Changing a project

A few posts ago I shared my Spiral Rose project based on an applique quilt pattern. After it was finished I decided it was not what I wanted so I took it all apart and have redone the front. The back will be a different fabric.
This time I went with plain color thread as opposed to variegated, running back stitch and cotton batting with no fabric on the back. I reused the pale pink fabric for the front. I like it better and am contemplating adding some other embroidery stitches into it before attaching the back.

front - above, batting back - below

I now have computer/reading glasses. Makes a huge difference to what I can see :) Hopefully this will improve my sewing skills. Certainly helps with my needle threading ability !!!!!!

To cut or not to cut - that is the question?

This is one of the pieces from my collection that I am contemplating cutting up. It has a number of stains on it that won't come out. The individual sections are very pretty and I think they would look good as a small wall hanging.

Antique table topper

I think this is really interesting. The embroidery was done on sheer fabric and when you look at the back it reminds me of trapunto.

Antique chair back cover

This photograph does not do the piece justice. The colors are a lot brighter. I'm not an "embroidered basket with flowers type person" but I love this one.
In years gone by the chairs in the best parlor were used to display pieces like the above. Not only were they pretty but they were also practical. They could be washed thus preserving the integrity of the chair back from sweaty heads and oil plastered hair :)
I think this piece might have also been used as a table runner.

An experiment - Spiral Rose

I have a lot of applique quilt block designs in my folders and books. I was looking through them and thought it might be fun to try and embroider some of them instead.
Here's my first attempt using 3 strands of variegated DMC floss #48 and basic running stitch.
I like how the plain side is turning out but at the moment feel that the block side design is overpowering the stitching. I'm also having issues getting the stitches to stay even on both sides.

The design is called "Spiral Rose" and can be found in "Machine Applique A Sampler of Techniques" by Sue Nickels.

Current project

Just finished up the cross stitch part. The fabric will be on the back of the project.
The pattern can be found at (I'll add the link when I can get it to work).
Used 28 ct. evenweave, 2 over 2 of DMC 913 and 3716.

Lady of Steeles Hand Embroidery Crafts - SS swap part 2

My package has arrived at the other end. I got to send to Janice, one of the group moderators and I decided to spoil her since she is recovering from surgery. Her hand is out of commission which means no stitching (or other things) for a while.

Lady of Steeles Hand Embroidery Crafts - SS swap

I got a box in the mail this week. My son helped me open it and it was hot and steamy :) After letting things cool off for a wee while this is what we discovered and oohed and aahed over. Thanks to Linda (who also lives in Tennessee) for making me feel like Christmas had come many times over :) My husband was amazed !!!!

Oh look a tortoise ironing. Might it be a reference to the fact that I joke about being such a slow poke with my projects :)

I don't drink espresso but I love the towel, a great way to visually jump start my brain. The pincushion is made of felt and already comes armed with pins for my next project.

I'm already using the bag for my crochet traveling project and it has been seen out and about a couple of times.
The embroidery on the gardening gloves is gorgeous. Too good to dirty up so maybe I'll have to think up a way of displaying them.
Lots of needles, embroidery thread, a pretty pin and some other fun items. Linda also made the card.
My package is off in the mail and should get there some time next week. I have photographs but they will have to wait.

Crochet - grannie square project

It's getting bigger by the minute and will either be a baby blanket or a lap throw depending upon how my fingers feel and the depth of my wallet :)
One advantage of learning with variegated yarn is that you don't have to think too hard about what colors to pick.
Having said that the store does not have the pale yellow or the pale blue so I skipped the yellow they had and am using a darker blue.

Learning to Crochet

Something I've been wanting to do for a looooong time.

I'm using variegated yarn and started out with the big doily. The doll hat is actually a mushroom shaped purse for some sewing supplies :)

I think I have finally conquered making a granny square. This one got ripped out many times over the past week or so but is coming together somewhat. I have another little project in the works but it is a surprise gift so I'm not sharing a photo just yet.