Friday, December 29, 2006

Christmas Stocking.

Just finished one of my two Stitchalong projects. Here it is:



This started out as two sweaters from the local thrift store. I felted them and used one for the front of the stocking and the other for the back. I embellished the front pieces (stocking and cuff) with embroidery thread and little golden jingle bells, then constructed the stocking using the blanket stitch.

Here is the "before" picture of the pieces, taken in very poor lighting (sorry!):



I'm well-pleased with the finished result. I should mention that this is my first embroidery project ever, although I have been hand- and machine-sewing items and garments since I was a little girl.

Friday, December 15, 2006

Wallflower

The holidays are upon us and my munchikins need some fancy dresses!

I picked up these adorable little tops CHEAP! at Old Navy. I've added a little detail at the waist and they will be paired with a super cute plaid skirt. Pop on over to my blog to see more.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

I now have Kristin's Book and am so anxious to begin a project.

Have gathered some fabric remnants, yarn, and needles, pictures of things I liked from magazines, etc. and my brain is 'turned on.'

Kristin, hope to see your pom pom wreath on here soon. It is so cool!

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

From Elementary School Art Students in Pennsylvania

Patricia Orner is the Art Teacher in Cornwell, Pennsylvania. She has used Kids' Embroidery to teach her students embroidery. They love doing it too! She shared these winter snowflakes with me which the 5th and 6th graders stitched. Aren't they great? And what a good idea for holiday projects and entertaining kids after the holidays too!

From Rags to Mittens


I felted an old knit coat of Julia's - I had knit it of wool and mohair in seed stitch. I traced a mitten shape around one of her mittens and added some extra because the felt was so thick. Then I decorated them with embroidery stitches - spider web, chain stitch, herringbone, french knots and lazy daisy. I stitched them together with blanket stitch.

I'm not sure she will wear them because they are a little tight and a tad too thick. If she doesn't, I'll use them to decorate a wreath or to top the tree.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Tree Bangles

Sunshine has posted a super tutorial for creating beautiful embroidered felt ornaments. I love the cookie cutter idea! I've got to pull out my collection tomorrow.

Saturday, December 09, 2006

hello

I followed the directions and here I am. How do I proceed from here? New to blogging Old at life.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Stitcher On The Way




Fun to see all your contributions. I haven't been 'stitchin' in this embroidery mode for quite a few years as have been more active in the quilting arena, but have stopped now and then to do some beading (jingle-socks for my grandaughter), and a long history of any other kind of needlework known to man!

Will attach a pic of my last completed quilt which was a 3 year project that is just a joy to look at for me and for my friend who rode in many, many cycle races to earn all the t-shirts. I think the Muscular Dystrophy Regional office is going to display it before the big race this year.

I have ordered Kristin's book so will have to wait for it to come to begin doing other projects. In the meantime, I always have a quilt in process.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006


From Ellen Kelley via e-mail:

I made this acorn pincushion for a dear friend, who like me, is crazy for anything "acornish". I used wool felt and looked to Kristin's book for help in unearthing my long dormant embroidery skill. The cap and body of the acorn are encircled with herringbone stitch which was a really good choice as it reminds me of the patterns that occur on real acorn caps. All in all I am pleased with the results. Now I just have to return it to my friend!
Thanks for the help, Kristin.

Little Wing

I just made 12 of these!

I think I'm a little blanket stitched out right now. More projects on the way: Embroiderd dolls, that pillow for me and a pair of socks to finish!
Btw I'm having a drawing for three of the chickens. If you are interested in owning one of my little beauties just drop me an e-mail by 12/15 and YOUR name just might be pulled out of the hat! I will ship internationally.
togbean*at*charter*dot*net

Monday, December 04, 2006

Hearts for the Holidays


I made these little ornament sachets inspired by the pillow idea on Page 152 of Colorful Stitchery. I used felted and dyed blanket and sweater remnants. I cut out a bunch of hearts and the let my needle go wild with a different design on each. I stitched with a single strand of Paternayan Persian. I stuffed them with some felted scraps that I put a few drops of lavender oil and then added a few tablespoons of dried lavender. I added a loop so they could be hung on a tree or in a closet. They are little holiday gifts for Julia's teachers.

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Hey Baby!

I don't have any pictures yet, not having started, but as a new, first-time mom I want to try embellishing two things for my little baby girl Pixie.

The first is a cute pea green kimono sweater (a Dale of Norway pattern) that I finished knitting that looks like it wants little stitched daisies on the bottom edge.

The second, more ambitious project is to embellish Pixie's first Christmas stocking, which I will be making from scratch.

Wish me luck! I'd like to post before, during and after photos, if that's okay...