I'm adding a regular section to my blog starting today called Sunday's Stitches.I've been dabbling on and off over the last year or so with teaching myself embroidery and I've decided that the only way I'm going to learn is if I take it seriously and do it regularly. So I've organized my supplies, bought some really nice linen, put a basket next to my favorite chair by my favorite window and have committed myself to going through Sharon B's stitch library and a few books Acey suggested (with my pal Michelle) week by week until we complete the entire library by December.
If you're interested in following along, I'll be posting pictures of my progress and lessons learned every Sunday evening under the sub-heading....
The Learning Curve
Lesson #1
Gizmo does NOT know the difference between Esmerelda and white perle cotton...
Nor does he care.
Lesson #2 Make "heat setting " the Neocolors a priority BEFORE stitching on the hand painted linen.
(Will Shout take that out??? I hope so. I've had that shirt since I was 17.)
Lesson #3
If you think you're off to a good to start and don't "need" to use canvas (where you can see the little squares and count them to make sure stitches are even) -- it's probably a good idea to make chalk lines for stitching reference so your stitching doesn't look as though you did it after 2 (make that 3) martinis. Oops.
Final thought: I still have to work through the Arrowstitch and Alternate Chain stitch tonight. I did learn that pulling the thread really tight when executing the Algerian Eye Stitch makes a nice little hole in the center, and that there are more variations of the chain stitch than Bon Jovi has hairstyles. I think this is going to open up a whole new dimension for my work. Thank you Jude and Acey for being such an inspiration.
Final thought: I still have to work through the Arrowstitch and Alternate Chain stitch tonight. I did learn that pulling the thread really tight when executing the Algerian Eye Stitch makes a nice little hole in the center, and that there are more variations of the chain stitch than Bon Jovi has hairstyles. I think this is going to open up a whole new dimension for my work. Thank you Jude and Acey for being such an inspiration.
12 comments:
this is definitely an excellent idea & I for one am looking forward to more. :) thanks for sharing the journey!
ps - stitch question ... when sewing fabric together (for a small pillow, let's say) ... what's the best way to make the stitches invisible? spouse says to use thicker fabric and thinner thread, but I have a feeling there's an actual technique.
phew ... that was a mouthful!
your stitches look great! mine, not so much, but I'm trying!!!
well, glad to see some hand stitching going on... the scheduled post is a good idea, it does help a lot. it also helps to be able to look back at yourself. learning curves eventually turn into learning circles and each time around you learn something new.
It will be interesting to watch your progress- good for you to schedule time each week!
hey girlie
looks great-
and i love the look on gizmo's face-it looks like he's saying-
'nope not me i didn't do it'
hope all is well your way
snow and rain on the way for us tomorrow-i wish it would stay all snow...sigh..
x's &o's
tammy
Love your work.
I haven't tried the neocolors yet, but will.
Your Gizmo is so cute.
I use to live in NC and then moved to Ohio and Love it here.
RoseMary
http://artrageousquilter.blogspot.
com/
Funny Cathie:) love the stitches, I'll be following you with this:)
It's a pleasure to come to your colorful blog, I am jealous of your new roommate!!!
love
Andrea
Hi Girlie!
Lost track of you for a while, but rediscovered you through Katie Jane.
Good luck with your embroidery,,my Mom was a master, and I have patience for barely a stich.
Cool banner!
Hi, I just wanted to say thanks so much for the lovely comment you left on my textile blog. I only just saw it! I am looking forward to spending a bit of time on Saturday going through your blog and catching up!
Hope you have a good day/weekend!
Best wishes - Carolyn
LOVE STITCHING RED
CAROLYN SAXBY - MIXED MEDIA TEXTILE ART
I think that our dogs are psychically connected. My dog does things like this all the time. Yesterday he took a ball of red specialty yarn off of the table and decorated the kitchen for valentines day. I wish that I had taken a picture.
Oh...I totally get Sunday's Stitches NOW!!! What a great idea to learn and practice and with a friend too...perfect! And, this post has me in stitches...my eyes are watering...you are too funny girl!
Lesson #1 - LOL!!!! I think you are right!!! Gizmo has that 'LOOK' like he does not care! ;-)
Lesson #2 - Oh...No!!! Did Shout take it out???? I hope so!
Lesson #3 - You crack me up!!! Totally agree...if you want straight lines while stitching and having a cocktail...chalk lines might be a good idea! LOL!!!
This is great that you are setting aside a day each week to practice and learn! You know you can add a bead to most embroidery stitches too! ~wink~
Hugs my friend...~Lisa ;-)
Your stitching already looks great! I used all hand stitching on my latest Chair quilt for our Twelve by Twelve group. I also enjoy the orange with the purple. I'm finding the color combination popping up more and more often.
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