WIPW - I Prefer the Needle

 Work In Progress Wednesday

It has been a very hectic last week of the year. Not much progress...

Log Cabin Challenge

Five new blocks. Total 330.

Tatting

I can now definitely say that I prefer tatting with a needle to using a shuttle. Maybe my fingers are stiff with age and not flexible enough to handle the shuttle easily. Or it is a matter of practise, but for the moment I prefer needle tatting.

I simply haven't had time ot make more than this, but I love the look of the variegated thread.

Have a good end of the year.

WIPW - Trying Out Something New

 Work In Progress Wednesday. I haven't had time to do a lot of work, but there are five new blocks for the

 Log Cabin Challenge 

quilt.

Total block count is 325.

Something I have wanted to try for a long time is

Tatting

and finally I pulled out old instructions and a shuttle and gave it a try.

I also opened the page in Elizabeth Healey's book Lace Reimagined to try out tatting with a needle.

I need to take more time over the holidays to practice, but my first impression is that needle tatting is easer than shuttle tatting. 

Friday Revision Homework - Stitches 151 - 155

 There are two kinds of traditional quilt pattern with bonnets. First there is the little chubby girl Sue and her famous Sunbonnet. Then there are the bonnet ladies, dressed in 19th century floor length gowns. Today I used such a design, and as it is nearing Christmas I have been working around that theme.

Lady Bonnet Sue is decorating her home.

This is the last Sunday Stitch School lesson for 2020. I will take a holiday over Christmas and the Japanese New Year holiday. Back on Sunday 10th. 

I will post Work In Progress Wednesday weekly, though.

Happy Holidays.

WIPW - Scaling Down for the Holidays

 Work In Progress Wednesday.

I have completed two projects and will be scaling down my workload for the holidays.

Tvistsöm Cushion

The Tvistsöm Cushion is now backed with red cotton and has an inner cushion stuffed with wadding. It is resting on the day bed together with three other wool cushions. 

The one on the left is also Tvistsöm (aka Long Armed Cross Stitch), in the middle is a cushion in Tent Stitch and the one on the right is made in Rya Stitch. Those three are all old, but have worn very well and still look good.

Crazy for Crazy

The teal and gold block is completed, after I added some more beads.

I will start making a new block next year after the holidays.

Log Cabin Challenge

Only five new blocks were made. The total is now 320 blocks. I will try to trudge on making blocks during the Christmas and New Year Holiday. 

Sunday Stitch School - Revision: Stitches 151 - 155

 It is once again time to do some revision. 

Click on the title for instructions.

151 Bengali Petal Stitch

makes beautiful flower petals with a lot of texture.

152 Chain of Hearts

An impressive way to stitch lovely hearts.

153 Alternating Chained Buttonhole Stitch

A quick way to make undulating creepers with leaves, buds or berries.

154 Plucked Knot Stitch

So much easier than a small Bullion Knot Stitch, yet could almost replace it. More plump than a French Knot.

155 Up and Down Split Stitch

Great for playing with two colours or two thread weights. Great for filling.

Homework:

Make a scene with Sunbonnet Sue.

Friday Homework for Lesson 155: Up and Down Split Stitch

 This is an enjoyable stitch!

Teal Wool Tailoring Scribble Cloth

Don't you think the yellow version looks like clothes hangers hooked on each other?!

Sunday Stitch School Reference Chart

Aida sampler

WIPW - Two Projects Almost Finished

 Work In Progress Wednesday.

Tvistsöm Cushion

I completed the stitching with a border of five red rows. 

There is a subtle variation in the red as I worked towards using up my stash.

I damp stretched the canvas and pressed in the hem. The back looks quite interesting - abstract mess!

Next step is to stitch on a backing of red wool and fill the cushion. 

Until then here is a picture of its size and shape. 

Crazy for Crazy

Here is another project that is almost finished, a few more beads are needed.

I attached the Shirtwaist Button, previously made, added a few details in metallic thread and worked a Whipped Half Wheel. 

Log Cabin Challenge

December is a busy month and I only had time to make five new blocks. Total number is now 315.

Sunday Stitch School - Lesson 155: Up and Down Split Stitch

 Today I have a lovely filling stitch. 

Do you remember Magic Split Stitch, made with two threads? It makes a beautiful vertical line.

Somewhere on the internet, Pinterest maybe, I saw a great way of using this method for a double horisontal row of (individual) Split Stitch. 

Unfortunately I can not remember the source, but want to give credit if possible. If you know anything about this stitch, please leave a comment.

Meanwhile I will call it Up and Down Split Stitch.

Here is how it is made:

You need two threads in the needle

Start at the star, then take a stitch (down) as shown in the picture.

Pull through

until you have a 'triangular Chain Stitch'.

The next stitch goes upwards. Follow the picture.

Continue in this way, up and down.

Anchor the last stitch.

For variation, why not use two colours in the needle?

Have fun while you do your

Homework:

I will work on my samplers

Friday Homework for Lesson 154: Plucked Knot Stitch

The Plucked Knot is a fun alternative to both French Knot and Bullion Knot.

Sunday Stitch School Reference Chart

Aida Sampler

Teal Wool Tailoring Scribble Cloth

There is something 'wormy' about its shape, it reminds me of a baby cicada's curled up body.

 

WIPW - Beads

 It is a wet and chilly Wednesday in Tokyo. Time to brighten up life with a few shiny beads on the Work In Progress Wednesday report of the 

Crazy for Crazy

project.

Whipped Buttonhole half circles, Straight Stitch and then sequins and beads.

Log Cabin Challenge

There was only time to make 5 new blocks for the quilt. The total is therefore 310.

Tvistsöm Cushion

Still trudging along on the red border. Can you see the subtle change of shade in the red. I am using up my stash and changing colour as I finish each bit of red that I have.

I didn't do anything too exciting this week, so no need to comment.

Sunday Stitch School - Lesson 154: Plucked Knot Stitch

There are many stitches made up of knots. Today's stitch is a good cross between a French Knot and a Bullion Knot. 

I found it at the excellent online stitch dictionary, Sarah's Hand Embroidery Tutorial. 

Work it like this:

Fasten the thread on the back.

Take a small bite of the fabric

next to where the thread comes out.

Wrap the needle two or three times,

(as you would a Bullion Knot)

Pull through.

Anchor close to the knot.

One knot looks good,

Several knots look better!

Can you see that they are baby 

Bullion Knots?

Homework:

Add to these samplers