Stitch Story Week 2 .2

Hi Everyone

I’ve a quick look at the Stitched Story progress today. Read back the last two weeks for the background story. I’ve added a few extra patches to the main piece (bottom of photo story) and the whole patchwork is almost a complete oblong shape. I’ve a little piece to add to the top of this shape as well as connect the dragonfly. More work is required on the dragonfly too. I’m looking for a decorative stitch which could enhance the wings.

                

The image transfer of Miss Mitchell (centre stage in my photo story) has a fabric frame and I’ve worked some simple Running Stitch lines around the image, five stitches form the frame pattern. I especially like this stitch effect, inspired by Jessie Chorley, my inspiration for the whole project.

Yesterday, I talked about a second fabric printing technique which I’m including in my project. This technique involved using a Gelli Plate. I love this way of printing and could spend my days with a Gelli Plate. Check out this You Tube Video for a great insight into how Gelli Plates can be used for printing on fabric. I’m hoping I can produce some interesting fabric for my patches. 

Today, I’ll play around with colours and patterns. I need a couple of small patterned pieces of printed fabric to act as link patches. I’ve no idea what I’ll come up with  ? but I’m hoping inspiration will come to me at the right moment !  I’ll share my results and process (from today)  next time. 

Generally, I’m happy with how the project is going. I very much enjoy picking up these patches and working on them for 30mins or so. I find these little embroidery sessions give me a huge sense of ‘time out/well-being’. I can’t quite explain why this should be ? but I look forward to finding time for this little self indulgent activity.

Thanks for calling in today.

Stitch Story Technique 2

Hi Everyone

I’m sharing the second technique used in my Stitch Story Project today. Read back yesterday and last week for more detail on the Project. I talked about image transfer using Modge Podge yesterday. Today’s technique is another image transfer idea. This time, I’m using fabric stamping. I’ve developed a range of stamped patches which can be used to embellish my Story. The stamped images in my sample photo (below) are random subjects, to experiment with shapes and suitability.

             

 I needed to check which shapes and how much detail will be useful. The idea is to use the image as a guide for embroidery, too much detail and the patch can be too difficult/ busy to work. I’ve also decided that a small stitched image will be more practical for the Project. The overall size of the finished Stitched Story piece, is relatively small, so each patch needs to be proportional. I also think there is a place for stamped fabric patches, without embroidery and will experiment with more of this idea. I especially like the bottom right image in my photo story, the scissors and thread are lovely and could enhance the Story. If, I’m using stamped images for surface design purposes, I think the patterns need to be closer together.

I’ve already embroidered one of the patches in the top right, the dragonfly image. Here it is, ready for inclusion in my piece.

                        

I’m now playing around with how the patches should be connected. I think, I’ve almost decided on all the patches ? I need to fit a few buttons and a small charm into my piece. More tomorrow on that particular detail. I do have another couple of techniques to share, so will be back tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in today.

Stitched Story Week 3

Hi Everyone 

It’s another week of the Stitched Story Project. I’m featuring a range of techniques involved in the Project this week. Today, it’s all about image transfer. There are many ways to transfer images, my method (this time)involves using Modge Podge as my transfer medium. A small photo is covered with a thick layer of Modge Podge, if you’re not familiar with Modge Podge, it’s an all-in-one glue, sealer and finish used to attach paper and fabric to various surfaces. 

The Modge Podge covered photo is placed image down onto a piece of plain cotton fabric and left to dry (overnight). In my little photo story, you can see that I’ve framed an area of my fabric with tape. I’m doing this to limit where the Modge Podge meets the fabric. I want to sew the transfered  image and turn it into a fabric patch. The Modge Podge adds a layer of glue to the fabric and I’d like the fabric to be free of glue in the places where I want to sew. 

The following day, the fabric with the embedded photo is sprayed (lightly) with water. After a few minutes, the white paper backing of the photo can be gently rubbed away. The rubbing needs to be gentle but eventually all the white backing paper can be removed. This leaves an image on the fabric. The image is a little cloudy, so I have painted a thin layer of glaze sealer on the image which adds a slight gloss finish and makes the colours much brighter.

This technique is a very simple but effective way of creating images on fabric. I’m now ready to prepare my fabric image and turn it into a patch -  for inclusion in my Stitch Story.

             

My image transferred patch is not quite a patch, I’m not sure if a I want to frame it with more fabric or attach ribbon as a frame ? I’ll try both methods today and add the patch to the larger piece which is turning into my story.

Tomorrow, I’ll share another technique for the project as well as showing how the story looks to date.

Thanks for calling in today.

Fibre Friday Update (9/3/18)

Hi Everyone 

I’ve a very short update today ! Sadly, other stuff has taken over my life and I’ve had less time for ‘yarny’ stuff this week. The thing that has probably taken up most of my knitting/spinning time has been my evangelical obsession with embroidery and in particular, the Stitch Story Project. Read back over this weeks blog posts for background on the Stitched Story.

However, before I get distracted with embroidery, I do have a couple of fibre stories to share. I’ve finished my From Scratch Socks and have detailed notes for the pattern. I’m hoping to type up the pattern over the next week. I also have three volunteers for test knitting, so that will push me to write up the pattern. I’m pleased with the socks. They fit me perfectly. I’ve not blocked them yet and I have few ends to weave in but I’m very close to being able to wear them. I’ve already got a new idea for my next pattern. I’m thinking of something a bit more ‘patterned’ but will keep the construction (up to the leg) as per the first design. I’ll keep you informed of how the project progresses.

                     

I’ve also got a new knit project on my needles, literally started last night after completing the From Scratch Socks. Only three rows of the cuff completed so far but lovely yarn and a Helen Stewart Sock Society 2018 pattern called Winter Rose. The yarn is Natural Born Dyers in the Seapinks colour. This yarn is a High Twist BFL/Nylon Sock. I didn’t link the colour with the name of the pattern until last night, so there wasn’t a conscious thought about pink. However, I love the shade and I think the colour will suit the pattern well. I will knit the socks concurrently with Magic loop on two circular needles. Somehow, knitting both socks at the same time is more satisfying to me.

My last photo story is something I mentioned yesterday. These little things (bottom left photo) are stitch markers (almost) they need clasps and they need to be cured (baked). I have made these little polymer charms for another job but will develop a couple into stitch markers. There is a possibility that the charms are not quite the right size for stitch markers ? I’ll make a few up and test them out. All the charms are based on little cakes and are quite cute.

I’m also well underway with my latest cardigan knit. Look back a couple of weeks for more details. This cardigan is the Carbeath by Kate Davies. I have completed the body section and one sleeve. Unfortunately, I had a complete conundrum about the length of the sleeve. I read all the notes and reviews on this project in Ravelry to check if anyone also had sleeve length issues. Not one mention. For some reason, I had decided my sleeve needed to be much longer than the pattern suggested. I ended up taking out about 7cms ! Hope I’ve done the right thing. I will get the second sleeve underway this weekend.

No spinning at all and no crochet. I must do something about this. Next week will see some developments!

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

La Patisserie Project

Hi Everyone 

I’m having a slightly different Thursday today. Usually, Thursdays are all about making things with Silver - Silver Day. However, I’m waiting for various materials to arrive and have decided to spend my day developing some little polymer clay cake charms. These charms are part of a bigger project called La Patisserie.  It’s an old project which has been revised and will form a practical workshop in the next few weeks. I do already have a range of little polymer cupcakes in various ‘flavours’ but I’d also like to develop more cakes and a wider variety of recognised cake types. In preparation, I’ve made a long list of samples for my experiments and I’m not sure how many I can develop at this stage or which ones will be successful. Each charm will have a ring which will allow the charm to be attached to something. I’ll take images as I work and share my results.

Here’s a quick look at the previous cup cakes which formed the basis of the project :

                     

For my new workshop the little charms will be attached to a silver bracelet rather than a necklace although it’s possible to use them for the same purpose. I’m also going to create a few more charms as part of my experiments, to use as stitch markers. Some knitting friends may receive a gift next week !

Thanks for calling in today.