06/13/2021
ties at one edge
It's a pin pillow, or not. It's not compulsory to stick pins in it of course.
One of the embroidered panels you saw here has now been transformed.
It's been stuffed....hand turned ties have been added to an edge along with prairie points placed at a corner.
It's now available to purchase in the shop.
The last few days here have been manic. I have travelled again, this time to see my parents. I have emptied my house of tradesmen and begun the tidying up process.
Why is there always much more disruption than you imagine?
And the dust, don't mention the dust.
Also, it's hot. I melted three times on Friday, positively puddled on the floor.
Now summer is here prepare yourself for the complaining.
I complain when it rains, I complain when it's hot.
Where is the happy medium?
Posted at 12:49 PM in big cartel, embroidery, pillow, pin pillow | Permalink | Comments (4)
Tags: big cartel, embroidery, pillow, pin pillow
06/10/2021
yesterday
Yesterday was spent making more titivations for one of my Liberty cloth panels.
There are now prairie points at an edge and rouleau loops were made to use as ties.
This one will be a pillow, I will show you at the weekend!
Registration will close for my next class at midnight GMT tomorrow.
There is a lot of prep to do for this one and although it doesn't begin until July 5th I need a good idea of the numbers before I start work on it.
You can read more about it here.
Posted at 12:32 PM in embroidery, prairie points, rouleau loops | Permalink | Comments (4)
Tags: embroidery, prairie points, rouleau loops
06/08/2021
a little collection taking shape
This little collection is taking shape.
I am so inspired by the blue print, a Liberty fabric I bought in London last week.
I love the delicacy of the line, the pale, almost fragile solid areas of colour.
These embroidered pieces, there are two up to now, are worked on a background of silk dupion.
There are several ways in which I can take these forward but for now I'm not making any decisions, I'm just enjoying the gentle pace of embroidering these pieces.
Posted at 12:45 PM in embroidery | Permalink | Comments (4)
Tags: embroidery. Liberty fabric
06/06/2021
new
Posted at 02:02 PM in embroidery | Permalink | Comments (6)
Tags: embroidery, hand embroidery, needlework
06/05/2021
little scraps of cloth with stitch
Simple hand stitch, tiny scraps of cloth sewn onto vintage hankies.
This is old work. Old work which still inspires and which will inform my play with needle and thread for the next few days if not weeks.
My next class is listed here.
It doesn't start until July 5th but is listed extra early as I need a good idea of numbers sooner rather than later.
I will be removing the listing in five days so I guess this is your final call.
This class is much more hands on and personal than any other class I have done. (if that's possible) It includes live face to face interaction via Zoom, live feedback and live q&a so please take a look.
********
As you may know I have been away for a few days.
Whilst I was away I was contacted and asked to teach and exhibit at Pour L'amour du Fil 2021.
I was broken hearted to say no.....really, I was so sad but who knows, they may ask me again.
I have exhibited and taught there before and it was the most amazing experience, I am keeping everything crossed they ask me again next year.
Posted at 01:06 PM in big cartel, embroidery, Embroidery school...stitch along, online learning, sewing circle | Permalink | Comments (2)
Tags: embroidery, embroidery school, online learning, sewing circle
05/31/2021
patterning
The new piece you can see here is the continuation of 'finishing' works started in 'sewing circle'.
Patterning has been hand drawn onto the background before being hand embroidered. It's not finished yet, there are one or two areas which still require hand stitch.
If you read this post there is another glimpse of this process. Also in the linked post is news of a newsletter with a free class attached.
I urge you to contact me today for access to that newsletter if you would like to take advantage of the class as I am taking a week off from today.
Registrations for 'interactive sewing circle' will remain open whilst I am away.
For the next few days I will be in London. Having not been able to travel for months I am more excited than I can say. I have two exhibitions booked, a lot of coffee drinking and sitting on the banks of the Thames planned along with a definite intention to replenish my 'stash'.
Whilst I am away the final pieces of my house renovation will be completed (the indoor stuff)...phew....next up, the garden.
Stay safe everyone and happy stitching x
Posted at 12:58 PM in embroidery, sewing circle | Permalink | Comments (3)
Tags: embroidery, online learning, pattern, sewing circle
05/29/2021
how a collection might come together
Phew, I nearly never made it today, I ran all the way here.
The reason? I have been putting together a newsletter, yes, I don't do those very often and it's almost exactly one year since the last one but more of that later.
My oversized puffs/beads have now been added to the lower edge of an embroidered silk panel.
That piece is laid here alongside another piece from the same collection, my sewing circle collection.
Hopefully you can see how, with the addition of complimentary adornments, hand stitched seams and a consistency of colour and pattern these collections come together, the individual pieces are comfortable together, belong together.
Back to the newsletter. This one includes access to a free class from many, many years ago. It's not much but I hope it helps pass away a few hours for at least one of you.
If you aren't on my newsletter mailing list then please just drop me an email to
contemporaryembroidery (at) hotmail (dot) com
and I will forward the latest offering.
Posted at 02:09 PM in embroidery, sewing circle, Suffolk puffs | Permalink | Comments (3)
Tags: collection, embroidered beads, embroidery, sampling, suffolk puffs
05/27/2021
oversized, hand embroidered fabric beads
I've been making adornments, things to titivate edges, you can never have too many of those.
These are oversized, hand embroidered fabric beads, or puffs, whatever you want to call them.
They started life as eight inch circles of silk and now measure approximately four inches across.
I already have a plan for these ones, a lower edge where they will live and I will show you that soon. Meanwhile, although the current run of sewing circle has come to an end I am continuing to finish pieces I started there.
Posted at 12:39 PM in beads, embroidery, puffs | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: beads, embroidered beads, embroidery, puffs
05/25/2021
adorning a silk background, a page
Sewing circle officially finished yesterday. (not sewing circle interactive with live zoom sessions which you can read about here!)
The twelve weeks of this class have flown by but as usual I am playing catch up. That happens because my own work is put to one side as I introduce new ideas for the group but I like this period at the end of class when my own pieces begin to come together.
The images today are of my next page, the next piece of my 'sewing circle' cloth book.
Posted at 01:41 PM in cloth book, embroidery, online learning, sewing circle | Permalink | Comments (2)
Tags: cloth book, embroidery, pages, sewing circle, silk
05/22/2021
a selection from embroidery school
Posted at 12:27 PM in embroidery, Embroidery school...stitch along, online learning, sewing circle | Permalink | Comments (3)
Tags: embroidery, embroidery school, online learning, sewing circle
05/20/2021
pockets
Lots of images for you today, evidence that I haven't been sitting twiddling my thumbs.
These pieces have evolved over the past 12 weeks of 'sewing circle'. It's our final week next week. (how did that happen?)
There are one or two things to finalise for class but even then, when class is finished, I intend to take this work forward.
I hope you can see in these images the pockets I have built into this piece. You know how much I love a pocket!
In the last two images I have laid this piece alongside other finished pieces from this collection.
Posted at 12:36 PM in embroidery, pockets, sewing circle | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: embroidery, online learning, pockets, sewing circle
05/18/2021
Sewing circle.
Beginning Monday July 5th for twelve weeks, join me on this 'fly on the wall' embroidery journey, a circle of like minded women with a love of cloth and thread coming together for gentle sewing and supportive interaction.
Built into this twelve week programme, via Zoom are six live question and answer sessions and an opportunity for you to receive face to face feedback on embroidered works in progress.
(These live sessions will consist of three set days with two sessions on those days to allow for time zone differences.)
You are welcome to join a specific session or both sessions if your day allows for this.
Live sessions will be as follows
Monday July 26. 10am and 7pm GMT
Monday August 23. 10am and 7pm GMT
Monday September 13. 10am and 7pm GMT
You do not need a Zoom account to access live sessions. Codes and or invitations are sent via your email account.
(most latest model laptops have built in cameras and microphones as do iPads)
Participation in the Zoom aspect of this course is not compulsory.
It is also possible to participate in a Zoom discussion without video i.e. with sound alone.
(If you are shy we don't need to see you on Zoom. If we can hear you it would be a delight on its own. This is a steep curve for me too and I am going to have to ensure my roots are in tip top condition)
During non Zoom weeks video will be provided on a private, password protected blog detailing and demonstrating process carried out in the day to day of my life as an embroiderer.
There will be embroidery on cloth, embroidery on paper, button making, edge adornment and much more.
Throughout my life as an embroidery teacher I have experienced the joy created when groups of women join together to share their creativity with needle and thread. Friendships are formed, bonds are created and the shared love of embroidery is spread far and wide.
Being a member of this sewing circle will allow for the learning of basic embroidery techniques for the beginner whilst providing an opportuntiy for the more experienced needlewoman to develop her own personal style.
Joining our circle of stitchers will give you access to a private image sharing and discussion forum where you can interact with other members of the group, be inspired by the work of others, share tips, suppliers and receive encouragement with regard to your stitching progress.
My wish is for you to use this learning experience in the manner best suited to you, to learn in a way which makes you happy and furthers your individual creativity.
There are no deadlines, no set tasks.
Access to all video resources is permanent, forever.
Suitable for the beginner and the more experienced embroiderer.
Places on this course are limited due to the demands of the live sessions.
Registrations are non refundable unless I have to cancel the course for any reason in which case monies will be refunded in full.
A list of suggested equipment and an email containing more information will be issued four weeks before the commencement of class.
Posted at 01:32 PM in big cartel, embroidery, online learning, sewing circle | Permalink | Comments (2)
Tags: big cartel, online learning, sewing circle
05/17/2021
the third in the series
In this post a couple of days ago I spoke about the next piece in this collection, a stitch sample in the form of a flower.
This is it, laid amongst the other finished pieces.
There are more flower samples which will be mounted in this way before I tie them all together somehow to create a little book of samples.
Posted at 01:01 PM in cloth book, embroidery, sample | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: cloth book, embroidery, sample
05/16/2021
Suffolk puffs
This morning I was looking back at Suffolk puffs. That's because I was in the middle of making more to enhance the next piece in this series.
I have made many, many more than the ones shown here, these are the ones however which had me salivating this morning.
Posted at 01:06 PM in embroidery, Suffolk puffs | Permalink | Comments (2)
Tags: embroidery, suffolk puffs
05/15/2021
progress
I've been making progress with my heart embroideries. They are now both backed with embroidered and pieced fabric.
The pom poms are there because I couldn't resist.
Next up in this series are embroidered flowers. They too will be mounted and backed using the same fabric as here.
Meanwhile, work from sewing circle is continuing although class finishes next week. How did that happen?
Posted at 12:46 PM in embroidery | Permalink | Comments (3)
Tags: hand embroidery, needlework
05/13/2021
the bullion knot
Bullion knots are ever present in my work. They are a joy to stitch, therapeutic, relaxing, you can lose yourself especially when you are creating the 35 wrap knots.
A quick browse through my posts here tagged 'bullion knots' has thrown up some wonderful memories.
There will one hundred percent be bullion knots in 'interactive sewing circle'. We may even devote a zoom session to creating the bullion knot appreciation society!
Posted at 03:08 PM in bullion knots, embroidery | Permalink | Comments (4)
Tags: bullion knots, embroidery
05/12/2021
pages
It's all about pages here at the moment, cloth books, cloth pages.
My hearts are here, they will form one little embroidered book with flowers yet to be mounted and then there is this from sewing circle which I shared with you last week.
Today you can see the other side of that piece, that page.
Yesterday I realised my Questions and Answers page is massively out of date. I would like to make that more current so if you have any burning questions for me please ask away in the comments section.
And finally, a little reminder about Interactive Sewing Circle.
Just go here to read more.
Posted at 01:19 PM in cloth book, embroidery, online learning, page, sewing circle | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: cloth pages, embroidery, online learning, sewing circle
05/10/2021
a second embroidered background
Last time I was here I spoke about creating embroidered backgrounds for some of my samples from sewing circle.
Today it's the second one. Another safe home for an embroidered heart.
July sees the start of a new approach for me to online teaching. I will be introducing 'Zoom' forums for group chat and personal feedback. The Zoom sessions will be built into the twelve week timetable of my courses.
The first Interactive online programme is listed now as I need an idea of the level of interest before I begin to invest time and money into the programme.
Numbers for this course are strictly limited as is the time frame when it will be available to purchase.
There needs to be a cut off point for registrations to enable me to make decisions regarding the running of the course therefore the cut off point will be around two weeks from now. If you would like to know more go here.
Posted at 01:01 PM in embroidery, sewing circle, surface design | Permalink | Comments (2)
Tags: embroidered background, embroidery, sewing circle
05/08/2021
05/06/2021
soft, white, frothy....
Posted at 12:52 PM in embroidery, lace cloth | Permalink | Comments (3)
Tags: embroidery, lace cloth
05/04/2021
A pocket from sewing circle.
A pocket from sewing circle, mounted on a larger piece of silk with hand stitched edge adornments.
The pattern was hand drawn onto the silk before I began to embroider into selected areas. I then hand embroidered several buttons, some are visible here and there are several concealed within the pocket.
The scallop like edge was hand embroidered as a final, finishing touch.
It's all hand finished, no stitching three sides and turning right way out.
I am in love with the ritual of hand stitch, the slower the better.
You can learn to embroider with me too.
Interactive sewing circle is listed now but does not begin until July.
(places are strictly limited and there will be a cut off date for registration towards the end of this month)
There will be scheduled Zoom sessions, a new venture for me. Exciting and scary in equal measure.
You can read more here.
Posted at 01:07 PM in buttons, embroidery, online learning, pocket, sewing circle | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: embroidered buttons, embroidery, online learning, pocket, silk
05/03/2021
the past twelve weeks or so
Posted at 12:46 PM in embroidery, sampling, sewing circle, silk, video | Permalink | Comments (3)
Tags: big cartel, embroidery, online learning, sewing circle, smapling, video
05/02/2021
an embroidered sample and a cloth page
This is the first page of what I hope will become a new cloth book, a safe space for the many embroidered samples I have lying around here.
At the foot of this post is news of a new venture for me. Although it doesn't start until July I need to get a sense relatively soon of whether this is a positive step before I begin work on the format and content hence it's early appearance.
Recently I have been asked about 'live' classes, Zoom classes.
After doing a little research it would appear that isn't actually as popular an idea as you may think.
Feedback is telling me that people like to have the video, the safe, secure 'always there' videos which are hosted on a private blog enabling them to view at their leisure.
From previous experience, years of teaching online, I do however know how beneficial any kind of interaction can be to the learning process.
With that in mind I made a suggestion to several people regarding an online 'fly on the wall' embroidery class with Zoom meetings built in every few weeks or so.
That idea has received a very positive response so here it is.
Please read the description carefully, for example, I mention how Zoom participation is not compulsory.
This class will proceed in the same way as every other class I have ever ran online.
I will always be there for you, Zoom or no Zoom.
I will always be focused on you and your creativity, Zoom or no Zoom.
I will give regular feedback on your creative progress, Zoom or no Zoom.
You can read more here and there is a provisional timetable for our twelve weeks on this page here.
This class does not start until July 5.
I am listing it now as it is important I know whether the demand is there before I start to plan and spend time on this programme.
The cost of this 12 week programme is higher than usual too, that is to reflect the extra time I will be devoting to this group.
Numbers are strictly limited, again because of the Zoom aspect.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to mail me
contemporaryembroidery(at)hotmail(dot)com
(most latest laptop models have built in cameras and microphones as do IPads)
Posted at 12:44 PM in big cartel, cloth book, embroidery, online learning, sample | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: cloth book, cloth page, embroidery sample, interactive sewing circle, online mlearning
04/30/2021
Interactive learning
Recently I have been asked about 'live' classes, Zoom classes.
After doing a little research it would appear that isn't actually as popular an idea as you may think.
Feedback is telling me that people like to have the video, the safe, secure 'always there' videos which are hosted on a private blog enabling them to view at their leisure.
From previous experience, years of teaching online, I do however know how beneficial any kind of interaction can be to the learning process.
With that in mind I made a suggestion to several people regarding an online 'fly on the wall' embroidery class with Zoom meetings built in every few weeks or so.
That idea has received a very positive response so here it is.
Please read the description carefully, for example, I mention how Zoom participation is not compulsory.
This class will proceed in the same way as every other class I have ever ran online.
I will always be there for you, Zoom or no Zoom.
I will always be focused on you and your creativity, Zoom or no Zoom.
I will give regular feedback on your creative progress, Zoom or no Zoom.
You can read more here and there is a provisional timetable for our twelve weeks on this page here.
This class does not start until July 5.
I am listing it now as it is important I know whether the demand is there before I start to plan and spend time on this programme.
The cost of this 12 week programme is higher than usual too, that is to reflect the extra time I will be devoting to this group.
Numbers are strictly limited, again because of the Zoom aspect.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to mail me
contemporaryembroidery(at)hotmail(dot)com
(most latest laptop models have built in cameras and microphones as do IPads)
Posted at 01:45 PM in big cartel, online learning, Zoom | Permalink | Comments (3)
Tags: big cartel, online learning, sewing circle, zoom
04/29/2021
Ledgers.
I'm looking back at ledgers today. I mentioned here I would be showing these in the middle of sharing artist book images.
What's the difference between a ledger and an artist book?
An artist book is very 'freely' created, it's play, it's creating without a plan, creating without a specific brief in mind.
A ledger is much more focused, there is a starting point and an intended outcome. Colour studies, stitch studies are important as is the presence of those throughout the documentation process. There needs to be cohesion, the work needs to flow seamlessly from page to page.
I only work in ledger format if I am teaching that process so have many more artist books than I do ledgers.
Finally, happy birthday Helen. We couldn't love you more or be prouder of you than we are.
Can't wait to see you on May 23rd and spend time with you in London in June.
Have the most wonderful birthday and save me some cake xxx
Posted at 12:52 PM in embroidery, ledger | Permalink | Comments (3)
Tags: embroidery, ledger
04/27/2021
Book work 2.
Last time I was here I spoke about my recent 'looking back posts'. I mentioned that artist books would take more than one post to cover so today is day two.
I think I could go on forever with this theme but as I was studying these past posts I came across ledgers which are different to artist books so they may be next.
This is a really good 'refresh' and inspire exercise for me personally and if you aren't a long time visitor to this blog a lot of this will be new to you.
In the background here I am very focused on work for sewing circle and am limited with what I can post here so am grateful for this opportunity to examine past work with you.
Posted at 12:53 PM in artist books, book, embroider, embroidered paper, embroidery | Permalink | Comments (2)
Tags: artist book, book, embroidered book, embroidery
04/25/2021
book work
Recently I have been clicking through groupings of 'old work' on this blog. It's a 'refresh' excercise which is proving invaluable.
Today was going to be 'artist books' but there are so many images on that theme. Instead I decided to cover this one over a couple of days and today is the first day of that.
Another thing...help! Everything appears to have disappeared from my right hand side bar and placed itself at the foot of the blog. How do I remedy that? any ideas? or can you see it on the right hand side and it's only me having trouble? (all looks in order when I view it on my admin page)
Posted at 01:12 PM in artist books, book, embroidery, paper | Permalink | Comments (3)
Tags: artist books, books, embroidered books, embroidery
04/23/2021
seventeen by fifteen inches
This silk panel is completely hand worked. The pattern was drawn onto the surface prior to the hand stitches being added.
It started life as a simple exercise in surface pattern design for 'sewing circle'.
I will either use this as a whole to form the reverse of a pillow or cut it up to use in other work.....or maybe I will make more then I can do both.
Posted at 01:40 PM in embroidery, embroidery design, online learning, sewing circle, surface design | Permalink | Comments (3)
Tags: embroidery, sewing circle, sewing circle, surface design
04/22/2021
the second heart
This is the second heart which has been emboidered as a means of sampling hand embroidery stitches, recording colour and pattern too. The first heart can be seen here.
These were started in 'sewing circle' and although the group has moved on from this I wanted to finish my pieces.
These hearts will eventually find their way into some kind of cloth sample book along with my other sampling from class.
Posted at 01:00 PM in embroidery, online learning, sampling, sewing circle | Permalink | Comments (3)
Tags: embroidered heart, embroidery, online learning, sample, sampling embroidery stitches, sewing circle
04/20/2021
a pocket for buttons and 119 bullion knots
This pocket has come a long way since you last saw it here. It is now secured with hand stitch, has an edge trim created with 119 bullion knots and the hand embroidered buttons have found a home inside it and at the edge of it.
Initially I used red ribbon for the ties but didn't like them so I swapped those for white ribbon which I prefer.
I'm not quite sure where I go from here with this one but I will sample ideas in sewing circle.
Thank you for the feedback from my last post regarding zoom lessons. It would appear that most of you don't like that idea, you prefer the video format which allows you to view demonstrations at your leisure.
I'm scratching my head now...... can you hear me?
Posted at 02:21 PM in buttons, embroidery, pocket, sewing circle | Permalink | Comments (2)
Tags: buttons, embroidery, pocket, sewing circle
04/18/2021
little books of embroidery
I'm still looking back. I'm feeding sewing circle. I'm remembering. I'm being inspired all over again.
Today it's cloth books.
A question. Would you be interested in 'embroidery school LIVE' a zoom situation?
I'd be very grateful for some feedback on that.
It would be scheduled in such a way that time difference would be accommodated and would also be recordable for later viewing.
Posted at 12:52 PM in cloth book, embroidery | Permalink | Comments (7)
Tags: cloth book, embroidery
04/16/2021
pin pillows
My 'looking back' posts continue. This time it's pin pillows. I have no idea where most of these are now. If you own one perhaps you could say.
I have previously looked back at buttons and puffs, you can see those here and here.
At the foot of the post today is another memory, not embroidery related but a memeory that means something to me.
(I would have been around 9 years old at the time)
When I first posted that image some time ago I said I wondered how that young girl would have felt if she knew what she'd be doing all these years later. I'm still wondering.
Posted at 01:06 PM in embroidery, pillow, pin pillow | Permalink | Comments (4)
Tags: embroidery, pin pillows
04/14/2021
a pocket in progress
This is what's keeping me busy at the moment, work evolving in 'sewing circle'.
Hopefully this will be a pocket, a pocket to hold the hand embroidered buttons you can see here.
Going forward I'm hoping to integrate this into a larger piece of work but there's a long way to go until I get round to that.
Posted at 01:06 PM in embroidery, online learning, pocket, sewing circle | Permalink | Comments (2)
Tags: embroidery, online learning, pocket, sewing circle
04/13/2021
puffs, fabric beads
In my last two posts I have been looking back at past work, first it was pockets, then it was buttons.
Today it's puffs or embroidered beads whichever name you prefer to use. I prefer puffs but I guess it's not very descriptive.
Why am I doing this? Mostly I am doing it to refresh my memory regarding what has worked well for me in the past. I am hoping it will lead to new pieces, new plans, new ideas.
Posted at 12:37 PM in beads, embroidery, puffs | Permalink | Comments (6)
Tags: embroidery, fabric beads, puffs
04/11/2021
buttons
Last time I was here I was refreshing my pocket memory. Today I'm refreshing my button memory.
I wish I had kept count of every button I have made over the years.
Posted at 12:38 PM in buttons, embroidery, sewing circle | Permalink | Comments (8)
Tags: buttons, embroidery, sewing circle
04/09/2021
pockets
I have been refreshing my pocket memory, looking back on past pockets with a view to investigating these in class.
I can never think of pockets without thinking of the following words by Sharon Owens.
Someone clever once said
Women were not allowed pockets
In case they carried leaflets
To spread sedition
Which means unrest
To you & me
A grandiose word
For commonsense
Fairness
Kindness
Equality
So ladies, start sewing
Dangerous coats
Made of pockets & sedition
In other news, happy birthday to this delightful boy, the best son anyone could ask for.
We love you so much James and you make us proud every single day.
Now I must go, I have a date with some cake.
Posted at 12:11 PM in embroidery, pockets, sewing circle | Permalink | Comments (3)
Tags: embroidery, pockets, sewing circle
04/07/2021
sampling a hand embroidered heart
My second heart embroidery is in progress. You can see the first one here.
The outer edges of this one are worked in bullion knots, turkey work, chain stitch and buttonhole stitch.
Some of the stitches are worked with sequins attached and in the central area I have also added sequins and beads to the cutwork motifs.
I will leave this for a little while now. We are making butons in class next week and I have prep to do.
Posted at 01:10 PM in embroidery, sewing circle | Permalink | Comments (3)
Tags: embroidered heart, embroidery, needlework, sewing circle
04/05/2021
just this in a hoop
This is all I have for you today. We started this in class this morning and I have since worked on mine a little more.
Sewing circle is so much fun. Just embroidery, chat and group interaction which is second to none.
We had a couple of latecomers last week and it is definitely not too late to join us if you are tempted.
In other news.....I had a wonderful yet busy weekend catching up with family, outdoors, no rule breaking but there wasn't much time for embroidery.
I'm hoping to put that right over the next few days.
Posted at 12:33 PM in embroidery, embroidery hoop, online learning, sewing circle | Permalink | Comments (2)
Tags: embroidery, online learning, sewing circle
04/02/2021
the second needlecase
I did say I wanted to make another one. I said it here when I finished the first one.
These pieces are so addictive to create, they are a joy to stitch.
This one is now available to buy in my shop.
I hope you all have a lovely long weekend planned. I am going to visit my little girl. (just for the day, in the garden, no rule breaking) It's almost a year since I saw her.
Posted at 01:15 PM in big cartel, embroidery, needlecase | Permalink | Comments (2)
Tags: big cartel, embroidery, needlecase
03/31/2021
more patterning and an accidental border
It's mostly the same theme here as it has been for the past few weeks. I am consumed by 'sewing circle' give or take the odd needlecase.
Today I am showing you new patterning, (the partially worked piece) and a new piece which wasn't intended to be used as a border and probably won't be used as a border but which fits that purpose perfectly.
The 'border' piece was created as a means to demonstrate two new stitches to my group, the floral shapes being ideal for that purpose.
Posted at 12:58 PM in big cartel, embroidery, online learning, sewing circle, surface design | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: embroidery, learn to embroider, online learning, sewing circle
03/29/2021
front and back covers
Another needlecase.....front and back covers.
This is where I am up to. I still need to embellish the inner pages.
I hope you like it!
Sampling of my floral shapes for sewing circle is continuing. I am in danger of being drowned by samples which is no bad thing.
Isn't it amazing to have something relaxing and meditative to do? That's the beauty of hand stitch, it's peaceful, calming.
Posted at 12:58 PM in buttons, embroidery, gingham, needlecase, Suffolk puffs | Permalink | Comments (4)
Tags: embroidered button, embroidery, gingham, needlecase, suffolk puffs
03/27/2021
number four
Are you keeping up with my flower sampling from sewing circle?
This is number four. Number three is here along with a link to numbers one and two.
(they are all included here too)
As you can see, this one isn't finished yet. In all honesty I don't know if it will get finished any time soon because we have moved on in class.
I finished another sample yesterday, a little different to these but I can't show you until the girls have seen it. As soon as I can I will.
I am so thankful I have my embroidery to keep me going through these crazy times. I would be lost without it.
Posted at 12:46 PM in big cartel, embroidery, online learning, sewing circle | Permalink | Comments (3)
Tags: big cartel, embroidery, learn to embroider, online learning, sewing circle
03/25/2021
a new needle and pin case
I made a needlecase! I think I might make another one.
This one is available to buy here.
Mostly I am embroidering samples for 'sewing circle' which is an absolute joy but it was nice to have this little diversion.
And anyway, who doesn't love a bit of gingham?
Posted at 12:49 PM in big cartel, embroidery, needlecase | Permalink | Comments (4)
Tags: big cartel, embroidery, needlecase
03/23/2021
flower number three
My third flower is finished, you can see the first two here.
This one has pockets, a pocket in the centre and a tiny pocket on each petal.
Number four is in progress. If you remember, I said I would like a minimum of five of these samples.
Having said that, patterning is moving quickly in 'sewing circle' and there is a chance I will have to change course and work on new ideas.
Posted at 12:54 PM in embroidery, online learning, sewing circle | Permalink | Comments (2)
Tags: embroidery, online learning, sewing circle
03/22/2021
03/20/2021
a finished heart and a new needle/pin case
My flower samples are ongoing. The latest one is being saved for our sewing circle on monday.
Meanwhile, my embroidered heart is finished and I'm working on a new needle/pin book.
The needle book was an itch, an itch I got when I was sorting my fabric out and came across my gingham.
I'd forgotten how much I love gingham.
Posted at 01:11 PM in embroidery, gingham, needlecase, online learning, pom poms, sewing circle | Permalink | Comments (2)
Tags: embroidery, gingham, needlecase, online learning, pompoms, sewing circle
03/18/2021
the second one
My second floral shape of what I hope will be at least five is now finished. I have laid it here alongside the first one. Number three and four are in progress.
Some of the girls in sewing circle are using this shape and others are creating their own patterning.
(it's not too late to join in by the way, we still have ten weeks left)
I'm just having such a good time, embroidery morning, noon and night.
A tip on ordering embroidery threads....I always buy my DMC coton a broder from the main distributor in France. They carry more colours in my experience. After Brexit there are extra charges for customs etc when buying from the EU but I believe if your order is less than £40 no extra charges are payable.
I ordered threads last week, the total amount paid by me for my order including postage was £38. My package arrived with no extra charges so perhaps little and often is the way to go.
Posted at 01:00 PM in big cartel, embroidery, online learning, pattern, sewing circle | Permalink | Comments (5)
Tags: embroidery, online learning, pattern, sewing circle
03/17/2021
a heart in progress
This one isn't quite finished yet, there will be web stitches in the remaining open areas.
The flower shape you saw here will be my main focus for sampling going forward but as I gave the girls in sewing circle an option of hearts too I thought it best sample I that shape myself.
Posted at 12:50 PM in embroidery, online learning, sewing circle | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: embroidery, heart, online learning, sewing circle
03/15/2021
one finished and another one bound with ribbon
The finished piece today is this one, now fully embroidered and damp stretched.
The other piece is earlier sampling which is now bound at two edges with silk ribbon. It will live with this collection.
My large floral piece, the unbound piece is my first finished sample from sewing circle. I am hoping to embroider several of these motifs and bind them into some kind of cloth presentation thingy. I say thingy because I haven't decided yet.
Posted at 01:00 PM in embroidery, online learning, sewing circle, silk | Permalink | Comments (6)
Tags: embroidery, online learning, sewing circle, silk
03/13/2021
more buttons
I've been having a 'stock take' of my embroidered buttons, seeing how much attention my stash needs.
I don't have as many as I thought but I do use them to adorn embroidered pieces and to titivate pages in stitched notebooks so it's an ever decreasing collection.
Sewing circle has been active for almost one week. Already there is such a wonderful community spirit (in fact the sense of community and friendship is what I love most about these groups) and the early plans of each group member are very exciting.
It's not too late to join us.
You can read more here.
Posted at 12:52 PM in buttons, embroidery | Permalink | Comments (5)
Tags: buttons, embroidered buttons
No comments:
Post a Comment