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Stitching & Crafting Room:  The Great Embroidery Thread (heh)  |
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HeatherAnn
True Blue Farmgirl
187 Posts
Heather
Rancho Cucamonga
CA
USA
187 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 30 2009 : 08:32:12 AM
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well, we talked about it a little bit in a topic on embroidery samplers, but we just started talking general embroidery, so we are starting this one! It isn't great yet, but lets make it great!
here we go! Lets talk about everything embroidery!
I'll start: I'm planning on making a sampler with my chapter (The Knitty Gritty Farmgirls) and I'm wondering about fabric. I want to keep it forever and ever, Linen seems a bit expensive for my budget at the moment and muslin seems to thin, any other ideas out there? I'd also like to tea dye it a little once it's done to give it that pretty aged look.
Heather Ann
Apartment Farmgirl
"You got to look at all the good on one side and all the bad on the other and say 'Well, alright then.'" - Aunt Eller, Oklahoma
www.plumblossomknits.etsy.com |
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Hosanna
True Blue Farmgirl
466 Posts
Hosanna
Alton
Virginia
466 Posts |
Posted - Dec 30 2009 : 08:58:19 AM
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I love embroidery! For me, it is worth the extra $$ to buy linen. I figure, this sampler/project/whatever is going to be around for a long time, probably an heirloom, why not use the best materials? I do try to buy it on sale when I can.
I did a bunch of antique reproduction samplers last winter and I plan on doing some more this winter. I have a book of charts I bought that look like the real old timey ones. And tea dying is the bomb. I think I dipped them all in tea to age them after I was done.
And while we're on the subject, what do you all do for framing samplers/embroidery? I took some of mine to a framer and had them professionally mounted. It cost so much to have that done, I still haven't bought frames to put them in! Do you use glass in your frames? I read somewhere that the "proper" way to display framed needlework is without glass.
www.happilyeverafterhosanna.blogspot.com
www.thewindofheaven.blogspot.com
www.CarolinaRoses.etsy.com |
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CherryPie
True Blue Farmgirl
935 Posts
Kimberly Ann
Puyallup
WA
USA
935 Posts |
Posted - Dec 30 2009 : 09:53:35 AM
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I think the issue with glass is if there is moisture trapped there or if the glass is right up against the stitches. If the frame has a spacer, to allow air flow and space, I'm guessing glass would be ok.
My embroidery project right now is embroidering all my MJ badges on a large piece of fabric that is going to be a wall quilt eventually. I made the mistake of using iron on transfer paper to get the badges onto the fabric and the results are not good. Now, once the embroidery for the badge is done, I have to figure out how to remove the remaining traces of the iron on. I read online that if I get it wet and then use a hot iron directly on it, it will cause the transfer to ball up and I can remove it. I'm going to try that today. The transfers are flaking off (didn't use them on a t-shirt so they didn't adhere well) so I'm hopeful this will work. From now on, I'm using a transfer pencil to put the design on the fabric.
Kimberly Ann
Farmgirl Sister #225
Crochet Geek, Newbie Fiddler, Would-be Farmer, Backyard Chicken Rancher, Soon to Be Podcaster
http://beesinourbonnetsintheburbs.blogspot.com/
Podcasts at http://thefannyfarm.blogspot.com/ |
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ZenGoddess
True Blue Farmgirl
613 Posts
Cindy
MO
USA
613 Posts |
Posted - Dec 30 2009 : 1:52:40 PM
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Ahh, here we are ! Thanks for making us a place Heather.
I would go for the linen maybe you can barter for it. It would be worth it in the long run. If it's a keepsake use the best possible materials to start with, you will always be happy that you did.
This is an open offer : If any other FG want to embroider and do not have materials, I have extra hoops and thread & I am willing to trade them. Just send me an e-mail!! we don't want to leave anyone out!!
Hugs,
ZenGoddess/Southernplum
My life goal is to Simply - Simplify my life.
http://herbalcottage.blogspot.com
http://herbalcottage.etsy.com |
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ZenGoddess
True Blue Farmgirl
613 Posts
Cindy
MO
USA
613 Posts |
Posted - Dec 30 2009 : 8:42:21 PM
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Doing the "sampler" will also earn you the Beginner merit badge.
"For the beginner badge you need to learn to cross stitch or embroider. Make a sampler and frame it".
Intermediate badge requires making the days of the week tea towels.
Advance requires Making the "Vitamin Ball" pattern from the mjf book.
and pillowcases.
So lets earn those badges girls !!
Hugs,
ZenGoddess/Southernplum
My life goal is to Simply - Simplify my life.
http://herbalcottage.blogspot.com
http://herbalcottage.etsy.com |
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HeatherAnn
True Blue Farmgirl
187 Posts
Heather
Rancho Cucamonga
CA
USA
187 Posts |
Posted - Dec 30 2009 : 8:44:21 PM
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thanks for letting us know, I didn't even think about those merit badges!
Heather Ann
Apartment Farmgirl
"You got to look at all the good on one side and all the bad on the other and say 'Well, alright then.'" - Aunt Eller, Oklahoma
www.plumblossomknits.etsy.com |
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ZenGoddess
True Blue Farmgirl
613 Posts
Cindy
MO
USA
613 Posts |
Posted - Dec 30 2009 : 8:50:34 PM
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Just a few more tips for beginners
Ya'll are using good quality thread right! Like DMC
Washing your hands frequently... hands do perspire.
and it helps to always take your work out of the hoop if your not going right back to it, Less stress on the material.
I taught 4-H ers hand work / years ago.... and at work one year, we didn't have work but they wanted us to be their... lol they let us do handwork all day long !! I taught everyone who wanted to learn cross stitch talk about heaven, we were all on cloud 9 oh and we had a brand new breakroom with many microwaves, carpet on the floor and a huge patio outside it was great !!!
Hugs,
ZenGoddess/Southernplum
My life goal is to Simply - Simplify my life.
http://herbalcottage.blogspot.com
http://herbalcottage.etsy.com |
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ZenGoddess
True Blue Farmgirl
613 Posts
Cindy
MO
USA
613 Posts |
Posted - Dec 30 2009 : 8:52:57 PM
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Heather You need to be a "certified" farmgirl, thats the hexagon under some names, then the first badge you get is the official hen.
Please check it out !
Hugs,
ZenGoddess/Southernplum
My life goal is to Simply - Simplify my life.
http://herbalcottage.blogspot.com
http://herbalcottage.etsy.com |
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City Chick
True Blue Farmgirl
1402 Posts
Deb
Chattanooga
TN
USA
1402 Posts |
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HeatherAnn
True Blue Farmgirl
187 Posts
Heather
Rancho Cucamonga
CA
USA
187 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 07:05:45 AM
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Deb,
It's my local Chapter. But I will have lots of questions and I'm sure a bunch of them will end up here, so I'll still need you girls for support!
And It looks like linen is about $10 a yard (on sale) at Joanns. I found that price online yesterday.
And glow in the dark stitches for camping! So awesome! I was preggers and had a baby over the summer so I missed out on all the camping adventures, but this summer, we are gunna start camping again, I'm so excited. Oh wont you be the envy of the fire pit circle in your glow in the dark hand embroidered hoodie...
Cindy,
I'm workiing on getting the funds to be a member. Money's real tight over here. But I picked up a seamstress job a few months ago and with the holidays over I'll be working more and making more! Hopefully we can afford it in another few weeks. And I was looking through those merit badges, I already qualify for a bunch! Score!
Heather Ann
Apartment Farmgirl
"You got to look at all the good on one side and all the bad on the other and say 'Well, alright then.'" - Aunt Eller, Oklahoma
www.plumblossomknits.etsy.com |
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HeatherAnn
True Blue Farmgirl
187 Posts
Heather
Rancho Cucamonga
CA
USA
187 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 07:20:36 AM
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I just have to share the picture of this donkey I'm doing. It's the first embroidery project I'm doing that isn't completely free hand and the first time I actual looked up stitches! I'm not doing anything fancy with it yet, just doing the outlines, and I'll post pictures when I'm done. I just sketched this onto my fabric with pencil and I'm half way done embroidering it already! so exciting! Here's a picture of the clip art I used:
<a href="http://s862.photobucket.com/albums/ab184/considerthelilies1227/?action=view¤t=donkey.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i862.photobucket.com/albums/ab184/considerthelilies1227/donkey.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Heather Ann
Apartment Farmgirl
"You got to look at all the good on one side and all the bad on the other and say 'Well, alright then.'" - Aunt Eller, Oklahoma
www.plumblossomknits.etsy.com |
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HeatherAnn
True Blue Farmgirl
187 Posts
Heather
Rancho Cucamonga
CA
USA
187 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 07:24:55 AM
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sorry girls... got it now. I'm just so excited, and I'm giving it to my mom on a tote bag for her birthday, so loooves donkeys:
Heather Ann
Apartment Farmgirl
"You got to look at all the good on one side and all the bad on the other and say 'Well, alright then.'" - Aunt Eller, Oklahoma
www.plumblossomknits.etsy.com |
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Cindy Lou
True Blue Farmgirl
2325 Posts
Susan
Lonsdale
MN
USA
2325 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 07:26:31 AM
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Cute!
"You can't roller skate in a buffalo herd.....
But you can be happy if you've a mind to. All you've gotta do in knuckle down, buckle down and do it, do it, do it!" |
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HeatherAnn
True Blue Farmgirl
187 Posts
Heather
Rancho Cucamonga
CA
USA
187 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 07:30:10 AM
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Susan,
I just heard the song your quote is from, it's so cute! My husband got the CD for Christmas and we've been listening to it a lot. You can't take a shower in a parakeet cage...
Heather Ann
Apartment Farmgirl
"You got to look at all the good on one side and all the bad on the other and say 'Well, alright then.'" - Aunt Eller, Oklahoma
www.plumblossomknits.etsy.com |
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City Chick
True Blue Farmgirl
1402 Posts
Deb
Chattanooga
TN
USA
1402 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 07:34:03 AM
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quote:
It's my local Chapter. But I will have lots of questions and I'm sure a bunch of them will end up here, so I'll still need you girls for support!
I asked because I was looking for a virtual chapter.  Perhaps this is an idea for starting one! Hmmmm......
Farm Girl #790
http://www.xanga.com/My_Pondering_Place
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sewgirlie
True Blue Farmgirl
1894 Posts
Sheryl-lyn
Calverton
NY
USA
1894 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 08:24:39 AM
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I am making a hand-embroidered quilt this year will all scenes from the Bible. I did one this week and drew out the design for the second one this morning. Usually I do tea towels, but wanted a longer project to keep me going at night when the tv or radio is on. I am using cotton as the top fabric and muslin underneath so that the threads don't show through when it's done. I have never done it that way before, but a teacher at the quilt shop told me to so that it would look better and be stronger. So far I like doing it like this. It's not too heavy.
My quilting and life blog!!
http://downtoearthliving.blogspot.com/ |
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Faransgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
895 Posts
Beth
Houston
Texas
USA
895 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 11:42:37 AM
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Oh, I love the donkey. Would absolutely love to have the pattern. I have quite a bit of embroidery I want to do this year. I have to finish a cross-stitch for my DM and then I want to do some red work type embroidery. Only I have absolutely nothing red in my house and I really don't like red so I am going to use turquoise. Do you think that is just not acceptable?
Farmgirl Sister 572
May the force of the horse be with you. |
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MaryLD
True Blue Farmgirl
861 Posts
Mary
New Braunfels
TX
USA
861 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 12:29:51 PM
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DEar Beth,
They have blackwork and redwork, so why not turquoise work? Go for a very bold shade so the work will have impact!!
~ Mary LD
Texas
Haflingers- You can't have just one!
( I'm just one short of a drill team!) |
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MaryLD
True Blue Farmgirl
861 Posts
Mary
New Braunfels
TX
USA
861 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 12:47:06 PM
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Hello Farmgirls!
I'm so happy to find this thread! I signed up for a hand embroidery class, though I had to postpone due to changes with my son's wrestling schedule. I will probably end up taking one in March. I'm not so much of one to learn from diagrams, so a class will be just the thing! I just started to do applique using a stitch I know, the blanket stitch. I can do basic embroidery like chain stitch, french knot, etc, but there are so many stitches I have not tried yet. Here's something else- my handwriting is very poor- in part due to dyslexia related issues and in part due to being in the medical profession, LOL! My embroidering of letters is HORRIBLE!!! I need to practice on THAT!
Hey, I live near the hometown of Sublime Stitching and I have several patterns from the lady who makes them. I also have a large collection of Aunt Martha patterns and some I downloaded for free from the artist Andrea Zuill. She has a blog and also sells on Etsy as Badbird. At the applique class, we learned that there are many downloadable patterns on Flickr. I also have traced patterns using that crafty type carbon paper- using the copy machine to enlarge or reduce motifs to fit the intended size of my project.
Does anyone use a lightbox??
I'm glad to be part of this thread!
~ Mary LD
Haflingers- You can't have just one!
( I'm just one short of a drill team!) |
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HeatherAnn
True Blue Farmgirl
187 Posts
Heather
Rancho Cucamonga
CA
USA
187 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 1:53:28 PM
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Welcome Mary!
How fun that you have so many connections to patterns! i'm wondering if we should start some sort of pattern swap for those that have been used and we are done with? I'm also excited about the downloadable patters from flikr, I'll have to check that out! And this carbon paper, was it expensive? I haven't looked into that yet.
And Beth,
I'm with Mary, rock the turquoise! And the donkey is just what it is, a clip art, and I just sketched it out onto some muslin and I'm working away on it in chain stitch. Feel free to print it and trace it for yourself! Also, I got it from a site full of free cliparts so it's legal :) Happy embroidering!
Heather Ann
Apartment Farmgirl
"You got to look at all the good on one side and all the bad on the other and say 'Well, alright then.'" - Aunt Eller, Oklahoma
www.plumblossomknits.etsy.com |
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MaryLD
True Blue Farmgirl
861 Posts
Mary
New Braunfels
TX
USA
861 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2010 : 9:17:08 PM
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Dear Heather Ann,
I got the carbon paper at a craft store, and it was not dirt cheap but it was under $15 so I just went with it! I forgot the exact price- it seemed high to me but then again, you get a TON and it does not go bad, LOL! It comes on a roll like wax paper.
Most of my embroidery stuff is in storage in another state- long story- but I have 3 patterns here, and 5 colors of thread. Embrodery is cheap as hobbies go- I got most of my thread and Aunt Martha's patterns given to me, which helps, and also bought my hoops at the thrift store. I have bought a few patterns and I want one for $5 on Etsy but I'm BROKE!!!! I found a website, www.embroiderthis.com, that had affordable fabrics/ items - bibs, napkins, tea towels, etc compared to trendier sites, but maybe there is something even cheaper. Of course, it is cheapest to embroider on something we already have!
I think doing a pattern swap would be fun, for those who have tired of what they have-
~ Mary LD
Texas
Haflingers- You can't have just one!
( I'm just one short of a drill team!) |
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MaryLD
True Blue Farmgirl
861 Posts
Mary
New Braunfels
TX
USA
861 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2010 : 9:18:58 PM
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PS
Turquoisework would look AWESOME on yellow fabric!
~ Mary LD
Haflingers- You can't have just one!
( I'm just one short of a drill team!) |
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Beverley
True Blue Farmgirl
2707 Posts
Beverley
atlanta
Michigan
USA
2707 Posts |
Posted - Jan 02 2010 : 10:38:01 AM
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If people are looking for a nice fabric that looks like linen but isn't that pricey, look for weavers cloth. It usually is with the utility fabrics at joanns and it is great for embroidery and looks just like a linen. anywho, my question is ... I would like to make a embroidery sampler, not a cross stitch one, but I am having a hard time getting started with drwing it out on paper? Is that were I would start? I have embroidered for years but never made up my own pattern. I would love some advice on getting started or maybe to see others who have theirs started on paper. Has anyone started one yet?? Thanks for any advice and help in this...
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett Beverley with an extra E...
http://bevsdoggies.googlepages.com/ |
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HeatherAnn
True Blue Farmgirl
187 Posts
Heather
Rancho Cucamonga
CA
USA
187 Posts |
Posted - Jan 03 2010 : 08:08:32 AM
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I found this little tid bit of information on cross stitching on linen. I have to figure out my sampler by Tuesday! I have my fabric though, which is a good start :) I'm thinking I'm going to amass directions for a bunch of different stitches, draw out what I want to do on a sheet of paper and then figure out which stitches would be best to draw onto the fabric first, and which would be better not drawn. I'm excited! I'll post most details to what I'm doing soon!
Heather Ann
Apartment Farmgirl
"You got to look at all the good on one side and all the bad on the other and say 'Well, alright then.'" - Aunt Eller, Oklahoma
www.plumblossomknits.etsy.com |
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LakeOntarioFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
933 Posts
Brenda
North Rose
NY
USA
933 Posts |
Posted - Jan 03 2010 : 08:26:27 AM
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Okay girls I am going to have to go to one of my daughters to take pics of the tote bags I made them for Christmas! It was a heavier type cloth, reminds me of aida cloth, maybe it is that weavers cloth you were talking about Beverly!
I lined them with a really bright green floral fabric, and cut out a big flower from the same fabric. I applied it to the front using a blanket stitch, then did a stem stitch for the stem. Really easy, cute and they loved them!
Heather I just love your donkey though!! I agree with Mary that turqoisework would look so good!
Now, don't do what I did and forget to take pics! :D
Hmmm, I can see that as soon as our snow stops, I will be going to my favorite fabric shop and looking at their Aunt Martha patterns! I forgot all about those!
Brenda
FarmGirl # 711
Nothing we achieve in this world is achieved alone. It is always achieved with others teaching us along the way. Lee J. Colan
http://theviewfromhere-brenda.blogspot.com/ |
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shepherdwagen
Farmgirl in Training
41 Posts
Susan
Winterset
Iowa
USA
41 Posts |
Posted - Jan 03 2010 : 09:16:08 AM
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Has anyone ever tried using old linen table cloths or napkins for embroidery? I have some I am holding back for that sort of thing, but wondered if anyone had tried it. Someone earlier had mentioned linen being spendy. Maybe I'm thinking of something different, but you can get old linen table linens at auctions,yard sales, and other second hand locations. It might requre starching or fusible on the back of the project. Hope that's useful!
Susan
"I've childproofed my house, but they keep getting in." |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: The Great Embroidery Thread (heh) |
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The Great Embroidery Thread (heh)
