STUMPWORK EMBROIDERY

As if I didn't have enough to keep me occupied, I enrolled in an Embroidery Class which also encompasses Stumpwork.  I have seen pictures of this beautiful craft but never thought I would be good enough to give it a go. 

With the help of a wonderful teacher, Pene, she compiled a simple project to get me underway. 

Here is the Pene's original project for me to copy, some small berries with a ladybird.

This project is a combination of surface work as well as detached embroidery.  Using an embroidery hoop, two layers of fabric are stretched tight, one is the background fabric and the other is a backing fabric.   First I laid down several threads which I covered by wrapping with a finishing thread, I then embroidered the two surface leaves in a satin stitch with  a button-hole edging.

Next the three small clusters of berries, are actually a small circle of material filled with French knots which is then gathered together to form a clump.   This is then sewn into place on the background fabric.

The five larger berries are simply clear beads covered with thread and a small seed bead attached onto the ends, these are then sewn onto the background fabric.

The detached leaf is made in a separate embroidery hoop with a wire which is encased using blanket stitch then filled with satin stitch.  The leaf is then cut from the fabric very very close to the stitching and using the wire end, poked through the background fabric and then this wire end is sewn down to the backing fabric.

The small ladybird is made the same way as the detached leaf using wire and bent into shape and attached. Using seed beads as eyes and small straight stitches for the legs, the ladybird comes to life.

I purchased a small wooden box (from Alison Cole's website)  with a lid that enabled me to insert my lovely embroidery so that I have a memento of my first piece of Stumpwork.

I am hooked !!!   I have already started a beautiful piece with a hummingbird and flowers but I will keep you posted on my progress. 

Bye for now.





ROUND THE GARDEN

I have discovered the joys of sewing with felt after attending a Wendy Williams class at my local quilt shop.   How quickly things come together when there is no need to worry about unfinished edges....bliss

Deciding on one of Wendy’s patterns called Round The Garden, and selecting a navy background, I have begun the mammoth task of creating this beautiful quilt/wall hanging.

Here is my progress so far,

First quarter well under way

 

Close up of the flower basket

 

Second quarter completed

Close up of a beautiful combination for my flower, I also did a cast-on bullion to border the edge.

 

Another new edge - rosette stitch

 

First two blocks completed.

 

I know it’s such a large project but I’m discovering some lovely combinations for making circles.  I have decided to make simple diagrams so I remember how to make them.  Here are a few to start with :-

 

 

These flower diagrams are all done with combinations of the Fly-Stitch.  By changing directions and adding other stitches, the combinations are endless.  Once the circle is stitched, I then sew it to the background and then its fun to decide what the edging stitch will be.  I particularly love the cast-on bullion stitch (as seen in the Sue Spargo craftsy class)  I'll keep playing around to see what appears !

I have decided to complete one half at a time, so my next step is to add the lighthouses and houses around the outside and fill in the flower circle (so many flowers to make!)

Bye for now