tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76933963958446689652024-02-07T14:33:51.829-08:00The Floss BoxEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09438321728979560204noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-4729141948196964552018-11-23T05:15:00.001-08:002018-11-23T05:15:39.383-08:00Small Bees Embroidery TutorialI love to make bees! They are easy and fun, and I add them to many of my projects. There are really only a few steps so this tutorial is simple and straightforward.<br />
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First step is the body. I make two straight stitches in the same place. I use 3 strands of 310. It's hard to tell the size in the picture, but the stitch is only about a quarter inch long.<br />
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Next is to make two segments of yellow by making satin stitches over the straight stitch. Each segment has two stitches. I use two strands of a yellow thread. Sometimes I make a couple stitches over the body with black thread, but it's fine not to also.<br />
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Finally make a couple detached chain stitches as wings. I often use either white or gold metallic thread.<br />
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And that's it!<br />
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The project these belong to is another version that I just made of Let Your Heart Sing. I love this little bird!<br />
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<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-86257917348710407702018-09-27T01:07:00.001-07:002018-09-27T01:07:47.085-07:00Catching up I'm back from my summer away and getting back in the rhythm and catching up with everything. I spent several weeks in beautiful Utah taking in the mountain scenery. So inspiring!<br />
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Some exciting news too! I have a deal to write an embroidery book!! But -- it will be in French!! I cannot read a word of French myself!!! However, the contract allows me to sell the designs on my own in English, so they will be packaged in the new ebook I have in the works. My own book will focus on creativity and embroidery with designs and ideas in connection with various themes. I look forward to finishing it!<br />
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I'm putting all my stitching energy into these book projects, so I have fallen off with my monthly projects. The last I completed was my May project, Dance of the Butterfly<br />
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So many beautiful butterflies this year, they loved the super sunny weather. I'll be returning to this idea down the line into a full design of some sort. I'm sending this out as a free design to my newsletter subscribers. Be sure to sign up for this and other freebies in the future!<br />
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I'm working on some new ideas too beyond just patterns. Over the years I have dived deep into the whole idea of creativity as self-expression. It's become a major passion to me. I'll be talking about such themes here and in my new project that I will mention later. I'll be writing here more often I hope(!), and my posts are sent out to my newsletter subscriberss, so be sure to sign up and get updates right to your mailbox!<br />
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<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-43837724433110745092018-07-03T09:21:00.000-07:002018-07-03T09:21:01.482-07:00How to make an embroidery nest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These little nests are so fun and easy to make, and I got a few questions about them, so I thought I would make a little how-to explaining how I do them.<br />
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The eggs are made with polymer clay, in this case, I use Fimo. I roll up a bunch at once, often of different sizes so I hopefully have enough of a similar size for the project.<br />
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Then I place the selected eggs on the fabric and measure about how big the inner circle of the nest should be to fit the eggs. I use a circle stencil to draw the circle on the fabric.<br />
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Then I gather up some long embroidery floss. For this example I used the colors 642, 840, 3781, 3782, 611, two strands of each together on the needle. (Use a big needle!) Then I begin couching down the threads around the circle.<br />
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I continue on around, overlapping the couch stitches with the previous round.<br />
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After I have the width I like, I pile on more layers of couching over the ones I just did. I don't have any set number, it all depends on how big you want your nest to be.<br />
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When I am satisfied, I used one of the browns to fill in the bottom of the nest with satin stitch. I usually pick a medium brown shade for the job.<br />
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Then I make little branches sticking out around the nest. They are randomish, but I usually make them pointed all in the same direction. Some have an extra little branch or two on them and some don't. I use one of the medium browns for this.<br />
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Then I add some lazy daisies around on the little branches with a nice shade of green for leaves.<br />
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Now the nest is done, I glue down the eggs, using a clear drying craft glue such as Ailene's. It works real well for this.<br />
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And that's it!<br />
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I hope you will give it a try!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-73461052354596960242018-06-19T10:43:00.000-07:002018-06-19T11:14:07.896-07:00Lessons from a doodle cloth embroideryI think the last time I did one of
these way back in 2009, and I didn't complete it. And that's a real shame,
because after making this new one, I realize how much I love doing
this sort of stitching.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The great thing about this type of
embroidery is what you can learn along the way! I made a little list
of things I have learned this time.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1. It's the perfect opportunity to test
how various stitches look on fabric and next to each other. This is
actually hard to know before you see them, and the more times you
make the stitches together, the better you learn them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyh5UzHvw9LrLtI-jSZ-3O-0bJeneF2DWljvbYrLD4svxVribAmFQJJuH4qiVX1EINlm8MD0hdBXMiDrsDWBmlKNXzl10jf0YgxcGCGhklzVikw9vsQl106nYhmPNkXfdb5qgyook6jkM/s1600/doodlesm-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="800" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyh5UzHvw9LrLtI-jSZ-3O-0bJeneF2DWljvbYrLD4svxVribAmFQJJuH4qiVX1EINlm8MD0hdBXMiDrsDWBmlKNXzl10jf0YgxcGCGhklzVikw9vsQl106nYhmPNkXfdb5qgyook6jkM/s400/doodlesm-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
2. Playing with shapes, this is one of the
best parts. The playing around. I make a nest, then I just try some
flowers around it for fun.. then more and suddenly I have a little
field of flowers in three colors and they look kinda cool.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwc1hPbYvVl0ts71q5-DvZlXOuQDP5bxoshIGsBZooNR8JD2ueO9MH8HncXiQMs4adkUd_6Lw9mj5d8I8XkxNQSiwUKufYU9ZjKn6m2_eh1qKJyY0SdXRrv3ZM15Z7WCaHpUkdsIQgdf8/s1600/doodlesm-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwc1hPbYvVl0ts71q5-DvZlXOuQDP5bxoshIGsBZooNR8JD2ueO9MH8HncXiQMs4adkUd_6Lw9mj5d8I8XkxNQSiwUKufYU9ZjKn6m2_eh1qKJyY0SdXRrv3ZM15Z7WCaHpUkdsIQgdf8/s400/doodlesm-2.JPG" width="398" /></a></div>
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3. Trying out different textures, a great
thing about embroidery compared to other media is the texture. It is
wonderful to have the chance to try out some different types of textures without
knowing ahead how they will turn out or the worry that it could be "wrong" because there is no wrong!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyIfnFq1qjrV9UFZNYhsKunErmAhyphenhyphen1YaDwAcNE5ruR1aZROna7OiASWvNpiMz709r8_ASM0SLoPvl6e553SJmF10EuC0zlttDUPtH4GAuaU_4Geo7rPGVKqNJm6LDhUTr76iYXVW3k_8/s1600/doodlesm-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="800" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyIfnFq1qjrV9UFZNYhsKunErmAhyphenhyphen1YaDwAcNE5ruR1aZROna7OiASWvNpiMz709r8_ASM0SLoPvl6e553SJmF10EuC0zlttDUPtH4GAuaU_4Geo7rPGVKqNJm6LDhUTr76iYXVW3k_8/s400/doodlesm-3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
4. Creatively filling the spaces. I never
know exactly how I will fill the space, and there is a lot of it to
fill! I take it one area at a time and focus on that. You can really
surprise yourself when you let go!</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
5. Getting to know color. This kind of
playful cloth is the perfect opportunity to practice color.
combinations. I have a tendency to learn toward certain shades, so
here I can play without any worry how it might affect the rest of the project.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZ3LWsgVKtsyZuKerDZE5BtsHl2kM8iUqltnS58V-T-gXr3C58_Hjc0aQRTunn2b_840atTWfxYql4mJInIfjrwWyaTKI4N4XFqQKmwfxd9jV_4kRuBWSyuXf4a7pKnReWXo4Cxv3F3I/s1600/doodlesm-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="800" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZ3LWsgVKtsyZuKerDZE5BtsHl2kM8iUqltnS58V-T-gXr3C58_Hjc0aQRTunn2b_840atTWfxYql4mJInIfjrwWyaTKI4N4XFqQKmwfxd9jV_4kRuBWSyuXf4a7pKnReWXo4Cxv3F3I/s400/doodlesm-6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
6. Watching a project like this develop is
extremely satisfying. Yes, it is! Day by day it grows and becomes
something interesting, made of different moods and thoughts all
blended together into one. It adds feeling and contrast.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCJ1OGc094I-nazNvxJvboC1GAf83xWnckzpf_mX7_URhsHBznJVd-Bddl6nLpSph2N8EQihByq4-49WsRDEpIfq9x41VeR_rhSvKL_drA1yCLgZ9JzuvUtdrNw4hjE2YOLgNcXNLbTc/s1600/doodlesm-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCJ1OGc094I-nazNvxJvboC1GAf83xWnckzpf_mX7_URhsHBznJVd-Bddl6nLpSph2N8EQihByq4-49WsRDEpIfq9x41VeR_rhSvKL_drA1yCLgZ9JzuvUtdrNw4hjE2YOLgNcXNLbTc/s400/doodlesm-7.JPG" width="387" /></a></div>
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7. And the best part, for me, watching a project like this develop is extremely satisfying and rewarding. I love the different parts and the open freedom to express myself.<br />
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There are more of these in my future!<br />
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<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-890270120091272032018-05-24T05:57:00.000-07:002018-05-24T05:57:05.240-07:00April Embroidery Journal project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQeXDliOsAOYlI_YafWf5C0h3Z5ZgSTsYuD19j1DtPSjl5slADLoofAphLINixaQGrPm_CHknzDwNhdPaazaJZwcYjvM2SJq2DYuzxPKClmWt-z8XZUsHGtmTX4N0WWNuCbcmwwTe-XQ/s1600/april2018sm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="800" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQeXDliOsAOYlI_YafWf5C0h3Z5ZgSTsYuD19j1DtPSjl5slADLoofAphLINixaQGrPm_CHknzDwNhdPaazaJZwcYjvM2SJq2DYuzxPKClmWt-z8XZUsHGtmTX4N0WWNuCbcmwwTe-XQ/s400/april2018sm.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Love! One of my favorite themes I thought it was perfect for the beginning of spring, and for a little April project.<br />
<br />
I kept a simple and uncluttered design for this in order to keep attention on the sentiment. I love these soft colors, and it suited the them so nicely.<br />
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I'll be sending this design out with instructions in my next newsletter, which will be sent out very soon. So be sure to sign up now!<br />
<br />
I am enjoying doing these little monthly projects after a break of several years. These are my chance to play around without a lot of pressure or great plan. I will offer all the designs to my newsletter readers, but they won't be available for free for long, so don't wait! At the end of the year, I will package them all up into a little book.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-69884054051382107212018-03-12T03:44:00.002-07:002018-03-12T03:44:25.604-07:00Project for February 2018I've been continuing my embroidery journal projects. I was a little slow getting going with February, in fact it was almost over!<br />
<br />
But I'm glad I made an effort and got it done. Doing these is a good habit for me. I get to play around with different ideas inspired by what's happening around me. It gets me out of my bubble at least a little.<br />
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The arctic turned warm, and so we got the cold and snow and then more snow. It's still cold!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhbpFiwXuKSB9H6CQoiuHuPPg27COiVar_JXvrPFe9gJITkpj-B1n-GDeDMCmKPwCTcBr3AxuAxteUPgVJVb93k3RC1wsRwOWB474TiIDogI79htgk3deKCIw2UP3eZVUeWhecbpGlww/s1600/feb2018-close.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="924" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhbpFiwXuKSB9H6CQoiuHuPPg27COiVar_JXvrPFe9gJITkpj-B1n-GDeDMCmKPwCTcBr3AxuAxteUPgVJVb93k3RC1wsRwOWB474TiIDogI79htgk3deKCIw2UP3eZVUeWhecbpGlww/s400/feb2018-close.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
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The snowman is very happy to live a little longer! But I'm wondering still, where is spring?Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-62192993811610292322018-02-21T07:27:00.001-08:002018-02-21T07:27:41.404-08:00Long and Short Stitch Demystified Part 1<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Long and short stitch.</div>
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This stitch I avoided for quite awhile
when I was learning to embroider. I thought it was too slow and
didn't understand how to handle it so it looked reasonable.</div>
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There was a period I didn't even like how it looked. </div>
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I just didn't want to do it.</div>
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But somewhere my attitude change, I was suddenly interested in thread painting, which
uses long and short stitch extensively.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHar6NpB94u4EFfaQcXWm3fP4sro3YeCWKfeLrSdtGb73AcdfyZ7299aGfLdJbqAN0i9yNV5TQa1fDOfgxwsKD8eoxrmtv2Csmu7gVYS24qfxW78KXO8BtBy-OWX40ZRlb8S2OFXf65Gk/s1600/longandshorta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHar6NpB94u4EFfaQcXWm3fP4sro3YeCWKfeLrSdtGb73AcdfyZ7299aGfLdJbqAN0i9yNV5TQa1fDOfgxwsKD8eoxrmtv2Csmu7gVYS24qfxW78KXO8BtBy-OWX40ZRlb8S2OFXf65Gk/s1600/longandshorta.jpg" /></a></div>
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I got a couple books about thread
painting and gave it a try. The shading is subtle and felt overwhelming, but I got the hang of
the stitch and how to handle the threads, and I enjoyed the projects I made.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZUFtcA61m2VipT3ARbolmKRgbJfarDLZp72W_UHOAfcyp5PWBQp9n30bzdeI3Z12cHWr9Xobui8bvqbQAHULYlm4ZDMBNNdEeCk2g1E3OC-qsZDUp6SuLycglQpk25F1V1e8Xra6C2E/s1600/longandshortb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="500" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZUFtcA61m2VipT3ARbolmKRgbJfarDLZp72W_UHOAfcyp5PWBQp9n30bzdeI3Z12cHWr9Xobui8bvqbQAHULYlm4ZDMBNNdEeCk2g1E3OC-qsZDUp6SuLycglQpk25F1V1e8Xra6C2E/s400/longandshortb.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Design by Trish Burr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The mechanics I learned from the
thread painting, and the stitch found it's way into some projects but
I never felt especially comfortable or good at it.</div>
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Today, I am starting again to seek out
projects that use it in order to step outside my comfort zone and
hopefully improve.
</div>
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So what's the best way to approach this
stitch?</div>
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</div>
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There are two key things to keep in
mind. First, it's just a series of straight stitches that need to
be lined up in a varied manner, and second, the stitches are easiest to handle when worked in rows over the area to be filled.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Many crewel and thread painting
instructions first say to outline the stitched area with split
stitch. This is a good habit as a gives a nice edge to the work, but
it's not absolutely required, and there may be places where you
prefer that it isn't there.</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Next start with the first row.
Remember to vary the end points of the stitch. The stitches are very
regular and as uniform as I could manage.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RF1WzjmsyCHBCSC45SxkUUT4etu4705Uf_P9LIWN_5smQLY-NzfC3-8Ze8XoevJYMSnY53Y5R9kuImGP8zolf8QqKSdr_V7IF6DvdGUbIMh6G6vCcbwDiwM6i00B-CLGNLgxc6XAMfE/s1600/longandshort2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="400" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RF1WzjmsyCHBCSC45SxkUUT4etu4705Uf_P9LIWN_5smQLY-NzfC3-8Ze8XoevJYMSnY53Y5R9kuImGP8zolf8QqKSdr_V7IF6DvdGUbIMh6G6vCcbwDiwM6i00B-CLGNLgxc6XAMfE/s320/longandshort2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then begin the second row. For this
you will start your stitch somewhere in stitches of the row below.
Remember to vary the starting point as you work across the row, and
as above, be sure to vary the end points of each stitch</div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Make another row the same way, and so
on until the area is stitched.</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A couple of final notes, this sample is
done with one strand of embroidery floss like many thread painting
projects, but you can use as many as you like. It will change the
look, but more on this later in the series.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is only a sample, my stitches in
my projects are never so nicely arranged as this, ao this later as well.</div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-16735877868803785762018-01-23T03:06:00.001-08:002018-01-23T03:08:52.779-08:00A word for the year<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Hello!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Welcome again to 2018. I'm saying it
again because I've spent the last 3 weeks recovering from the wicked
flu that's going around, and I am still not quite at 100. I'm getting
there. It feels like the year is just now getting started for real.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwuZ3qcrI7WTvISfPzjEM4Y8kkOQPJg7zcXEo4CTl8WjyQ84YrouSECc5b6D51yaXuc3qPO2B3pXgSojk9oUKKc-A4qtJ_qxmBY_CmrN8najAkqNeHb2Fk5o4gzHPbfOsB7tIwr5A5jc/s1600/elephants.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="700" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwuZ3qcrI7WTvISfPzjEM4Y8kkOQPJg7zcXEo4CTl8WjyQ84YrouSECc5b6D51yaXuc3qPO2B3pXgSojk9oUKKc-A4qtJ_qxmBY_CmrN8najAkqNeHb2Fk5o4gzHPbfOsB7tIwr5A5jc/s400/elephants.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I liked my elephants so well I made a
painted version. I'm sure this won't be their last appearance.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm sure you've heard about about
having a word of the year or maybe even chosen some yourself over the
years.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I usually forget mine after a month or
two. I don't even think I had one last year. A couple years ago I
chose 'adventure'. I am not certain I had many that year, maybe
because I forgot to.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But this year I have a word I can't
forget! If you haven't guessed by now it's Create.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I chose this not so much because I need
a reminder that I should be creating, this I know. But this word is
a verb, meaning action.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That's right, it's a reminder to myself
to chose action over inaction, every single day. To create
something, anything, and there are many forms our creations take
beyond the strictly artistic. Even our lives themselves we are
creating every day with our choices to act or not act. Yes, our
lives are our biggest creations, maybe worth remembering.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So this is my reminder to choose the
good actions and creations, to work towards what I really want to
have. And to choose them little by little through everyday actions.</div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-31044027155370433202018-01-11T06:58:00.001-08:002018-01-11T06:58:35.433-08:00Creating into 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFCJIVOKP1VKow-KWGhTcnR3lmTwLipRSxn1fxxQjk_QQlIXtF7HxgW2RIoTmam2zSofRXkTCIg8sM-cTQOsDeE6Ga57Re4R9VMAUlj_UFL2IMX34N0Kma3vjpMxGVEXX3MByvSXp7-s/s1600/elephant1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="700" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFCJIVOKP1VKow-KWGhTcnR3lmTwLipRSxn1fxxQjk_QQlIXtF7HxgW2RIoTmam2zSofRXkTCIg8sM-cTQOsDeE6Ga57Re4R9VMAUlj_UFL2IMX34N0Kma3vjpMxGVEXX3MByvSXp7-s/s400/elephant1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It's that time of year to think of the changes we want to make to ourselves and our lives in the new year. I'm sure you know how it goes by now. Goals, resolutions, new schedules, all this is going to help us change for the better. It's not quite enough though, it never is. There is one thing our lists often miss...<br />
<br />
The action part. Goals and dreams mean nothing without action to take us where we want to go.<br />
<br />
So this year, I'm dedicating myself not just to dreaming big, but taking steps every single day towards those dreams. I aim for at least one or two small steps daily, but I am hoping there could be many in a day.<br />
<br />
I dropped off blogging a year ago, I was bummed and felt I wasn't finding my voice. So I spent time through last year writing and writing in my scribbly notebooks, thinking and thinking what it is I want to say.<br />
<br />
I have read a lot too. Any articles I come across that I could learn from, hoping to find that hidden nugget that I missed inside myself.<br />
<br />
In the end I have realized a few important things:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>there is no substitute for doing</b>. Yep, action, the more the better. What do you miss in your life? Think of the action it will require.</li>
<br />
<li><b>think in small steps.</b> The actions don't always have to be big. Little ones matter, and they add up fast when done daily. What small steps can you start today?</li>
<br />
<li><b>create, create, create</b>! For me what I want to do is create, and that involves getting going, being uncomfortable, taking risks, not putting things off. Not always easy. What are the things that hold you back from taking a small step today?</li>
<br />
<li><b>don't give up too easy.</b> I do sometimes, I know I do. When something feels like a solid wall, I duck away. Sometimes I take long routes to try to get around the walls, but there is no way over them except to learn to climb. Do you have any walls in your life you're running around?</li>
<br />
<li><b>be positive!</b> Yes, I have been drowning myself in negativity at various points in my life. I am making good progress on not doing that anymore. Positive thinking is a better way, and it is for everyone. Do you often find yourself slipping down the rabbit hole of negative thoughts?</li>
</ul>
<br />
So now here we are in a new year that can't be wasted. Today is a great day to begin a small step forward.<br />
<br />
One little step I am taking is to return to my embroidery journal project. I had a blog for it and even a few people joining, but I am not sure I will resurrect that blog. Maybe.<br />
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<br />
<br />
I have chosen the word create - an active word. It is a reminder to create and to be creative, as often as possible, writing, drawing, painting, embroidery, and many other ways in life. Above all, I hope to remember to always be active. This is key to moving forward into new paths.<br />
<br />
Happy 2018!<br />
<br />
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-27307004750561937432016-11-04T07:42:00.000-07:002016-11-04T07:42:56.445-07:00Christmas Florals EmbroideryI'm spending the week attempting to catch up on things, but still so far behind, and getting more behind. I spent a week stitching these Christmas Floral Embroideries, which was definitely a week well spent, but I let all else slide while I did that. I am so not a multi-tasker.<br />
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I was trying to think which was my favorite. The little bird? Maybe. Definitely a cutie.<br />
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But I really like the reindeer too.<br />
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I like them all! They were each fun projects to work on and not at all difficult stitching, but even so, they were still interesting to work on!<br />
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<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-41264755287087184642016-10-18T00:29:00.002-07:002016-10-18T00:29:37.055-07:00Top Three Favorite Embroidery StitchesI really do have more than three top embroidery stitches, but this will get me started for now. More favorites are coming<br />
<br />
1. Stem stitch<br />
This is my go-to stitch for lines of all sorts - stems, rings, swirls and more. It's simple and relatively quick. I prefer it to back stitch for lines mostly because much more of the thread ends up on the top of the fabric compared to back stitch.<br />
<br />
Stem stitch makes a really nice line and can be stitched either with small, neat stitches for a perfect rope like appearance (no I'm not especially great at making even stitches!)<br />
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Or it can be made with larger, less even stitches for a line with a little more texture.<br />
<br />
And stem stitches make a great filling when made in rows. I've done this many times on many projects.<br />
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<br />
<br />
2. Satin stitch<br />
That should really be padded satin stitch because I love the extra texture a little padding adds. In any case, this is definitely my go-to stitch for fillings. I've made it with 1 strand of thread for a very fine appearance.<br />
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And I've used all six strands for a chunkier look that has great texture.<br />
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There is no one right way to do it. Always do it your way!<br />
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I've made projects that are almost exclusively satin stitch.<br />
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I just love the stitch!<br /><br />
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3. Beads<br />
An embroidery stitch you ask? Sure, it is. In my stitch samplers I've given many examples of stitches that can have a bead added for interest and sparkle, so a basic bead stitch is simply a straight stitch with a bead attached. Ok! Maybe you didn't need to be convinced, but I do love adding beads to my projects. <br />
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They are great as berries.<br />
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And they are always terrific eyes for birds and other creatures.<br />
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And I do love to add them simple as decoration and texture to my projects!<br />
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So that sums up my three favorite stitches and how I like to use them. I do have many more favorite stitches, as I said, and I'll be writing about them very soon. <br />
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For now... Happy stitching! Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-16281668694180826422016-10-09T23:06:00.001-07:002016-10-18T00:31:43.096-07:00Winter Wreath Crewel EmbroideryMy latest finish is done!<br />
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This is a crewel version of my earlier winter wreath. I made a few changes to the pattern. Switching from white to tan fabric gave me some trouble, and I can't tell you how many times I felt compelled to take out stitches and change colors. That's sometimes the way it is though.<br />
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It is a fun project though with a bit of sparkle. It's available as a pattern with full instructions or as a kit.<br />
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I'm also re-writing the instructions for the original project, or rather, making full instructions, as I am for some of the other stumpwork wreaths I have made. And there will be more!<br />
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Right now, I'm keeping busy with plans for new designs and I'm hoping to create some classes too finally of different sorts. They should be fun! I've wanted to for a long time.<br />
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I hope your day is great! :D Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-65352224590396458402016-09-28T01:48:00.001-07:002016-09-28T01:48:31.931-07:00Ten Things about Embroidery for Beginners to RememberI have a new list of things I've learned about embroidery! This list are things for beginners (and all of us too) to embroidery to consider about their new art. Remember it's not just a craft, but an artform and there is much that can be done with it. <br />
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1. Embroidery is always an adventure to be enjoyed. Slow down
as much as you can, breathe and relax. Take pleasure in the stitches
and watching the project develop.<br />
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2. No need for expensive
supplies! Compared to other mediums, embroidery doesn't require much
investment to begin - piece of fabric, some threads, a needle and
scissors, and a hoop is handy too. A pencil is sufficient for
transferring a design.<br />
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3. If your life feels out of
control, then pick up your embroidery. Your art is one thing
you have full control over. You get to decide everything about how it
turns out.<br />
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4. The great thing about embroidery is that it's so tactile. Textures you can actually feel not just see. Learn to use them to create interest in your work.<br />
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5. New friends! Look around online and maybe in your local area for others who have the same hobby or even a related one. Stitchers are super nice and extremely supportive people. Reach out whenever you can and enjoy the companionship of like-minded people.<br />
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6. So much to learn, so many styles and techniques to try. You can satisfy your thirst to learn and develop your skill and your style. It's great fun to see where this journey leads you. It may surprise you!<br />
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7. Practice makes perfect - or sort of perfect. Keep on working and trying and you will improve quickly. Perfection should never be the goal, always just do your best and remember the journey really is the important part.<br />
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8. There is no right way - any way is right. Take a chance and do a crazy and wild design that is for fun, or try something traditional and serious. Whichever you like, whichever speaks to you. The important part is to go for it.<br />
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9. And some practical advice. Where to get supplies? If you happen to live near a craft store like Michael's or Joanne's you can find many supplies there, such as hoops, needles, fabric, and floss. If you don't, then they internet has many very nice stores which will deliver all these supplies to your door. Pattern transfer is important too. The simplest way is the light box approach which is why it's my preferred method - no need for extra supplies. Just tape your pattern to glass (a window), then tape the fabric over and trace with a pencil or water soluble pen.<br />
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10. Embroidery is what you make of it. There are no rules, no musts, only what feels right to you to do. If you love to paint, it can be included in your embroidery. As can beading, sewing, knitting and even paper crafts too. Just let your imagination fly.<br />
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Be sure to check my first <a href="http://www.theflossbox.com/tutorials/book-of-embroidery-vol-1" target="_blank">Book of Embroidery</a> for lots of advice about using the stitches and embroidery in general!<br />
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<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-50602053531134374962016-09-14T14:01:00.000-07:002016-09-14T14:01:55.926-07:00Winter Wreath EmbroideryThis is one of my designs I did some years ago. I posted it this week on Instagram, and wow what a response I got. The most likes of anything I have posted so far. It's funny, but sometimes you just really cannot predict what people will react to. Projects that I think are great sometimes get no response. But I will say, it's also a matter of your audience. Somethings get lots of likes on Facebook but not elsewhere, and that sort of thing.<br />
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I have also found and try to remember this every time I make anything. The number of likes you receive is in no way related to how good or nice the project is or even how well it will sell. Some get lots of likes and no sales, others get very few likes and lots of sales.<br />
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Of course, these are only a couple metrics.<br />
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There are other things that I think are far more important! Like what you learned from the project, how you felt, and how enjoyable it was to make. I strive hard to only do projects that I really enjoy, ad that includes the pattern, the stitches and the colors.<br />
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I can definitely say, every thing I make comes from the heart, and I truly do enjoy the process of making. And I think it's so important to record this journey we call life in some form or another through writing or pictures.<br />
<br />Tell your story! Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-88539272564536775062016-09-08T23:25:00.001-07:002016-09-08T23:25:13.477-07:00Strawberry Thief Crewel EmbroideryThis is my latest finish and I'm very happy with how this out.<br />
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I really love pinks and greens on this one, they are so soft and yummy and a delight to work with.<br />
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Developing the details on this one was loads of fun. Making the strawberries with the trellis is one of my favorite ways to make them and I always like how they turn out.<br />
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On the sidebar now I have a signup for my newsletter that I am finally going to start sending. Be sure to signup for it, so you get all the updates. I'll be making special offers in there.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-18959359612624565292016-08-31T07:31:00.003-07:002016-08-31T07:37:32.524-07:0010 Reasons to do EmbroideryI thought I would have some fun today, so here is my top ten list:<br />
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1. It's relaxing! I always get energy back after working on embroidery for awhile.<br />
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2. It's meditative. The repeated movements becoming a pattern, creating a picture. It's a great way to destress and be creative.<br />
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3. Working with tactile materials. The yarns and fabrics are so delightful to touch, so many different feelings.. soft wool, cool rayons, smooth cottons. Try them all and see what they add to your work!<br />
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4. It's all about color! Reds, greens, browns, blues, variegated! So much beautiful shades to combine and play with.<br />
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5. Collecting. If you love collecting, embroidery is definitely the thing! So many types of threads to collect and enjoy.<br />
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6. It's great for decorating. Embroidered pictures, wall hangings, pillows, quilts, clothing and on. Add a personal touch to your home with your own handicraft.<br />
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7. It's an art form. Like all art forms, embroidery allows for endless possibilities for self-expression. Use it to show the world what's on your mind!<br />
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8. Connect with an ancient tradition. Embroidery has an amazing history. It was once the primary way to decorate fabric. Museums, books, and online resources are a great way to learn more.<br />
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9. Working with sparkly stuff. Yes, this is the super cool part, the beads, the metallic fibers, it's all so fun! And it can add a lot of interest to your work.<br />
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10. There is so much to learn! So many styles, so many designs and materials, so many ways to show the world your work.<br />
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Give embroidery a try if you haven't yet! I'm always willing to answer beginner questions, and inspiration is always free!<br />
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<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-92014967422936949242016-08-26T06:22:00.000-07:002016-08-26T06:22:23.873-07:00A Sheepish Halloween Crewel Embroidery<a href="http://www.theflossbox.com/store/pattern/a-sheepish-halloween-crewel-embroidery" target="_blank">A Sheepish Halloween</a> is a project I've had completed for a long time, or maybe it wasn't quite complete. I knew it was missing something, so finally I picked up my needle and added french knots to it, even a bunch of them! (Hard to go wrong with french knots, isn't it?)<br />
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The little sheep looks so huggable there next to the scary pumpkin!<br />
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I really love the warm fall colors. They are so nice to look at and work with.<br />
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I'm still working on this blog thing, there is a lot more I want to do with it, but I'm still trying to find what it is exactly that I want to say. I probably just need to sit and really think it over, but I promise it's coming. I really do want to share what I've learned about inspiration and creativity with others. Right now I feel like I have more books in me. I really enjoyed writing the first two, and I know the next one will be even better. I learn a lot myself too as I write them.<br />
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For now, I will leave you with this thought! Don't let the negative thoughts win and kill your creativity (yep, I've been there!). Push them out of your life, it's way to short to let them limit you in any way.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-41794350993884484802016-08-23T07:27:00.003-07:002016-08-23T07:27:52.054-07:00Embroidery Doodle ClothI'm still working through the pile of embroideries for posting on Instagram. It's like a little trip down memory lane looking at my projects. I think I said this before, but they always bring back memories and feelings of what I was doing or thinking when I made them. Sometimes, of course, it's things I would rather not remember, but not too often. I'm working, working on putting the past in the proper perspective. It's over and gone, the mistakes and pain can be forgiven and let go of. Easy to say, hard to do, but isn't all of life a series of baby steps?<br />
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Anyway, the embroidery!<br />
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I worked on this over several months, but I remember at some point feeling a bit rushed to finish and call it done. Sort of a shame, but it was for the sake of moving on to something new!<br />
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I haven't made another one of these since this one. I did start one, but fizzled out. I'm wondering if it's time to try something similar. Anything I do like this today would turn out very very different.<br />
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I found when working on this, it felt easier to do small projects and attach them and then do a little fill in with stitches and such, but at some point it felt like I might as well do the small projects and keep them separate, so I don't know. I'll have to think about it. I will say that right now, I'm not suffering for a lack of projects! ;)<br />
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Back sooon, working, working on improving my blogging, but it's slow progress. Until next time, keep on stitching and don't let life's struggles bring you down! :)<br />
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<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-62919060472622308062016-08-13T02:21:00.000-07:002016-08-13T02:21:31.992-07:00Summer Hare Crewel Embroidery<a href="http://www.theflossbox.com/store/pattern/the-hare-crewel-embroidery" target="_blank">The Hare Crewel Embroidery</a> has been a long favorite of mine. It was fun to design and stitch.<br />
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The motif seemed to fun not to play with some more. Way too fun! So I've made a follow up in the series, yes, it will be part of a series, yet to be created, but I have a start! The <a href="http://www.theflossbox.com/store/pattern/summer-hare-crewel-embroidery" target="_blank">Summer Hare Crewel Embroidery Pattern</a> is the first.<br />
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I love the colors in this! So warm and soft, feels just like a hare out in the meadow.<br />
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A couple closeups. I just love embroidery closeups!!<br />
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The rest in the series are yet to be created, and I am definitely looking forward to them all. So much fun playing with little animals!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-72564544954468288332016-08-01T12:02:00.001-07:002016-08-01T12:02:26.438-07:00Crewel Sampler EmbroideryThis week I've taken another look at the Crewel Sampler project I made a few years ago. This one was bigger than many of the others I have done. I do really enjoy a larger project now and then, they give me a chance to really spend more time with an embroidery and develop the idea further. <br />
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I really wanted the look of an old-time sampler but with a little more modern feel. I'm not sure I captured either so well, but I do like the elements quite well, and it was an interesting challenge to design and stitch this piece. I'm glad I created this one! <br />
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For this project, I used real linen twill, probably one of the most expensive fabrics I ever used! It was lovely to work with, perfect for a project that might is intended to be an heirloom.<br />
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Summer flying by, I hope you are enjoying it!<br />
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-42299739195064698472016-07-26T03:58:00.001-07:002016-07-26T03:58:50.951-07:00More Butterfly FloralsI've been working this week on a magazine project, so that's under wraps until the winter. But there are still plenty of florals to show. The floral projects are just fun and enjoyable stitching. I like especially that they fit so well in the hoops for easy display. I still don't have enough hoops, believe it or not, even after all these years of doing embroidery, but I would love to see them all hanging together.<br />
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These two are my favorites so far, but there will be many more in the future.<br />
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It must be the soft colors. They are just irresistible!<br />
Closeups of the butterflies:<br />
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I hope your summer sun and fun continue on!!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-74262228283792704342016-07-23T09:24:00.001-07:002016-07-23T09:27:02.647-07:00USA Map EmbroideryI hope you're all managing to keep cool! Up here in the northern latitudes, it isn't especially warm this year, but I can feel the heat in the US all the way up here.<br />
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Today I have an old favorite from a few years ago that I have re-photographed. I don't think this project was every posted on this blog, so here it is once again...<br />
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This time I've taken a couple closeups.<br />
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It took some time to outline all the states and all the small shapes, but it was definitely worth it for this project. It's just special and I'm very glad I made it. I have received questions over the years what I used to color the shapes, and the answer is crayons. Colored pencils would surely work too. I used a fairly light hand, but I think it would work to press harder for more color.<br />
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I still love this project and when the time is right I plan to stitch up the America version of this design. That one will have full instructions like all the new patterns do. The USA map pattern doesn't but most of it is stem and back stitching with a few french knots and lazy daisies where they fit.<br />
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Keep cool and enjoy the summer!!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-63779253118604697712016-07-08T09:35:00.000-07:002016-07-08T09:35:19.566-07:00Owl Mandala EmbroideryI dug up another old embroidery to photograph for my Instagram collection! This one was a fun one. I remember just having some fun with the stitches and colors I chose.<br />
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This one is from the <a href="http://www.theflossbox.com/store/pattern/mandalas-embroidery-collection-3" target="_blank">third mandala pattern collection</a>. I'm thinking this one too could be remade into a nice crewel kit too. More to work on! And I am still so wickedly far behind.<br />
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Also, I have finally joined Pinterest!! It's been a long time coming. I'm slowly putting some of my stuff on there, but I also plan to scour the web for any sort of nice embroidery or artwork too that I like to share. Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-9412503859791384772016-07-06T08:09:00.002-07:002016-07-06T08:09:22.775-07:00Butterfly Florals Embroidery Pattern CollectionStitching and stitching! I've been working hard to get the <a href="http://www.theflossbox.com/store/pattern/butterfly-florals-embroidery-pattern-collection" target="_blank">Butterfly Florals Embroidery Pattern Collection</a> finished this week. This new floral embroidery collection with 12 patterns in it with sizes from 3 inches to 6 inches. These florals continue to be a lot of fun to play with, and I have many more ideas waiting for a chance to play.<br />
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I love working with the soft colors especially lately, but I do try to stretch myself with some new combos too! <br />
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I really love the look of the chunkier stitches too on these. I often use 6 strands which adds a whole lot of interesting texture to the embroidery.<br />
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I have many more images I will be posting too as I look out for my next projects!<br />
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Happy stitching everyone!!</h4>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693396395844668965.post-80055520031386224562016-06-30T01:45:00.001-07:002016-06-30T01:45:36.209-07:00Bird MandalasI've been sorting through my embroideries lately as I dig up photos for Instagram. For me, the embroideries bring back memories of when and where I stitched them. This is one of the things I always love about handwork, especially slow handwork. Memories and associations are worked into each stitch. Most are neither happy nor sad, just reminders of where I was at different points in my life.<br />
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Here is one of my stitched memories. I remember very well this little project. I wanted to experiment with using a different color fabric than white, which I almost always prefer. The birds are fun, I may very well revisit them in a crewel project.<br />
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I'll be returning with more of embroideries., and the work on new one is continuing every day too, so more pictures very soon.<br />
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Lately, I've been seized with the explore bug, so I've been taking whatever little outings I can, even ones to those sort of little landmarks on the side of the road that you always just pass by and never take the time to stop and look. It's always, someday but not today. My latest stop though is more special. These are stone carvings from the bronze age (1000-500 BC.)<br />
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These are found in Southern Sweden, not all the far from the Baltic Sea, and as you might imagine they feature ships rather prominently. The little lines are thought to represent rowers and the larger figures might be gods.</div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07691778613660930779noreply@blogger.com0