Spread’n the “ah-ha’s”

I’m having my cuppa and reading blogs this morning and have one of those “ah-ha” moments. You know this stuff in the back of head but it just doesn’t seem to surface until…

Kathryn at Threads of Desire http://threadsofdesire.blogspot.com/2009/07/why-floss-tosses-dont-always-work.html  or  (http://threadsofdesire.blogspot.com/ ) put it into words. Yes, I remember learning this in sewing class at school too, but Kathryn must be younger than I and so it is not buried as deep in her memory bank.

This is something we all need to be refreshed about; it makes a difference when stitching with different weights of threads or number of plies in the same piece.

For examples:

Using two different weights of thread to execute a stitch…

 

 

 

 

Couching a ribbon thread with 1 or 2 ply floss, especially if you want a self color couching.

 

 

 

Overstitching: layering threads over previously stitched areas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Etc…

Some of these things we just do from habit  but occasionally we will have something not look quite right and as they taught us in art school…it is probably a color value mistake.

Isn’t it amazing what surfaces when we stimulate each other through our blogs!

ttfn…sue

Canvas no longer available

I mentioned the Eagle canvas in a previous post. It is a perfect canvas to give to an Eagle Scout. I bought this one on Ebay and I keep looking for more. I have even looked for other Eagle designs I could use but so far have not found any others I like as well.

 I knew who the designer was and contacted her through her web page; it was stated that multiple canvases could be done of retired canvases. I received a brief email stating this canvas was no longer painted and that even multiple copies could not be ordered. I think this designer has even stopped painting canvases.

 I used the original canvas but I would like to do others for my other Grandsons as they reach the rank of Eagle Scout; I have possibly 5 more Eagle Scouts and maybe more (yes, I am going to be a Grandmother again.) And this is my quandary…if the canvas is not being reproduced,  am I going to be in copyright infringement if I adapt this canvas for my own use and never sell them?

 As I said I am still looking for these Canvases on eBay but have never seen another one in two years.

 What do you all think?

Ttfn…sue

Random Pictures

    Easter time has lots of Random Stitched pieces. Bunny in yellow sweater was not meant to be a realistic interpretation of a bunny, but I stitched his fur like I thought a real bunny would look. On the face you can see all the stitches radiate from his nose. The ears are separated by a row of tent and are stitched to the contour of the shape. His paws were stitched in separate areas; each paw looked like I was three separate sections. 

 

Another whimsy bunny is the bunny in a carrot. His ears were Random Stitches and the thread, Peluche helped accent this stitch. In fact really long stitches could be used here since the thread had such great texture.

 

And my favorite bunny is Peter. Peter was a kit from Creative Needle (I think)… sometimes you still see him on Ebay. When I first went to work at a local shop, every Grandmother in our area stitched this bunny for her grandchildren…every grandmother but me. I just did not care for kits nor did I like the threads in this kit. Our store model sat right above our Epic threads and people would ask me how I liked Epic. I’d never tried it so all I could tell them was others who had stitched  with it seemed to like it. One day Peter and Epic threads came together in my head and so this Grandmother bought Peter and stitched him. The only threads from the original kit were the threads used in his eye, nose and mouth. His fur is 5 Epic threads, blended together. He is my favorite stitched bunny and probably one of the best Random Stitches I have stitched so far. 

    

 

 

 

 

 

The Tailor of Glostershire on my stitching bags is also Random Stitch. Again I probably used 6-8 different Epic threads.

 

 

 

 

 

The Eagle I did for my Grandson he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. The original canvas I bought on Ebay; I contacted the designer and was told the canvas was no longer painted and would not paint the multiples I requested! I wish I had kept the original canvas, but that’s another blog too.  Anyway, I used Caron Impressions for the white feathers on the eagle. I love the way he looks and if you notice where the white feathers meet the black body and wing…I stitched the white up to about an inch from the bottom, then I stitched the black areas, and then went back and stitched the rest of the white feathers.

   

 

 

 

 

 

And really the hair on the back of this angel from ABS Designs (http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/ or http://www.absdesignsonline.com/ )is Random Stitch too…Random Bullion Knots. You can see hoe the stitch overlaps here; it does not split the threads but it is the same technique, Sure glad this was a small area.

 

  

And here is Lucy…finally stitched. Lucy has 8 or 9 Epic threads for her fur. I like this Lucy but she is nowhere as cute as the real Lucy! My family thinks the needlepoint is wonderful, but then they like most things I stitch. I am showing you the back side too…I know this is not something we do very often but I want you to see that I am not methodical about where the Random Stitches are placed.

 

 

 

 

But the very best piece of Random Stitch I have ever done is Leopold (Leo just would not do) the Lion.

  He lives in New York with my friend Linda H. She gave him his own chair in a special place in her home. Leopold took almost a year to complete and he had at minimum 15 different Epic threads in his mane…a couple of these threads were just dye lot changes. Dyelot changes happen with space dyed and overdyed threads. Leopold could almost walk off the canvas, he is beautiful! I loved him even before he was finishhed into a big pillow and got his own chair!

 

 

 

 

 

And this is the Long & Short of Random Stitching!  ttfn…sue

 P.S. May not be back for a couple days, I have two student handbooks to update.

How I Random Stitch

Before I ever stitch, I Goggle pictures of animals if I am not familiar with the animal to see how nature makes this animal’s fur/feathers grow (I did this for the eagle, Leopold, (more about these later) and I had the original picture I used to have Lucy painted). I look at the canvas and get an idea of how I want the fur to I look and visualize the stitched piece.  I visualize how I think the areas move or change and I begin to divide the areas into sections. You could make a copy of the canvas and draw lines on the copy to help if you are not a visual person. I look for starting points in the pictures; ( See the top drawing at left: everything somwhat radiates from the red dot but the red T are some of the parts in the fur…just like the parts in our hair.) Then find the best starting point on my canvas. Sometimes there is more than one starting point and sometimes it is not a point but a line or area. There is no one correct way…ever had a bad hair day?! (second drawing are suggsted stitching lines )  Then Unlike the diagram I am showing, I work in small sections. I will randomly pick an area and stitch the first line of fur (for our discussion the purple stitches shown on the diagram) then I will stitch the blue stitches. I fill in this area or sometimes will do several of these divisions (see Lucy picture yesterday); then I fill in these areas. I save the single overstitches until large areas are completed; then you can see the areas that need a different color or need to be lighter / darker.I try to make all the stitches work as I am stitching but I have done my fair share “Frog Stitching.”  I have even taken complete areas out, but like any technique, the more you use it the better you get. But the beauty of Random Stitching is that if you have the general direction of the fur correct, you can add subsequent layers of additional color to help make the fur realistic.

 

I do Random Stitching a bit different, but does that surprise anyone who knows me.

 #1: I use a Chenille needle (I use a Chenille needle for much of my stitching, but this is another day’s blog). Chenille needles are sharp and will pierce not only the threads but the canvas as well.  #2: And I stitch from the lower to the upper (clean hole to filled area.) I do this so I can change the direction of the line and still connect to previous stitches. Notice I did not say filled hole, you may not be using a filled hole…I have even been known to pierce the canvas threads if need be. I usually use a minimum of two strands/plies of thread when I am stitching the base layer and I try to split these strands/ plies as I stitch. The base of my Random Stitching is done the way diagramed but then the stitches on top are randomly stitched and can come up anywhere and go down anywhere.

 Another secret is the thread. I use mostly Epic yarns for my fur (http://www.epicyarn.com/index.html ). I have also used Felicity’s Garden and Newport Harbor threads from Rosebud Designs (http://www.rosebud-studio.com/yarn-menu.htm). All these threads have dyelot changes but when you are doing Random Stitch this doesn’t matter as it would if you were stitching a background with this thread, you want the subtle changes of color for fur.

 This is a brief general method of how I stitch Random Stitching. My best advice, jump in and try it, practice, practice, practice. Next blog I’ll show you some of the feathers and furs I have stitched.

ttfn…sue

Week-end Stitching

Friday I was looking for something in my den and found “Lucy.” I had not forgotten about her…hard to do since she is at my feet all the time…but her needlepoint had just gotten put aside …out of site out of mind. All that was left to stitch was Lucy’s fur…so this weekend I stitched lots of Lucy.

 I am one of those people who like to do “Long & Short” stitch. Some stitchers are put-off by the term “Long and Short” Stitch, others go into stitching shock at the mere mention of this stitch…the only thing worse would be to tell these stitchers to use Marlitt. I learned very quickly to avoid the L&S words whenever possible, instead I prefer “Random Stitching or Directional Stitching.” These terms do not seem to strike terror in the eyes of stitchers; their eyes do not glaze over and sometimes you can even get them to try the stitch before they realize that this might be the dreaded L&S.

I also think that Random Stitching is one of those stitches you have to be in the mood to stitch. If you are up tight (been there) or tired (been there too), you may not be open to the creative free spirit needed to stitch Random Stitch freely.

One of the best books in my library about creative free stitching  is Robert Cates’ book: Creative Needlepoint.  I bought this book many years ago at an ANG Bookstore but I have seen it on Amazon at different times.  I loved the way he stitched his designs freely and experimented with threads, textures and stitches. He bent the rules and colored outside the lines!

So this week I am going to blog about Random Stitching. I’ll show you my method of stitching,  how I decide where to begin and  I’ll also show you some of the different pieces I have stitched.

ttfn…sue

More on my Pulled Thread study…suggestions wanted

  

Earlier this week, I blogged about my Pulled Thread Study and I have been thinking on how to complete this project.  I’m leaning toward making a book to hold the postcards.  I would put buttonhole eyelets on each of the postcards and ATCs. The cover would be made wide enough to hold all the postcards and ATCs, and these postcards would be held in the book with ribbons threaded through the buttonhole eyelets and tied through the eyelets on the cover. I also think there will have to be fasteners on the three open sides to help keep the pages together. At first I thought the cover should be hard but now I am leaning toward a less ridged cover. I can use several layers of craft interfacing that will give substance but still be flexible.  

 The other idea is a box and it would not even have to be stitched; although I think a stitched lid would be good.  I guess I have not given this one as much thought as the book, but then a box doesn’t need much thought. I would purchase a box that would fit the postcards and then just add the stitching.

 And as far as the design, I have not given that a thought.

 I also kept notes and diagrams for all my stitch samples and will put these in the computer as a reference.  I have thought about doing one of two things with these notes: (1) Making a booklet to go with the postcard book or (2) making the notes the size of the post cards and adding them to the postcard book or box.

 I have two ideas but nothing is set in concrete and I am open to any and all suggestions. I’m still incubating.

ttfn…sue

We interrupt this blog…

for a return from my finisher…

My finisher called me yesterday and said Thomas Jefferson was finished, so I did not write my blog but went to pick him up. TJ looks so good and I may have to order another from Anne at ABS Designs (http://www.absdesignsonline.com/) or her blog The Cape Stitcher (http://thecapestitcher.blogspot.com/) to stitch and keep for myself. But since I have my red white & blue patriotic stuff out until Sept I know the recipient (my Granddaughter) will not mind if I store TJ with my other patriotic things until then. She is going to receive him as a birthday gift in December and he is probably safer out with the other things than put away somewhere I could forget him.

 Isn’t he cute?! Thank you Anne for painting my favorite President.

Tomorrow I will post more on the Pulled Thread Postcards.

ttfn…sue

My Pulled Thread Study

 

 

This spring I decided to teach myself a new technique or at least one I only had a passing knowledge about, Pulled Thread. Armed with about a dozen books I started my quest. I read all the books and soon realized I was going to have to stitch some of the samples. What started out as a study of a new technique soon turned into a project of its own with its own loosely planned planning process. I must admit there was not a lot of thought process in this planning stage; I knew I did not want a “trophy project” but I didn’t want just a “doodle cloth” either.

 

 SideBar into thought process of Project: Last year I also became aware of ATC (Artist Trading Cards) and “Inchies”. All of these are big in other fiber and applied art form communities. I made an ATC (http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2008/05/13/adaptation/) from a design from Grace at Baryard Chatter (http://barnyardchatter.wordpress.com/ ). The two main rules for ATCs is they are should be 2 ½ inches by 3 inches in size and MUST be traded or given away not sold. I also did several “Inchies”, one inch of stitching. Again the requirements were simple one inch of stitching…not an easy task even on Congress cloth. Inchies were fun and great for the TV watching, but I did not know what I was going to do with them once they were completed. One “inchie” project I turned into an ATC and I framed it… I use part of it as my header for this blog (http://sudukc.wordpress.com/2008/07/16/inchies-turned-atc/ ). I since have incubated the “Inchie” idea and have come up with a few ideas I’ll share as they materialize.

 I had also become aware of stitched postcards about this time also. Some The Liberty Memorial in Kansas City (http://www.theworldwar.org/s/110/index.aspx) has a lovely collection of these postcards. They are refered to as WWI Silks; they are beautiful and someday I hope to own one. Here are some reference sites if you wish to explore further:

Gabrina Postcards: http://www.gabrian.co.uk/

NeeldlePrint Blog: http://needleprint.blogspot.com/2009/05/embroidered-silk-postcards-from-world.html

Silk Postcards: http://www.ww1-propaganda-cards.com/silks.html

Better Homes and Gardens had a blog on how to:

http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/b/better-homes-gardens/11906/better-blogs-making-a-silk-postcard/

 

At first I thought I would do each stitch sample on a soft ground as well as needlepoint canvas and I would make ATC size. That idea was soon dismissed as unpractical and would take longer than I intended. I decided a postcard sized format stitched on 18 count canvas was the most practical method for my purposes and it would still be manageable as “Take-a-long” project.

And so I started with Satin Stitches and progress through Cross Stitches, Faggot Stitches, Four-sided Stitches, Double Back Stitch, Wave Stitches, Eyelets, Buttonhole and misc stitches. I soon realized that Pulled thread is a technique that takes patience and planning. There are stand alone projects for those who enjoy this technique and well done work is very lacy and beautiful. Those who love doing it spend a lifetime perfecting their art.  But I will probably not do more than incorporate some of the stitches into my needlepoint occasionally.

 But my pulled thread study now has a life of its own, 11 postcards and 2 ATCs; and I have decided it deserves to be joined together in some fashion. Sounds like a great winter project. Later this week I’ll share my ideas for putting the postcards together.

 If you want to read more about Pulled Thread, start with these blogs:

Stitching Fingers: http://stitchinfingers.ning.com/  that has a Pulled and Drawn thread group

Needlework Tips and techniques http://www.needlework-tips-and-techniques.com/needlework-blog.html

Bug

This is the only kind of bug I want to see for a long time, especially on my computer! This was one of the carry around pieces I did recently. It is a Lee canvas…I am so sorry to hear that Lee is going to be closing. I really wish someone would purchase all her designs and continue to paint them. Her designs are classics and will be a real loss to our community.  I wish I had purchased more bugs, they are fun to stitch and quick too.

 This bug is stitched with Kreinik #12 Braid 202HL to outline the pink areas. The pink areas were stitched in a Diagonal Mosaic using #5 Perle Cotton with the 600 pinks and an unmarked overdyed pearl from my stash. The center heart was overstitched with a Rhodes heart using Kreinik #4 Braid Aztec Gold #202HL.

 The head was stitched in either Basketweave or Continental using DMC #5 Perle cotton: Green (500), Blue (826), White (blanc). I did not stitch the eyelashes but instead applied false eyelashes cut to fit.

 I even finished this one myself…in times of stress I do strange things.

 ttfn…sue

Sh-h-h, I am back

Sh-h-h-h, I am trying to stage a blog come back. You know what I learned about complaining…it can get worse. I thought May was the pits but June was no bed of roses either and now July started off with a bang.

Remember our house guests? My second son, Hugh and his wife Anne, who were living with us, were preparing to move into their new home June 1^st. On May 31 about 1:00 AM, I heard them leave the house and figured they were going to their new house to look around. I went to sleep. Next morning, I heard someone come in the front door and Anne told me they had been at the hospital all night. They had been on there way to bed when he complained that he felt like he could not get his breath, his arms felt heavy and he was light headed, but no sharp pains. Anne decided to go have it checked out at the emergency room and Hugh did not argue. They did an EKG and no heart damage or heart attack showed up but since they were already at the hospital the doctor decided to keep him and run a stress test in the morning. To make a long story short, he flunked the stress test (lasted 1 minute 45 seconds), could not have do balloon angioplasty or use a stint because of the location of the blockages and so on June 2 he had triple bypass heart surgery. Then he could not get his oxygen levels back to normal, so he was in the hospital 2 weeks.

But Hugh and Anne have good friends and family and they helped them move into their house while Hugh was in the hospital. The mother in me wanted him to come home so I could hover but since he is 39 yrs old I knew he would be happier in his own space and his house was all on one level and better for him. He is doing well now and has no restrictions but still needs to progress slowly. And now a few words from my soap box…

SOAP BOX: If YOU SMOKE, PLEASE STOP!

His doctors told him this was all a result of his smoking. He did not have heart disease or high cholesterol…it is all because he smoked. He has been a textbook case from beginning to end and that he is recovering at a great rate. He has no diet restrictions, is not doing a typical heart rehab, and has stopped smoking.

I really feel so blessed that he had moved back to his hometown and was here when this happened. Here he had friends and family to support him and Anne. If he had still been in Louisiana or had ignored the symptoms, this could be a very different post.

And this was just the first two weeks of June…

There were three teachers biting their finger nails hoping I had not forgotten their instructions needed to be completed for pilot classes. So three sets of instructions later I thought June was looking better, but the month wasn’t over yet… 

Phone call from western Kansas from youngest son, Edward. He and his family are moving back home immediately and can he stay at our house for a week starting July 5th. He is starting a new job and his family is going to pack up the house and they will move this week-end. Luckily, their house never sold and they will have a roof over their heads. Even if they wan to move they have a place to rest their heads until they find a new adobe.

Okay, come on home. The sheets are clean and the guest room dusted. So Edward has been with us this week, I hardly knew he was here and today he is going back to western Kansas to pack up and move back home.

So even though it has been less than a perfect month, there is good news…This mother has all her chicks (3 sons, their wives and children) all here in their and our hometown. How fortunate can I be…how often in this day and age do you get lucky enough to have all your family close to you?  I am so blessed!

Oh yes, I did stitch during this time. This was my sanity keeper otherwise I would have been in the psyche ward…I’ll post a few as time permits.

Thanks for continuing to check in on me and I am sorry for the absence but there are only so many hours in a day and I do like to sleep occasionally. Thank you to all of you who blog regularly… I kept up with all of you through your blogs and read them regularly. They made me feel connected. Thank you.

ttfn…sue