embroidery thread
Showing posts with label embroidery thread. Show all posts
vintage sewing set ~ scissor fob
A satisfying and useful little make, combining things I love and using up what I have - this scissor fob is keeping my scissors safe!
I have been so enjoying a lot of hand stitching time recently and my cross stitch obsession is growing. Counted cross stitch is so relaxing, I have to concentrate enough so that my mind is not engulfed in worries or to do lists (as it often is) and the patterns mean that even though you are repeating the same stitch over and over it doesn't get boring. Also you can create little projects like this one or work on much bigger pieces, so there's variety. The rabbit hole that is FlossTube (search flosstube on YouTube) led me to discover the website Tiny Modernist Cross Stitch and I fell in love with the Vintage Red Sewing Set pattern. I will stitch the pincushion at some point but as I kept loosing my scissors down the side of the sofa, I bought the pattern to make the scissor fob.
Stitched on an offcut of linen from my current big cross stitch project (Modern Folk Embroidery SAL), it was a quick stitch and I spent some time thinking about how to finish it off. I know a lot of people use the little glass seed beads beads but I don't have any and didn't want to buy anything new. I searched though my boxes of stuff and found these wooden beads from AGES ago - my mum has saved them from when I was a teenager (I was obsessed with the bead shop in Affleck's Palace and the bead shop in The Lanes in Brighton, where we spent holidays). She had given me a bag of beads and these wooden ones are such nice colours.
the WHY = artistic fire
Today I'm sharing a couple of special projects, exciting news about how you can learn from me online and hopefully preempting a few concerns. The WHY matters. So I want to focus a little on why I do what I do, how sharing makes a difference and most importantly what I want to impart to you. Keep reading because it's not just pretty pictures, I would love to help you thrive and shine my spark for getting the most of out of your creativity.
Hand sewn projects are probably my favourite. I prefer to spend hours on the sofa, in the company of others, with the option of sewing outdoors or on the go (when possible). There is also something immensely satisfying about sitting at my machine and getting something sewn up fast too. My first project incorporates both, a happy mix of slow hand stitching and quick, easy machine sewing.
Two new zipper pouches, made using my A Piece of Me Pouch pattern. It's super easy to adapt the pattern to different sizes and these cute versions are perfect for carrying in a handbag or holding supplies.
The hexie pouch was made with Liberty tana lawn, starting with traditional English Paper Piecing (epp) hexagon flowers and adding in more hexagons as required. The random placement and geometric quilting make it modern. That's my favourite mix, modern + traditional.
The applique version takes on different shapes, with an epp dresden flower and centre circle. This is so fun to stitch, getting rounded curves can be a struggle but it's all in the preparation. I have a couple of ways I like to baste curved shapes and have found, through trial and error, tricks for sewing them together.
EPP can be used in different ways and I thought it was nice to show that you can just sew a little and make it a feature. Applique is the most versatile form of patchwork in my opinion, you can do about anything with it! I was going to hand applique this flower but I was on a time crunch and instead decided to top stitch using my machine. This works perfectly for epp because your seams are folded over during basting so there's no raw edges. I use my walking foot and have found the best setting for top stitching on my machine, so it's neat every time.
As this pouch is all mine I decided to use my much loved Liberty prints - some I only have a scrap of but this makes it all the more special. The mix is maybe a little bold but each one makes me smile. I teamed it with a hot pink zip for even more pizzazz! The background is Essex Linen Metallic in Oyster - so much more beautiful and sparkly in real life. The binding here is probably my absolute favourite Liberty print, Pepper in colourway M. It's like a marble or tiny camo print with flecks of almost pinky/purple and lovely greys. It curves and frames the pouch so beautifully.
If you've followed me for a while you will have seen me create a few versions of this pouch and there's some stunning ones made by others over on instagram, take a look #apieceofmepouch
This pattern has the easiest way to sew a zip, it works whether you need to cut the zip down or if you have the perfect size. No need to worry about zip ends and it's perfectly neat on the inside too! Note to self, must get more metal zips, they look fabulous.
My next project involves more hand work, this time embroidery. I designed two patterns, to showcase different embroidery stitches and ways of creating text. Writing can look amazing when embroidered and using the right stitch for the way the letters are formed is crucial. At the same time a sense of naivety can also add to a piece, it depends on the look you want but I do think this is when 'handmade' shines. Every stitch that goes in the project is right there on display.
This seasonal pattern is a great sampler, each leaf is made with different stitches and the resulting textures are beautiful. I designed it with The Byrds song playing in my head (and as I stitched and even now!) to create a decorative hoop that could be displayed all year round.
A few of the stitches are quite dense and detailed but the whole look is simple and modern. It didn't take too long to create and I really enjoyed choosing the colours and stitches to use for each part of the pattern.
Some of you may remember me demonstrating chain stitch before, it's one of my favourite stitches to use and makes a great filler for the oak leaf because it adds such movement. There are some hidden details to this piece, that can just be seen in the photographs, such as a line of back stitch around the oak leaf in a lighter green shade. In real life this gives it a nice glow and elevates it from being flat colour.
There is a mix of threads, Aurifloss and Perle cotton. I also used a variety of thread strands with the floss to allow for either more texture or finer detail. It feels so different and my techniques change depending on the number of strands used. I change needles too, usually I prefer working with two or three strands and a fairly fine embroidery needle.
My Happy hoop is just that! A happy mix of chunky text and sweet little french knots in a rainbow of colours. There are lots of ways to make additions to this pattern too - I'm thinking Happy Days, Happy Graduation, Anniversary... a perfect gift for a happy day. And I would be happy to have you join me stitching these projects...
Both of these projects are featured in my upcoming classes with CraftyMonkies via Zoom. I am super excited to get back to teaching because I have been missing it! And online classes mean that if you've ever wanted to take a class with me you now can, wherever you live!
These classes allow for in-depth learning, so that you can get results not just information. Follow the making journey from start to finish, with all my extra tips and tricks for every step. By the end you will have practised and absorbed all the skills to create the projects. You can ask questions along the way and engage with me so you really gain a greater understanding of the methods demonstrated.
Of course it is convenient having me right there, in real time, to be able to show you each stage of the project in detail. I can address any issues you may be having, repeat any parts and give you encouragement and advice on your makes.
And if you've never used Zoom before it is super simple, there are plenty of guides online showing you how to use it. CraftyMonkies have developed a brilliant system so you can really see everything up close and participate in the class. For those of you that feel unsure or the thought of being on camera terrifies you, don't worry you do not even have to turn your camera on - you can join the class and watch! It's less like a conference call and more like watching a live video. Though of course I would be happy to see you / chat with you throughout, I totally understand that for some people that causes anxiety. Everyone really is welcome and this platform makes it so easy. It's just like watching me on telly ;) only better!
Join me if you want to tighten up your skills, even if you are a beginner or if you're just thrilled at the prospect of having three hours of fun making, learning and boosting your artistry. And you get the patterns included to keep! The classes are project based to give you the skills necessary for that particular make but they are also designed to provide knowledge for application in your own creative exploration going forward. The purpose is to give you expertise and fuel your artistic fire to make unique and beautiful projects!
There is a 'lot of ground' content covered in the classes...
*English Paper Piecing Pouch
- cutting
- basting
- piecing
- applique
- quilting
- sewing a zip
- making binding
- sewing binding (and curves)
*Embroidery Hoops
- preparing fabric
- using pattern
- hooping
- variety of embroidery stitches
- choosing stitches
- embroidering text
- finishing the hoop
- added embellishments / personalisation
It's a whole lot more than the techniques though. In every class my aim is to share as much as possible, to really inspire and give you the confidence to be able to use what you've learnt and harness your own creativity. Genuinely nothing fills me up more than a student telling me how much they've enjoyed a class. When I teach a technique or method that inspires you, share something that sets off a light bulb moment or help you create a project you are proud of - that is my why.
▚ I [attended] your brilliant class for this pouch Lucy and the resulting pouch I was so happy with and still use and love - Happy Days! Highly recommended! ~ Gill ▞
Join me for one (or both!) of the classes, English Paper Piecing and Embroidery Hoop: Seasonal Theme. 10% of profits from the class go to my chosen charity, Children in Need.
Click the link to book your place: https://www.craftymonkies.com/online-workshops-sewing-quilting
Thank you, as always, for reading and commenting with such kindness and enthusiasm. Your support encourages me as I continue being able to teach on this new route.
birthday stashing
A random mix of new goodies this week. It was my birthday on Thursday so there were some lovely presents, I had a really nice day and my husband and I went to see La La Land which was such a beautiful film. I can't stop humming the theme song! I had a visit from my sister and brother-in-law this weekend along with my Dad and Nan. It's been great and I love relaxing family weekends!
My only purchase this week was embroidery thread from SewandSo, I have plans for this lovely lot. I think the variegated ones are so pretty:
As a birthday present my Auntie very kindly got me membership to The Quilters' Guild. She is a member and it was something we had talked about but I hadn't got round to joining. I've really been enjoying reading The Quilter, the national magazine of the Guild. I don't think there are any regional groups close to me but it's nice to be part of the Guild and find out everything they do.
I had completely worn out my old trainers so got some new ones for my birthday (on sale from Schuh). I'm a bit in love with the little shapes on the front and back!
I was having a tidy up of my desk (though it's an organised mess!) and found these perle thread that I was given by a friend. I definitely want to do some hand quilting with these, better get some quilt tops basted then!!
Go-Go bowl and Sajou sewing supplies
Isn't this such a cute bowl?! I made it using Go-Go Kim's fantastic pattern 'Go-Go Bowl', available from Go-Go Kim Sews on Etsy or on Craftsy.
I loved making it, the pattern is really well written with great instructions. The blanket stitching was so meditative and simple hand sewing during the evening is my favourite thing to do. This would look lovely in so many fabrics but I went with a retro / modern mix.
Outer fabric: Blue Tape Measures by Suzuko Koseki
Inner fabric: Sprinkle in Jelly Bracelet by Cotton + Steel
Thread is a big passion of mine, I like trying different brands and types. I got some Fil Au Chinois Gloving thread from Sajou last year and it's such good quality, strong but fine. So I thought I would try their embroidery thread too and picked out some pretty colours:
I also bought this Garnish Awl. After doing the Sew Sturdy Travel Organizers class and seeing how Annie used her stiletto, I really wanted to try one. Despite looking everywhere I couldn't find an awl, I thought we had one but suspect it might have been a big DIY one anyway! So this cute green one will be perfect. She uses it to help her sew at the machine, to hold things in place or any time when you want to put your fingers close to the needle but can't. When I start to use it I will let you know if it is as handy as it she makes it seem, I suspect it will be.
Sajou also kindly sent these lovely thread cards with my order, I especially love the Eiffel tower one!
I hope you've all had a lovely weekend, my kids are back at school tomorrow so I might be able to crack on with some sewing projects!
*If you click the link to Sajou and make a purchase you and I will both receive a €5.00 voucher so we can buy more goodies! Once you've registered you will get a code to share with people too.
buggy bag - le challenge
A couple of weeks ago I saw the gorgeous hexy bag Ange made to hang on her pushchair and fill with all the kids necessities. Since hubbie managed to lose our change bag it was the inspiration I needed to make a new one. I originally planned to make something else for the le challenge theme this month but this seemed so much more useful and since it's a fairly small bag and it's being used to hold nappies/supplies for my smallest child it fits the 'small' theme!
I was going to EPP but then realised I quite fancied triangles and they are so quick to machine piece. I started with the Erin McMorris Summersault fabric (the one I used for the strap) and went with the rainy theme, adding umbrellas, greys and a nice pop of orange just because I love it.
Totally copying Ange I put the zip on the side and added more brightness with the hot pink zip. I usually hang things on my buggy brake handle (not supposed to but I've been doing it for 6 years and it still works!!) so I didn't add velcro tabs like she cleverly did, instead I created a lanyard style handle - sewing one end into the seam and a key clip on the other. It neatly clips onto the zip pull:
I couldn't resist hand quilting it. I used three strands of Cosmo embroidery thread #168, a rich navy. I wouldn't usually pick such a dark colour but after seeing Mary's beautiful hand quilting with dark thread I thought I'd give it a go. I love it. I love that it screams out 'hand made'!
Sadly it will probably spend most of it's time hiding under the buggy or in my massive handbag since it does tend to rain a lot here! That's the first check off my FAL list.
I will be sharing my hand quilting tips later in the week.
Now visit le challenge to see the other small makes, Nat has a particularly special one!
If you've made a 'small' project or one that relates to the theme then link up your finished project on the le challenge blog for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to the Fat Quarter Shop. Anyone can link up with any type of craft project as long as it was made in the past month!
wordless Wednesday*
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*except to say this is not on my finish along list, I have serious procrastination issues!
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