Charity
This week's homework was the A-Z of Whitework published by Country Bumpkin. This book covers EVERY type of whitework I can think of except for pulled work which they claim will be covered in a future book. This book is definitely worth the price of admission as it is a tremendous resource for many different types of stitches -- for whitework, for crazy quilting or any other type of surface embroidery. I saw stitches in this book that I have not seen in any other book...
For my charm this week, I decided to try cutwork. I had never made anything using traditional cutwork techniques in my life...with the exception of hardanger. Unlike hardanger which is stitched using a counted method, I tried my cutwork "freehand" on a old piece of linen I had. Well, I can see how cutwork might become rhythmical, and I did enjoy it...
But, it might take an entire table cloth's worth of practice before my stitches would begin to look more uniform...My stitches were a little wonky but I guess that's part of the charm of handwork *teehee hee
It was really fun when it was time to cut away the interior parts...
and to see the heart pop forward in relief...so sweet!
And, I did try a new stitch called "pin stitch" to attach the linen heart to a ribbon I used to back the charm. Pin stitch is used for appliqueing two pieces together in Madeira embroidery ( I just learned that! -- who knew??). I couldn't find an online reference to show you, sorry about that...but it was quite nifty because it leaves your stitching on the back very even-- I also added a bead to my thread while pin stitching and that saved me the extra step of beading...I could applique and bead at the same time. Nifty little stitch...I just might have to show it to you another time.
And I used a wide rayon ribbon, folded in half to back the linen heart (see, with ribbon, I don't have to worry about seams and I was running late)...
So, what I ended up with this week, is this sweet little charm called Charity. And I know a lot more about what's in my whitework book.
Next time, I'll be covering stumpwork in one of Jane Nicholas' books...I'm just not sure which one yet...And, it won't be next Tuesday but the Tuesday following, July14. Next week I'll be on Summer Break from Charm School.
That's good. I just might take me two weeks to figure out stumpwork...
Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.
15 comments:
Absolutely chariming!
Susan,
You'd make a great photo stylist if your sewing wasn't even more fun to see! Thanks for sharing! I love the petals on the shell as the backdrop to your charm. It's a gorgeous combination of color and texture!
It's adorable! That would be a cool idea for a Christmas ornament, wouldn't it? You ARE a good photo sylist.
I so enjoy reading your blog and seeing your beautiful work. Charm School is a great idea. I may register next semester.
Marty S
Crackpot Beader
Where did you get the book or instructions to make charms? You are gently nudging my imagination!
LOL! Just came by again to take a peek at the colors and realized those 'petals' are rose colored shells!
You are learning so much at Charm School! And how lucky we are to go along with you.
I agree on the photo stylist idea. You are a natural....
I like the idea of making charms out of samplers! This heart is lovely.
Re. Monte-Cristo, the Chateau d'If is a small island in front of Marseille, 6km from the shore. Each year, there is the Monte-Cristo challenge, consisting of swimming from Chateau d'If to the shore. Several of my co-workers have attended already.
Alexandre Dumas visited Marseille after the book has been published, of course he went to Chateau d'If, and the janitor there told him he knew Edmond Dantes very well. Alexandre Dumas was kind enough not to tell him that Dantes never existed.
That was my bit of local history. And I realize I never read this book, although I read all the Musketeers series... Must change that!
oh Susan, you are a wonder. Have I said that before? What an adventure you must have each day entering your artful space and creating...!
Very sweet! It's such fun to see what new thing you come up with each week! Can't wait to see what you come up with for the stumpwork charm! Have a wonderfully relaxing summer break!
LOVE it!!! Question - how did you do the bars between the two hearts? I see that it's an over-under weaving stitch of some type... Did you count threads for it or just poke the needle in close to the previous stitch? Who needs machine-perfect stitches when you have such style????? Not you! How large is the finished charm? Love n hugs, Robin
I learn something new and find something wonderful every time you post. Thank you! It is just delightful.
Wow! I've always thought cut work was just that--A lot of Work! And I see it is. But, it is also very charming.
First, I have to chime in on the photo stylist comment. Is there anything that you don't do, and do exceedingly well?!? LOVE this week's charm, as I have every other one. Your Charm School is rather like our CQI Challenges, but using your own resources, shortening the time frame, and with a finished item as a result. Genius! Hugs, Cathy
What a sweet and lovely charm!
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