UTS Plant Life

The Under The Sea block continues. I wanted to add some more plant-life, and a woven detached plant will be first.The little round plant is a Pandora large hole bead that I'm wrapping in green Perle cotton. The woven tall plants are easy to create, but a little tedious.

Here is how the tall plants were made: To help keep the plant the same width from top to almost bottom, I put two pins in the background fabric horizontally; and to set the height I put one pin in vertically. The base threads will be woven around these pins.

First, needle up at the base of the plant. Bring the thread under the heads of the pins (right side), around the head of the vertical pin (top) and under the points of the pins (left side). Needle down back near the start point, but not in the same hole. Needle up close to the start point, wrap thread behind the vertical pin.

 Next, change to a blunt tip tapestry needle (or use the eye of the needle you already have, as I have) and weave the end of the thread over the middle thread and under the right thread. This begins the weaving process. Go from side to side weaving the thread over and under as you would in making a basic weave. (If you go over a thread in row 3, then go under that thread in row 4, etc) Keep moving from left to right...then from right to left...weaving. Keep the thread loose. Slide the needle up toward the top to "srunch" the threads up tight.

The plant shape will begin to form as you weave back and forth. Keep the horizontal pens in until your weaving gets close then remove one at a time as the weave builds.

Continue in this manner until you reach the bottom of the plant. Take a few tacking stitches to anchor the bottom securely and keep the weaves from shifting.

Remove the vertical pin and you can see that the plant is detached and free standing except at the base. If you did not want the plant detached...a small stitch could have been taken at the top when you began the weaving process to anchor it. 

 

It is also possible to stitch the detached plant without the horizontal pins in place as guides...but the stitches have to be kept loose so as not to pull the threads to tightly and distort the shape of the plant.

And, here is the last vertical plant...the last step was stitching down the Pandora bead.
 Hope you enjoyed this little tutorial...and will try this stumpwork technique on a project too.

English Garden...template seams

I've gotten a couple of seams completed on the current English Garden round robin block. Both are using the templates. The first is a zigzag seam of French Knot flowers...Stitch #12 in the book.

Here is the seam, all done!

Just perfect for an English Garden block I think. Now on to the next seam...and if you are still dragging your feet on using templates...let me show you how easy they are. This next seam is butterflies...and is also included in the book's templates patterns. A reminder that first we print the templates, cut them apart, and punch out little holes...then, lay the chosen template where you want your stitches to be and mark a tiny pencil dot in each template hole. (It took me just about 2 hours to do cut and punch ALL of the templates, and you can see that I have them on a little "ring"...and I use them constantly...well worth the 2 hours it took to prepare them!).

Then, when you move the template...your little dots can be used to guide your stitches.

And lastly, stitch. These butterflies are done in 3mm silk ribbon with black embroidery done in size 8 perle cotton...straight stitches.

I have also added some French knots to the little silkie...it is so small, that much stitching would really overpower it...but, it needed some more texture...so this is it.

 I still want to add to the border...but my muse has not decided what that addition will be yet!

English Garden...more

The English Garden round robin continues...and I have a new block to stitch on. This round robin is a little unusual because everyone is not stitching on the same block. Instead, the creator pieced several small blocks...and each person in the rotation will complete one entire block instead of sharing a larger one.

I didn't think to take a photograph of this block before I began stitching. But I have not gotten very far, so we are at the very beginning. The silkie image is not pieced as part of the block...it was created separately and then stitched to the block. So, my first ideas was to put lace around the image...but everything I tried did not work. It was all too clunky...even my finest tatting trims. And the image was not flat, it is actually a little raised from the surface. My first step was to applique the edge of the image to the block with thin beading thread. Then, I decided to try and embroidery the "frame" around the picture...and I'll add a little more dimension later on as well...this is the first layer...

So, stay tuned...

UTS Block Started

It seems that my present stitch life is just packed full of Round Robins these days...and it's great to get to stitch so many different styles of projects. If you stitch and have not tried round robins...I really highly recommend you consider finding a group that fits you and...stitch more! Here is the beginning of the Under The Sea crazy quilt round robin.

Feather stitches...layered on top of each other...five different colors. These are a must (IMHO) for an under the sea block. And since this is round one...the very beginning, I just HAVE to add them.

Perhaps it would be good to let you know that I just received this block from it's creator...and I'm the first of several ladies to get to stitch on it. Being first is a big deal...as your stitching can set the tone for the entire block. It is a little scary...and also really exciting. I think this is especially true for seascape type blocks...because they lend themselves to realistic stitching...and it is not necessary to do the traditional stitching sequence. You know, stitch the seams...do some motifs...add some lace...Voila, you have a block. (of course that order changes with each stitcher...and with each project) With seascapes you can ignore the seams all together if you like...don't do any seams at all if you wish. You can use stitching to actually create an under water world...and never do a seam! The colors in this specific block really are suited to this style...browns for the sand and blues/aquas for the water.

So, traditional is out the window on this one!! And, I've added some rocks...and sea plants. Let's see what we do next! Come on muse...talk to me!!

Taking Pre-Orders for Autographed Books!!

My first book is about to come off the presses! We just spend 3 days in re-write and revision. The books should reach me in just a few days...and I'll autograph on a first come basis. So, if you want a great book for your library...jump on over to my Studio and check it out!

 Here's the new cover front...I like the blue much better than that wine color. The book includes charts for all of the TDiTM stitches and more...150 in total. They are also shown in 3 different scales. Four pages of templates are included...plus...104 monograms! ...plus...over 60 embroidery motifs. Want to see some sample pages? Thought so...I can only do screen print images...so they aren't the best...but here goes....
Here are how the stitch charts will be...

And...monograms. There are four completely different alphabets...

And embroidery motifs!

I have enjoyed working on this book...and it has taken months to get to this stage. My head is full of more ideas...a shadow applique book, a quilt pattern book, and more crazy quilt motifs of course!

But first...back to get some stitching done!

Melissa's Block is Ready to Go Home!

The beads have been added to Melissa's block. I still have to do the last tiny things...you know my own personal rule "When you are done...add three more things!" So, I will review all the work and place a tiny charm or bead here and there to finish it up. Then, it's into the mail to Melissa in California! Here is the final photo of the whole block! Beads do make a huge statement don't they!

And here are the closeup photos. First, the bottom left corner. I went back and added ribbon leaves to the little spiderweb roses in the top seam. Next, some Fimo clay roses were added and seed beads. I usually get questions about my rose beads...and I get them on Ebay whenever I see them. I wish I had a permanent supplier...with reasonable prices...I just love them! I also have a whole tub of modeling clay...unopened...and want to try making my own...but NO TIME for that yet! Someday...someday...! The snail trail seam through the monogram "M" has been adorned with some sequin flowers topped with bead flowers. The little butterfly sequin was sent to me from my friend Marina in Russia, I would love to find more of these! They are so pretty!

Next, the upper left corner. Some trios of Swarvoski pearls and more rose beads finish off the double herringbone seam. The wrapped cretin stitch seam has little flower beads dancing along it. And I completed the tiny chevron seam with French knots.

And, the upper right corner. The crochet flowers now have pearl centers and I've added a couple of green acrylic leaves. Between these, large rose beads have been stitched...with white pearl leaves.

 Finally, the lower right corner. You'll see I decided to finish the embroidery motif design by Mary Corbet of Needlenthread...with beads. And I just love how it turned out! The little acrylic "bell style" beads have a 3mm pearl above them...then inside are two seed bead size pearls and a 4mm pink pearl ends the string. These are stitched all as one unit...multiple times...then the thread is couched down between the top and bottom beads. Remember the beading rule...they have to be secure! The little "stars" on the seam line have French knots added to the spokes and a floral bead added to the center. The blanket stitch seam has 2mm pearls added to it. And a little lime green butterfly was put into the littlest patch.

I hope seeing the progress of Melissa's block in detail will inspire your own stitching. And if you are on the fence about crazy quilting...jump off! It's loads of fun!

Melissa's Lace and Fibers...

The time has come to add some more dimension and textures to the block...here's how it looks with the lace, ribbon and more fibers added. They make a big difference don't they! Let's look at closeups...

Here is the bottom left corner. The spiderweb roses are stitched in 6-strand pink rayon thread instead of silk ribbon. I didn't want them to compete with the silk ribbon roses I added to the center. They are not stitched, but are ready made and stitched down on top of a lace motif. Two little heart lace motifs are also stitched down next to the center one, this extends it out to fill in the center a little more...and in keeping with the theme of the project "Hearts and Flowers". A couple of butterflies found in the scrapbooking section of the hobby store add more dimension, and some little crafty hearts fill in some space in the littlest patch.

Now, the top left corner. A lace dragonfly and an embroidery patch butterfly have been added; along with a single little package rose. I've tucked two tiny velvet leaves under the rosebud.

And, the top right corner. Here is a good photo of two of the three crocheted flowers on the snail trail seam. I've had these for a little while...saving them...there are five in total, and Melissa's getting three of these little treasures.

Finally, the bottom right corner. No real change here yet...

The block is progressing nicely, everything is being worked in green, pink, and yellow to coordinate with the fabrics that Melissa used in her block. Next, the real fun begins! The beads go down! That is when the magic happens! IMHO! You know I love my beads! So more photos tomorrow perhaps!

Melissa's Stitches

The progress on Melissa's block continues...the motifs are decided on and the embroidery ones are stitched. So, it's on to the seams. Today, I'll show you the basic seams...before beads and such are added. Here is the block stitched...then I'll show you closeups.

Here is the lower left corner. The curves are simple wrapped back stitch and I traced objects (spool of beading thread, etc.) to help me make the curves. The others are straight stitched bases of herringbone and half circles...using the templates. The combination part is simple lazydaisy and straight stitches. You might note the little "stars" at the top of the one seam closest to the floral print...these are the 5-spoke stitches that will hold Spider-web roses.

 Next, here's the upper left corner. You can see the herringbone again, and the chevron and cretan base stitches...also from the templates come into view. The cretan is wrapped and the others have straight stitches and lazydaisy (detached chain) stitches added. Nothing hard...anyone can do this!

And, the upper right corner. You've already seen the heart motif...so the only addition is the chain stitch snail's trail...again, I used the half circle template to mark the line.

Lastly, the lower right corner. I've added a couple of little zig-zag bases in the smallest patches...and filled in around the motif with straight stitch "stars" and some blanket stitches. One of the little zigzag bases has a stem and little straight stitch leaves...these will be some sort of flower. Nope, I don't know what kind yet...but I'll decide that later on.

I'll start adding fibers and laces next...anything except beads. And, I'll be back with more photos then!

To Inspire, Comfort, and just Simply Enjoy...

I love roses. I can't grow them...unless they are really hardy!! LOL! But, I love them.

When I'm having a hard day and feeling down and sluggish...they cheer me up.

When I need a little inspiration, they become my muse.

I roam the web searching for roses of all kinds...and a lot of florist sites have photos that I download just so I can go back to my "rose folder" and enjoy them over and over again.

Hopefully, your day was brightened a little...just by viewing such beauty!

More Beading...

I have not been able to put this down! So, I'm still beading...

I added four Paua shell cabochons. The eyes are two little shank crystal beads, and to make them stand up and not fall to the side, I surrounded them with pearls for a base. The head is a jewelry crystal element that had to be couched down. I love the bling factor in this dragonfly!

Here's where I am now...and I have to stop for a while. I have to get back to some other stitch projects. The upper wings are being filled in with crystal seed beads and some bugles...and I'm thinking that the bottom ones will be a mix of different blues. I'm not at all sure yet about the tail...so we shall see how that goes.
For now...it's back to working on Melissa's block!

BJP 2011 Beading Started...

Wow, I am in love with this project! It is letting me use some beads that I have been "saving" for something special...and that feels great! I started with two Swarvoski teardrop beads...and used a surface peyote stitch to surround them.

Here is the side angle, the peyote make a little wall around and over the stone. If you want to get some really good instruction on this go to Beads East. They have great tutorials on various surface beading techniques.

Then, I added two round Swarvoski rivolis. These were a challenge because they were not beads (no hole)...and they were not flat on the back. Instead, the back came to a point! Yikes. I had to really hold them still while surrounding them with beads...yeah, more peyote stitch!

 I'm having such fun, I almost forgot to stop and take photos!

Woot! Woot! I'm so Excited...

My very first book is in the proof stage! Here is the image of the back/front cover!!

 

Actually it's the second book I've written...but the first one is still in production...and this one just flew right through that phase...and jumped in front of the other one! How great!

All of the TDiTM stitch charts...and more will be in this...in three different scales! And four complete sets of monograms...104 total! And more than 50 embroidery motifs (I'm getting really good with Illustrator!!)

I'm so excited...the book proof is supposed to be in my hands next week. I have to make sure all the content is correct...and the print quality is good...and a hundred little details. Then, it goes to full production!! I hope to have it for retail by the end of February or March!! Yeah!!!

So celebrate with me!! Woot! Woot!

No School Today!

In the south, if it snows this much...nothing moves!

That's the view from my kitchen window this morning. Here's the one from my front porch.

If you note the mailbox...you can see that the street is completely covered in snow. And, there's a thin sheet of ice below the snow. All you folks that routinely get snow...will think "so what". But, here in the south...we don't have snow plows because we don't get this much snow but every 5 years or so. Everything is quiet...still...and no vehicles on the road. That will change later today...but for now everyone is safely tucked inside.
Here is a view of my steps...as this is a garage apartment.

See how nice and clean they are! I just swept off the snow. My daughter laughed at me last night, when she saw I had gone to the grocery store...not for milk or bread...but for rock salt! Before the storm hit I covered my porch and steps with it! Made cleanup so easy!
Here's a view of how close I am to my Mom's house...which is why I'm in this little apartment in the first place. It's great to have her (and my brother and SIL) right next door!

And lastly, all these little foot prints...are actually paw prints. And Buddy loves the snow, here he sits...after I have called him upstairs twice. He wants to stay and chase the blackbirds in the snow! Perhaps later today...

Melissa's Heart and Bow

I'm still working on Melissa's block (see posts for 1/7 and 1/9). I finished the embroidery motif of the little bow with hearts. Here's a reminder of the design traced on to the tissue paper and basted to the block.

The design is a little hard to make out in the picture....but here is the finished (without the beads) embroidery.

It turned out to be really sweet. I'll still add some little pearl beads to the tiny flowers. But, that will be later on when I start beading on the block...so I don't snag my embroidery thread on those beads! I added a little butterfly done in 4mm ribbon. This little fellow is included in my templates files on the Yahoo site. So, if you have not yet signed up to get those files downloaded...just go to Yahoo Groups...and join the ShawklBlogFiles group. I'll be uploading all the stitch charts and stitch photos for TDiTM in the next few weeks too...and have other tutorials there as well. It's not an active "group" with lot's of messages and such (well at least not yet I suppose...depends on how "wordy" y'all get!) But, is just a quick stop place for me to upload the files I would like to share with you.
Okay, back to stitching!