More Stitched Story Chat

Hi Everyone

The Stitched Story Project continues again today. I’m collecting and developing all my elements for the first ‘patch’ of the piece (read back yesterday for more on this). I’ve re started my embroidered phrase ‘All will be well’ - I had made good progress with this element but decided the embroidery thread was too thick. I had used 6 strands of the thread and have chosen to use only 4. The result is more definition for my letters and much easier to work with. Initially, I used Stem Stitch for the letters and decided Whipped Stitch May look better. Bad decision ! and I’m back with Stem Stitch. Stem Stitch looks more elegant and I’m finding the technique helps to create the letter shapes more fluently. Images will follow when I’ve completed the phrase

So, I’ve got my theme for the first patch ie my Art Dolls, specifically Miss Mitchell . I’ve got my phrase - All will be well. I want to include a date - in this example to record  a memory of when I created my first Art doll ie 27/04/2012. Other elements of the stitched story will include images, symbols and appliqué elements of my actual Art Doll, Miss Mitchell. I will keep thinking about these as yet ‘unidentified elements’ as I develop the first patch. Having decided on the theme of the patch, I find I’m coming up with lots of additional ideas as I ‘create’. I love this part of the process. 

I’m using the four elements (identified above) - the theme, phrase, date and (I’m using the name) - bits and pieces to provide guidance for developing my Stitched Story. I also want to add another element which I’m calling ‘pretty things’. In this section, I’m including ribbons, small bits of fabric and special embroidered stitches such as French Knots (I’m sure there will be more). All of these five elements are, of course, linked and interchangeable. I think, the point of identifying them as distinctive parts, is simply to give guidance to The Maker and help plan.

One exciting development, which I mentioned a few days ago, is an image transfer onto fabric. I’ve done this a few times and learned that the medium used for the transfer is quite important. I’ve had several unsuccessful attempts in the past, using PVA glue. Yesterday, I had another complete disappointment - again using PVA. I didn’t learn from the previous disasters ! However, all is well and I’ve got a little sample of my image transfer, using Modge Podge as the transfer medium. These images isn’t quite big enough, so - I will give it another go today. Here is a quick look at the successful example.

                  

You can see the far left image has been slightly damaged but the other four images are good. They are tiny and not much use for my plan. However, I’ll keep them in mind for adding to my Stitched Story at a later date.

I’m working on the larger patch again today and will develop more elements, time permitting. I’ll share my results as they develop.

Thanks for calling in today.

Stitch a story continues

Hi Everyone 

I’m getting into the actual making part of my first Stitched Story today (read back for more on this project). I’ve had various rethinks about how and where to go with this project and it’s time to see what works. Yesterday, I tested out a couple of ways of transferring images onto fabric but in the end they all are very similar and the difference is more in the fabric and stitch technique to be used rather than the transfer process. Check out this

information if you need to know more . From the various techniques described in my link, I used a tracing technique both with a pencil and a ‘disappearing’ pen (ie the pen mark fades very quickly). Both worked OK but the disappearing pen image didn’t stay long enough for me. I also tested out stamping an image onto the fabric with an ink pad. The stamping is good, again depending on the fabric used. I also looked at heat tansfer templates but failed to find a commercially produced images which would suite my project. I could make my own and may do this later.

My Stitched Story will comprise a range of sampler patches. Each patch will be worked separately and eventually stitched onto my little bag, eventually covering the whole bag. The actual bag will form a type of lining to the final piece and will develop as the project develop. I’d like to keep the design and development- ‘fluid’.

                  

I’ve sourced some butterfly buttons (inspired by the butterfly picture) - this is a framed piece in my house and has inspired lots of elements in my paintings). I’m very excited about the buttons and will add them at various points when I’ve completed my patch. I’m using my Miss Mitchell doll image as a focus for my patch. She will give me a colour palette as well as a focus for a little fabric appliqué element. I’ve also found a lovely little stitch pattern in a Mollie Makes online publication (check it out  here ). I’ll use the pattern to embellish my patch, again I’m not sure how things will exactly turn out. I want to experiment and see where the project takes me.

I’ll share  results as I go. Call in tomorrow for another update.

Thanks for calling in today.

Stitching A Story News

Hi Everyone 

Read back last week for more on the background to the Stitching A Story Project. Today, I’m preparing for the next stage of my latest project - Stitching A Story. I’m very excited about this one, I’m not sure why but it seems it’s been waiting to happen for years ? I’m preparing a Workshop version of the project but I’m also thinking about a number of additional Stitched Stories. I’d like to focus on something personal to me, incorporating my folk art dolls.  The Dolls are central to most of my work either directly or included in lots of my labels for things I’ve made and quite important to me.

 

Moving on from last week, I’ve started to experiment with writing words. One of my frequently used phrases with the Folk Art Doll is ‘All will be well’, I often add this phrase to dolls dresses (in paint) so am very familiar with the words. It was the first thing that I thought of, when wondering where to start with my new stitched story. I have a plan to stitch the words and add an image of Miss Mitchell (my favourite doll). I think, I will simply draw Miss Mitchell onto the fabric, she is a very simple shape and I will be able to use embroidery thread to add characteristics and colour. I’ll stitch the piece on my little hoop and trim, hem around my sample and stitch onto my backing fabric. I’m using a small fabric notions bag (pre made) as my backing fabric and a base for my story.

Here’s a quick look at the idea :

                       

As previously mentioned last week, Jessie Chorley is my inspiration for the Stitched Story approach. I love her work and will be thinking hard about ways in which I can add symbolic, personal elements in my piece. I love the different layers of patterned fabric as well as the buttons in the sample above. I especially like the patchwork look.

The little fabric bags will act as a base for attaching my stitched elements. I may deconstruct one of the bags but I do like the idea of using my completed story bag as a notions pouch. I knit all the time and always needs a new notions pouch.

I’m not sure exactly where a I will go with this project. I’d like to plan one step at a time and see where it takes me. However, I do need something more organised for the workshop version of the project. My experiments today will include finding ways of transferring images to fabric samples. More news about that tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in today.

Fibre Friday - update 23/2/18

Hi Everyone 

This weeks update is a bit limited ! I’ve have been working away but have had lots of ‘WORK work’ going on and my knitting time has been limited. However, I’m quite pleased with the progress I have made. Most of my knitting has been spent on the Coinneach cardigan by Kate Davies. 

                       

Looking at the photo, the piece of fabric on the left hand side of the Coinneach story looks very ‘thin’ to be the body - but it’s complete as far as the pattern goes. Go back to last Fridays post to see the finished cardigan as per the pattern. Obviously, when it’s time to start the yolk part, there will be more length added to the cardigan. It’s a steeked pattern and it’s also cropped but even so, I’m amazed how short my piece looks. As you can see, I’ve also almost finished one of the sleeves too, just a few centimetres to go. I’m enjoying this project and feel, for a cardigan, it’s developing quite quickly. I’m quite excited to start the yolk and see how the colourwork develops. Possibly, another two weeks could see a finished garment ! To this point, I’ve simply followed the pattern with no modifications. One of my knitting friends has suggested I may consider some short row shaping at the back of the neck. I will possibly go for this (when the time comes) but so far, it’s going OK.

Next up, is my From Scratch Socks. This is my own design and I’ve started writing up the pattern as I knit the socks. However, I’ve only added a few rows to the socks, the good thing is both socks benefit at the same time ! I’m hoping to make time for more knitting this weekend, so should make more progress. Hopefully, I could have my finished socks next week.

My next story is an acquisition. I’ve signed up to the Handmade Sock Society from Curious Handmade (Helen Stewart). I’ve decided it’s time to make myself work on some new sock patterns. I always have a pair of sock ‘on the go’ but recently I’ve relaxed into working my From Scratch pattern every time. I do like the From Scratch but I think it’s time to challenge myself. 

So, my challenge will be joining the Handmade Sock Society. Go and look at Helens blog here for how to sign up and other related stuff. The Sock Sociey is up and running, 6 sock patterns are released from Feb. to Dec. I’m a bit late to the party, so the first pattern has been released and is called Winter Rose Socks. Lovely, pretty socks with a ‘lace’ feel. I’m not sure about my yarn yet ? I do have lots of yarn which would work however, I’m thinking I may dye some for the job. I need to do some thinking about colours first. I love Helen’s patterns, she has a way of writing her patterns which gives a specific stitch count to each row as well as stating % complete column. I love that ‘column’ - so motivating ! Can’t wait to cast on. I will wait until I’m finished my current socks - this will give me time to sort out the yarn.

That’s it for this week, no crochet or spinning again. I really need to address my spinning or lack of it ! 

Thanks for calling in today. 

Have a great weekend - I’ll be back on Monday.

Bye for now.

Silver Day (22/2/2018)

Hi Everyone

It’s Silver Day today and yet again, I can’t believe it’s Thursday already.if you are a regular visitor to my blog, you will know Thursday is the day I share one of my current Silver Projects. 

This week, I’m sharing a new project to make a broach/pin. This piece is specifically for one of my knitted garments (the Titus Adrift by Carol Feller). Here’s my plan for the broach/pin :

                      

                        

I have two options, see bottom left or bottom right. I can’t quite decide whether to go for a silver, flat shape with a pin to attach to the cardigan. See bottom left sketch, or should a I go for the simplest, utility style pin design (bottom right). I made these simple wire bent pins as practice items last year for another project.

 The design on the left is more involved. I’ve got the option of using interlinked rings which will be made solid and hammered flat as well as a single organic larger shaped ring. If I go for this version, I will make an arm and hook for the back - to attach the broach. With this design, I’ll solder the attachments to the flattened organic rings. 

From the other option ie the four pins, at the moment, I’m favouring the far right design.

Have a quick look at the image below showing the actual cardigan. 

                       

I like to wear the cardigan, pinned across the front like a shawl and am happy to design the broach/pin specifically for this garment (instead of a button). Previous attempts to use an existing pin for the job have failed. The main issue is the weight of my broaches. As the garment is made from a very soft merino wool, the cardigan is pulled out of shape. My solution is to make something very lightweight and add a small piece of Felt behind the pin to give more support to the woollen fabric. Fingers crossed, either of the options described will be functional, maybe I need both ? I’ll let you know next Thursday.

Thanks for calling in today.

Stitching a story

Hi Everyone

Following yesterday’s Making Workshop (read back a few days for the background), I’m now clear about where I want to go with the Hoop Art Project. The Workshop was so inspiring, lots of Makers creating some wonderful embroidery and embracing the Art of Embroidery. I’ll be sharing some of the results over the next few weeks. My ultimate aim for the project is to move the embroidery skills into a new story which I’m calling Stitching a Story. This idea isn’t new, the Bayeaux Tapestry is a good example of a stitched story created hundreds of years ago. My stitching story will be a little more manageable - I’d like to create my stitched story from my memories of developing the Making Workshops.

                

At the moment, I have a blank canvas ! - I’m going through a process of finding a way of bringing the memories together as well as thinking up ways of symbolising the memories. I know I’d like words in there, I’ve also got a need to develop scattered red flowers ? - not sure where the flowers come from ? or the red ? There will be many more things I want to include but I’m not sure of anything other than the idea, at the moment.

I think, it’s quite important to find a process of thinking, recording,sifting and placing (and possibly more things) memories and ideas in my stitched story. I’m hugely inspired by a textile artist called Jessie Chorley. Check out her work with the link. I’m also using inspiration from another artist Cas Holmes, check out some of her work here. She also has a wonderful book which is very much about the idea of stitching a story, again take a look here.

My stitching a story project will be one of my longer projects, I think. I’m not sure how long it will take ? but I do want to spend quite some time developing my inspiration and planning process before actually creating my piece. I’ll, of course, share the journey here on the blog.

Thanks for calling in today.

Hoop Art Sample

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharinging my first sample for the Hoop Art Project today. This is a sample stitch piece in the shape of a heart. I’ve used a simple temporary tack stitch around my heart shape to act as a guide for the start/end stitch patterns. It’s a simple but effective way of creating the heart shape. I did consider pencil lines but they were difficult to remove (entirely) without damaging the stitch pattern as well as the fabric. This piece is ornamental and as such will not be subject to use, the fabric is not particularly robust and somehow the temporary tack method worked for me.

                  

I chose to select twelve basic embroidery stitches, some are variations of others but I did use all tewelve at least once. I included fifteen lines of embroidery in total. It’s the overal effect I’m after rather than displaying the stitches but I did want some variation. I’m considering adding some tiny beads to some of the stitches and feel the whole thing is very pretty.

From left to right, the stitches I used are as follows : Split Stitch; Double threaded Backstitch;Running Stitch;Stem Stitch;Feathered Stitch;Double threaded Back Stitch; Star Stitch; Chain Stitch; Split Stitch; Stem Stitch; Laced Running Stitch; Laced Running Stitch; Whipped Running Stitch; Running Stutch and Stem Stitch. I experimented with different stitch lengths which can make quite a difference to the same embroidery stitch.

The next part of the plan is to continue with experiments and make a second sample which includes another range of stitches.

Call in tomorrow for more on the Hoop Art Project. Thanks for visiting today.

Another New Project

Hi Everyone

It’s time for another new Making Project and a new craft. This time, it’s ‘embroidery’. The project is almost a practice project, it’s all about understanding stitch techniques and ‘having a go’. 

               

There are lots of possible embroidery stitches but I’m starting with a range of basic stitches which will form a heart shaped embroidered piece. I’m using a patterned fabric for the background with contrasting thread. My first sample uses a pale blue/white fabric. I’ll certainly make another.

This project will be an ‘introduction to embroidery workshop’. I’ve developed a short exercise to develop the embroidered heart in the workshop. The first workshop is tomorrow, so I will share how the Makers deal with the project. We will use an embroidery hoop to create the embroidered heart which will become a frame for hanging the final piece - if all goes well ! The exercise will introduce 12 individual embroidery stitches, practicing how to develop the stitches. Makers can choose which stitches they use and create their own take on the embroidered heart.

I have dabbled with embroidery in my past but I’ve very much enjoying this project, in a new way. There’s a rather satisfying and relaxing result from this kind of embroidery. It’s important to slow down and pay attention to detail. There’s also so much opportunity to add embroidered elements to all kinds of surfaces. I’m finding myself looking at things around me, which could benefit from an embroidered something.

Thanks for calling in today. I’ll be back tomorrow with more news on this project.

Last Day

Hi Everyone 

It’s the last day of my little holiday break today and I’ve got a new latest obsession to share :

              

I’m not sure where I will go with this one ? There are so many crafting interests in my World ! However, this new book will take me somewhere new. I’ll be sharing the plan, when I have it.

I’ll be back with my usual format next week. Have a great weekend.

Bye for now.

Holiday Project (4)

Hi Everyone

Great news on the Coinneach project - I’m almost there with the body of the cardigan.

          

A couple of three and a half hour journeys in the car has made significant progress ! Almost ready to start the arms.

Thanks for calling in today.

Holiday (3)

Hi Everyone

Bit of a disaster yesterday :

However, no problem - I have a back up plan , another circular needle ( not as good).

Bye for now. 

Holiday Project 2

Hi Everyone

Another glimpse of the new knitting project:

         

I’m on my way ! Not without issues. I started on a smaller needle and decided after the colourwork and about 8 rows that the fabric was much too stiff, so out it all came. I’m now working on 4mm needles for the body, 3.75mm for the colourwork. All is well. I’ve about 25cms of stocking stitch for the next bit.

Thanks for calling in today.

Holiday Project

Hi Everyone 

Just a quick post to share my new holiday project :

             

Decision made and started the body.

Bye for now.

Fibre Friday Round Up (9/2/18)

Hi Everyone

Friday is here again and  I’ve had quite a productive knitting week, this week. There are two shawls to talk about. A sweater swatch and an update on my current sock project. Sadly, no spinning or crochet to report.

I’ve finished and blocked the Spindrift Shawl by Helen Stewart, I started this only a week ago and have particularly enjoyed this knit. It’s my second Spindrift and in a lovely green colour. The yarn is WYS Wensleydale Gem.

                          

              

My first Spindrift was a fingering weight yarn, this one is a dk and looks completely different. I love the colour and can’t wait to wear it.

My second shawl is another Helen Stewart pattern, the Fairyhill Shawl. This time, I’ve held together a mohair and a lace weight yarn to knit the shawl. The result is a lovely, soft almost ‘denim-like’ fabric (see bottom right image). I’m almost finished with the knitting part. I’ve started to bind off and will complete that later. Hopefully, I can block overnight to give me my second completed shawl of the week. Again, this was a really quick knit. I can’t believe I’ve managed to knit this shawl in a week. I wasn’t trying to knit quickly, it’s not my thing. I like the leisurely approach to knitting, it’s all about relaxing for me.

              

My next story is my socks. I talked about the design last week (read back for more detail) and have knitted past the heel point. I’m knitting two at the same time, so I know both will turn out the same. I’ve started a navy stripe section and have included a purl section (3 purl rows) in the centre of the stocking stitch stripe, this gives an effect of a raised welt on the outside. The inside is a flat fabric, next to the leg - so no problems with uncomfortable bumps on the inside. My photo isn’t showing the detail but I’m pleased with the idea. Hopefully, I can get better photos for next time My plan is to develop a few rows of purl to give me a welt for each of the stripes. I also have a grey colour yarn to add to the mix. This will give me a mustard, navy, red and grey colour combination. The heels, toes and rib will be red, although there will be a red stripe too. I’m probably about half way through my socks at this point. I’m happy with the design and will aim to complete the write up as a I go.

My last story is a new garment. This will be a steeked colour work cardigan by Kate Davies, the Coinneach design. My job this evening will be to swatch for the project. I’ve chosen a range of colours - see my photo (bottom left). I may change the colours for the colour work, depending on the how the swatch turns out but I’m using a WYS grey wool for the main body of the cardigan. This is a very exciting project for me. It will be my first steek ! I’ll get into much more detail about this technique over the next month or so.

That’s it for this week. Have a great weekend. I’ll also be taking a weeks holiday, next week but may post a few photos sharing a few things over the week. I’ll be back in the usual format on 19/2/18.

Bye for now.

Silver Day (8/2/18)

Hi Everyone 

It’s another Silver Day today. My little project for today is experimenting with a T-Bar clasp design. I’ve got a few ideas which move away from the absolute basic round component and bar shape with a small jump ring. I’m especially looking for a neat, minimal approach. The size is quite important to me. My experiments will inform a design for a specific silver bracelet clasp so I’m hoping to develop a range of sizes in a quest to find the right one. I’ll make the initial prototypes in copper with a view to choosing a particular design and size. Here’s a little inspiration photo story to start my project:

                 

I quite like the bottom left shaped Bar element. The shaped wire and hammered sides is an elegant look. I also like the top right idea for the actual ring part of the clasp, perhaps I can combine the two into my design. I’ll also make a traditional design, bottom right (without the line pattern) which is probably the one for the bracelet. It’s more about proportions for my experiments. Wish me luck.

Thanks for calling in today.

More Embroidered Pendants

Hi Everyone 

Although a I announced yesterday that we had completed the Embroidered Pendant Project, the Project goes on ! 

I’m planning to spend more time on my orange blank from yesterday. I’d like to develop a ‘tartan like’ pattern for the embroidery , inspired by something I’ve seen on Pinterest. Hopefully, I’ll complete my blank in the next day or so. I’ll be back with a final update next Monday. 

Our Making Workshop produced some lovely samples of the pendant. We will finish the final piece next time with a decision on the necklace choice. Here’s a quick look at some of the pendants to date :

       

       

Most of Makers chose to colour the wooden blanks and all made a great job of the project.

Thanks for calling in today. I’ll be back with Silver Day news tomorrow.

Embroidered Pendant - the end (almost)

Hi Everyone 

It’s almost the end of the Embroidered Pendant Project today (development phase). I’ve creates a few new samples using different coloured base components as well as a different stitch pattern. Sample 3 has beads added to the embroidery and I’ll also add beads to sample 1. These samples are specifically created for a Making Workshop later today and will inform the final kit versions of the project.

                           

I will develop version 1 today but as far as The Project is concerned the basic formula is there. I’m interested in inspiring new ideas for similar pendants and am looking forward to seeing how our workshop Makers will tackle the Project.

I’ve used several different types of necklace with my samples, sample 2 has a flat suede cord and sample 3 has a round leather cord. Both cords use a barrel fastening and a lobster clasp. I did develop a few Kumihimo cords and although I’ve not used them for the samples above, I will go for a Kumihimo cord for the orange version 1 - possibly adding beads (to the cord) ?

As usual, I will share samples from todays Workshop (tomorrow) and there will be a round up of this project in a months time. The ‘round up’ will be a regular feature on the blog and will look at the previous four projects, whenever I get there. So, no time scale as such but every four Making projects. Hopefully, by each round up, I will have a range of kits available.

Thanks for calling in today.

Embroidered Pendant- resumed.

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing the first completed Embroidered Pendant today. It’s a very basic version using only coloured thread. Read back last week for more on this. The issue of the reverse side of the embroidered pendant was my last issue to resolve alongside which style of necklace to use. Finally, I decided to use a piece of commercially produced Felt to finish the back of the embroidery and hide all the stitch knots. I tried making a felted piece of fabric and it turned out a little bulky. I also tried handmade paper which would have been suitable but the specific colour was not available to me. I decided the commercially produced Felt was just right for the job. The colour is good and the fabric is quite thin, so encloses the threads well.

              

My final issue was all about the necklace. I had developed a number of coloured braids and did have a metal chain option. However, after much chopping and changing, I think the flat, suede necklace cord seems to work well for this particular version of the pendant. I’ve used a barrel end component with a lobster clasp for the closure. I’m quite pleased with the whole design and I think it works well.

Today, I’m developing another version of the pendant using the same shaped blank. This time, I will colour the blank (great idea from one of my creative friends - thank you). I will also add some beads to the pendant. I’m not sure about the necklace - I may try a leather version ? 

I’ll share my results tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in today.

Fibre Friday Update

Hi Everyone

My Fibre Update is very much like last weeks episode in terms of the projects. However, I’ve moved on with each project and am almost finished two of them. Here’s a quick look at my progress :

                    

Looking at my photo story and working clockwise from the top left ; my first slot is for spinning (read back last Friday for the full spinning project). I’ve completed a couple of sessions this week and will keep going for another week or two, possibly three ? The fibre is spinning up into a probable dk yarn. I’ve yet to ply the yarn but I’m reasonably confident it will be a dk. It’s generally going well.

Moving on, I’ve finished the Garland Sweater (almost) and will wear it today. I’m still not sure about the ‘neck’. I quite like the ‘roll over’ neck but the pattern suggests a stitched down version of the collar, on the inside. I think, I need to wear the sweater to see which I prefer. I’ve ‘sewn in’ the ends but haven’t blocked the garment. I think, it’s OK ‘unblocked’ (for now)because of the characteristics of mohair yarn. I’ll make my decision about the collar by the end of the day.

My next story is the new From Scratch Socks. I’m knitting two at a time so they are moving quite slowly. They will be a very plain and simple sock with an AfterThought Heel design. I’m planning on some basic leg stitch pattern alongside a change in colour (combination of purl and plain rows) and I’m writing up the pattern as I go. I’ve made some progress with the socks but most of my time this week has been spent on the Spindrift Shawl. This brings me onto the last story, my Spindrift Shawl. I’m very nearly finished. I have about half of the last row which is a picot cast off. I’m very pleased with the results. I love the colour of the yarn, it’s a WYS dk fleece Gems in the Peridot colourway. Initially, I had thought about adding a row or two of grey but have decided I like the single colour. Perhaps! I need another shawl with the grey ? 

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend, I’ll be back next Monday.

Silver Day

Hi Everyone

A few weeks ago, I started a new Collection which I’ve been referring to as my Pebble Collection. As work has progressed, I’ve changed the name to Pebbles and Tiles. The components have ‘moved on’ from only pebble like components and the idea of adding ‘tiles’ seems to describe the designs. Today, I’m sharing some of the professional photos taken for this Collection. 

                      

These earrings are a small selection of the total Collection. My process has been to develop a prototype piece which is then tested by me, modified if required and then accepted as part of the range. If it’s all successful, I have the pieces photographed. 

The pieces above have passed all tests and are ready for production. My plan is to develop a small batch of each design, as every item is handmade all will be unique but the method and construction will be the same.

I’m still working with new ideas for Pebble and Tiles, I’d like to develop a small earring for the Collection, perhaps two or three designs ? I could make small versions of the designs featured above but feel the ballon hooks wouldn’t quite work with a very small component. Eventually, I’m hoping to have twelve designs in the whole Collection, including rings, earrings, pendant and bracelets.

Thanks for calling in today.