I am almost back on track with my two projects. I completed the set task on the Kafferepet quilt, but am only half done on the Swedish Cushion.
Kafferepet
This is the last of the central blocks to be quilted. I worked Alternating Stem Stitch for the leaves, i.e. one Stem Stitch and one Outline Stitch. It makes a nice ragged outline, but I think the three strands of embroidery floss might have been a bit too heavy. I'll give it a think... The spots are coffee beans made out of TAST #58 Woven Detached Chain Stitch.
Swedish Cushion
The Swedish Cushion needs some REAL Swedish traditional design, not just my play with stitches.
Recently I was given the English translation of Karin Holmberg's book 'Karins Broderier', 'Stitched in Scandinavia' is the English title. This book contains samples of traditional and typical Swedish embroidery. For this week's work I selected Påsöm. This kind of stitchery is usually worked in wool on homespun and is featured on folk costumes from Dala Floda region. The stitch is Enkelsidig Plattsöm, Surface Satin Stitch. Of course, I am working on the cotton fabric of the cushion and use stranded floss. As you can see I have not completed the flower, nor have I worked particularly neatly!
I Love your coffee beans! Maybe three strands was a bit much but it still looks very effective. I like the flower on the cushion. Well done.
ReplyDeleteI will look at the coffee pot quilting and decide if I should re-quilt it using two strands instead of three. Thank you for your input.
DeleteIt is coffee time! Nice pot and the design on it is really like "Zwiebelmuster" - you know maybe - but maybe not. Are you back in bloggerland?
ReplyDeleteThe pattern is called Ostindia and it resembles Zwiebelmuster. You can read and see more here:http://www.rorstrand.com/index.php/news/a_much_loved_80_year_old_looks_to_the_future_new_ostindia_new_designs_and/
DeleteYes, I am back in bloggerland!
I like the leaves behind the coffee pot, great idea to use the woven picot for beans! I'm sure your design on the Swedish cushion will be lovely when it's finished. Unfinished pieces sometimes looks not the way you like, but it turns out right.
ReplyDeleteI often find that I need to 'sleep' on my work, put it away and then look at it with fresh eyes the next day. Time to open the sewing box and have a look now!
DeleteI am simply in awe of your Kafferepet project. The first time I stumbled upon your blog, I had to follow, just to see what you did next.
ReplyDeleteYour Swedish Cushion is so different from projects I am normally drawn to, but I find it absolutely beautiful. The stitches and color contrast are fantastic!
Thank you for your kind words. I think it is very interesting to follow the work of others who do things totally different from me.
DeleteI am sorry my progress is slow and it will be some time yet before these projects are completed.
I think the three strands is just fine and sets off the pot beautifully. I am so happy to see you getting back in the swing.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it looks good on this photo, but when you see all the blocks together the quilting on the others are much lighter. I am still thinking...
DeleteComing on well Queenie ! I love that big flower...It has character !!
ReplyDeleteI have never done Quilting....Would love to have a go, Maybe at
Crazy quilting though, I must have a think about it ?
Its sunny here today, have a good day Queenie
hugs
Chris R
xxx
I strongly recommend a crazy quilt project if you want to try quilting. Or embroidered quilts.
DeleteHave a pleasant Easter holiday, Chris
coffee pot looks great, does his mean we will see the quilt put together soon? no pressure. Your Swedish cushion is also coming along well
ReplyDeleteNest step will be to quilt the borders. I wonder how long that will take; it might be just boring...
DeleteI love your projects and you are making good progress on them both
ReplyDeleteJackie
Thank you, Jackie.
DeleteThe leaves are lovely on your quilt they give a nice background to your coffee pot. the flower on your cushion is looking good, it is a nice design.
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan. I like the leaf design but think the thread is too heavy compared to the quilting on the other blocks.
DeleteThank you, Jackie. I am entering the stage of boring border quilting on the quilt so the cushion will be much more fun to work on.
ReplyDeleteAll of the leaves worked in Alternating Stem Stitch look great. What a good idea to alternate. From the picture using three strands of embroidery floss doesn't look heavy at all.
ReplyDeleteYour Swedish Cushion is going to be fabulous with all the variety of stitches. The Enkelsidig Plattsöm stitched flower looks perfect. Have a wonderful Easter :)
I actually got the idea of Alternating Stem Stitch for one of the most prominent TAST participants, Annet of Fat-Quarter. It is not listed as a TAST stitch though (yet anyway). It makes such a nice uneven line, just like you can see on natural leaves.
DeleteQueenie, I know that when I view your work I'll be smiling. The ideas behind your stitches show that your little grey cells are jumping around faster than those little coffee beans!!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
BarbX
Oh, if only that was true! Yesterday I felt as if I did not possess one single grey cell, and if I had it certainly would not have been jumping around! After reading your comment I feel much better and will try to shake those cells into action. Thank you, Barbara.
DeleteBoth pieces are looking great. I love that cushion.
ReplyDeleteI hope to add more designs from Karin Holmberg's book.
DeleteThe coffee beans are perfect! Both projects are coming along nicely!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pamela.
DeleteNow for some real beans to the pot; time for Easter Sunday morning coffee!
Your Swedish cushion is coming along so beautifully.Love the coffee bean idea.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Actually as soon as I saw TAST stitch #58 when it was introduced by Sharon I thought of coffee beans, and there on the quilt was the perfect way to place them, don't you think?
DeleteBoth coming along nicely. I like the design on the coffee pot.
ReplyDeleteHi, Linda!
DeleteThe design is actually from a real set of china: http://www.rorstrand.com/index.php/news/a_much_loved_80_year_old_looks_to_the_future_new_ostindia_new_designs_and/
I imagine Karin Holmberg's book is going to be very useful to you and an inspiration too. It is so interesting to find out about local traditional styles of all crafts and arts.
ReplyDeleteKH is a great artist, especially good at line drawings, and has made several embroidered scenes for book covers (novels). She is also keen on teaching the traditional styles of Sweden, which I think will get more young people interested in their roots.
Delete