Wednesday 15 October 2014

WIPW - Almost done

Work In Progress Wednesday, if you don't know it already,  is a GREAT thing. Read about it at Pintangle.

Kafferepet
The fourth row of quilting has been added.
 Not too much left, almost done.


Swedish Cushion
I just love TAST #133 Triple Chain and found a great place for it on the cushion.
(Its mirror image line will be used for this week's stitch #134 Fern Stitch. Check this space next week!)

TAST Reference Chart
As I said, I love TAST #133 Triple Chain and after adding a plain straight line of stitches to the left, I worked a circle. With a bit more planning the stitches would look neater, still, here you can see the potential for a beautiful wreath.

Swedish Wool Embroidery Collar
Cord making has taken up a lot of my time this past week.
First I made a simple lucet cord with one of the woolen yarns also used in the embroidery and napped edging. It was easy and quick. The result is a soft, simple, flexible cord, albeit it looks a bit plain.

Then I got started on the kumihimo cord. I tried several times until I found my way. With 16 strands of woolen yarn I ended up with a thick rope! Too thick!
If I used only 8 strands I had to turn the disc so much (45˚) for each move, my head started spinning. Too dizzy!
As the only very thin woolen yarn I had was black, yellow and blue, I needed to add perle #8 for some other colours, and perle is cotton which does not have much flexibility. Too stiff!
Anyway, the result of my work is these two cords.
The kumihimo is MUCH more beautiful, but FAR too sturdy.

So in the end my choice was the lucet cord.
Another reason for picking this cord was that, being plain it does not steal the show from the embroidery on the collar itself.
Almost done!

Next step will involve this:


Now if you think I just tossed the kumihimo cord into the bin or stuffed it into a drawer, please think again. It quickly found a job and a home.
Profession: Official Reading Glasses String
Address: Queenie's Reading Specs
Completely done!

32 comments:

sharonb said...

Gosh you have been busy! I like your specs cord!

Julie Fukuda said...

I could sure see that most recent stitch going on to the project. I am wondering if you have room left for many more discovered stitches.

Pamela said...

Lovely progress on all of your projects!

Queeniepatch said...

Thanks. As soon as I put on my specs I'll be thinking of my Swedish collar!

Queeniepatch said...

By cramming the stitches together there is still a lot of room. I'm hoping for a triangular stitch to put in the other paisley design (to balance the one with Kiko's Flower stitch).

Queeniepatch said...

Thank you. I feel the need to finish off these long term projects soon.

Anonymous said...

You have been quite busy. I like the was you have worked the triple chains with long tails. it looks attractive this way. the cords are gorgeous .reading glasses string- nice idea. I am rushing to catch up on TAST stitches

margaret said...

lots to see here today Queenie, the cushion is going to be spectacular, the lucet has worked well on your collar, now we need to see a photo of you wearing it. Wonder what you will be doing with the tubs of wool scraps felting I hope. Good glasses cord too

Stitching Lady said...

The kumihimo thing is very interesting and the cord resulting from it perfect, strong! But you are right. It would steel the collar's show - I like your circle of triple chain stitches. It looks "flowing".

Queeniepatch said...

The Triple Chain can be worked in many ways, long or short tails are two alternatives. I have another kumihimo cord for my glasses so now I can change it according to what I am wearing. Fashion, you know!!!
Have fun with TAST.

Queeniepatch said...

The collar is not completed yet, so no photo!
Well, you'll have to keep guessing what I am going to do with the wool scraps!

Queeniepatch said...

There are so many designs you can make with the kumihimo disc, this one was just made by chance, I did not follow a set pattern.
I agree there is a lot of movement in the Triple Chain circle.

Angela said...

Oh you are so clever! Good work!

Annet said...

Did you get any sleep this week, you've been so busy! Love your triple chain samples, it looks very good in a circle. Looking forward to see what you're going to do with the wool!

Séverine said...

Your kumihimo is beautiful and your glasses must be very pleased to have it.

Renee said...

Your cords both turned out lovely and it appears they found perfect homes. :) I thought I knew exactly how I planned to use the triple chain stitch. Now that I see it worked so beautifully on a curve, I have more ideas swimming in my head. I just love your work!

Janie said...

I really enjoy all the color, you are having a lot of fun!
That triple chain wreath is amazing.

Queeniepatch said...

Thanks, Angela. I wonder how a 'kumihimo' braid would look on one of your art bras? Made in metallic thread and with beads added...

Queeniepatch said...

Ha, ha, OTHER people slept so I was freed from the usual 'beck-and-call' duties. Also the typhoon forced me to be indoors = plenty of time for needlework.
Ah, the wool...

Queeniepatch said...

Should you want more idea swimming in your head go to carorose and see her cute aeroplanes: http://carorose.typepad.com/my_weblog/2014/10/tast-2014-triple-chain.html

Queeniepatch said...

Can't you just see a wreath made up of the Triple Chain and maybe some French Knots?

Chris(craft) and Dave(photos) Richards said...

Loving everything that you've done this past week Queenie ! Adorable flowers on the Kafferepet, Great cord for your specs too......What are you going to use the bowls of 'Fluffy loveliness' for I wonder ?? Must watch this space ! ! Have a great week ,
hugs
Chris Richards
xx

Anonymous said...

You have chosen the right cord for the collar, it needed something plain. The Kumihimo braid is lovely and you have made good use of it. Your cushion must be bursting with stitches, every inch of fabric must be nearly covered!

Queeniepatch said...

Thank you. Those 'adorable' flowers on the Kafferepet have been there for years now - it is high time to finish this quilt once and for all.
What does one usually use 'fluffy loveliness' for? Felting of course!

Queeniepatch said...

I am so glad to hear you say I have made the right decision about the cord!
Yes, the cushion is bursting with stitches but there ARE some gaps! More TAST stitches, please!

Margaret said...

Wonderful! Can I ask you a question? What are the bobbins you use for the kumihimo ? They would make it easier to manipulate and I'd like to try them here in New Zealand if they are available. Thanks

Queeniepatch said...

Hi, Margaret. The bobbins make the work SO much EASIER. Previously I used the white plastic cards used for winding embroidery floss and the theads got tangled up all the time.
The bobbins are called 'Bob-EEZ' and are produced by The Bead Smith. Check out their web site: www.beadsmith.com

https://linsartyblobs.blogspot.com said...

I do like your glasses cord and much more comfy than a beaded one.

Queeniepatch said...

When you say that I wonder how comfy a lucet woollen cord would have been, especially now that the mornings are getting a bit cooler in Tokyo. Could double as a muffler?!

Renee said...

Those are fabulous, aren't they?! I can picture a seam of airplanes on a crazy quilted block. Absolutely delightful!

Tanya said...

great idea for the kumihimo! Someday I want to try that craft...
Your bowls of yarn/felt look like a yummy buffet salad bar!

Queeniepatch said...

Kumihimo cord making is fun, but with a house full of playful (?) cats it might not be a good idea!
Feltmaking is also fun and as it involves water the cats usually stay away!
Nice to see you blog visiting again.