Saturday Sightings of Spring - 1

This is the first Saturday since I launched this spring project, based on Jacquie Harvey's pattern for a cushion - 'Promise of Spring'.

Anyone who wants to make use of the pattern and instructions, contact me and I will send you the pdf file.

I have decided to work the pattern in felt on silk, and with plenty of embroidery, in the style of Fay Maxwell. 

Do you know this British most inventive textile artist? In the video below you will get to know her, as well as see examples of her 'Crewel and Unusual' embroidery style which I am adopting for my cushion. 

Most of the video is focusing on one of her other techniques, slashing fabric. The video is about half an hour long and well worth watching.

Now back to Queenie's 'Saturday Sightings of Spring'.

The paper parts were cut out. They in turn aided the cutting out of the felt parts.

The foundation silk was backed with a thin cotton (to support the embroidery). 

The picture was built and pinned down.

All parts were basted in place and the pins removed.

This is as fas as the indoor signs of spring can be seen.

Outside, in nature, the sightings of spring include buds forming on the hydrangea. Isn't the contrast beautiful, the pistachio green buds against the decaying leaves of last year?

Friday Homework for Lesson 156: Hyacinth Stitch

This is a nice stitch and a good reminder that it is always possible to stack stitches.

Aida Sampler

Sunday Stitch School Reference Chart

Teal Wool Tailoring Scribble Cloth

WIPW - Tatting Progress

Wednesday it is, so here comes the Work In Progress Wednesday report.

Before having a look at the progress made, I just want to tell you that I am once again having problems leaving comments on some of the blogs I visit. If you haven't heard from me, it's because of Mr Blogger and his tricks.

Crazy for Crazy

I have made some simple stitches in orange, mainly Running Stitch, Herringbone, Straight and Detached Chain Stitch, as well as a row of Satin Threaded Running Stitch.

Log Cabin Challenge

Five more blocks, total is now 340. Nearing the end...

Tatting

Needle tatting is such fun. I learned to add beads, and worked over another button, where I also added graded picots. The pink crown might find its way into a future Crazy for Crazy block.

Saturday Sightings of Spring (Promise of Spring by Jacquie Harvey Project) 

In my blogpost last Saturday, I wrote about the challenge of Jacquie Harvey's spring cushion. I will report in more details about my progress on Saturdays, but here is a picture of the cut felt I will be using.

Now should you want to take part and stitch up the design, contact me and I will send you the pdf file with pattern and clear instructions.

Sunday Stitch School - Lesson 156: Hyacinth Stitch

Welcome to another year of stitch exploration. Let us start the year with the advent of spring. 

Hyacinth Stitch is a stacked stitch, a combination of Fly Stitch and Twisted Chain Stitch. I found it at Rachel's VirtuoSew Adventures, she created this stitch when she was working on a display of Grape Hyacinths.

Make an upside down Fly Stitch, and add a Detached Twisted Chain Stitch on top.

Follow the pictures.

Homework:

Borders of hyacinths want to sprout in these three 'flower beds'