Embroidery course contd.

Hi. I have been very busy finishing the wall hanging for the embroidery course. Like a lot of things it has taken much longer to make than I anticipated, but now its complete. I had a problem when machine quilting the hanging. I stitched it up late at night and thought it had gone well. It was only when I looked at the stitching on the back in the cold light of day that I realised the stitches were all looped. I thought at first, the machine tension was incorrect but in fact it was a blunt needle causing the trouble. I changed the needle and then had to restitch the whole hanging, which was a real pain especially when you think you have finished. It was worth it. The addition of the lemon and mauve tear drop beads, crystal beads and silver and pruple tassels really added that much needed sparkle to the design. Now all I have to do to complete this part of the course is seven different types of patchwork and design a bag. I had better get back to work.

Embroidery course.

Hi, Very busy week. I have been teaching my watercolour classes and have had great fun. I am working hard at the moment on the wall hanging for my City & Guilds course. I designed the wall hanging a long while ago but now its time to make it. I only really have time at the start of the year as things become more hectic after June. At the same time I am finalising my design, with the help of my tutor, of the 3D item for the course. I still have a few issues to sort out before the design is ready, so watch this space. The wall hanging has a lot of elements to it as can be seen from the first photo. I have made 90 suffolk puffs for the top section and have just completed the tear drop applique shapes. Today I intend to cut out and the fabric for the manipulated triangles and the large teardrops that have to be quilted. Anybody watching the sewing bee, what a fantastic velvet wrap around dress.

Embroidery and sewing.

Hi, I have been very busy over half term completing another module for my City & Guilds course. I had great fun making machine embroidered butterflies on soluble fabric and was pleased with the results. I used the water soluble fabric to make a rose and a tree which had silk chiffon added amongst the branches to look like blossom. Spring is only just around the corner. I also did a little bit of quilting. The embroidered scissor case has had to take a back seat for a while.
The Great British Sewing Bee is back on the TV. I really enjoy this programme and was'nt the nightdress lovely that won the sewing with silk section. Very inspiring.

Embroidered Scissor Case continued.

Hi, I have completed more of the embroidered scissor case and it has proved to be a very enjoyable project. I still have some stitching to do to the flap of the case and to attach the stump work pansy but I am very pleased with the results so far. The pansy was fiddly to do as it was difficult to bend the wire into such a small shape but I managed to get a reasonably good finish. The overall effect is lovely. I think pushing the wires through the fabric may be tricky. We shall see.

Scissor case

Hi, It has been a long time since I posted an item on my blog and now we are a good way into the new year. I begun stitching a scissor case from a kit of raised and gold work embroidery by the Royal School of Needlework. This is a lovely design and I have enjoyed the combination of stem stitch satin stitch and couched gold thread. I have yet to stitch the flower centres with gold chips. The flap will have a raised flower attached to give some depth to the design. The photographs show the stitching so far. I will post further photos when I have completed the raised flowers.