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Sunday 15 September 2013

Sunday Stitchery part #1

Happy Sunday, I've had a busy day, book club where 4 out of 5 of us had actually read the book. Flight Behaviour, by Barbara Kingsolver, we all enjoyed it. Then back home to start stitching along with Chrissie's  Stitching Sundays.

Before I continue I must apologise for the photos, the weather hasn't been all that good today, and the light for taking photos has been strange.

I've decided to try cut work as I've never done it before. I transferred my patten using grease proof paper and a soft pencil. Once the design was on the linen I then used a water soluble pen to make sure I could see the lines. Much easier than the way I was taught by an elderly lady in the village I grew up in. There I used grease proof paper to draw the design, then using a darning needle you pricked the lines of the design. Next you place the paper on the fabric and push powdered coloured chalk through the holes. Next find your watercolour set and paintbrush and you join up the dots of chalk.



Next research on how to do cut work. I went first to Mary Thomas and found that the first step is to work two rows of running stitch, just inside the pattern lines.








It book said to use buttonhole stitch, with the cut area to on the corded side. I started using a variegated thread. Now I'm not too sure, it looks a bit too stripey. Not happy with it so looked in another book.


A good day to be inside sewing. My garden is taking quite a battering today,


but I digress, back to the sewing.

This one suggested two rows of buttonhole stitch so I've tried this on the leaves, and so far think this is better. Might redo the petals.



Light fading so will put away til next Sunday.

Hope your Sunday has been a good one.
S xx

16 comments:

  1. What an interesting post! I've never heard of your transferring method, and I really like seeing your work in progress and how you're deciding on techniques. Can't wait til next Sunday! Chrissie x

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  2. This is looking lovely, with beautiful stitching. I'm looking forward to seeing how it progresses.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Thank you Ellie. It's fun having a go at something new.
      S xx

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  3. Wow S - you have me mesmerised here - I haven't done cutwork either and it's quite intriguing isn't it!
    I do prefer the way you transferred your design to that of the elderly lady - that one sounds a bit complicated. I quite like the striped effect you achieved there, but the self-colour looks very nice too. Lots of lovely stitching going on there - lovely work, and I'm looking forward to watching your progress, thank you.
    Joy x

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    1. Hi Joy. I hope I can pull it off. I've looked at that design on and off for over 30 years. The books I have seem to assume a certain level of knowledge. But it's hard trying to write down how to do something. Much better to be shown.
      S xx

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  4. Using the water soluble pen is a great idea. Lovely really good so far :) x

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    1. The pen is one of my best buys. The only thing is that it tends to bleed a little bit so is not good for really fine work.
      S xx

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  5. You are brave having a go at cutwork, I would be frightened of it falling to pieces. Good stuff. Mine is so simple compared to yours, just simple back stitch but still enjoyable. Jo x

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    1. Hi Jo, I'm terrified that it will fall apart when I start the cutting. Might have to use glue behind the scenes. Back stitch isn't that simple. Getting the stitches an even length takes skill.
      S xx

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  6. This is going to look amazing when finished. I think that somehow learning as you go and redoing us all part if the fun. It sounds tobnevlike you've got a tough challenge there my dear. Enjoy! Xoxo

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    1. Hello Hannapat, I'm always up for a challenge, have wanted to try this for years and the kind comments from blogland are giving me the confidence to try.
      S xx

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  7. I have always used a water-soluble pen which has given me no trouble. Well done for trying the cut-work. I always thought it would be too hard but maybe you will inspire us!

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    1. Hello Leeanne. The pen has been a good purchase. I am amazed when it just disappears when you wet it. Hopefully if I will inspire others.
      S xx

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  8. Wow. I love the look of embroidery but I've never been really good at it. Your work is gorgeous! Love to see that you're trying new things - you're an inspiration!

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Thank you for visiting my blog.

J xx