Monday 29 October 2012

bits of stitching

I don't have long today as I'm off to a wedding.  My brother's closest friend is getting married and we've been invited to the evening reception along with his parents.  He's been a constant fixture in my life since I was about 8 so I'm really pleased he invited us.  It's just a shame I'll look like a whale in my dress.

I've been doing some bits of stitching - as you probably guessed by the title of the post, and I thought I'd show you what I've been doing, although they aren't finished.


I whipped these little cross stitch patterns up out of an episode of Cross Stitcher.  Episode?  That's not the right word is it?  Anyway, I couldn't finish the butterfly as they didn't give me enough thread!!  I used thread from my stash for the larger areas of the other too - I hate it when they provide kits that don't have enough thread.  Someone did suggest that there might be a DMC reference in the pattern and yes there is!  I just need to go to Hobbycraft but I'm avoiding it at the minute as it always costs me a fortune in there...


This is my first attempt at Sashiko stitching.  I used the mini-book Sashiko from my set of "How to Sew" books which explained how to draw the grid and make the pattern.


The book suggested using Sashiko thread, but I wanted to use what I had to hand.  It said that Coton A Broder was a good alternative.  I don't have any of that so I went with Perle Cotton size 8. 


The green linen is wonderful Latvian linen from my lovely friend Fiona.


I also tried my hand at bead embroidery.  I didn't use a book, I just sewed seed beads (size 10s) around the paisley motifs on this Michael Miller fabric and added dots to the centres.  I just hope I haven't sewn any in the seam allowance!


If you're wondering what these strange shapes I'm working on are... well you'll just have to carry on wondering!  All will be revealed on the 6th November.


I couldn't get a decent photo that showed the beads properly, but this one above gives them some height.


Finally, I started a small cross stitch project, on a whim.  I know, there are no cross stitches on it yet, but there will be!


12 comments:

Kerryp77 said...

Very intrigued by the 'shapes', the sashiko is coming along nicely too. It's very frustrating when kits don't come with enough threads, I'm always very frugal with kit threads, yet they run out so often. they look lovely so far.

cauchy09 said...

these are some lovely stitchery bits! i'm especially enamored with your sashiko.

Samantha said...

Edition!!

Samantha said...

p.s. that's the word you're looking for lol :D

JoJo said...

I looooooove stitching it's soooo addictive. Your cross stitch critters are adorable and I'm loving the bead embroidery around the paisleys.

Sandra :) said...

The cross-stitch critters and the beading are adorable, but that sashiko makes me SWOONY!!! Well, if a 50 year old can swoon while she's playing on the computer while laying on the couch with the cat on her feet, that is :D

Nancy Lee said...

I really like your projects! I hope you had a nice time at the wedding. I am sure you looked quite lovely, because you were so happy for your friends.
:-)

Nicky said...

Your sashiko is very striking, I've never seen that technique before, but I love it, great work.

Anonymous said...

Oh, oh... I recognize those shapes but I'll keep your secret... lol. Lovely work, btw.

Maya Kuzman said...

Amazing stitching you've got here!!

Katherine said...

You've been busy! Love seeing the bits of stitching you've been doing. Can hardly wait for the full reveal on those beaded pieces... they're looking gorgeous!

Jillayne said...

Beautiful work Wendy! I especially love your sashiko and that green linen is wonderful. Lovely, lovely work!