European Folk Art Stitching

As soon as I saw this design I knew it was one I would have to stitch . . .

I am really drawn to the European Folk Art style of Sylvia's design, but rather than make it up into a cushion I stretched the finished piece over a canvas (pictured below hanging in a collection with Lynette Anderson's Our Home applique and Rosalie Quinlan's Heartsong stitchery).

The blue linen is something I've been wanting to work with for a while and I really like the effect of the tone on tone stitchery.

I love the mandala-like central medallion . . .

and the openness of the chain stitched outer leaves.

I like the satin stitch circles (although there were a few moments when I thought they would never be done) and I really enjoyed working the chain stitch. I think it gives such a depth and interest to the  stitching.

This is a style of stitching that I will definitely use again! I'm thinking large cushions. And lots of colour . . .


Pattern: Stitchery Cushion
Designer: Sylvia Frazer
Publication: http://sylviastitch.blogspot.com.au/
Fabric: Dress linen
Threads: DMC 932

Seasonal Stitching

One of the projects from a previous Stitching On The Lake day was this cute little Santa stitchery . . .

Originally designed to be appliqued on to a star decoration, I decided to mix things up a bit.

I've made a little wallet. It could be used for lots of things - like stitching supplies or gift cards. . . this one will be a gift, filled with a variety of sachets of delicious tasting teas - hopefully a perfect gift for the recipient who has everything.

This project was satisfying for me on a few levels, aside from the pleasure of the actual stitching . . . completing a project that's just been waiting to be done, using supplies from my stash and also getting a head start on Christmas gifts. I'm enjoying the feeling of being just a little bit ahead of the game (for now) . . .


Pattern: Sylvia's Stitched Santa Star Decoration
Designer: Sylvia Frazer
Publication: http://sylviastitch.blogspot.com/

Oh Christmas Tree

Finished! That's my "Oh Christmas Tree" stitchery from the Stitching On The Lake Day . . .

I framed the stitchery by stretching the fabric over a canvas, about 10" square. For the border I used some fabric that I've had in my stash for many, many years, so it was nice to work with what I already had. I've always liked this fabric, but haven't ever found the right thing to use it on. I think it's the mosaic look that I like.

I really enjoyed stitching this little tree. There were a lot of leaves to stitch, but the filigree look of the tree really appeals to me, so all those leaves were worth it . . . I love the multi-coloured tails on the birds, too.  This is one of those designs that would also look good in one colour - maybe white thread on red linen, or red thread on white . . .

I'm glad to see this tree hanging on my wall and think fondly of stitching with friends when I see it!


Pattern: Oh Christmas Tree
Designer: Sylvia Frazer
Publication: http://sylviastitch.blogspot.com/

Stitching On The Lake

Well today I stitched and ate and chatted with some really lovely ladies (thanks Lee, Shirley, Penne and Stella for your company) at the biannual Stitching on the Lake day, hosted once again by the wonderful Sylvia and Fiona . . .

(from the stitching day in May, with thanks to Sylvia for the photo as I didn't take any pics myself today)

On arrival we were each greeted with a goodie bag with starter kits for 6 - yes 6! - projects. Now, I've finally learned from past experience that with all the eating and chatting going on, the likelihood of getting a project finished on the day is pretty slim, so I just chose my project and started stitching.

No deadline.

No stress.

Just relaxing and stitching.

I decided on the "Oh Christmas Tree" stitchery, which is just lovely in real life, very delicate and the leaves remind me of filigree. Lots of chain stitch and lazy daisies on this tree, which I think I will frame over a canvas.

I know it doesn't look like I did too much, but I did stitch all day - I promise!

I won't get this finished tonight, or maybe even this weekend, but one thing I do know - I am enjoying the process with this project, just stitching for pleasure. And really, isn't that what it's all about?


Pattern: Oh Christmas Tree Stitchery
Designer: Sylvia Frazer
Publication: http://sylviastitch.blogspot.com/

Remember Me . . .

When this you see.

That's the verse on the top of this gorgeous little pincushion. It's a Leanne Beasley design from Issue 3 of her Vignette magazine. I love the design. And the story that Leanne shared of her father-in-law struck a chord with me too.

As I was stitching away on this project I found my mind wandering to thoughts of my "stitching" grandparents - 2 are gone now, but I'm still fortunate enough to get to make memories with one of my grandmothers.

One grandfather worked as a tailor's cutter. He actually bought a Singer treadle machine a few weeks after they were married and taught my grandmother to sew! Some years later they got a motor for the treadle and converted it. She went on to make her own clothes and even earn an income from doing alterations for a local fashion store.

My other grandmother had a treadle sewing machine which I never saw anyone use, but I certainly loved to "treadle" it when I was little. Apparently she did use it to make curtains and things for her home and later on got a "modern" electric machine. I didn't really know her as a sewer until she was well into her 60s and joined a local patchwork group. I think of her often now that I'm a "patchworker" myself and wish that I'd had more time to share a common interest with her.

So the back of this pincushion remembers 2 grandmothers and a grandfather with their initials and years of birth.

The stitching was done using a Japanese thread, Moco. I loved the variegated mauves and greens, so I thought I'd give it a try. A word of caution, though. This thread is 100% polyester and does NOT like a hot iron. I pressed the stitching the right way - from the back, using a towel . . . but I made the mistake of going back for just one more little press! Without the towel! Lucky it was on the back and there wasn't too much damage, but it did melt the thread a little. A trap for young players!

I filled the pincushion with silica sand, so even though its quite petite (about 4 1/2" across), it weighs 460 grams (about 1 lb). I really like the substance of a weighty pincushion - and it comes in pretty handy as a paperweight, too!


Pattern: Rosemary for Rememberance Pinchusion
Designer: Leanne Beasley
Publication: Vingnette Magazine, Issue 3 http://leanneshouse.typepad.com/leanneshouse/
Fabric: Hanky Linen
Thread: Moco, Colour 819 (100% Polyester)

Catalicious Complete

Well you may remember I started stitching the blocks in Red Brolly's Catalicious BOM way back in February 2010 with the intention of making a runner for the end of our bed, where the cat sleeps . . . (looking at the picture I should just point out that the blocks are big - about 18" square - but the cat is not)

It's finally finished!

But . . .

It hasn't quite made it to the end of the bed.

Since it was "just" for the end of the bed and "just" for the cat (sorry Squeaker) . . .

I used what I had on hand to finish it off. So it's got a piece of Minky fabric left over from another project for the lining. And it's backed with chenille (different coloured pieces joined together to fit) and bound with leftover binding too.

But then . . . it's turned out to be the most comfy quilt to use while we're sitting on the lounge - soft and cosy and snuggly! So for now it's the go-to quilt on the cold evenings. The end of the bed will just have to wait!

Pattern: Catalicious Block of the Month
Designer: Bronwyn Hayes
Publication: http://www.red-brolly.typepad.com/

Heartsong Stitchery (the Christmas Version) Finished!

I have put the finishing stitches in this Heartsong Stitchery (the Christmas Version) by Rosalie Quinlan . . . and I'm very happy with how it turned out.

It's stitched on linen, using DMC Blanc (3 threads). The stitchery is about 12'' x 8 1/2". Rosalie's pattern was stitched on red linen with white thread, which looks really good. But I was having a bit of a "Scandinavian Moment" when I started this.


I decided to go with a chain stitch on the hear border, rather than satin stitch . . . and I'm really happy with the lacy effect.


I was planning to "frame" this by stretching it around a canvas frame, but "he who sits on the lounge offering advice" thinks that a pair of pillow cases would be good. He's yet to pick up a needle and thread and make a start on the second one!


Pattern: Heartsong Stitchery
Designer: Rosalie Quinlan

Snowbound . . . Finished!

I've put the finishing touches on my "Snowbound" mini quilt. I decided to do stitcheries rather than applique as it was in the original pattern for this 2010 BOM. My blocks are only 4 1/2 inches square, making this a cute little quilt to add to our Christmas decorating bits and pieces.

I pieced the 9 patches on my treadle sewing machine earlier in the year and put all the blocks together on Francene this week. I then did simple quilting using the same vintage silk thread that I used for the stitcheries.
I did put the last stitch in the stitchery on New Year's Eve, so 2010 is the date on the block (even though, technically, I didn't finish the quilt until 2011 - but I feel a bit of creative license is OK!!).
I am happy to have this little quilt all bound and labelled, ready to be hung up at Christmas.

Thanks so much to Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs for creating this lovely project . . . and check out her blog to see this year's new BOM.

Pattern: Snowbound - 2010 BOM
Designer: Anne Sutton (Bunny Hill Designs)
Publication: http://bunnyhillblog.com

Stitchery and Bags

I started out to make a bag so that I could applique this little stitchery on to it. The stitchery is from a retreat with Rosalie Quinlan and Leanne Beasley held in Nowra (hosted by Jukejema Quilting Barn) and was a practice in satin stitch.



So I had the fabric for the bag, chosen to match the variegated threads (Cosmo Seasons) used in the stitchery.

But then procrastination set it!

And stayed for a while!

And then a while longer!

To cut a long period of procrastination short, I ended up using the applique on the front of a journal cover. There's something quite decadent about a notebook covered in fabric, don't you think?



So this journal cover did not use any of the original fabrics (although it did use fabrics from my stash, so that counts for something). I'm loving these muddied/muted colours at the moment.

Well, then there was still the issue of the fabric for a bag!

So I stitched the bag outer.

And the bag lining.

And then I decided that I really, really liked the bag lining and that it should be a bag of its own.

And it is!



I've put a casing and drawstring on it, so I can fill it up or give it a little shape if it's not so full. I really love the fabrics in this bag.





But then, what to do with the original bag outer?

Well, make another lining, of course.



So this one also used fabric from my stash (it feels good to use from the stash).

I left the lining sitting up a little at the top to give the look of piping, and then top stitched to keep it in place. I quite like the look of this one.



Both bags have been put into service and it's lovely using fabric instead of plastic when I'm out and about!

What project of yours has evolved into something entirely different?

"Our Home" - finished and framed

Well, I haven't had too many finishes this year - LOTS of new things started, though . . . hmmm, does this mean I have finishing issues? Or just busy multi-tasking? The answer depends on who you ask!!!

Anyway, I have finished this . . .



It's the "Our Home" applique (by Lynette Anderson), which I wrote about here and here. It's been finished for a little while, but now it's framed and hanging on the wall. I put the year "2009" on it, even though I made it this year, in honour of 2009 being the year we moved into our current home.

I'm really pleased with the way it turned out - a little piece of cheeriness celebrating our home.

Snowbound BOM

OK, so it's not like I'm in need of another project, but I've been seeing the Snowbound Block of the Month from Bunny Hill - and I really like it! The snowmen are so cute. But  I decided I was going to start . . . and then I had a moment of indecision!

What was it that caught my imagination about this project?

Was it the fabrics (Rural Jardin - who can resist)?

Was it the applique which should go together pretty quickly?

Was it the snowmen?

Actually, it was a bit of all of those things. But . . .

I have decided, for now, to simplify (my life and this project) - so I'm doing it as a stitchery - in miniature!

Each stitchery block with be about 4 /12" square. And I'm using some vintage silk thread that I picked up on my travels a while ago (I knew I loved it but didn't quite know what to do with it).

So . . .

I started with the pattern and a fine (01) Zig pen (I find Pure Brown pretty good for tracing stitcheries) . . .



and traced it onto my fabric (which is the Rural Jardin plain in the aqua) . . .



then I started stitching . . .





There are 5 blocks available so far, with 12 in all to be done. I'm not sure what I'm going to add - maybe some little nine-patch blocks . . . we'll see.



I quite liked stitching with the silk. It's actually not quite as fine as would I would have preferred for this project, but still, I'm using it! I did a bit of Google-ing and it seems that the threads were probably made around 1925. They've held up pretty well - one spool was a little grubby on the outer threads, but most of the others are in pristine condition, with the label bands still in tact! There's something quite appealing to me about working with older things (it's a bit like antique furniture, I suppose). Whoever owned the threads before me must have a had a project in mind at some point, as there are 6 spools of one colour and a couple of another. Just goes to show - one girl's stash is another girl's treasure!

Catalicious Block 4 Complete!

Block 4 stitched - tick.

Block 4 pressed - tick.

Block 4 pieced - tick.



Block 4 of Bronywn Hayes' Catalicious BOM is called "Brutus with Sue and Cynthia". This photo doesn't show the colour very well, but the dark fabric is an aubergine colour, with the other print a buttercup-y sort of colour.



I thought this was going to pretty quick to stitch, but it seemed to take me a little longer than I estimated. But not to worry . . . I'm enjoying seeing all the blocks come together . And I think I'm enjoying satin stitch! If you're like me and struggle a bit with this stitch and you haven't seen this tutorial from Melly, check it out and give her technique a try - it worked for me!

So, that's Block 1 - Brutus The Cat

Block 2 - Friends

and Block 3 - Sisters

I'm trying to use supplies on hand for this project, which is pretty satisfying. These Sawtooth Star blocks will be 18 1/2" square (finished).  I don't usually work with large blocks, so this is a bit of a change for me and I must say, I like seeing progress in the large sizes!

Lavender Bag

I found this little lavender bag in the linen cupboard the other day - I'd forgotten all about it and was pleasantly surprised to see it. It's filled with lavender grown by a friend of my mum.



I remember I loved doing the monogram on this, and did one like it for my great aunt who shares the "S" with me.  I must say that although I had forgotten about it, I was surprised to see "2006" stitched into it. How time flies (I do actually remember making it) - just goes to show the importance of dating our projects - like quilts. In the blink of an eye years pass and before you know it, the details you thought you'd always remember are just a little hazy . . .

Catalicious Continues . . .

Well, I was slightly lagging behind, but have now finished Block 3 of Bronwyn Hayes' Catalicious stitcheries  "Sisters (featuring Brutus the Cat)" . . .





This block had plenty of satin stitch, which usually leaves me feeling a little anxious . . . but then I came across this tutuorial  by Melly & Me which really helped me A LOT!!! So now I am boldly approaching satin stitch without hesitation!

The stitching on the next block is under way . . . more to come on that later. If you want to get in on this block of the month stitching, it's not too late. Click on the Catalicious button on my sidebar  . . . and start stitching.

Look What I Won . . .

I entered a competition on Lynette Anderson's Blog and I won!

This little parcel of goodies arrived in the mail . . .



It's one of  Lynette's new patterns called 'Our Home'. It a little applique and stitchery and is just gorgeous!




And what about these buttons? They are soooo cute!



Thank you so much, Lynette. Guess you know what I'll be stitching over the weekend . . .

P.S. You should go to Lynette's blog and have a look at her new quilt called 'Scandanavian Christmas'. This one I am definitely doing!

Project Bag

I had this bag, designed to manage fat quarters, I think -  but seriously, is it big enough for that??? It worked well as a project bag, but didn't look all that thrilling to me.



I had a Bronywn Hayes stitchery which looked lovely, but didn't really have a home.



So what's a girl to do?

This is what you get when you combine the two . . .



I covered a thin piece of board and stitched it into the top (clear) lid of the bag. Now I have a safe home for the stitchery and  a great project bag!

How do you use stitcheries in your world?