPvNto_iVUMU_Q7tupLfBgCLcBGAs/s1600/VS_Tail_Side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DZOigQKPOk/W9DsLKRZ0aI/AAAAAAAAE08/VRm6iuXfNw4WPvNto_iVUMU_Q7tupLfBgCLcBGAs/s400/VS_Tail_Side.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1477" data-original-height="1476" /></a></div><br />
Ultimately, I think a Turkey Work tail would have overwhelmed her. This was a super fun stitch and a successful experiment in transferring using a Washable Marker! I'm hoping to do another little tester using the <a href="http://pilotpen.us/brands/frixion/">Pilot Frixion Pen</a> transfer method soon π©βπ¬ <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IY0W6urr0lo/W9DE3vClFCI/AAAAAAAAEzk/E77Z8anWnYsHiYFWX9VL1EfF4I_3CsnxACLcBGAs/s1600/VS_Finish_Side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IY0W6urr0lo/W9DE3vClFCI/AAAAAAAAEzk/E77Z8anWnYsHiYFWX9VL1EfF4I_3CsnxACLcBGAs/s400/VS_Finish_Side.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>ππ Sammy the Squirrel says Happy Autumn! ππ</b></div>Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-14430838340691635702018-10-14T22:42:00.000-02:302018-10-14T22:44:56.240-02:30Lolli & Grace Free Autumn Leaf SAL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_DrVC7_cMQ/W8PMKeK_38I/AAAAAAAAEyk/LgCp6TC2sgI8VEp7Rtj1nXd8WEYdDAI7ACLcBGAs/s1600/L%2526G_Finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_DrVC7_cMQ/W8PMKeK_38I/AAAAAAAAEyk/LgCp6TC2sgI8VEp7Rtj1nXd8WEYdDAI7ACLcBGAs/s400/L%2526G_Finish.jpg" width="400" height="393" data-original-width="1595" data-original-height="1568" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Lolli & Grace Autumn Leaf SAL, Free Pattern</b></div><br />
Although the four day SAL, ran on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/">Instagram</a> with instructions on the <a href="http://www.lolliandgrace.com/">Lolli & Grace website</a>, is now over, the pattern and videos are still available for free:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lolliandgrace.com/lolli-and-grace-autumn-leaf-stitch-along-supply-list-and-a-sneak-peek/">Lolli & Grace Autumn Leaf SAL: Supply List</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lolliandgrace.com/lolli-and-grace-autumn-leaf-stitch-along-day-one/">Day One (Set Up, Stitch Guide, 1st Video for Branches and Berries)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lolliandgrace.com/lolli-and-grace-autumn-leaf-stitch-along-day-two/">Day Two (2nd Video: Rest of Wreath Elements)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lolliandgrace.com/lolli-and-grace-autumn-leaf-stitch-along-day-three/">Day Three (3rd Video: Autumn Leaf Needlepainting)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lolliandgrace.com/lolli-and-grace-autumn-leaf-stitch-along-day-four/">Day Four (4th Video: Stitching the Leaf Veins and Finishing the Hoop)</a></div><br />
Last month, I tried a new type of Needlepainting for the first time, in the amazing FREE Lolli & Grace Autumn Leaf Stitch Along (SAL) on Instagram! Anne, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lolliandgrace/">@lolliandgrace</a>, the designer of colourful, cheerful and absolutely charming hand embroidery designs (see <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/LolliAndGrace?ref=ss_profile">her Etsy shop</a> for more), very kindly and generously put together this beautiful design and showed us how to stitch it with incredibly helpful video tutorials. <br />
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To me, the technique of Needlepainting usually brings to mind the exquisite details of silk Long and Short Stitch embroidery, usually worked with a single strand of thread with natural and subtle shading. This is a casual, relaxed, much chunkier version of Needlepainting, using four strands of thread at a time and a variety of high contrast colours (my absolutely favourite part of this design are the touches of bright blue!). <br />
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And it is FUN π<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwjUwfMhDrw/W8PUYx7oJ5I/AAAAAAAAEy4/fjZzg2bLb8wn3extbVPy5vpsQ06sPx8DwCLcBGAs/s1600/100_6217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwjUwfMhDrw/W8PUYx7oJ5I/AAAAAAAAEy4/fjZzg2bLb8wn3extbVPy5vpsQ06sPx8DwCLcBGAs/s400/100_6217.JPG" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div><br />
Honestly, I was really nervous about trying the colour blending in the center Maple Leaf. But thanks to Anne's encouragement, it was easier than I thought it would be and now I'm eager to try more Needlepainting! It's stitchy magic - you start adding the darker colours, in this case my red and brown, then layer the medium tones and finally add the lighter tones as highlights. I learned to stagger my stitches between long and short, but you don't pack them together in the rigidly long-short-long-short pattern you see in stitch dictionaries. It's very much instinctual, and I only started to enjoy it when I let go of the idea of perfection and just added colours where I felt they would work.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-972Y9yzDxGk/W8PVA6yB_DI/AAAAAAAAEzA/NxeCY1fvEkg6GuLDuHX2eFgC-EH8ADMqQCLcBGAs/s1600/100_6218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-972Y9yzDxGk/W8PVA6yB_DI/AAAAAAAAEzA/NxeCY1fvEkg6GuLDuHX2eFgC-EH8ADMqQCLcBGAs/s400/100_6218.JPG" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div><br />
This was a little difficult at first, since the colours are not the traditional close tone shading, but once I had sorted them in my mind (a little arbitrarily) into my dark, medium and light colours it was a lot easier. I thought of it as: a bit of dark, lots of medium and a little light. The bright blue (806), for example, I thought of as a highlight, even thought it's a medium colour shade. <br />
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I wanted it to look like that beautiful golden late Autumn honeyed sunlight was shining on my Maple Leaf, so I deliberately kept the left side darker and added the brighter yellows and oranges on the right. As Anne said, you can go back and add a few stitches if there's any blank areas or you need more colour. I tried to add a few small groupings of two or three stitches with the same colour here and there to break up the stripe-y look.<br />
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I also really enjoyed learning the Pearly Leaf Stitch for the bottom branch! <br />
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Here's a slideshow, from floss toss to finish:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-URd6ONlBzWs/W8PTNnPhrZI/AAAAAAAAEyw/Fg-YF6ZdP10f4fScKC2zRMl8erIGURluwCLcBGAs/s1600/L%2526G%2BSAL%2BSlideshow.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-URd6ONlBzWs/W8PTNnPhrZI/AAAAAAAAEyw/Fg-YF6ZdP10f4fScKC2zRMl8erIGURluwCLcBGAs/s400/L%2526G%2BSAL%2BSlideshow.gif" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="500" data-original-height="500" /></a></div><br />
I did make some small changes here and there. I was so excited to start that I began pulling my DMC floss right away, so I made some colour substitutions for the shades I didn't have, which you can see in the first photo in the slideshow. They are:<br />
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Light Green: 581 substituted with 907<br />
Medium Green: 3346 substituted with 905<br />
Maroon: 815 substituted with 498 (red)<br />
Tan: 167 substituted with 436<br />
Gold: 3852 substituted with 728<br />
Dark Blue: 3750 substituted with 824<br />
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The two most unique colours, other than the striking 806 Blue, are the Plum (3834) and Berry (915) which I was going to substitute with 333 and 718, respectively. But when I started stitching I realized that the original colours were more Autumnal and unlike anything else in the DMC collection. Here they are in progress on the left wreath branch:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Od-HkftUcCQ/W8PZUai0ZrI/AAAAAAAAEzM/l6jOnLaEGyYs-N4DwmaJefFgl4UP0VWNQCLcBGAs/s1600/L%2526GSAL_Day4_FrenchKnots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Od-HkftUcCQ/W8PZUai0ZrI/AAAAAAAAEzM/l6jOnLaEGyYs-N4DwmaJefFgl4UP0VWNQCLcBGAs/s400/L%2526GSAL_Day4_FrenchKnots.jpg" width="400" height="399" data-original-width="1317" data-original-height="1314" /></a></div><br />
French Knots are my Stitchy Nemesis, so I'm very proud of these nice plump berries! <br />
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For the Maple Leaf, I used Satin Stitch for the stem, rather than Outline Stitch, and I left the small veins out because when I tried to add them in they broke up the colour blending too much, especially at the tips. I also used Outline Stitch for the long veins because, as klutzy as I am, I was sure I would catch the long stitches on something π <br />
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I also added some Straight Stiches to the middle of the Lazy Daisy leaves for extra colour, and a few extra French Knots (gasp!) to the branch on the right. I do have a few little puckers in the fabric, since the Maple Leaf is stitched so heavily, but I'm optimistic that they will come out during finishing. I'm not sure what I'm going to make with it, probably not a hoop. A friend suggested a tote bag, which might be nice. For now, it will happily join the others in my project drawer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrcNQavlXm4/W8PpVkCIpgI/AAAAAAAAEzY/Zf_dPfkVM1sliUqLTb-wZPWAKDLDwDssgCLcBGAs/s1600/100_6215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrcNQavlXm4/W8PpVkCIpgI/AAAAAAAAEzY/Zf_dPfkVM1sliUqLTb-wZPWAKDLDwDssgCLcBGAs/s400/100_6215.JPG" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div><br />
The Lolli & Grace SAL was a fabulous, fun experience and I'm so glad I decided to jump in! To see other finishes, search the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/lolligraceautumnleaf/">#lolligraceautumnSAL</a> on Instagram. Not only was it awesome to learn new stitchy techniques but this SAL was an excellent way to find other stitchers to follow! What I really loved about this SAL is that although every stitcher used the same pattern, every Maple Leaf turned out completely different and it was so interesting and inspiring seeing how other people chose to Needlepaint π¨ <br />
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Have you ever tried Needlepainting? Would you like to?<br />
Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-29997305805791324222018-08-13T00:09:00.000-02:302018-09-10T19:52:00.315-02:30The Joys of Spontaneous Stitching!!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3iD1WocVhG8/W3CrmwuXgWI/AAAAAAAAEoc/emyEKG5apywUC61I8HGTWYuhAdDt2J5_ACLcBGAs/s1600/JestersCap_Purple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1563" data-original-width="1563" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3iD1WocVhG8/W3CrmwuXgWI/AAAAAAAAEoc/emyEKG5apywUC61I8HGTWYuhAdDt2J5_ACLcBGAs/s400/JestersCap_Purple.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Please click on any photo to view it larger</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Joyful Jester</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Felt on Linen with Embellishments</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Featuring <a href="http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2012/07/www.kreinik.com">Kreinik Threads</a> (<a href="www.kreinik.com/shops/Metallic-Bag-O-Bits.html">Bag O' Bits</a>)</span></div><br />
I have an exciting project to share today! At the end of June, I discovered that <a href="https://www.sfneedleworkanddesign.org/">The San Francisco School of Needlework & Design</a> (SFSNAD) was hosting a <a href="https://www.sfneedleworkanddesign.org/about-the-challenge/">Stitch At Home Challenge</a>, free to anyone who wanted to enter and open Internationally! If you missed this challenge, worry not, for they will be offering more in the future π<br />
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Each challenge has a theme, and the theme for this round was <b><a href="https://www.sfneedleworkanddesign.org/rules-and-entry-form/">Burlesque</a></b>. Admittedly, at first, I wasn't all that interested as Burlesque brings to mind dancing girls with feather fans at best. However, when I looked through the <a href="https://burlesquechallenge.tumblr.com/">Inspiration blog</a>, I realized that the SFSNAD interpretation was much broader. As the blog says, in part: <br />
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<i>"This Stitch-at-Home Challenge is intended to pull out the whimsical, the subversive, and the exaggerated parts of ourselves and our world. Throughout time, people have been responding to experiences that bump up against their sensibilities, that provoke a feeling of ridiculousness, frustration, or celebration. How do we reframe, exaggerate, or explode these feelings? <b>Where do we find outrageous joy?</b>"</i><br />
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I don't know if it's outrageous or not, but personally I find a great joy in stitching, which far surpasses the simple act of pulling a threaded needle through fabric. It is relaxing, absorbing, fascinating and endlessly surprising, and I wanted to capture some of that happiness in my project π I wanted something colourful and cheerful π¨π!<br />
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This image of Harlequin statuettes from the blog caught my eye:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zz5BJJT_m4M/W3C9YVyT9fI/AAAAAAAAEoo/wi1i2qTm-YwbRTCBG-CbXB3IG9UkmlIkQCLcBGAs/s1600/SFNAD_Harlequin_Inspo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zz5BJJT_m4M/W3C9YVyT9fI/AAAAAAAAEoo/wi1i2qTm-YwbRTCBG-CbXB3IG9UkmlIkQCLcBGAs/s400/SFNAD_Harlequin_Inspo.jpg" width="400" height="329" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="329" /></a></div><br />
Curious, I did a bit of Googling, and I found these delightful Harlequin illustrations from the <a href="www.delpiano.com/carnival/html/commedia.html">Italian Commedia Dell'Arte</a>, which according to the <a href="https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/comm/hd_comm.htm">Metropolitan Museum</a>, was "<i> a theatrical form characterized by improvised dialogue and a cast of colorful stock characters that emerged in northern Italy in the fifteenth century and rapidly gained popularity throughout Europe.</i>" I loved the exuberant feathered costumes!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlqrNBJAq4o/W3C9ug5bVvI/AAAAAAAAEow/gPDXuQRZb2ArJ6apXWQjT9Uqc6C6lSylQCLcBGAs/s1600/Jester_Inspiration_Harlequin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlqrNBJAq4o/W3C9ug5bVvI/AAAAAAAAEow/gPDXuQRZb2ArJ6apXWQjT9Uqc6C6lSylQCLcBGAs/s400/Jester_Inspiration_Harlequin.jpg" width="400" height="256" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="768" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="www.scuolaitalianabarcellona.com/sfilata-di-carnevale-3/arlecchino/">Image 1</a> / <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/386254105538250880/">Image 2<br />
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And those lead me to modern <a href="https://venice-carnival-italy.com/">Venice Carnivale</a> masks, which are bright and colourful:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OV2kvrSNALA/W3C_xS83ZRI/AAAAAAAAEo8/5A3EG8eiPrgGknwpWdWfBOqp8iPzv3GEwCLcBGAs/s1600/Jester_Inspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OV2kvrSNALA/W3C_xS83ZRI/AAAAAAAAEo8/5A3EG8eiPrgGknwpWdWfBOqp8iPzv3GEwCLcBGAs/s400/Jester_Inspiration.jpg" width="388" height="400" data-original-width="1164" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.e-venise.com/carnaval-de-venise/2016-masques-costumes-carnaval-venise-20.html">Image 1</a> / <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/386254105538250929/">Image 2</a> / <a href="https://outthefrontwindow.tumblr.com/post/97886457953/janetmillslove-carnevale-di-venezia-moment-love">Image 3</a> / <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/386254105537712344/">Image 4</a></div><br />
Naturally, I wanted to make a wearable mask of my own! Something extravagant, with peacock feathers and lots of glittery bits. But as it is too early here for Hallowe'en I couldn't find a basic domino mask to use as a base and I didn't think felt would be stiff enough. I have always loved the figure of a Jester, and the idea of a merry joker, and so I decided to echo the outlandish cheer of the Harlequin costumes in my Jester's Cap.<br />
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Every challenge participant received a <a href="www.kreinik.com/shops/Metallic-Bag-O-Bits.html">Kreinik Bag O' Bits</a> to use in their stitching, courtesy of Kreinik, and I was so excited to finally be able to try out their metallic braids! I have been fortunate enough to inherit some stash of their Blending Filaments from my Stitchy Guru Mother, and while I love the shine of those, they are very fragile and need to be combined with a "carrier thread", normally some strands of DMC floss.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jcEwQtri2vI/W3DAueNjLmI/AAAAAAAAEpE/GM1F4s7pxQcsKHMAN-xOajm0FqdTT-JygCLcBGAs/s1600/SAFD_Threads_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jcEwQtri2vI/W3DAueNjLmI/AAAAAAAAEpE/GM1F4s7pxQcsKHMAN-xOajm0FqdTT-JygCLcBGAs/s400/SAFD_Threads_2.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
My bag had a good mix of colours. Most were short strands and not useable for any amount of stitching but there was a wonderful variety of textures and it was a great introduction to the wide range of products Kreinik manufacturers. It has definitely piqued my interest! There were three short two-inch lengths of the prettiest silver holographic flat ribbon that shone so brightly, and I'm going to search for that thread!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8NBkCQ6kCa0/W3DBqQE6f9I/AAAAAAAAEpU/ZeJB5sNOd70U1J7XxIy79GMnfpUaGiqKgCLcBGAs/s1600/JestersCap_Purple3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8NBkCQ6kCa0/W3DBqQE6f9I/AAAAAAAAEpU/ZeJB5sNOd70U1J7XxIy79GMnfpUaGiqKgCLcBGAs/s400/JestersCap_Purple3.jpg" width="400" height="295" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1178" /></a></div><br />
I had a lot of Big Ideas, but in the end I found a simple outline pattern I liked, a heraldic Jester's Cap from the <a href="http://wwww.mistholme.com/">Mistholme</a> <a href="http"//www.mistholme.com/dictionary/hat/">Pictorial Dictionary of Heraldy</a> (which is well worth a browse if you're interested in old crests and the way they were designed):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DasDaXQujQw/W3DDVf8-h4I/AAAAAAAAEps/PYOzdIk5vRwZ_kt5tL0NbI3LCsZP39ozQCLcBGAs/s1600/JestersCap_Pattern%2526Finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DasDaXQujQw/W3DDVf8-h4I/AAAAAAAAEps/PYOzdIk5vRwZ_kt5tL0NbI3LCsZP39ozQCLcBGAs/s400/JestersCap_Pattern%2526Finish.jpg" width="400" height="160" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="480" /></a></div><br />
And then I just went to town! I pulled out my collection of felt, and my Magical Tin of Embellishments. What's really interesting is that as long as I can remember, my Stitchy Guru Mother has keep a wonderful box of trimmings which comes out only for really special projects - Hallowe'en costumes, Christmas ornaments, dresses for special events - and has all kinds of pretty trims, crystals, rhinestones and sequins. I was thrilled to discover that I've FINALLY accumulated enough pretties to have one of my own, a hexagonal Quality Street chocolate tin full to the brim with sparkle and glitter β€πβ¨<br />
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There was no real rhyme or reason to the design, it was truly Spontaneous Stitching! I printed off the line drawing and cut it into four pattern pieces - three horns and the band. Then I cut those pieces out of felt (green, pink, yellow and purple). Then I spent an incredibly happy sunlit afternoon absorbed in playing with sparklies, spreading my supplies out on my Grandma's kitchen table and playing with the crystals until I got a design I liked. I glued the acrylic rhinestones on with <a href="https://www.aleenes.com/aleenes-fabric-fusion-permanent-fabric-adhesive">Aleene's Fabric Fusion Glue</a>.<br />
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Here's a Before-and-After shot, which shows the difference the trim makes! The pieced pattern is on the left, embellished with glued-on rhinestones, Kreinik threads, sequins and sead beads, and the fully embellished Cap is on the right, with the black-and-silver braid, silver picot trim, ruched ribbon band and jingle bells added:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UKef22yK-vI/W3DFe1n4tnI/AAAAAAAAEp4/Mzd2E4OMfzwN8IakMmgUBcLBR9pL5qNRACLcBGAs/s1600/JestersCap_Before%2526After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UKef22yK-vI/W3DFe1n4tnI/AAAAAAAAEp4/Mzd2E4OMfzwN8IakMmgUBcLBR9pL5qNRACLcBGAs/s400/JestersCap_Before%2526After.jpg" width="400" height="177" data-original-width="917" data-original-height="405" /></a></div><br />
Everything except the rhinestones was hand-stitched on, using Invisible Thread (<a href="www.makeitcoats.com/us/product/coats-specialty-transparent-thread/">Coats Transparent</a>). This is very fine, and is excellent for adding seed beads!<br />
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I knew I wanted to echo the diamonds of the traditional Harlequin costume, so on the right side I glued square rhinestones at an angle to create diamonds of pink, red and purple. I outlined these in a turquoise Kreinik braid (I think it's a <a href="http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Kreinik-Metallic-Thread-Selection-Guide.html">#8 braid</a>) and added large silver e-beads. The center section has a Trellis of Couched iridescent Kreinik ribbon with layered sequin filling and the left horn has rhinestone "Polka Dots", with scattered silver bugle beads and Stem Stitched Kreinik braid, in a pink/purple mix.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0KcYUOX1OP0/W3DIQr_OapI/AAAAAAAAEqE/L7R0E8KnCYIpCSwxVUvkxiBH6DbxOSxNQCLcBGAs/s1600/JestersCap_Purple5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0KcYUOX1OP0/W3DIQr_OapI/AAAAAAAAEqE/L7R0E8KnCYIpCSwxVUvkxiBH6DbxOSxNQCLcBGAs/s400/JestersCap_Purple5.jpg" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div><br />
The trims I added took the most time to sew on, but they added a lot of impact:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ld9q75Z1dds/W3DWEHHM5OI/AAAAAAAAEqQ/1XL42kAQkegO2x6z5JamhrU7yk5Qg4q1gCLcBGAs/s1600/JestersCap_Trims2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ld9q75Z1dds/W3DWEHHM5OI/AAAAAAAAEqQ/1XL42kAQkegO2x6z5JamhrU7yk5Qg4q1gCLcBGAs/s400/JestersCap_Trims2.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
The local quilt store was once a craft store and they have a very small stock of odds and ends. That is where I found this fabulous silver-and-black braid, which is actually meant for Plastic Canvas. I outlined all three of the horns of the hat in this thread, Couching it to follow the shape of the pattern. I love it, and to me it feels Harlequin-like π<br />
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The background fabric, the pretty peacock blue, is a linen I found there too!<br />
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The other four trims are silver braids made by Tahl. After some auditioning, I went with the one at the top left, a pretty picot braid with diamond-patterned edges. I Couched this around the bottom of the hat band, and then I filled each little picot with a silver-lined sparkly seed bead in an alternating pattern of turquoise, yellow and red. Although it's a very small detail, the beads catch the light wonderfully in real life! <br />
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Here's my attempt to capture the sparkle, in the sunshine:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GzuqHOU7SvQ/W3DX147AA9I/AAAAAAAAEqg/3FKg-BsS0PMUiALm8EtQN04fLjOwzGyCACLcBGAs/s1600/JestersCap_Sunlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GzuqHOU7SvQ/W3DX147AA9I/AAAAAAAAEqg/3FKg-BsS0PMUiALm8EtQN04fLjOwzGyCACLcBGAs/s400/JestersCap_Sunlight.jpg" width="400" height="237" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="947" /></a></div><br />
My favourite part is probably the rainbow Ruched Ribbon at the top of the band:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdjQSKURVRM/W3DXrZBNiuI/AAAAAAAAEqc/x16nHrougQMozuqA0MhYkw5xwBX5BZ5wwCLcBGAs/s1600/JestersCap_Sunlight4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdjQSKURVRM/W3DXrZBNiuI/AAAAAAAAEqc/x16nHrougQMozuqA0MhYkw5xwBX5BZ5wwCLcBGAs/s400/JestersCap_Sunlight4.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
It took me several tries and many stabbed fingers, but eventually I - more or less - got the trick of ruching the ribbon, which is multi-coloured double-sided satin by Offrey. I used a simple zig-zag design shown in the tutorial for a flower on <a href="www.nikkiinstitches.com/top-10-countdown-5-ruched-ribbon-flower/">Nikki, In Stitches</a>. <br />
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To make sure my stitches didn't show, I used Invisible Thread, which made the process slow going. The stitches vanished against the variegated colours when the ruching was complete BUT I couldn't clearly see the stitches as I was making them, which made it difficult to keep them even. I ended up marking dots along the sides for spacing with a purple <a href="https://fabricville.com/en/unique-quilter-s-fast-fade-marker-purple.html">Disappearing Marker</a>. I would suggest practicing on a plain colour ribbon with matching sewing thread first! It is a great technique I'd like to try again.<br />
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The three jingle bells are ones I've saved from the collars of the <a href="https://www.lindt.ca/en/shop/our-brands/gold-bunny-ca/lindt-gold-bunny-milk-200g-1">Lindt Easter Bunnies</a>! They are so pretty, and I always hoped to find a use for them. They sound very nice when rung too π The Bunnies have become a family tradition in recent years. The bells would look lovely on Christmas ornaments too - any excuse to buy more chocolate π«<br />
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When I was a little kid, my Stitchy Guru Mother created a marvelous distraction device called The Glue Box. It was a plastic container filled to the brim with construction paper, crayons, markers, stickers, glitter glue, pipe-cleaners, pom-poms, popsicle sticks, beads and other cool crafty stuff. Many were the hours I passed in a creative blur, making one genius - to my mind, I'm sure - artwork after another to proudly be given to relatives as gifts or displayed on the fridge until the next "masterpiece" was concocted.<br />
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There was spontaneity in it, and joy. Truly outrageous, overwhelming, all-encompassing joy! As an adult, I don't often give myself free reign to just jump in and experiment with something, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. This was a challenge for me in many ways, but most importantly to my confidence. Especially early on, I nearly gave up on my Jester's Cap for good several times - I thought it was too juvenile, too hokey, too kitschy, too amateurish. How, I wondered, could I possibly submit this to the SFSNAD? <br />
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But as I persevered, something amazing happened! I remembered The Glue Box and the happiness of making something just for the sake of making something. To my surprise, I found a measure of real joy, and in these difficult days of loss and family illness, it is all the rarer. It's a true treasure to find, and I am extremely grateful. In the future, I hope to do some more Spontaneous Stitching, and I highly recommend trying it!<br />
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Thanks very much to <a href="https://www.sfneedleworkanddesign.org/">The San Francisco School of Needlework & Design</a> (SFSNAD) and <a href="http://www.kreinik.com">Kreinik</a> for hosting the <a href="https://www.sfneedleworkanddesign.org/about-the-challenge/">Stitch At Home Challenge</a> and for opening it up to International stitchers like myself! I really enjoyed trying new techniques (the felt applique and ribbon ruching), new materials (Kreinik metallic threads) and expanding my stitchy horizons!<br />
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<b>Helpful Articles About Kreinik Metallic Threads:</b><br />
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π From the Kreinik blog: <a href="http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2012/07/how-to-read-kreinik-label.html">How to Read a Kreinik Thread Label</a><br />
π Nordic Needle's <a href="www.nordicneedle.net/guides/stitching-materials-guides/threads/kreinik-metallics/">Stitching Guide on Kreinik Metallics</a> has a brief overview of the history of metallic threads and the Kreinik Company, as well as stitched samples; <br />
π <a href="https://peacockandfig.com/">Peacock & Fig</a> has a <a href="https://peacockandfig.com/2017/02/kreinik-metallic-threads-cross-stitch-embroidery/">wonderful article</a> that demonstrates the difference between the Blending Filament and the Braids in great stitched samples;<br />
π The Cross Stitch Review Blog has very detailed overview of the <a href="http://www.crossstitchreview.com/floss-review-kreinik-blending-filament/">Blending Filament</a>;<br />
π Ancora Crafts has an in-depth <a href="ancoracrafts.com/glow-in-the-dark-thread-review/">Glow In The Dark Thread</a> comparison, in which most of the contenders are Kreinik, as does the <a href="https://freudianstitch.com/blog/2017/5/16/test-post">Freudian Stitch</a> blog.<br />
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Have you ever tried indulging your whims and Spontaneously Stitching? Would you?!<br />
Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420053805409977271.post-66300670602204105642018-07-28T18:16:00.000-02:302018-09-10T19:53:46.773-02:30Finish: ππΈ Bee Happy Brooch πΈπ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l6hsxDRlrPY/W1zF_1NoTnI/AAAAAAAAEm4/m6o30n49xOsdzX02TxkgZIjASJPoIzEMwCLcBGAs/s1600/BeeBroochFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1459" data-original-width="1459" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l6hsxDRlrPY/W1zF_1NoTnI/AAAAAAAAEm4/m6o30n49xOsdzX02TxkgZIjASJPoIzEMwCLcBGAs/s400/BeeBroochFront.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Love & Roses Vintage Brooch<br />
Free Stamped Cross Stitch Kit<br />
with Cross Stitcher magazine (UK), March 2018</b></div><br />
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I hope everyone is having a nice Summer, despite the heatwaves everywhere! It hasn't been that warm here compared to other places, but I'm not used to the heat and it's been challenging with temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius, plus Humidexes between 35-38 every day. Needless to say, I haven't been able to do much stitching!<br />
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This is Cross Stitcher, the UK magazine, from March 2018 which my Stitchy Guru Mother bought me as a little everyday cheer-up kind of gift, which are always fun to receive! The kit is the Love and Roses Vintage Brooch:<br />
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It is a Stamped Cross-Stitch motif with flowering branches, a bee, two ribbon roses and a little saying. My favourite part was that you could choose which phrase you wanted; the kit was shown with "Mum" but I chose the "Bee Happy" to go with the bee β€π<br />
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For anyone who would rather stitch it regularly, a chart is included in the magazine.<br />
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The one thing that gave me trouble was the fabric. It is supposed to be "Shabby Chic", but to me too much fraying just looks plain shabby. So I added some iron-on interfacing (off the bolt from the local quilt store, Pellon brand) to the back of the piece and it really helped immensely, especially when it came to cutting out the little saying, the Made with Love piece for the back and trimming the edges. It cut down on the fabric puckering too, so I'd really recommend doing this before stitching your own kit, or anything like it!<br />
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Of course, I did make a few changes π The thread given in the kit to stitch the bee was navy blue (?!), so I substituted DMC 3371 (Black Brown) for it. I also used 3 strands of floss instead of 2, to better cover the stamped blue lines, and I even had a little left over! I added a stitch to fill in the Lazy Daisy leaves, and the little blue French Knot flowers were on the chart, although not shown on the kit cover.<br />
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Finally, I switched the two white buttons out with two from my Grandma's button tin, a pink and a yellow and I'm very pleased with how they look! She's not sure where they came from, so there's no particular story attached, but I love that they have a family connection. I also added DMC 996 to attach the pinback and for the Buttonhole Stitch along the Made with Love tag on the back (3 strands) and the front edging (6 strands). <br />
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The motif was supposed to be stitched to the backing with Running Stitch, but the Buttonhole Stitch helped pull the fabric straight and covered up the cut edges, which frayed a little even with the added interfacing. I left the guidelines for the Running Stitch visible deliberately, as that turquoise matches the text on the labels and nothing else did. If I had thought about it, I would have worked the blue French Knot flowers in turquoise, but this didn't occur to me until after I had them stitched in!<br />
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My favourite part was the Ribbon Roses! Although the lengths of ribbon given could have been longer, this is such an easy and effective stitch and something I'd love to try more of in the future! All in all this was a fun little project, once I got past the frustration of the fabric, and I really enjoyed that it included some different stitchy techniques (Stamped Cross-Stitch, Embroidery and Ribbon Embroidery).<br />
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One thing I did learn - Stamped Cross-Stitch is not nearly as easy as I'd always thought it would be! My Grandma has a lovely cushion, four little birds for each of the Seasons, that she bought at a yard sale done in the technique. The work is even and fine except for a few wonky stitches, and those "mistakes" always bothered me. <br />
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Now I know that they are the norm, not the exception, and greatly respect how well the majority of the work was stitched! A lot of vintage kits were Stamped Cross-Stitch - dresser cloths, tea towels, doilies - and I always thought I'd like to try them. But it is extremely difficult getting both legs of the cross-stitch even, and fitting groups of cross-stitches together. I greatly prefer working on counted cloth, and it made me realize afresh what a miracle Aida cloth was when it was invented ππ<br />
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Have you ever try Stamped Cross-Stitch, or Ribbon Embroidery, or would you like to?<br />
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Aurelia Eglantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17998483816892542367noreply@blogger.com6