After seeing beautiful hand smocking recently, I decided to give it a try. I bought the needed supplies, a book for beginners, and set to work. That’s when I was reminded of a few things about myself: 1) I’m impatient, and 2) I like to do my own thing. Following a smocking pattern conflicted with [...]
I’ve been spending lots of time in waiting rooms and doctors offices lately, and I decided I needed a hand project to pass the time. So, I dug through my UFOs (unfinished objects) in search of something to hold my interest. I decided on this small collage. I made it several years ago, with scraps [...]
On a recent visit to Little Rock, I stopped in at The Stitchin’ Post. I enjoyed perusing the quilt supplies, which occupied about 3/4 of the store. But what really blew my mind was the remaining portion of the store, which featured heirloom sewing. Oh my gosh! All the little baby samples were so delicate and [...]
I’m currently editing my next video, which shows how to create a simple accordion book. I thought you’d enjoy seeing a sneak peak of some of the screen shots. Click any image for a larger view These mixed media books are so fast and easy that they’re almost addicting. I think both hand and machine [...]
Finally. I’ve finished the book and I think it’s “tea-riffic!” (Sorry, couldn’t resist.) Click any image for a larger view All the black writing and drawings are on clear acetate, which form partial overlays on each interior page. I photographed them at angle to avoid glare. In addition to glued fabric collage, most pages include either [...]
Ta-da! Here’s my second hand stitched piece, finished and framed. Click any image for a larger view. The stitched area is only 5″ x 7″, but the framed dimensions are approximately 16″ x 19″. Here’s a detail shot: I think I like it as much as the first one! And I definitely enjoyed stitching it just [...]
Once I started hand stitching I really enjoyed it. So, I started a second piece. This time, I used the same background colors, but with different colors of threads. Although I intended to orient it vertically, this shows the design for this new piece. Click any image for a larger view. As before, I [...]
Ta-Da! Here’s my finished piece, all nicely framed. Click any image for a larger view. What do you think? I’m really happy with it. Especially after framing! Isn’t it amazing how much farming adds to a piece? (Not only visually, but also figuratively. The stitching measures only 5″ x 7″, but the framed dimensions [...]
After establishing the background colors with large shapes, I worked smaller ones on top. Lots of partial buttonhole wheels. Next, I started adding more texture and color with bullion knots ( the ones that look like caterpillars.) I decided they were too much work, so resorted to that old stand by, French knots. Click on [...]
This hand stitching is fun! Especially since I’m doing everything very free form, with a minimum of planning. I have limited expertise with hand embroidery, so I searched online for some stitch tutorials. I found Sharon Boggon’s excellent stitch directory, as well as her stunning examples. Some of Sharon’s pieces are heavily textured with stitches literally [...]
