contemporary whitework sampler with Tracy A Franklin

My latest workshop with Tracy - enjoying playing with creating texture using traditional and not so traditional threads and stitches.

Finished piece - worked area 15 x 12 cm

Evenweave fabric with a backing of cotton organdie.  Threads in shades of white, cream and ecru include: cotton string, one ply wool, tapisserie wool,  cotton pearle, cotton a broder, crochet thread, DMC rayon.

overlaid string, French knots, eyelets, fringed ends, interlaced border

Using a variety a different weight threads, the string was couched to the fabric with a simple overlay stitch.
Drawn thread work - threads withdrawn to expose the organdie, edges hemmed, with an interlaced border.

interlaced border, cable stitch, bullion knots

Pulled thread work - two rows of cable stitch (chained border stitch) with masses of bullion knots (one of my very favourite stitches).  Bullion knots were worked in different weights and texture of threads to create interest.
Four rows of darning (offset to create a pattern) - I'm not so keen on this section or the stem stitch at the edges of the piece.  Compared to the rest of the sampler they lack oomph - I might pull these out and add something else...

detail - interlaced border, cable stitch, bullion knots stem stitch, eyelets

Rows of eyelets, masses of French knots, and pulled fringed ends.  Among the fringed ends are two sections of Turkey rug stitch.  I like the eyelets.  I worked several large eyelets using the cutaway method first, then filled the spaces in between with tiny eyelets.

detail of fringed ends, eyelets, ...

detail of stem stitch, four sided stitch (pulled thread work)

I really enjoyed working on this sample, I am familiar with all the stitches, but especially lovely to bring them together in this contemporary textured sampler.  Next piece I think with involve more work with the organdie to create shadow work.

Crewel 2 complete (and a bit of gardening domesticity)

Spent the last few days stitching the second of Tracy's designs (from her workshop).  I was thinking it looked OK, but then I took the close up photo and there was a glaring blunder... I'm going to have to add some more stitches to hide it.  Must be more careful with my French Knots - they are not very consistent in size!

The weather is glorious at the moment, so I am in heaven.  I can sit in my lovely garden enjoy the scents of the borders and pots, AND hand stitching.  

All my hard work gardening, keeping the weeds under control and my flowers trimmed and deadheaded where needed has paid off.  Fruit is bountiful - I made blackcurrant jam last week and rhubarb and ginger jam this week.  The pantry is filling up with preserves - scones, cheese straws and quiches don't last so long though.   This is what I imagined the perfect retirement would be.  

Anyway, back to the embroidery - I'm not sure which of the two designs I prefer, both have their good points.  Here are both side by side, then the second design below with a detail (showing my blunder) below that.

Off to another of Tracy's workshops tomorrow, another favourite of mine - white work.  Goody, goody.

Sari ribbon notebook cover

A while ago I attended a Durham City Embroiderers' Guild workshop "Sari Ribbon Three Ways" by Christine Marshall.  The options were a clutch bag or a book cover ( I don't remember if there was a third option...).  I chose the book cover as I thought this would be more versatile, and I would be able to use up many of the scraps of stuff in my work basket.

Notebook cover

The materials were very simple:  strips of sari ribbon (ironed in advance), odd bits of ribbon and lace, a polyester cord and matching threads.  The inside of the book cover comprised a piece of pelmet vilene, and two pieces of (ordinary) fabric cut to size.  The pelmet vilene was cut to the exact size of the book cover (wrap this around the book to ensure there is sufficient overlap for tucking the book into the flaps).  The two pieces of fabric were cut 2cm bigger all round to ensure that decorative stitching and ribbons would go beyond finished size.

The (ordinary) fabric should be of a similar colour to the sari ribbon so that if gaps do appear these won't be so obvious on a different coloured background.  This fabric won't been seen when the book is in place, so expensive or highly decorative fabric does not need to be used.

The strips of ribbon was sewn to one piece of fabric using the decorative stitches on my sewing machine.  I used a machine embroidery thread on the top, and ordinary thread on the lower bobbin.  The fun begins when patterns and embellishments can be added to personalise the cover. I wanted to get as much done on the day, so did not use and hand stitching or add beads, sequins etc.  

Lace, ruffles and cord added to cover

Decorative machine stitches

Once the stitching is completed the book cover can be layered up, trimmed, edging attached, and flaps sewn.  I've deliberately left out the detail of this, so that people attending a workshop will pay attention to what Christine says about completing the project. 

Inside of my cover

This was a very quick project and simple to make - once the basics are known, there is much more that can be added to personalise the covers - ideal for pressies to friends and family.

Phew!  I can now tick this project off my list of things to complete.

Crewel Embroidery workshop with Tracy A Franklin

Having a break from sketchbooks to catch up with and have a fix of hand sewing.  Spent two days last week at a workshop run by Tracy (Fowler's Yard in Durham) on a crewel work design.

The finished piece measures approximately 17 x 15 cm.  I'm quite pleased with the piece, but can see many errors (despite some reverse stitching!!).  I have a second design to complete from Tracy so will endeavour to be more careful on the second sample.