Embroidery Sampler Book

 

Front cover of the 'Sampler Book' for the Folk Art Stitchery Club I proposed 10 years ago!

 

The inside front cover shows the title, index and date. The illustrations for the book are actual embroideries stitched on muslin and then bound together for the book.

Stitch one, loving tree, is the Running Stitch. 

 

Stitch Two, the farmer, is stem stitch and stitch three, moose, is the blanket stitch. 

 

Moonlight Birdy is the chain stitch and the Valentine tree is the wrapped chain stitch.

 

Pegasus is stitched in the feather stitch and the bending tree is crayon colored infill surrounded by the stem stitch.

 

The umbrella tree is fused applique in blanket stitch and the following page is an assortment of ways to make 'pennies'.

 

The last page shows two options for tongues for the border of a penny rug. The lower tongue is wrapped in bias cut muslin and blends into the muslin page.

A New Embroidered Jacket

 

Claire needed a new jacket. I thought you might like to see how I make them.

 

The jacket is embroidered in one piece. I chain stitch around the outside edge. Then I coat the back outside edge of the of the jacket with a diluted white glue  mixture.

 

Once the glue dries, I cut out the jacket, close to the chain stitch.

 

The edges are finished with a blanket stitch and the underarm and side seams are joined with a blanket stitch as well.

 

I added a couple extra rows of blanket stitch around the neck and topped that with some beads.

Teaching at 'Hen and Chicks Studio'

 

It is official. I'll be teaching this embroidery sampler April 14-15

at the Hen and Chicks Studio in Conrad, IA .

I can't wait to see Heidi's new store and to teach my all time favorite thing, Embroidery!

Hope you'll come join us.

Embroidery on Black Wool

 

I am still experimenting with Transfer-eze on black wool.

I pre-soaked the black fabric and didn't get much dye discharge. I thought I would be safe.

And for the most part I was.
The colors on the front of the 
embroidery came out crisp and clear. I have
learned to always
press wet/damp
embroideries face down on
a fluffy towel.
The towel protects the 3-D texture of the stitching. Being face down draws any color discharge to the back of the fabric instead of the front.
I just learned today that angels with multicolor wings are traditionally archangels. So this is an archangel watching his flock by night.

Stumpwork Embroidery Room Setting

 

Here is my newest room setting for Once and Time.

I've made several changes since I first posted the image below.  

To begin with, I changed the scale of the figures. The headless figure in the bed is much smaller than dollhouse size, 1" = 1'. 

 

That figure has been replaced with my Once doll. So......

I took the bed apart, the headboard, foot board, side rail and bedspread.

 

The headboard became the back of a chair, while the foot board became its seat. The bedspread is now just the right size to be a cozy lap robe.

 

The side rail of the bed became a wall shelf, or a place for Once and Time to share in a friendly game of dominoes.

The Assembled Cast

 

The Witch in front of her cottage.

 

Hansel and Gretel in front of their cottage.

 

The entire cast, the stage and cottages.

The Witch

 

The only thing sweet about this old lady is her Gingerbread House!

Hansel and Gretel's Father

 

Hansel and Gretel's Father.

 

Resting in the woods.

 

Together.

Gretel

 

Here is Gretel, Hansel's little sister.

 

Patched and frayed.

 

Gretel and Hansel.

Hansel (Of Hansel and Gretel Fame)

You have seen the Enchanted Forest and the Woodsman's Cottage. You have even seen the Gingerbread House. Now it is time to meet our characters. 

Here is Hansel. 

 

His clothes may be in tatters but his heart whole and sweet.

 

He is ready to do what it takes to care for himself and his little sister.

 

Tomorrow you get to meet Gretel.

A dark place in the Enchanted Forest

 

The Enchanted Forest

 

The Woodsman's Cottage in the forest.

 

The Gingerbread house in the Enchanted Forest.

The Gingerbread House

 

One of the spots to visit in the Enchanted Forest is the Gingerbread House.

 

Here is the house as I stitched step by step.

 

The chain stitch is one of my favorite stitches.

 

A thatched roof is a must.

 

And lots of Gingerbread trim.

 

Almost done.

 

Ready to be set in The Enchanted Forest. 

Check back tomorrow!

 

One place in my  'World of Possibilities' is the Enchanted Forest. 

Once and Time are enjoying breakfast in this special place.

Once Upon A Time

 

The "Once Upon A Time" Sampler is finally complete.

 

I had to give a nod to all the sampler stitchers of the past who proudly dated their samplers and themselves!

 

Creating this world in stitches is pure joy.