The kittens are done! I added some grass and flowers to the block... I mixed two strands of DMC floss - dark gray and almost silver for the kittens, amber for the eyes, dark gray for the whiskers. Here are the other blocks I've done so far: giraffes and puppies, elephants, pigs, horses and snakes. French knots are so much easier to make when one uses a hoop... Depending on the work I will not use it, as when working with wool or photographs. I will probably complete two or more blocks this … [Read more...] about One more embroidery block finished!
embroidery
Embroidery coming along
My grandson is already 2 months old and I am still working on his second quilt... Last night I finished the giraffes and today I completed the puppies. I did not have a chance to iron them before I took the picture, thus the hoop marks. There are 7 more blocks to go, then I will use fabrics from the Two by Two collection by Henry Glass (2012) for sashing, borders, and backing. It will look so cute when it is done... perhaps by Christmas, at the rate I am going! Here are some of the fabrics I … [Read more...] about Embroidery coming along
Hawaiian wall hanging – Tutorial
I designed this quilt and tutorial for Sew, Mama, Sew!, and they have just posted it on their site. It measures 20.5" x 20.5", with Anthuriums in the center, surrounded by embroidered turtles - the two things I remember often from my trips to Hawaii. The tutorial includes a PDF file with the design. The spadix on the flowers is embroidered using long and short stitches, and the turtles are done with back stitches. Head over to Sew, Mama, Sew!. I love their blog as they have lots of cool … [Read more...] about Hawaiian wall hanging – Tutorial
Ribbon Embroidery
Have you seen this book - Ribbon Embroidery and Stumpwork by Di van Niekerk? I love the embroidery designs and stitches, particularly as they involve ribbons... The photographs are beautiful, the instructions are clear, and the project, illustrated on the cover of the book, is to die for! Stumpwork is another reason why I purchased this book. I would love to incorporate it in my embroidery projects. It is great how we can cover beads with ribbons to form flowers, stuff embroidered motifs … [Read more...] about Ribbon Embroidery
Transferring patterns
Some tools can make all the difference as you work. The Aunt Martha's Hot Iron Transfer Pencils (I found them here) are a must-have item! I recently had to add a small design to an embroidery piece and remembered I had them. I traced the back side of design firmly with the hot iron transfer pencil, and ironed it on the fabric where I needed it. Voila'! Easy to see lines, and quick method. Have you a new tool you can brag about? Let us know!!! … [Read more...] about Transferring patterns
Noah and the pigs
The pigs are fresh off the embroidery hoop! Adding the grass seemed to make sense to me (I decided against mud quickly), so there it is. Next will be the giraffes. As I embroider, I feel calm and relaxed. Seating on a comfortable chair in my bedroom, feet resting on the ottoman, I take turns dreaming of the little grandchild who is coming next month, and listening to music or an audiobook. My motherly [nagging] instincts are on overdrive, as Michael and Daniela finish school, have a baby, and … [Read more...] about Noah and the pigs