Colorful Stitchery Stitchalong

DC Goodwill Fashion Blog: Guest Blogger: Goodwill Finds…Refashioning, Upcycling and More.

2009-10-09T10:29:00.000-05:00

DC Goodwill Fashion Blog: Guest Blogger: Goodwill Finds…Refashioning, Upcycling and More.

Before I start...

2008-01-31T14:21:00.000-05:00

I've been gathering materials together and I'm just about ready, but I have a question that is looking for opinions...

Should I sew in hems and casing first or wait until the pattern is embroidered? I don't think the stitching will cross into the hems... In fact I'm thinking that instead of stitching I'm going to applique the dark red outline band.

Maybe.

What are thoughts?

Oh, here's a picture to remind you...

Also... I took a short workshop in tatting this past Fall and I'm going to mix in some tatted flowers with the embroidered ones around the dark blue areas. I've the perfect color thread!

Michele's Pillow

2008-01-09T14:27:00.001-05:00

I got a lovely note from Michele in South Carolina along with a photo of her beautiful pillow inspired by my book Colorful Stitchery. Isn't it beautifully stitched?

You can read more about her project on her blog Calico Daisy.

Thanks for sending the photo Michele!

The Plan

2007-12-19T19:27:00.001-05:00

Thanks Kristin for allowing me to join!

These are my kitchen windows...

Notice any difference?

Yes, it's true... one is semi-naked. Somewhere in the last move one of my one-of-a-kind-made-from-a- stained-old-40's-tablecloth-gosh-I-loved-them curtains disappeared.

So here's my plan...

Using Kristin's book as inspiration and guide, I am going to create an abstracted representation of the existing curtain for the naked window!

Here is a close up the florals. I'm figuring a light satin stitch for the roses. Maybe some sort of outlining stitch, like a stem stitch, for the Daisies. French knots for the daisy centers and the little blue blobs (maybe they're forget- me-nots?). Mixing media... yarn for the grasses and floss for the flowers?
Like I said... a representation, not an attempt to re-create.
We'll see how it goes!

Sunflower

2007-10-19T15:05:00.000-05:00

I finished this up yesterday. It was inspired by Kristin's sunflower pictures and was rendered with the help of Kristin's book. Thank you times two!
I had a hard time getting a decent picture. The colors are a little off here. It was truly a work of using what you have on hand. The fabric is from an old skirt of mine and the crewel embroidery wool is some I have had forever. I'm not wholly pleased with it, but not totally dissatisfied either, given my limited supplies and expertise. I had trouble with the points of the petals, but I expect that that's due to inexperience. I did love all the chain stitching in the center.
Thanks, Kristin for the inspiration and help!
(It actually looks a little better if you click on the picture for a larger view)

Summer and the stitching is easy

2007-07-25T22:42:00.000-05:00

This poor little blog - no new posts in such a long time!

Well, I've finally finished a new project. The bright green pillow has been in progress for at least two years. It's been sitting in a pile - finished, waiting for the backing fabric to be sewn on. Today it happened. The light green pillow is from Colorful Stitchery. They make a nice pair. I've posted a bit more about the design on my regular blog.

Embroidered Shirt

2007-06-01T16:27:00.000-05:00

I embroidered on this work shirt years ago for my husband. I call it An Old Hippie Recalled to Life. I'm so glad that we still have it. It was such fun to do and I like it even more today than I did so many years ago. Lots of memories, lots of miles..it brings a smile to my face just to look at it!

First potholders

2007-04-15T16:43:00.000-05:00

It was great fun to stitch these potholders! I created the designs on my computer, then used transfer paper and pencils to put the designs on fabric. The wool fabric is a bit lightweight (felted skirts), so there is a layer of heat-proof fabric in between the two wool layers. The reverse side of the potholders is the purple/teal plaid that you can see in the background.

2007-04-04T09:26:00.000-05:00

This is part of a WIP inspired by Kristin's sister's embroidered jeans jackets. It had been many years since I had done any embroidery, and after looking at Krisitin's blog, I couldn't wait to get started. I dug into my closet and found a favorite chambray shirt that I no longer wore because it had found a stain somewhere and began embellishing. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed this during the 70's! I have added a double eagle to one shoulder, this celtic bird to the other, foliage to the pocket flaps and a winged heart to the back yoke, and it's still a WIP. What fun! My husband loved watching the images grow, and checks the shirt often to see what has been added. I wore it to school and everyone oohed and aahed. I think some of them were inspired to pick up needles and floss again as well. Thanks Kristin for unselfishly sharing and inspiring everyone around you, the most desirable qualities of a true teacher.

Business Card Holder

2007-04-03T14:12:00.000-05:00

I printed up some Jan-Knit business cards this weekend. Then I needed a case to protect them in my big bag. It's crocheted out of recycled gray wool, embroidered with some of that thrifted crewel wool I found a while back, lined with a bit of cotton scrap from a sewing project, and fastened with a leftover blue mother of pearl button.

Nice Review on Flickr Embroidery Blog

2007-04-02T09:55:00.000-05:00

All of us at the Colorful Stitchery Stitchalong welcome new readers via the Flickr Embroidery Blog! Amy did a love write-up about Colorful Stitchery - thanks so much Amy! I hope we all can keep inspiring each other.

Now maybe I can get my act together to finish that latest pillow! You're spurring me on.

Chinese Slippers from Adorn

2007-03-28T08:31:00.000-05:00

I embroidered these Chinese slippers last year for the premiere issue of Adorn Magazine. They didn't take long to do and really look like spring.

I just found a great new blog called the Flickr Embroidery Blog. You all have got to check it out. It's being done by a few members of the Flickr Embroidery Group which is also definitely worth a peek. Maybe some of us should join this too!

Happy Spring!

Sharing: first practice piece

2007-03-26T16:06:00.000-05:00

Colorful Stitchery has been on my shelf for one year! It's about time to get going and make something! Tried a lazy daisy on some scrap fabric and learned that I need practice before starting any "official projects".

This practice piece was quite fun. The fabric is recycled wool that was crock-pot dyed. Stitches practiced are lazy daisy, French knot, and blanket. Maybe patches like this could be used to embellish jeans or a denim jacket.

Spring has sprung, and it's supposed to get up to 70 degrees here in South Dakota today, so thought of flowers in the grass.

XOX

2007-03-19T09:03:00.000-05:00

Felt pillow inspired by the project in the Colorful Stitchery book. It is an easy, breezy project resulting in a glowing response from a little someone.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-02-14T12:27:00.000-05:00

For all my "Colorful Stitchery Stitchalong" friends, I made this embroidered Valentine! I am overwhelmed by the creativity and enthusiasm all of you are putting into your fabulous work. The thing that makes me the most happy is that everything is looking different and original. As an author, the most joyful part of my job is seeing what others do with my ideas and seeing where they take them on their own.

Thank you all for sharing your stitching lives with all of us. There really are some fabulous projects on this blog, aren't there?

Happy Valentine's Day!
Kristin

Needle book

2007-02-12T23:48:00.000-05:00

Made for a swap. I sat with Kristin's book in my lap and stitched.

Fennel Fix

2007-02-12T17:49:00.000-05:00

I covered two holes in my sweater with a little bronze fennel. Read about it on my blog.

Jan-Knit's Green Hat

2007-02-09T00:12:00.000-05:00

This crocheted hat is my own design. I embellished with colorful yarn embroidery and mother of pearl buttons. Blogged here.

airplane!

2007-02-08T17:54:00.000-05:00

This is my first attempt at completely original embroidery. I used 3 strands of DMC floss to add an airplane and some little stars to a craft apron for my airplane loving niece. I just used a split stitch for the airplane, it couldn't have been easier. In fact, I think the hardest part of this project was making the drawing on the fabric. My niece loves it, and it looks so cute on her!

Blogger Upgrade - Trouble Happens!

2007-02-08T11:44:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone! Last weekend, I finally switched my blog account to the new blogger. I had avoided this knowing it was going to make more work for me. And yes it did entail a few hours of fussing around. I always avoid upgrades on software because of this!

Anyway, the Colorful Stitchery Stitchalong also got automatically upgraded as some of you have noticed. I think the new blogger is great because there are some fun features (Labels especially) and it seems to be a little easier to work. But some nasty stuff happened too!

The list of contributor's has shrunk to a miniscule amount. I am stumped as to why because on my administration list, it is still long and everyone who joined is still listed.

When you change to the new blogger, you have to sign in with a google account (yes, I had to make a new account and now have a new password). It looks like all of the "new contributors" are those who have switched to the new blogger. But if you haven't upgraded yet, your name isn't listed.

So, please don't think that I took your name off the list.

Can I ask a favor though - can someone try posting (if you know you are a member but not listed) and see what happens. Then let me know.

Thanks for understanding - isn't technology wonderful?

Wool Purse & Bag

2007-02-04T16:00:00.000-05:00

Little gifts for my sweet grand daughter.

Felt Christmas ornament

2007-01-26T23:21:00.000-05:00

Kristin's blog and her book- Colorful Stitchery and Kid's Embroidery have been so inspiring to me. I made these at Christmas as little gifts for friends.
And some more hearts-

This wool heart was made from some wool from a wool suit, washed, then used...as an ornament for my son and daughter-in-law...

I hope to do lots more embroidery this year- I am inspired, and by the other posts I see on this Stitchalong blog!

Garden Party Tote

2007-01-25T17:48:00.000-05:00

It only took me, what?--four months? I finally got a project done. This is a knitted, felted tote using Chuckanut Bay Perendale wool in two colors. The green sections are actually little two-stitch cables. I embroidered lazy daisy flowers all over and used small white seed beads for the centers.

I discovered when it was done that this tote is "high-school worthy" as my 9th grader would say. She immediately asked if she could have it. My 4th grader also wanted it, so I told them they'd either have to each knit their own or share this one because I don't have time right now to make another one.

Thanks, Kristen. This was such a fun project and if I didn't have 50 other things to do this week I WOULD make another one!

Grace's Bear

2007-01-21T21:59:00.000-05:00

I made this cute little bear today for little Grace, my friends one year old daughter. The idea came from Julia's Bears in Kristen's Colorful Stitchery book. The bear is super cute and an easy afternoon project.
Happy Stitching!

Little Monster

2007-01-19T23:18:00.000-05:00

Another post for the "children's art" category. Sophie and I collaborated on this piece, a gift for our friend's baby girl. She drew the monster, cut out the pattern and then drew the features with a pen on the felt; I embroidered the face and then blanket stitched the doll together.

Apparently, the little girl already had an "Ugly Doll", so our toy was dubbed "Monster". Despite having a face you hate to love, little Anna adores her Monster.

25-Year Old Stitches

2007-01-19T00:30:00.000-05:00

I had to chuckle when I suddenly remembered something I have in my 'saved treasures' closet to keep for grandchildren. This was a shirt I embroidered for my daughter (now 36) when she was about 7 years old. It was on chambray fabric and the enbroidery was done with DMC floss. I thought they were cute then, and I still think they are a really fun peek at childhood.

quirky cushion

2007-01-18T15:58:00.000-05:00

Hello Stitchers! I've been meaning to share a couple of my projects for a while, and I'm finally making time to just do it :o) I am not super experianced at embroidery, but it sure is fun. I've done some cross stitch and a little ribbon embroidery and a little crewel. I recently completed one of Kristin's stitchery kits, and it was so fun to do! Here is my brilliant orange cushion on my purple-y blue couch. I love the way it came out, and it really wasn't as difficult as I was afraid it would be. I can definitely recommend her kits for all skill levels of stitchers. Next time I have a little project of my own design to share.

Keep on stitchin'!

Knitted foot warmer

2007-01-17T23:43:00.000-05:00

Found this wool/nylon yarn on sale and thought it would make a great foot warmer for chilly nights and sitting quilting or sewing. It works up very randomly. The colors go well with the cushions in my wicker rocker in sewing room. I'll stop back with the finished product.

Crazy, Colorful Jean Jackets

2007-01-13T02:20:00.000-05:00

My sister Lynn Nicholas has been embroidering only since last summer. I wrote about her on my blog here. She isn't too computer savvy so I am posting these photos for her. She draws a design freehand onto her jacket using either a pencil or a marker. The designs are little outlines of what she is planning. Then she takes her trusty box of floss, her thimble and needle and just goes wild with chain stitch building these colorful designs randomly as she goes. Here's a jacket in progress:

They remind me stitchery from Mexico although they are truly her own. Her simple line drawings become miniature works of art that she walks around in. She handsews colorful trims and ruffles to the cuffs and borders of the jackets too. You can read more about it here. I think they are a true inspiration and I'm so proud of what she's doing as I am of everyone who is participating in this fun Stitchalong. We've really got some good stuff happening, don't we. Thanks everyone!

Felted Sweater Potholders

2007-01-11T11:55:00.000-05:00

These were actually a Christmas Gift for my sister, but I'm just now getting around to posting them! This was a fun project--I'm definitely going to have to make some for myself!

You can read more at my blog: Chef Messy

Heart Sachet

2007-01-10T23:05:00.000-05:00

Here is my first stitch-a-long project. This heart sachet was inspired by the hearts embroidered on the Wedding Blanket on page 152 of Kristen's Colorful Stitchery. Really fun to make and very quick and easy. I added a bag of lavender tea to the stuffing to give this little pillow a wonderful scent. I am going to make a couple more of these in various colors to give to each of my daughters for Valentine's Day this year.
Happy Stitching everyone!

Felt Tree Ornaments

2007-01-05T23:47:00.000-05:00

I finished a set of four tree ornaments this week. The inspiration for this project started with Sunshine's tutorial; I turned to Colorful Stitchery for specific stitch how-to.

Splitting the strands of embroidery floss hadn't occured to me until I read Kristin's text carefully; it made all the difference when I tried to execute small details like adding an '06 to the back of each ornament.

Special mention should be made regarding my capable daughter Sophie, age 6, who executed the angel ornament on her own, over the course of four hours. She was determined to complete the project without my help. I don't know where she gets her independent streak.

Butterfly Pillow

2007-01-05T00:55:00.000-05:00

This isn't in Kristin's book, but her book was definately a tool of inspiration. I stopped at the store (JoAnn's) to look for fabric and found this linen/cotton remnant and the linen embroidery thread AND a cross stitch freebie pattern book. When I saw the butterfly I knew I could improvise the colors to go on my sofa, and so spent all the travel hours in the auto over Christmas composing and stitching. I did some edge stitching which isn't very visible but it really set it off to have that border.

When it came time to finish, I found some wine colored corduroy to cover the cording (remnant too) and as you can see - it works well on my sofa. Now, I'm already thinking about my next project (and quilting in between)!

Ready to begin

2007-01-01T10:04:00.000-05:00

Well, it's a new year and I'm ready to begin. All the Christmas projects are completed, and there are no excuses ;-) I have decided on making my version of the overlapping circles cushion. It will be stitched with linen thread on a linen/cotton fabric, I think... I'm not quite sure about the thread - it might be too thin to give the kind of coverage I want, so I might replace it with wool, but at least this is what I'll start with.

Christmas Stocking.

2006-12-29T09:24:00.000-05:00

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.

Wallflower

2006-12-15T13:04:00.000-05:00

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.

Funky Flower Pillow

2006-12-14T22:08:00.000-05:00

Greetings from rural Mexico, where there is plenty of time for stitching! Here's is my first embroidery project, inspired by Colorful Stitchery. It's my own freehand design made from the only suit-weight wool they were selling here at the time, and some generic embroidery floss. My camera wouldn't permit the focused, up-close photo, but the general idea comes through. The purple is done in satin stitch and the inner leaves are laid stitch (chocolate brown with ecru crosses.) I can't wait to get my hands on some persian wool when I get back to the states! My next project will be one of Kristin's stitchery kits, "Quirky Crewel." Until then, my time will be spent frantically knitting the remaining Christmas gifts for the family!

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

2006-12-14T17:45:00.000-05:00

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!

From Elementary School Art Students in Pennsylvania

2006-12-12T17:47:00.000-05:00

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

2006-12-12T10:08:00.000-05:00

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.

curtains

2006-12-11T17:47:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

these are curtains that i made based on one of the ideas in Krisitn's book. I love her use of color and the ways she encourages us all to have fun with our projects!

Clara

Embroidered Jeans

2006-12-10T19:10:00.000-05:00

Hi my name is Olivia. I am Kristin's 14-year-old niece. I embroidered these jeans when I was twelve. I used embroidery floss that you can buy at any craft store. I came up with the design as I went, but it is probably easier to use transfer paper or a disappearing marker to sketch your design first. Some of the stitches that I used were the blanket stitch, the spider stitch, the outline stitch, French knots, the satin stitch, and the lazy daisy. If you are planning to embroider jeans, I recommend using a thimble while stitching, because it can be hard to get through the thick fabric. I really enjoyed doing these jeans, because I was able to show them to my friends and many people asked me if I bought them like that.

Tree Bangles

2006-12-10T02:59:00.000-05:00

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.

hello

2006-12-09T13:12:00.000-05:00

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

Stitcher On The Way

2006-12-07T17:21:00.000-05:00

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.

2006-12-06T10:02:00.000-05:00

Felted potholders for everyone for Christmas!

Advent Pouch

2006-12-05T21:20:00.000-05:00

What fun to find a community of stitchers online! This is a little Advent Pouch that I made for my toddler this year. It's wool felt blanket stitched on the sides and around the flap for decoration. Read more on my blog: Such Small Hands. I also have some Christmas stockings in the wings! Can't wait to see more from all of you.

2006-12-05T19:34:00.000-05:00

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

2006-12-05T19:15:00.000-05:00

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

Hearts for the Holidays

2006-12-04T11:54:00.000-05:00

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.

Hey Baby!

2006-12-02T16:33:00.000-05:00

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...

Felted Crossover

2006-11-29T01:06:00.000-05:00

While I admire the beauty of the stitches in Kristin's books on embroidery, the perfectionist in me is unsatisfied with how sloppy my stitches look. Still, I love the motifs and illustrations throughout all of Kristin's published works.

When experimenting with creating pieces of flat felt, I turned to Colorful Stitchery for inspiration; this design is on the inside jacket.

Everyday Is a Winding Road

2006-11-18T19:26:00.000-05:00

A quick pic of the latest embroidery I've done. A simple monogram on a bag that I made for a friend

My newest project in the works. Although mine will be a bit more rustic and not so uptown and shiny.
Thanks so much for the inspiration Kristin!!

2006-11-18T18:38:00.000-05:00

The Stitchalong Begins

I know there are many stitchers out there who have discovered the joy of hand-embroidery. I have been lucky to have two books published which feature my stitchery designs. I loved doing these books, developing the projects, working with the threads and the fabrics. I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity to share with others a craft I have enjoyed since I was a young girl.

I have heard from so many people who are having fun learning and creating with stitchery. I thought it would be fun to have a forum to share the colorful hand-stitched projects you all are making. I hope you'll join me soon.