StitchMap Class Done!!!!

Last summer I started a Traditional Redwork class with a Yahoo group called StitchMap. For various and sundry reason I couldn't finish it and had to stop at lesson 3.

I joined a new session of the class and I'm proud to say I stuck to it and finished all six lessons. Most of the stitches covered are ones that everyone knows but it was really great to sit down and learn to do them correctly.

At the end we took each of the small embroideries we did and made sewing weights and a bag to put them in. The weights are to hold down your pattern when you are cutting it out. I'll be honest I'll probably never use them but what the heck.

Here are my weights and the bag I made.

Yes there is blue and green...these colours became popular in "redwork" embroidery in later years as the dyes they used for the thread became colourfast.

The bag even has a lining!!!!!

Before I took this class I did the Color Theory class on StitchMap as well. It was quite interesting. Here are a few of my samples for my workbook.

I think I'm done with classes for awhile....I'm pooped.....LOL

Take care:)

Redwork Embroidery....

So I'm finally starting a class in Redwork Embroidery at StitchMAP. My mentor is also doing the class for the first time so I have to be on my best behaviour and not give her any problems:)

I didn't realize that there was so much history around such a simple basic style of embroidery. If you're interested go....here.

I remember getting red embroidery thread and tea towels given to me when I was little by my mum. The tea towels already had a printed embroidery pattern on them. I was sat down and taught stem stitch, french knots and daisy stitch and the like. I vaguely remember manic dancing teacups.

Aha....I Googled....lol........

Source

Maybe that's why I love vintage embroidery...so much fun:) Now a purist would have down this in all red, blue or green but I didn't.....ooops. Also, I didn't use the correct stitches.

I have since learned the error of my ways........:)

While I can't divulge everything from the class I can say that the beginning is really basic stuff about tools and fabric preparation. All good things to know and to be reminded about again. 

One thing is wrapping your embroidery hoop. This is something I have never done before so I'll have to see whether I'll stick with this idea. The big hoop is wrapped in bias tape and the small hoop in twill tape. I think I prefer the twill tape to be honest.

So that's what I'm up to in these lazy hazy days of summer.

I also making itty bitty fairies:)

Take care.

Stitching fun....

At the end of her online Crazy Quilting class, Kathy suggested a Yahoo group that we might be interested in called StitchMAP.

The MAP in the name stands for Mentor Apprentice Program.  Since they are offering a further class in Crazy Quilting  I decided to join up. Not just for the CQ but because they offer so much more.

"Crazy Quilting, Hardanger, Redwork, Silk Ribbon Embroidery, Surface Hand Embroidery, Brazilian Embroidery, Needlepoint, Quilting, Blackwork, Color Theory for Stitchers, Cross Stitch, and other Counted Thread techniques."

I think this group will give me the much needed push to learn new stitching techniques and keep me focused:) 



In order to be able to take the CQ class you first have to complete two initial programs...Colour Theory and Red Work Embroidery.  Since those classes are currently running and can't be joined mid way they offer quite a lot of fun stuff to do while you wait.

Such as "Fun Friday Tut".......to make an Origami Lotus Drawstring Bag.

You can find the how to's here......Exchanging Fire.

The challenge is to of course make the bag but to also add some embroidery. The area you have to work is very small so I decided to do a tutorial and motif that I saw on Mary Corbet's Needle 'n Thread.

Buttonhole Stitch Leaves.........find the tutorial  here

Be warned.......those leaves are so cute and so addictive....LOL

Here's my finished bag.

I didn't do too bad on the leaves but the flowers....hmmm. Too teeny tiny for me.

Take care:)