Last but not least....

I just had to try the letter H and do some background color.  First I over-dyed some ribbons, and after doing all my stitching, I added some color to the background fabric (prima cotton) to see how it would look.  What do you think?  too much?  I didn't want to show it with the class samples as I don't think we could do any dyeing with our limited class time.  It would be fun to make some samples.

I always love it when my students come in with their finished class pieces.  This one is Kendra's and I love how she did her own thing, and made it totally unique.  It's for her daughter and I am sure she is going to love it.  I know I would.  Her stitching is so tiny and precise!!  Thanks Kendra!!

Happy Stitching, Kathy

Wool in July???

Yes, what were we thinking???  After Kerry and I  finished our brain-storming, we came up with some good  great ideas for projects using Silk Ribbon and wool.  First of all, she found this darling Victorian fan Needlebook.  She has lots of vintage trims in the store (We, of the Needle) so I  picked a few items to incorporate.  I love how it came out.  Blue Wool with ribbons and tatting...plus a little gold trim.  Pink flannel inside (not shown).  Should be a really fun class.

 Next, came the Envelope Pincushion.  This used

a piece of handkerchief, brown / black wool, ribbon, and tatting.  I later changed the ribbon flowers.  You can see that they are just pinned on.  The making of the envelope was challenging, but the rest was easy as pie.  This will be another fun class, as any vintage piece can be added.

This next piece was the most fun and creative, as it only had two types of stitches, a star to make the eyelet, and  french knots.  The texture all came from the fibers used. They are silk ribbon, over-dyed pearl cotton floss, over-dyed silk thread, wool yarn, fancy yarn and beads.  It is made on a large count material, so easy to pull the eyelets.  This little beauty is only 3" square and makes a fun pincushion.  Called "Pulled Ribbon Pincushion", we will have various small frames for your selection prior to class.  This photo doesn't do the piece justice.

That's all for today, hope you are enjoying the summertime and stitching your heart away!  Kathy

Welcome May Flowers!

Today was the first class of the Silk Ribbon Initials, and as promised, I am posting the CD album where you can order the whole alphabet.  It is $20, and called Home Arts Victorian Monograms...Patti has a website called ezhomearts.com, and her email is patti@ezhomearts.com  Check it out and order it directly from her.

If you need any more info, please do not hesitate to contact me.  All my students were totally awesome today, and we had a great time learning all the easy basic stitches.  Thanks, We, of the Needle in Brea for asking me to teach this class!!!  We have another full class on this Saturday.

I started another french knot piece, this one is by Teresa Layman and called Skipper's Roses. 2008. Finished size will be 6" x 4 1/4"....I am using silk floss, two strands.

Then I will finish my Just Nan's "Queen of the Needle" Sampler.  I have worked on it off and on, but really need to "frog" a few places, and get it back on track.
So hope you are having a great week, and happy stitching, Kathy

Tiny stitches...

 At my local store We, of the Needle, I spotted this darling miniature piece made up by Kerri.  It was love at first sight.  On 40 count silk gauze, it would take my new glasses (still being made) to do it.  Well, with a bit of another magnifying glass, I was able to do this in just four short days.  It was heavenly and I only found one mistake.  However, my frame is just a hair too big.  So I am looking into something, like trim, or ribbon, to frame inside.  I can add some stitches, but thought I'd look at something else first.  Let me know what you think.  I have many pieces of antique lace, tatting, etc.
Check out my progress.

I also did some silk ribbon embroidery of my initials just to be doing something different.  Right now they are in hoops, but my friend thinks they need something different.

I used silk ribbon, small cording, and some fancy trims from my stash.  One bunch was a hunk from the Quilt Show of various matching fibers.  Remember you can click on the photos to make them bigger.

Happy Stitching, more later, Kathy