ScrapBag

 

I bought some lovely vintage fabric pieces recently, and having a bit of spare time, (yay!), - decided to do some stitching - which I haven't done for ages.  (This bag probably shows that!) However, I really enjoyed doing it.  Whilst rummaging, I also came across some beautiful buttons, which I just dont remember buying - maybe someone gave them to me* - anyway, I used those too.  

I've been fusing glass recently, (in a microwave kiln), and you have to wait while the glass cools down - so as I've been sorting through my fabrics, I did a bit of sewing, while waiting.

*have since found out where they kindly came from :o)

TeaBag Embroidery

You can, of course, embroider on anything. Here, I used some old teabags - dried out, cut and ironed flat, tacked (or stuck) on to a piece of calico backing, then machine and some hand embroidery.  I also added a small piece of burnt metal in the centre.  I pierced small holes through the metal, which was thin, and stitched it on to the fabric.  -  Very satisfying bit of recycling.

Nancy Nicholson

 



Joan Nicholson

Nancy Nicholson has the most delightful designs in her sew-kits. She also has stationery, printables, and lovely other stuff.   Do have a look.
Blog link.

Free Knitting Pattern - Needle/Pincushion!

I really just winged this!  I was watching tv and fancied doing some knitting - and ended up with this!  Whenever I'm knitting and put a needle down on the sofa ...... I invariably lose it down the cushions - or somewhere they disappear to!  So it occurred to me that if I have a large needlecushion and just poke the needles into it,  I would know where they were!!   I know I should probably get out more, but if you've got an oddment of yarn and have itchy fingers .....  try this!

I used Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino with nos. 11 (UK) needles.

Begin by casting on 30 stitches, knit approx 6 - 7" (2 pieces) or 12 - 14" if knitting in one piece.

Stitch seams leaving a gap at the top, stuff, sew up, embroider edges if wanted, add button - that's more or less it!  Measurements are not really crucial at all.

This needlecushion measures approx. 6.5"x 5.5" (x 2 pieces or 1 long piece). 
The front is Garter and Stocking Stitch, and the back is just plain Stocking Stitch.
I knitted a heart motif into the centre - but you could knit in anything of course, and I added a large decorative button. (Click on photo to see larger image.)
You could also knit it all in stocking stitch and embroider initials on the front too.
I stitched the seams, leaving a gap at the top and stuffed it with wadding and  also embroidered a line of chain stitch on each of the long sides to make the edges look neater.

Photoshop - (for beginners)

Using Photoshop as an inspiration for making other pieces of artwork - works wonders!  The ideas are endless, but here's a few simple ideas using a sample piece of embroidered applique I'd stashed away ages ago!

This is the original piece of applique work - I use a flatbed scanner ........



This is using the 'palette knife' filter, which adds a very painterly feel.

This is the 'water paper' filter which adds a very soft, hazy touch.

This is using the 'radial blur' filter

just a small photo of clear buttons

using the 'poster edges' filter - these could give you other ideas for drawings/paintings, textile pieces .... the problem is you could go on for ever - just using very simple Photoshop techniques.

Buttons

These lovely wooden buttons come from Creative Quilting - these are just a few of the designs - there are lots more - all very cute.

They also have a super range of quilting fabrics and supplies

Machine Applique

This is an applique technique - mostly machine stitched, with added sequins and some hand embroidery.  Different fabrics and nets are applied to a background fabric and decoratively machined and hand embroidered. 

The Purl Bee

 This is a lovely (New York) website with lots of projects, sewing, knitting, crochet, etc. There are also some super things to buy such as yarns, threads,  the children's felt slippers - gorgeous colours and beautifully made, and lots of other interesting items for craftspeople.

Website: Purl Soho

Blog: The Purl Bee

Sewing Cafe in Paris

A new cafe has opened in Paris called the Sweat Shop (!) where you can have a cup of coffee, a piece of cake and a 'spin' on a sewing machine (at 6 euros an hr). It's near the Saint Martin Canal in the north-eastern corner of Paris - if you wanted to visit. It seems at the moment that mostly fashion students are using this cafe, and ordinary citizens have been a little reluctant to try it out.

I think it's basically a great idea and hope it takes off and maybe takes on over here in the UK.
(note les knitty cupcakes.)

(Article in The Times, 13.4.10)

Ravenhill Blog

Take a browse through Emily's lovely Blog.
Her soft Babushka dolls are just so cute.

(and - you can tell she's a 'collector'!)

Warm Fuzzies & Knitting Socks

Amazon makes it too easy!! Two lovely new books - Betz has some super projects and all beautifully illustrated.

This book is extremely useful. It has techniques, and patterns for socks showing different yarn weights - so if you dont have a pattern for a particular sock yarn in your 'stash' - this is the book for you - you can match up the guage.

CreativeKismet

Regina has some terrific tutorials and links on her blogsite -
and a lovely Etsy shop too.

Betz White

I must have a 'thing' about knitty cupcakes (and socks) at the moment! Do have a browse of Betz White's lovely blog and all her super Etsy things for sale. All beautifully made - and wonderful bright colours.

Mola Work

This super piece of work is by Kimberlee Smith-Dinn

These wonderful Mola pieces are made by the women of San Blas, Panama.
The work is (very) basically made by using layers of fabric, stitching and cutting away.

Lace is In!

I know this pic. isn't very lacey - but it is pretty and reminds me of lace!


"Sparkley C" at Ravelry

Paddy Killer

close-up of Paddy Killer's Embroidery (from The Marriage between Mary Tudor and Philip of Spain)

"Elizabethan"
"Ermine" portrait of Elizabeth I.

Potted History: Elizabeth I was Mary Tudor's step-sister and reigned after Mary's death from 1558 (24 yrs old) until 1603 (69). Elizabeth was succeeded by James I of England & VI of Scotland - he was the son of Mary Queen of Scots (Mary Stuart), whom Elizabeth had beheaded.

Some Tudor and Elizabethan Jewellery

Miao Embroidery

Sontag Miao Women and their embroidery - Eastern Guizhou Province, China.