More Research

Another day sitting at the computer researching embroidery techniques has brought to mind my very first embroidery. 

It was a Penelope 'Tapestry' kit of these two Golden Pheasants.

Not really tapestry as it is needlepoint, but at the age of 14 I knew no better. It was a printed canvas with wool threads, the embroidery version of painting by numbers. 

As it was my first embroidery project it was probably a bit ambitious but I was never one to give up on a challenge. And it was the start of what has been a life long love of stitch in all its forms.

What was your first embroidery?

Bev

sorry about my shadow on the picture -  I'm useless at taking photos!

Goldwork Tuesday

As yesterday was Blackwork Monday I have decided that this is Goldwork Tuesday.

Goldwork was a technique that I was looking forward to when I did my City and Guilds way back in the early 90's. However the reality is that you cannot like every technique that you experience on the course. 

I love and appreciate metal thread embroidery and Goldwork but have come to the conclusion that I do not have the patience to master the technique.

This is the little book of samples. It is not just the book that is little - the samples are tiny too!

As you can see by the gaps between the rows I am need a lot more practice.

Maybe one day

Bev

Blackwork Monday

Monday morning after the very sporty weekend ( for others I hasten to add as I just watched on the TV) and back to work. Does getting back to the computer make it Black Monday? I have decided not and have made it Blackwork Monday.

I am putting together this weeks lesson for the Hand Embroidery class and am looking at embroidery techniques which use charts.

This has been a trip down memory lane, as I started embroidery in my teens by working Penelope 'Tapestry' Kits. From these early days I had a go at designing cross stitch for needlecraft and cross stitch magazines, a few were   published. I then  joined a City & Guilds Creative embroidery class in the early 1990's and have been stitching ever since.

These are a few of my Blackwork designs for you to enjoy. 

Bev

Getting back in the swing of things

Having spent the last week or so in Spain, recharging the old batteries, it is time to get back into the swing of things.  Uploading some photos is first on my list so that I can have a quick peek now and again to remind myself of the holiday. When I start back at the computer it feels as if I have never been away so I need a quick reminder every now and then.

We spent a couple of days in Madrid

And a few days in Totana in Mercia. This is the facade of a house which was tucked away down a back street.  I love the intricate brick work and can almost see a quilt coming on.

Back to the sewing now and something which may get your eyes going. 

The picture is not out of focus ( I think ) it is the twin needle effect

I had a go using my sewing machines programmed stitches and the twin needle

 then I went wild and started a quilted doodle 

I like the painterly effect but it does affect my eyes.

I must make sure that my twin needles are taken out from the bottom of my needle tin more often, they have more potential for creative embroidery than I have tried so far.

Bev