Needlepoint Stitches on Linen

I might have mentioned before that McCall (of McCall Miller Designs) and I have been using 18 count linen for some projects.....using it just like 18 count canvas.  We fold under about a 1/2 inch and then tack it to stretcher bars just like we would canvas.  There is definitely more "spring" to the linen than the canvas, but still is taut enough for stitching.  McCall just finished a set of four small squares, each 3-1/2 to 4 inches square.  She framed two, purchased frames, no custom framing, and popped two into those small acrylic coasters.  These are her own designs and she is thinking about making them available as sets.  They are stitched with one Watercolour and three perles.  We would be happy for any feedback about them. 

Using needlepoint stitches on linen opens up all kind of possibilities as to uses.  I stitched three of our squares together on one piece of linen, and then finished it into a tea cozy combined with quilt fabrics and top stitching using the Watercolours. Then I used the same three squares stitched together and finished it into an unstructured purse with a bamboo handle.  You just can't do those things very well with canvas. 

If anyone is interested I will be happy to post photos of the purse and the tea cozy.  They are also in two entirely different color ways, which is always fun.  I'll be here....preparing kits for seminar......so we'll be glad to hear any comments.  Have a great week!

THE FLOWER DIAMONDS NECKROLL PILLOW

Unbelievable!  I received a call last Friday my project was ready for pick up at Marlene's.  I had to wait all weekend....but I knew they would do a great job....just anxious to see it! The pillow could have been finished with an almost infinite number of color combinations but I think this combination is very nice.  I had initially thought of tassels but this end treatment seems more appropriate.  There are 5 shades of silk and the custom cording with only 3 really visible in this shot.  The flower button is 2 colors.    Of course, the design wraps completely around and the horizontal bands match up along the seam.  That was the plan, but one is never sure if things will work exactly as planned. 

I can't write much now as I am actually getting ready to take a class for the next two days....from Joyce Lukomski.  The class is Fabulous Fillings and I'm really looking forward to it. 

Over the summer I will be posting followup photos of "squares and diamonds" (no final title yet), a dinosaur painted canvas my son-in-law just delivered to me this evening, and a three dimensional pear design.  I last posted a photo of the "squares and diamonds" initial palette on April 29th so it's about time I get back to it. Both the pear and squares will be new class proposals.

Also, my daughter is going to design some beaded scissors fobs and needle threaders specifically for my website.  Hopefully she will have the first prototypes ready to show in a week or two.  She already has some threaders and knitting/crochet stitch holders on Etsy, but these will be different. 

Hope everyone has a good week and weekend.  First day of summer on Saturday!!!

FLOWER DIAMONDS COMPLETED

As promised Marlene (the pillow finisher), called yesterday for me to go back to her shop to sign off on the the fabrics she had selected for to complete Flower Diamonds.  She has chosen five silk fabrics to use for the sides and I can't wait to see it finished.  Maybe just a few more weeks before it is done! 

I also know that next April's pilot group is probably anxious to see what the project finally looks like.....so here it is!  As you can see, there are lots of options and lots of thread, bead and ribbon choices. 

On another note I have been enjoying the new online group for stitchers:  Stitchin Fingers. The site was started by Sharon Boggins and it has grown to over 500 members in just a few weeks.  There are lots of things I like about the site but most particularly are several groups which are interested in specific things....such as Blogs, Designing, and Hand Embroidery.  Also, there are members from all over the world, which is great!  The link is near the bottom of my navigation, if you are interested in visiting. 

Have a great week.....I probably won't be writing again until next week because there is Father's Day and DH's birthday is the next day! 

Hope everyone is enjoying nice weather.....it's actually warm here in San Francisco!