Easter Egg by Cotton Pixels |
This colourful little design was quick to work.
The chart gave detailed instructions with small stitch diagrams by band number. There were also details by floss colour and the colour picture to check. The black and white section of the chart did seem unnecessary.
Cotton evenweave is a good fabric for a stitch sampler and it comes out even and straight. I would have considered making it more like a rainbow.
The finished embroidery is mounted in a red hanging picture frame by Vervaco PN-0009451 which is also available in white.
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by Anne Peden on Mon, 26 Feb 2024, 11:21 |
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Feather on soluble canvas |
Since I love all rainbow style designs I thought I'd sew this on a plain white t-shirt to brighten it up.
Working on white didn't make it easy to see the holes in the clear canvas though and sometimes I used my needle to 'feel' the hole. Although I used a hoop it was around the canvas as it wouldn't stretch.
As it says on the pattern ' The colours of the signs on the chart do not match the thread colours as they were selected for convenience of using the chart' So some purple floss has a green symbol, yellow a blue symbol, red a peach symbol etc. This makes good contrast on the chart but in this case with so many bright colours of floss it is confusing.
It took longer to stitch than I thought. When finished the canvas did of course all wash out and I was pleased with the result.
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by Anne Peden on Sat, 14 Oct 2023, 07:22 |
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Another Linen Floss Pattern |
I took another section from a free pattern by Anchor.
This time I stitched on 25 count linen, so linen on linen. I used three strands for the whole cross stitch and half cross stitch and two strands for the backstitch on the hive. I felt that two strands would be too thick on the little bees backstitch so I used only one strand. I ran into a bit of a problem with that as a single strand breaks easily.
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by Anne Peden on Tue, 20 Jun 2023, 10:48 |
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Lana Again |
Increasing our range of Lana gave me more colours to experiment with.
This is a fluffy bumble bee.
The body is worked in yellow, black and white Lana and brushed. The wings are in white Anchor Marlitt and the outlines are in black Kreinik Blending filament.
I finished it with Mill Hill petite black beads for eyes.
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by Anne Peden on Mon, 19 Jun 2023, 07:20 |
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Neon Heart by Anchor |
Anchor brought out another new range of floss called Neon in six colours.
The floss is 100% polyester and you might expect it to feel a bit different. Actually it stitched just like stranded cottons. The colours are bright but not glow in the dark.
The heart kit came with whole skeins of floss and there's lots left over so now I can experiment with other ideas and combinations with standard cotton colours.
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by Anne Peden on Sun, 18 Jun 2023, 18:48 |
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Anchor Linen Floss |
I found the subtle colours in this range very attractive so I thought I'd try out a few small samples.
The little ladybird is from a larger free chart and uses only a few colours. The thread itself feels more stiff than stranded cottons and is thinner so three strands are used from cross stitch over 14/28 count fabric rather than two. The coverage still isn't very thick and it makes a pretty little picture.
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by Anne Peden on Wed, 31 May 2023, 08:31 |
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Brushed Lana Cat |
Madeira Lana looks so fluffy on Bothy Threads kits, so it seemed a good choice when stitching a cat for our grandaughter.
This is a Jazz Cat by Lanarte and originally stitched over one using a single strand of DMC. I wanted to make it bigger this time so worked on 28 count over two with two strands of Lana. Some of the detail - hat, nose and the backstitched outline are still in stranded cotton. The hat is pink though because all little girls prefer pink.
When stitched, I used Madeira wire brushes to bring up the texture and the black especially came out very well.
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by Anne Peden on Tue, 30 May 2023, 19:19 |
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Swedish Neat Balls |
I've stitched many Christmas tree decorations and often feel they are spoiled by the finishing. So I was intrigued by Ink Circle's claim that these designs used a clever, origami technique.
I chose my own colours, metallic silver and navy Anchor stranded cotton and after a search through my odds and ends decided on crystals from an old necklace and navy velvet ribbon for hanging.
The finishing is indeed very clever. The design isn't cut out and the same fabric is folded on the reverse, trimmed and then slipped stitched.
Both front and back look very neat. The only problem I can see is that since the ornament is hung by a corner, then it will always be a diamond shape. Of course, that wouldn't be a problem with a pincushion which is another of my projects waiting to be completed.
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by Anne Peden on Tue, 30 May 2023, 18:53 |
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Blackwork Snow Owl by Cotton Pixels |
I decided to stitch this fluffy little bird on 14 count white plastic canvas and stitch a matching reverse but of course without the eyes and beak.
It turned out to be surprisingly difficult to stitch with white on white. When finished, I cut around the shape and joined the two pieces with Wisper W88 doubled using a loose blanket stitch. This covers the sharp edges on the canvas and gives a fluffy edge.
This was a quick design to stitch and used three cards of Wisper. Now it can hang on our Christmas tree or in the conservatory all year round.
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by Anne Peden on Thu, 28 Apr 2022, 10:51 |
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Anchor Fine Metallic |
The new Anchor Fine Metallic is a fine thread made from a blend of Viscose (65%) and metallised polyester (35%). It comes in 25 gram balls which are approximately 250 metres long.
Although intended mainly for crochet, it is a very versatile floss which doesn't split easily.
I thought I'd try it for a variety of crafts.
Crochet of course and the pretty flower. I also tried a more openwork design and although that worked well, it was difficult to pin out and not stiff so probably best used for more solid patterns.
Cross Stitch. I used it on 14 count Aida to stitch 'Merry Christmas'. It sits proud and still glitters. It wouldn't work for any higher count fabric and it would be better to keep the lengths shorter because it can fray if pulled through the fabric too often.
Needlepoint The star on plastic canvas was worked with the floss doubled and blanket stitch worked twice into each space around the outsides. I worked two stars in the same way and joined them with wrong sides together using gold beads. The sampler on 22 count petite point canvas was worked in a variety of stitches using single floss and double for the blanket stitch around the outside. Straight stitches like satin stitch don't cover well but those at an angle or cross do.
Hardanger. I used it on a small Christmas decoration in place of no. 5 pearl cotton.
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by Anne Peden on Wed, 01 Dec 2021, 10:43 |
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Earlier Stitchcraft Articles ... |
More Gold Threads ... Having tried out Kreinik #4 braid and Rainbow Gallery Petite Treasure braid, I decided to look at a few more gold threads. |
Rainbow Gallery Petite Treasure Braid versus Kreinik #4 braid. ... It's been very difficult over the last fifteen months to obtain Kreinik #4 braid.
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Field of Daisies and Honeycomb Aida by MP Studios ... Having decided not to stitch the honey bee on wood as the kit came, it seemed a shame to waste the materials.
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Plywood Cross Stitch Kits by MP Studios ... MP Studios have a range of items made from plywood.
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Autumn Walk by Rose Swalwell ... This long stitch kit is worked in Anchor tapestry wools which come in cut lengths and skeins. |
CXC Stranded Cottons ... Julie had heard a lot about this floss and decided to order a set from China to review.
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Iced Lemonade by Madame Chantilly ... There are three charts to choose from and I decided on the largest. |
Glorafilia Tartan Westie Tapestry Kit Facebook Giveaway August 2020 Terms and Conditions ... Arts and Designs Glorafilia "Tartan Westie" Kit Facebook Giveaway - Terms and Conditions.
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Witch's Shoe by Sue Hillis ... If the shoe fits wear it
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Poppy Biscornu by the Tiny Modernist ... A brightly coloured pin cushion worked in whole cross stitch and backstitch. |
Winter Warmth by Panna ... Gamma is a Russian compamy who have been trading for 27 years. |
Mirabilia Designs "Queen of Freedom" Chart Give-Away February 2020 Terms and Conditions ... Arts and Designs Mirabilia "Queen of Freedom" Chart Facebook Giveaway - Terms and Conditions.
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Rock Cat by Lanarte ... This is a delicate little design worked in half cross stitch, one over one on 30 count linen.
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Winter Ruby Christmas Tree Decoration by M P Studios ... This kit's instructions are in Russian with English translations.
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Nasturtium Fan by Needleart World ... This was my second Needleart World kit but much smaller than the last and on 14 count Aida.
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Chickadee by Heritage Crafts from artwork of Valerie Pfeiffer ... The kit by Heritage Crafts has large scale black and white charts on facing A5 pages. |
Wonder Invisible Thread by YLI ... This thread is suggested by Nora Corbett for adding beads to her designs using a size 10 beading needle. |
Bird with Sweets by Permin ... A sweet little design instantly recognisable as liquorice allsorts. |
Tulips - Silken Long Stitch by Rose Swalwell of Derwentwater Designs ... This is a pretty long stitch design of flowers from the Silken Long Stitch series.
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Lanterns by Riolis ... This a very pretty oriental design with red, pink and green lanterns of different shapes hanging from Spring flowering branches.
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Magic by the Oven Company ... Magic is a counted cross stitch worked on 14 count black Aida using three shades of stranded cottons. |
When plastic canvas is useful ... I came across a crochet pattern for a nursery rug in the shape of a cartoon snail. |
Turtle Family by Anchor ...
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DMC Etoile ... DMC's latest threads Etoile arrived this month. |
Blackwork Birds ... Many years ago, possibly forty, I embroidered a picture of goldcrests. |
Embroidering Birds ... Many years ago, possibly forty, I embroidered a picture of goldcrests. |
Damask Square by Ink Circles ... I love these symmetrical designs and the subtle shading in DMC Color Variations 4150 Desert Sand. |
Mirror Case by Eva Rosenstand ... I decided to stitch this handbag mirror for a small present. |
Snowberries by Haandarbejdets Fremme ... This is an Assisi style design with the background stitched and the leaves and berries unstitched.
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Review of Koi Carp by Needleart World ... These kits are from the Grafitec company who produce traditional screen printed needlepoint canvases.
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Review of Grafitec Needlepoint Canvas ... Grafitec canvases are screen printed in full colour. |
Swedish Weaving ... Swedish weaving is also known as huck embroidery or huck weaving and became popular in the US during the 1930s and 40s. |
Outline stitches in Blackwork ... Until recently I used backstitch to outline areas in blackwork. |
Golden Crown Mark 2 ... Having learned from my first attempt at making a dressing-up crown, I decided to make a smaller lighter version.
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DMC Coloris ... We thought we'd try a design in the exciting new Coloris by DMC.
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A Golden Crown ... Our three year old granddaughter said ' Gran, I need a crown' . |
Uses & Care for Kreinik Metallic Ribbons ... Applications: crazy quilting (hand and machine), crewel, cross stitch/counted thread, doll making (hand and machine), fly fishing, kids' crafts, machine embroidery/bobbin work, machine embroidery/couching, needlepoint/canvas work, plastic canvas, ribbon embroidery, stumpwork, weaving.
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Uses & Care for Kreinik Braids ... Applications depend on the thickness of the braid but include: appliqué (hand and machine), blackwork, costumes, crazy quilting (hand and machine), crewel, crochet, cross stitch/counted thread, doll making (hand and machine), fly fishing, hardanger, kids crafts, knitting (by hand), lace making, machine embroidery/bobbin work, machine embroidery/couching, machine embroidery/in the needle, min |
Kreinik Cable ... Applications: |
Blending Filament ... Applications :
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Transferring designs to fabric for surface embroidery ... We were recently asked how to transfer your own design onto fabric to embroider.
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Seasonal Blooms by Brittercup Designs ... I've liked these designs ever since I first saw them so took this opportunity to try Winter.
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Witching Hour Ornament by the Prairie Schooler ... This cute design took only a couple of evening to stitch. |
Milkweed Butterfly and Flower ... I have stitched some Thea Gouverneur designs before from her two lovely books |
Embroidered Table Covers ... Hand stitched printed table covers always look lovely on your dining table.
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Rico Design Hooded Baby Towels ... These baby towels make lovely gifts and can be used from birth and for many years. |
Easter Rabbit by Eva Rosenstand ... Eva Rosenstand kits are now produced by Permin of Copenhagen and the key and instructions are in the same format as their designs. |
Iphone 5 Phone Covers by Anchor. ... This is a quick and easy project worked completely in whole cross stitch on silicone covers. |
Flexihoops ... I decided to use one of these frames to mount the reversible Little Owl from the Classic Embroidery pattern.
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Review of Little Owl, blackwork kit by Classic Embroidery ... This pretty little design is sold as a 'weekender' and certainly can be completed in a weekend or a few evenings.
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Review of Believe by Designs Works ... A pretty little design of the word with fairies and beads.
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Review of Woodland Winter by Rose Swalwell ... A pretty little design from a seasonal set. |
Review of Gardener Chick by Heritage Crafts ... Heritage Crafts have lots of birds and flower kits converted from the artwork of Valerie Pfeiffer which are very pretty and timeless.
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Review of Cow - Sheep- Pig - Bull ... We decided that it would be a good idea to stitch a few different suppliers' kits to review them for our customers.
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Quaker Style ... Crewel work was very popular in Europe during the sixteenth and seventeenth century. |
An Introduction to Bargello ... There are lots of names for this style of canvas work including |
Half Cross Stitch ... Some cross stitch designs have areas of |
Band Samplers ... Band Samplers are a very old form of embroidery dating back to the Late Middle Ages. |
Swedish Weaving ... This traditional craft had a revival in the 1930s and 40s and is becoming increasingly popular today.
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Something a little bit different ...
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Ribbon Embroidery ...
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Counted Beadwork ... Beadwork was very popular in Victorian times when it was used to decorate evening dresses and bags and in furnishings such as cushions and footstools.
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Assisi Embroidery ... Assisi embroidery comes from the Italian town of that name and was once used to decorate ecclesiastical linens. |
Blackwork Easter Egg - a simple example. ... There's nothing very complicated about blackwork. |
Would you like to try hardanger ? ... Some of you have recently expressed interest in hardanger, so we decided to research the subject a little and look for a few products.
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New Baby? ... News of an expected new baby is always very exciting, and not just to the parents-to-be! |
Miss Potter - Renaissance Woman ... Hollywood has seen a ready market for adaptations of British childrens' classics - Alice in Wonderland, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, and so on, but now director Chris Noonan has made a new movie based on the life of the storyteller rather than the stories. |
Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat ... ... Or perhaps, «gravitationally challenged», but it just doesn't scan.
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Searching for Golden Threads ... I had a long search to find the |
Mounting Your Embroidery On Card ... This is a short piece with advice on mounting your embroidery on card for framing - what type of thread to use and how to do it.
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What Colour Is Blackwork? ... Blackwork is over four hundred years old |
Not Another Embroidery! ... There are many, many cross stitch and embroidery designs and kits out there. |
Goldwork ... Goldwork embroidery |
Stitching Techniques And Tips ... An introduction to working cross stitch, blackwork and needlepoint designs with some useful tips and advice for beginners.
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