Friday, May 17, 2013
Friday Flowers: Roses
Ahhhhh, the month of May and all my roses have already had their first "flush" of flowers and are getting ready for a great bloomin' summer. I've chosen a few of these beauties to share with you this morning.......
HAPPY FRIDAY!
Monday, May 13, 2013
A New Spring Bouquet
Last week I gave you a peek at something I was working on that had a bit of blackwork in it. Remember this picture?:
Well, here's the finished design, and it's called SPRING BOUQUET SAMPLER:
It's a light and airy mixture of "composite" stitch patterns and blackwork patterns. When I was designing this piece, I was curious to see what it would look like to mix in some blackwork areas with the slightly darker composite stitch areas. And I really like how it looks like a small patchwork quilt, or even part of a crazy quilt. I like to pretend it's a collage of sprigged cottons sewn from scraps left over from old-timey dresses....
I stitched the 9.25" x 9.25" model on 24 ct. Congress Cloth, so it has a much more delicate look than my usual 18 ct. creations, but it can also be worked on 18 ct. canvas by increasing the plies of silk used (and then on 18 ct. canvas the size of the piece would be 12.25" x 12.25").
And speaking of the threads, this is the soft pastel palette I selected:
Because I was in a springy mood, I wanted to use one of my very favorite variegated threads - Waterlilies 110, "Hyacinth". This particularly yummy colorway of periwinkle blues, orchids and soft greens is not available in the thicker #5 Watercolours, so I had to adapt the piece so it could be done in stranded silk instead of pearl cotton.
While I stitched the rest of the piece, I left the center block empty. Originally I was going to fill it with a tent-stitched image of a basket of spring flowers. But as I got ready to stitch the center area, I had a flash of inspiration and decided to do something a bit more unexpected, and try a rather freeform bouquet of flowers.
Here's a close-up of the central area:
It's not really difficult, and to get you started I've included a graph of just the center box, that indicates where to stitch the stem lines, which gives you something to work off of as you create your own bouquet of french knots and lazy daisy stitches. I really like the lightness and delicacy of this simple bouquet, and find it compliments the airy stitch patterns that surround it. [And psssst: you know what?...if you'd rather fill the space with another type of image, try looking through that pile of cross stitch patterns I know you have, and I bet you can find just the right image of flowers or birds or bunnies to tent stitch in your center box...hey, it's just another idea to consider...]
So, if you happen to be in a springy stitchy mood like I am, please visit my website, Laura J. Perin Designs and you'll find more information for ordering this fresh new SPRING BOUQUET SAMPLER.
Well, here's the finished design, and it's called SPRING BOUQUET SAMPLER:
I stitched the 9.25" x 9.25" model on 24 ct. Congress Cloth, so it has a much more delicate look than my usual 18 ct. creations, but it can also be worked on 18 ct. canvas by increasing the plies of silk used (and then on 18 ct. canvas the size of the piece would be 12.25" x 12.25").
And speaking of the threads, this is the soft pastel palette I selected:
Because I was in a springy mood, I wanted to use one of my very favorite variegated threads - Waterlilies 110, "Hyacinth". This particularly yummy colorway of periwinkle blues, orchids and soft greens is not available in the thicker #5 Watercolours, so I had to adapt the piece so it could be done in stranded silk instead of pearl cotton.
While I stitched the rest of the piece, I left the center block empty. Originally I was going to fill it with a tent-stitched image of a basket of spring flowers. But as I got ready to stitch the center area, I had a flash of inspiration and decided to do something a bit more unexpected, and try a rather freeform bouquet of flowers.
Here's a close-up of the central area:
It's not really difficult, and to get you started I've included a graph of just the center box, that indicates where to stitch the stem lines, which gives you something to work off of as you create your own bouquet of french knots and lazy daisy stitches. I really like the lightness and delicacy of this simple bouquet, and find it compliments the airy stitch patterns that surround it. [And psssst: you know what?...if you'd rather fill the space with another type of image, try looking through that pile of cross stitch patterns I know you have, and I bet you can find just the right image of flowers or birds or bunnies to tent stitch in your center box...hey, it's just another idea to consider...]
So, if you happen to be in a springy stitchy mood like I am, please visit my website, Laura J. Perin Designs and you'll find more information for ordering this fresh new SPRING BOUQUET SAMPLER.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Mini Mystery Monday, April 2013, pt. 4
There's just a bit more to stitch on this small springtime mystery piece. Here's the graph to follow this week:
And all that needs to be done is: stitch the center circle with your metallic thread, along with the four diagonal stitches in an accent color. Lastly, add your beads (or french knots), as I've suggested in the above graph.
But WAIT! We can play a little bit more with this design, if you want to......
As I was working out this design and got a bit of my model stitched, I realized I could make it a little bit larger by adding one more scalloped border on the outside, which creates an extra curvy look to it.
Check out this quarter graph to help you add one more border row around your outer edge:
Isn't that fun? It's a very easy addition that extends the size of this ornament, and adds a bit more color to the piece.
I also wanted to share with you the different ways this design can be stitched. Originally, I grabbed a Watercolours thread and a handful of #5 pearl cottons to work my model... But then I thought you might find it interesting to see how this design looks like on a small count canvas using finer threads. Here's a picture of the original #5 pearl cotton version with another one I've partially stitched on 22 ct. Hardanger fabric, using #8 pearl cottons and a bit of Caron Wildflowers:
It's apprx. 3" x 3" on the finer fabric, and quite a bit more delicate looking. You can also work this design on a fine Aida fabric (say 16 or 18 ct.)..... or even your favorite evenweave fabric (I like 24 ct. Lugana). As you work on finer fabrics/canvases, you need to use finer threads. Try 1-2 ply of DMC floss or stranded silks, if you want a really fine, delicate look to your piece.
I hope you've enjoyed stitching this slightly different design. I'm going to go back to work on a much larger project on 24 ct. Congress Cloth that actually incorporates some of these same blackwork flower motifs. It's not quite ready yet, but should be finished in the next week or so. Here's a peek:
And pssssst, if you're curious about that fun needle minder I have on the right, let me direct you to Etsy, where I stumbled on a whole bunch of wonderful "bottle cap" magnets for sale! I found this one in an Etsy store called "Little EMbellishments", and the owner/crafter is Emillie Dellalucia. She was selling packs of 4 magnets with the KEEP CALM image in different colors. Anyway, I asked if she could sell me additional magnets so I could use them on my canvases, and she happily agreed. LOVE 'EM!!
So......... Go. Shop. Stitch. And of course, Have Fun!
And all that needs to be done is: stitch the center circle with your metallic thread, along with the four diagonal stitches in an accent color. Lastly, add your beads (or french knots), as I've suggested in the above graph.
But WAIT! We can play a little bit more with this design, if you want to......
As I was working out this design and got a bit of my model stitched, I realized I could make it a little bit larger by adding one more scalloped border on the outside, which creates an extra curvy look to it.
Check out this quarter graph to help you add one more border row around your outer edge:
Isn't that fun? It's a very easy addition that extends the size of this ornament, and adds a bit more color to the piece.
I also wanted to share with you the different ways this design can be stitched. Originally, I grabbed a Watercolours thread and a handful of #5 pearl cottons to work my model... But then I thought you might find it interesting to see how this design looks like on a small count canvas using finer threads. Here's a picture of the original #5 pearl cotton version with another one I've partially stitched on 22 ct. Hardanger fabric, using #8 pearl cottons and a bit of Caron Wildflowers:
It's apprx. 3" x 3" on the finer fabric, and quite a bit more delicate looking. You can also work this design on a fine Aida fabric (say 16 or 18 ct.)..... or even your favorite evenweave fabric (I like 24 ct. Lugana). As you work on finer fabrics/canvases, you need to use finer threads. Try 1-2 ply of DMC floss or stranded silks, if you want a really fine, delicate look to your piece.
I hope you've enjoyed stitching this slightly different design. I'm going to go back to work on a much larger project on 24 ct. Congress Cloth that actually incorporates some of these same blackwork flower motifs. It's not quite ready yet, but should be finished in the next week or so. Here's a peek:
And pssssst, if you're curious about that fun needle minder I have on the right, let me direct you to Etsy, where I stumbled on a whole bunch of wonderful "bottle cap" magnets for sale! I found this one in an Etsy store called "Little EMbellishments", and the owner/crafter is Emillie Dellalucia. She was selling packs of 4 magnets with the KEEP CALM image in different colors. Anyway, I asked if she could sell me additional magnets so I could use them on my canvases, and she happily agreed. LOVE 'EM!!
So......... Go. Shop. Stitch. And of course, Have Fun!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Mini Mystery Monday, April 2013, pt. 3
Okay, have you got your scallop stitched? Pretty darn easy, huh? Scallops are easy to stitch, but they add such a different look and feel to a piece. They definitely soften the edges of any square, geometric design!
So.... this week, let's add a bit of your accent color to the piece:
Now it's REALLY starting to look like a valentine, don't you think?
Use 1 strand of your darker accent color to make the half-eyelet triangles around the outside spaces, and also for the small Rhodes Diamonds within the center area. Then add the short diagonal stitches to frame them with 1 strand of your lighter/medium color thread.
By the way, I chose those half-eyelets because now there's a place to add some beads -- always a nice touch on a small ornament!
Next week we'll finish this up, and I'll even present you with the option of adding another outer border to the piece.... just in case you'd like a slightly larger ornament. See you next Monday!
So.... this week, let's add a bit of your accent color to the piece:
Now it's REALLY starting to look like a valentine, don't you think?
Use 1 strand of your darker accent color to make the half-eyelet triangles around the outside spaces, and also for the small Rhodes Diamonds within the center area. Then add the short diagonal stitches to frame them with 1 strand of your lighter/medium color thread.
By the way, I chose those half-eyelets because now there's a place to add some beads -- always a nice touch on a small ornament!
Next week we'll finish this up, and I'll even present you with the option of adding another outer border to the piece.... just in case you'd like a slightly larger ornament. See you next Monday!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Mini Mystery Monday, April 2013, pt. 2
Did you enjoy working your blackwork flowers in a variegated thread? Looks pretty different, doesn't it?
The next step is really easy and fast.... Here's the graph to follow:
Work the scalloped edge with 1 strand of your medium solid color. (I was almost going to make it an ecru border, but I thought we'd go with some color; it's always fun to try something new and see if we like the effect.) Then add the metallic Smyrnas between the scallops. Yes, if you want, you can certainly stitch the Smyrnas first, and then the scallops -- but if you work the scallops first, when you go to stitch the Smyrnas you can push your metallic thread & needle thru your stitched scallops (on the backside) to hide your thread as you move from Smyrna to Smyrna.
Sometimes as you stitch you have to consider your stitch sequences before you dive in and start stitching. I always try to plan out my stitching so I have something to "tie in to" with my stops and starts and moving the threads around on the canvas. I use what I have stitched on the canvas to hide my new threads, weaving carefully thru existing stitches. You know how it goes, Stitchers.... ya gotta be kinda crafty when you work your needlepoint projects!
Ahem... I guess I should warn you that this little design does not have a hard, square, geometric look. Rather, it's got more of a lacy valentine look, or maybe a kind of stitched doily thing going on. Which makes a nice change from the other mystery pieces, don't you think?
Anyway, as you stitch you can see that you've already got the circular floral motifs that you stitched last week.... and now we're adding a softly undulating scalloped edge.
Stayed tuned for next week's adventure, when we add some more tidbits of color!
The next step is really easy and fast.... Here's the graph to follow:
Work the scalloped edge with 1 strand of your medium solid color. (I was almost going to make it an ecru border, but I thought we'd go with some color; it's always fun to try something new and see if we like the effect.) Then add the metallic Smyrnas between the scallops. Yes, if you want, you can certainly stitch the Smyrnas first, and then the scallops -- but if you work the scallops first, when you go to stitch the Smyrnas you can push your metallic thread & needle thru your stitched scallops (on the backside) to hide your thread as you move from Smyrna to Smyrna.
Sometimes as you stitch you have to consider your stitch sequences before you dive in and start stitching. I always try to plan out my stitching so I have something to "tie in to" with my stops and starts and moving the threads around on the canvas. I use what I have stitched on the canvas to hide my new threads, weaving carefully thru existing stitches. You know how it goes, Stitchers.... ya gotta be kinda crafty when you work your needlepoint projects!
Ahem... I guess I should warn you that this little design does not have a hard, square, geometric look. Rather, it's got more of a lacy valentine look, or maybe a kind of stitched doily thing going on. Which makes a nice change from the other mystery pieces, don't you think?
Anyway, as you stitch you can see that you've already got the circular floral motifs that you stitched last week.... and now we're adding a softly undulating scalloped edge.
Stayed tuned for next week's adventure, when we add some more tidbits of color!
Friday, April 19, 2013
Friday Flowers
Here in Northern California Spring is in full swing!
Our daffodils and tulips bloomed way back in February and March, so we're moving on to lots of other flowers now. But daffodils have always been the flower that everyone thinks of when they think of Spring.
These are the ones I had blooming in my garden this year:
One of the very first flower collages I designed was the DAFFODIL COLLAGE (you can find it in my Secret Garden Collection on my website), and it's still a fresh, bright favorite of mine:
Every time I look at this piece I'm reminded of how much I love using that pale Santa Fe Sage Green canvas. Personally, I think of this sage green as a "neutral" color, since it's slightly cool and slightly warm at the same time, and practically every other color looks good on it. And in the case of these yellow daffodils, these stitch patterns really POP against the soft and coolish green background.
So as a stitcher, I just love to stitch my flowers, no matter what the season is, or what is (or isn't) growning in my garden. It's just my way of having all my favorite flowers around me throughout the year.....
Happy Friday, everyone!
Our daffodils and tulips bloomed way back in February and March, so we're moving on to lots of other flowers now. But daffodils have always been the flower that everyone thinks of when they think of Spring.
These are the ones I had blooming in my garden this year:
One of the very first flower collages I designed was the DAFFODIL COLLAGE (you can find it in my Secret Garden Collection on my website), and it's still a fresh, bright favorite of mine:
Every time I look at this piece I'm reminded of how much I love using that pale Santa Fe Sage Green canvas. Personally, I think of this sage green as a "neutral" color, since it's slightly cool and slightly warm at the same time, and practically every other color looks good on it. And in the case of these yellow daffodils, these stitch patterns really POP against the soft and coolish green background.
So as a stitcher, I just love to stitch my flowers, no matter what the season is, or what is (or isn't) growning in my garden. It's just my way of having all my favorite flowers around me throughout the year.....
Happy Friday, everyone!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
April Trunk Show
Just wanted to mention that I've got a trunk show going the whole month of April at FIRESIDE STITCHERY in Frazer, Pennsylvania. If you're anywhere near that great shop, please stop in and visit and see the models and patterns I've sent to tempt stitchers with my latest counted canvaswork pieces.....
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