tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87167519223755923002024-02-20T09:02:46.525-06:00FREEBIES, etc.!Patterns and Tutorials for Needlepoint and Other Fine ThingsPossibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-67266522640118668622011-02-21T14:41:00.001-06:002011-02-21T14:42:39.760-06:00Judy is very ill.Judy is in Hospital and very ill. More details will be posted here or at her main website.. <a href="http://www.elegantwhimsies.com/">www.elegantwhimsies.com</a><br /><br />My name is Steve Watkins and I am a friend and long time webmaster for Judy. Her family has asked me to help out with the internet aspects of Judy's life. I have limited access to these blogs and may not be able to update this post. We will try to keep this blog updated but due to our limited access that may become a problem.<br /> <br /> I do have unlimited access to her main website and will be able to post updates on her condition there, if this blog becomes unavailable to us. Please check both places for information.<br /><br />For people with outstanding orders please contact me at <a href="mailto:steve@starnetservices.com">steve@starnetservices.com</a> and I will do the best I can to help you...<br /><br /> Steve WatkinsPossibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-57168220988059243922011-02-13T19:38:00.005-06:002011-02-13T21:33:42.183-06:00Kreinik is Wired!!<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNq3m_SqO8vC5aevWDaEXWiRat-Li_cPSNxilmnWsQzig2inuFfSfMsFU-R12kYS9h5PHMmAXlUg2enjV2jVUkpASNV91l6ZjDglxFcxNgfCd9mZXqLjm_GqbDqCPstVwhBPqX-0rCpog/s1600/TwistGrnWire1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573379519076173490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 316px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNq3m_SqO8vC5aevWDaEXWiRat-Li_cPSNxilmnWsQzig2inuFfSfMsFU-R12kYS9h5PHMmAXlUg2enjV2jVUkpASNV91l6ZjDglxFcxNgfCd9mZXqLjm_GqbDqCPstVwhBPqX-0rCpog/s320/TwistGrnWire1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">I've been plodding along on this conical topiary for several weeks - just trying to get enough background done to play a bit and see what I could work out for special effects in surface embellishment. The Kreinik metallics have been wonderful, as usual, (I will explain this on the other blog), and just at the best possible moment, I received in the mail a few spools of it to try.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">It's very much like the DMC Memory Thread, but is the metallic we all love from this company. This is one of my most favorite colors - and in the #16 braid, which is all that's produced in the Hot Wire series. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"> played with making shapes, and worked this out on a pair of fat knitting needles. (for smoothness and symmetry)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCzsy_6uKYNJL1VaQZlaaN0gJBDMeHHG18OVnH9Ipbb1XLcLBb07r_p3Q4zbBxg0tNaZQUJgRNuz40eu2yspL9VkA5aRQEVkptZagwbB0qs78GMqXssETBXRjTXBx-EGFf-Q8ONi6KxM/s1600/GrenWireCurve.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573380415398727154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCzsy_6uKYNJL1VaQZlaaN0gJBDMeHHG18OVnH9Ipbb1XLcLBb07r_p3Q4zbBxg0tNaZQUJgRNuz40eu2yspL9VkA5aRQEVkptZagwbB0qs78GMqXssETBXRjTXBx-EGFf-Q8ONi6KxM/s320/GrenWireCurve.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">The method of handling is the same as for the DMC Memory Thread, which I have covered for needlepoint under the label "DMC" on the other blog. I can see a lot of possibilities for this loopy "fret," as it reminds me of the "cloud filling" I did from Sharon B's (Pintangle) stitch challenge last year. </span><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">This is also seen under DMC on my labels list on the other blog. It will require some manual manipulation to get it right on that curve, which will appear horizontal when the tree is upright. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">A few weeks ago, I saw an ornament with a cording made with DMC Memory Thread, so I decided to see if I could twist the Kreinik. Due to it's nature, it isn't easy unless you have a little device for doing it (I don't) - so you need to cut short lengths, hold it tightly at both ends, and twist. Fun little tiny candy canes! <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCqBPNgbcrnOKUsUNmWMpgGuKoZwx-StyIGCKOnHpdbep4LC5sQKTmlpvF5y8mrcwZ8YD8hSCPZchFFreWRxtO9rkPGy8PcAzVbN48cB1j1VIIM258orKqttxaDkT1M8sezW8IlEYFzs/s1600/CndyCns.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573381690709081618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 197px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCqBPNgbcrnOKUsUNmWMpgGuKoZwx-StyIGCKOnHpdbep4LC5sQKTmlpvF5y8mrcwZ8YD8hSCPZchFFreWRxtO9rkPGy8PcAzVbN48cB1j1VIIM258orKqttxaDkT1M8sezW8IlEYFzs/s320/CndyCns.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"> While looking at these, think also of the posts I did a few weeks ago on the plain and simple triangular trees - they would be great to play with in this manner!! I'll show the conical topiary sometime tomorrow with updates!</span></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCqBPNgbcrnOKUsUNmWMpgGuKoZwx-StyIGCKOnHpdbep4LC5sQKTmlpvF5y8mrcwZ8YD8hSCPZchFFreWRxtO9rkPGy8PcAzVbN48cB1j1VIIM258orKqttxaDkT1M8sezW8IlEYFzs/s1600/CndyCns.jpg"></a> </div></div>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-48571983913272552632011-02-03T15:18:00.004-06:002011-02-03T15:35:09.956-06:00More Free Small Motifs for Valentines<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvFk0uzXZuoh4H6t56GNAZqb4pbY5gzF-uSyoVSoSbPW8HLNMUST62_AQY2JNAzwahyphenhyphenJPEj_4snL17Le1_G9A0cjlg2mmAt0-E6lBO_3z6Kn0sFbvYPBf2y6nHq5nywNndaZlxciy_9U/s1600/EmmaCh.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569579396669682530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 174px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvFk0uzXZuoh4H6t56GNAZqb4pbY5gzF-uSyoVSoSbPW8HLNMUST62_AQY2JNAzwahyphenhyphenJPEj_4snL17Le1_G9A0cjlg2mmAt0-E6lBO_3z6Kn0sFbvYPBf2y6nHq5nywNndaZlxciy_9U/s320/EmmaCh.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">Emma Broidery, on her DMC blog, has some really fine small things for downloading and print out. These, of course, will do equally well for counted X-stitch or for needlepoint. On 18 mesh needlepoint canvas, the largest will only be a little over 1" wide - Some great ideas are already popping into my head, such as repeating one or two of them to make ribbons or borders. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">You can go to the side bar on the right side of this blog called "Good Stuff," and click on the "Emma Broidery Blog" button to see all of them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> I'm thinking about asking Emma's permission to stitch a few and show some variations, etc. It's great to get the creative juices flowing!!</span>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-42736014231821199182011-02-01T10:35:00.008-06:002011-02-01T10:53:59.788-06:00Free "Small Patterns" from Liz Morrow!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qorkayNca6iDH1JE3IwtrLkjlZaNQuBiuT-rfPnYEy6ml90in7viTasvT0IzGJAZwiUVUSpHz2QtxVD3AiMdieOCudel2CwyuQpgG98YF6Bdgpl-VzcSB4yH2w1Sj7dYfPOQNS7iUsk/s1600/Small_Things.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568761424209616258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 142px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qorkayNca6iDH1JE3IwtrLkjlZaNQuBiuT-rfPnYEy6ml90in7viTasvT0IzGJAZwiUVUSpHz2QtxVD3AiMdieOCudel2CwyuQpgG98YF6Bdgpl-VzcSB4yH2w1Sj7dYfPOQNS7iUsk/s320/Small_Things.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">Liz Morrow <a href="http://lizartblog.blogspot.com/">(Lizart)</a> is celebrating the first year anniversary of her web page, where she has delightful patterns to sell, by offering a new free pattern called "Small Things." </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">These are delightful tiny patterns that could be inserted into bigger ones, or they might be used as a central motif for building something a bit larger around them. Remember that charts work as well for both needlepoint and counted cross stitch.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">You can download this and print it out - just click on the "free design" button to see it. The web page is <a href="http://www.lizartneedlepoint.com/">HERE.</a></span>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-59897371190983107112011-01-17T21:40:00.007-06:002011-01-17T21:54:15.515-06:00Shells for Ornaments<div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoYLyG44uZp48NCLeMTzJ79PjBi1uRErWpWVA11WOL-CiuHSm6UuM0fGDpNEjDcHp4n85nHMUDX8aQaOmdOc8puDaz0eVkbQjoP-HmDodC0_cn7ZGefo1KAKyWN8UKwL2X38vDNFSMWg/s1600/blueShell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563366333250237698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 186px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoYLyG44uZp48NCLeMTzJ79PjBi1uRErWpWVA11WOL-CiuHSm6UuM0fGDpNEjDcHp4n85nHMUDX8aQaOmdOc8puDaz0eVkbQjoP-HmDodC0_cn7ZGefo1KAKyWN8UKwL2X38vDNFSMWg/s320/blueShell.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">I found two more pictures of sea shells - these were for a friend who wanted to decorate a small tree for her studio (a finisher). </span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">They are relatively small, at just 4 3/4" high for the blue shell, and 5" high for the yellow one before adding the outline for finishing. Of course you could enlarge either of them, and even put them on larger mesh canvas for a pillow or purse inset.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKPdL4qxcAmmQSehrI9dMkZ1Cqmkcy_uZijr3s-FI9KBG-GVHzAIWy3hl0uC6RsNkF9irH5yjYEQBFkiUMLHh4aB7o88aUrj2VVYNxwO7OqH2iEZjtBnsUe1CkIS2rwAwoRonyBp_Jsg/s1600/BluShlDrwng.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563366500712743026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 166px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKPdL4qxcAmmQSehrI9dMkZ1Cqmkcy_uZijr3s-FI9KBG-GVHzAIWy3hl0uC6RsNkF9irH5yjYEQBFkiUMLHh4aB7o88aUrj2VVYNxwO7OqH2iEZjtBnsUe1CkIS2rwAwoRonyBp_Jsg/s320/BluShlDrwng.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">I may decide I need to stitch this blue one for myself, as I see Petite Very Velvet for the blue areas - or could even use a different color. Then the Kreinik #12 braid in 002V or the Vintage silver (can't remember the name of it right now, and my color card is in a drawer across the room). </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">The "nacre" finish of the pink/orange lip needs to be done in DMC Satin Floss, and the pearls are bump stitches with Renaissance Shimmer or Rainbow Gallery Flair.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrR28aovpPpXWbIgVZf5BHxeiCoWTKGBeOdB6ydUvebkMAfRTy6rzBKrXLiIitRxB050T5qg-jX_h5e88oRO0MwIosGqV9-rqKyAykgi3eQyRbwnTeDEFrJo_7X-ZEyfxHbuvxVsK-qAA/s1600/YellowShell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563367776373055810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 158px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrR28aovpPpXWbIgVZf5BHxeiCoWTKGBeOdB6ydUvebkMAfRTy6rzBKrXLiIitRxB050T5qg-jX_h5e88oRO0MwIosGqV9-rqKyAykgi3eQyRbwnTeDEFrJo_7X-ZEyfxHbuvxVsK-qAA/s320/YellowShell.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">I didn't add jewels to the yellow one, as I like the markings and the "shine" on it better.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnh5otIXwwBTFO7NvSL22uesWr9uHdfmTxstFqQciLv-Df4gVnBLbQWwAXeXZJO_Oot4i6KXoOFlTX9LB-c3CNSRdXY3YMRIqfIB2nPDN1HkGFqgzqednxb3MWDUuoRFLKUugg9YHEok/s1600/YllwShlPtrn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563368340003542498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnh5otIXwwBTFO7NvSL22uesWr9uHdfmTxstFqQciLv-Df4gVnBLbQWwAXeXZJO_Oot4i6KXoOFlTX9LB-c3CNSRdXY3YMRIqfIB2nPDN1HkGFqgzqednxb3MWDUuoRFLKUugg9YHEok/s320/YllwShlPtrn.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"> I hope you enjoy these and can use them for yourselves and as gifts. There are lots of tutorials on this blog and on Possibilities, etc. to guide you in canvas prepraration if you haven't seen them. I'm still working on the trees, as I can see them as table settings through all seasons - or on the mantel.</span></div></div></div></div>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-7781122867876756292011-01-13T21:14:00.010-06:002011-01-14T10:49:20.432-06:00More Patterns for Sea Shells<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwXluDLoYpg9gj6jexcwmZtGiy2u8QYnNVHLgt6XE3zzGb0lYjXS-jUtfwSXBIdNUfgocOnugtP8_Fwzfw4J3fuLrpzbbtYSXJd-b7xYhLnEBqhSFs6JJPlyT7_jpOZd9dahmSm5uZT8/s1600/SShlBcolor1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561875454443244994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwXluDLoYpg9gj6jexcwmZtGiy2u8QYnNVHLgt6XE3zzGb0lYjXS-jUtfwSXBIdNUfgocOnugtP8_Fwzfw4J3fuLrpzbbtYSXJd-b7xYhLnEBqhSFs6JJPlyT7_jpOZd9dahmSm5uZT8/s320/SShlBcolor1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">I actually found the file folder with my sea shells in it, so will present them here for your use and enjoyment. There are plenty of tutorials and instructions on this blog, here and there, to get you started drawing and painting on canvas. The outlines, of course, could also be used for other things, both needlework and other painting related crafts. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The outlines are the shapes of actual shells, (in the range of 5 1/2" high) but I had a lot of fun painting them in exotic colors instead of the realistic ones. You could always consult a shell dictionary for that if you would rather do the "real thing." <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIM_-iMizy7-ZXCV7EqnQZeHX7HHqYTR1xZggF-dgojjdumdM7egrRD2doksbNY036hlEgax6lfC1hrHnfed7-ONhLvSznxo67QLTeu-SOHuVvLsTqzxlKJ4e9A6sdfhs7SmXWvSzNNY/s1600/SShlBpatrn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561876614891949090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 172px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIM_-iMizy7-ZXCV7EqnQZeHX7HHqYTR1xZggF-dgojjdumdM7egrRD2doksbNY036hlEgax6lfC1hrHnfed7-ONhLvSznxo67QLTeu-SOHuVvLsTqzxlKJ4e9A6sdfhs7SmXWvSzNNY/s320/SShlBpatrn.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenRAUQsmHUSlIp4LVOv7jgxBeNwW2Fm0ij2Ym7xck-4BOCwFvBWdR16mLZOPmPGEUevbD1e0aJOsmSzHi7ac1TUh22z6vcrMneviRB8DupFlO5wcxqlrm5chQ7pmHVhc4PQMOdYqvLLI/s1600/SShlBcolor2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561876324801692754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 182px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenRAUQsmHUSlIp4LVOv7jgxBeNwW2Fm0ij2Ym7xck-4BOCwFvBWdR16mLZOPmPGEUevbD1e0aJOsmSzHi7ac1TUh22z6vcrMneviRB8DupFlO5wcxqlrm5chQ7pmHVhc4PQMOdYqvLLI/s320/SShlBcolor2.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I can see the potential here for some really pretty threads, such as the DMC Satin Floss in the "pearl" interior of the shell.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircrwmZ0p7EobUOgA8SZ1cQFpoEaS9gT0Wt3VC6hs8whar8BWjDZMpRsKLn8t7YlaL6lckMeAdRZuOXYAUXICf5r_NgoYt0BdQJLFUxR-SnYXs_5lVs6JBlGwDO3lgb7WrdKgAAiAcuK0/s1600/SShlCcolor.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561877477005656594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 208px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircrwmZ0p7EobUOgA8SZ1cQFpoEaS9gT0Wt3VC6hs8whar8BWjDZMpRsKLn8t7YlaL6lckMeAdRZuOXYAUXICf5r_NgoYt0BdQJLFUxR-SnYXs_5lVs6JBlGwDO3lgb7WrdKgAAiAcuK0/s320/SShlCcolor.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcl2R1txrlxqs6XqEHAS50SdLJFsw_y1Hd868h1mspqFDbvW9OGJPG1xXKyXThD61uvoA1nvyQqKPo0vHlwsR3LAojntijzOYwGIA-NKlfI2F38DGiqoGT2RMgdROGh2nt05ULr0V6MI/s1600/SShlC.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561877844150342546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 165px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcl2R1txrlxqs6XqEHAS50SdLJFsw_y1Hd868h1mspqFDbvW9OGJPG1xXKyXThD61uvoA1nvyQqKPo0vHlwsR3LAojntijzOYwGIA-NKlfI2F38DGiqoGT2RMgdROGh2nt05ULr0V6MI/s320/SShlC.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Please excuse the tilted drawing - it's late, and I was too tired (lazy) to remove the thing from the scanner and straighten it out. I hope you enjoy these, as I have several more I want to show in the next day or two.</span>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-35909374722822667902011-01-11T10:37:00.005-06:002011-01-11T10:48:53.479-06:00Wonderful Color Schemes!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWGe9poLlYJZ6ZHlB2xp1Po6xhYtyd6FMQmdkn51_QJVIleS8NBGuEwvR-7kEitmJ8aET_kYT3JghfRv3RIQmVeKsnw7lkFXUxyKkKEK75P9FQbPvA45MqmQtLnaejgt7Bxp12f-VoNo/s1600/orange_and_robin_egg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560969480387706034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 162px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWGe9poLlYJZ6ZHlB2xp1Po6xhYtyd6FMQmdkn51_QJVIleS8NBGuEwvR-7kEitmJ8aET_kYT3JghfRv3RIQmVeKsnw7lkFXUxyKkKEK75P9FQbPvA45MqmQtLnaejgt7Bxp12f-VoNo/s320/orange_and_robin_egg.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">For any who didn't see my post a few weeks ago on Possibilities, be sure to visit this site of Kristina's and watch her develop color schemes from her beautiful photographs.</span> <div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"> I especially like the way she shows these swatches with the colors in proportion to how they show in the pictures. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">As this is a "freebies" blog, you are usually in the position of selecting your own colors, so this would be a great aid in doing so when dumping out the stash to pull out what you want to use for a project. Besides, it's interesting to see what she has added each Monday. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"> Go to <a href="http://kristinaklarin.blogspot.com/">Kristina Klarin's blog </a>to see!! Be sure to click on "colour files" on the left side panel to see the swatches without the pictures. (in storage)</span></div>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-56614843835081378572011-01-04T14:02:00.005-06:002011-01-04T15:17:17.414-06:00Patterns for Sea Shells!<div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChj2yo77ZWqrtOIeKhQW4SINtmVoN3uCURrIetBKXCSs5vAFDMq0O0I_mk-IX81CQJxq9hXMcpwDLLr3v-ldmybcvKDemUuHc4ktXbT4i5KIRl7syJjqd-ETYDY2XWLw5R6KNb6M4Bs4/s1600/grntreesnl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558423957834149618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChj2yo77ZWqrtOIeKhQW4SINtmVoN3uCURrIetBKXCSs5vAFDMq0O0I_mk-IX81CQJxq9hXMcpwDLLr3v-ldmybcvKDemUuHc4ktXbT4i5KIRl7syJjqd-ETYDY2XWLw5R6KNb6M4Bs4/s320/grntreesnl.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">Digging in boxes again, I have found some small canvases and drawings I had forgotten about - my sea shell collection from several years ago. I will also post the pictures of the painted ones if I can find the files. </span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">I have loved seashells my entire life - from the time I saw the first one when I was about three years old. I used to paint them on needlepoint canvas their true and original colors, but a few years ago, after seeing some jewelry, I decided to use "Caribbean colors" and add pearls, etc. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">The first picture is actually a green tree snail, but I took liberties with it. I found a treasure of pictures in a gorgeous encyclopedia of shells, plus a few other books on the subject. Marine biology is of great interest to me, so I've really enjoyed these books. (It's nice to be able to justify expenditures).<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsT6J-4dgRHG__m6hLZqmDTKTFN9COOST3OqH1mhLSESKfvX4vpUsYgtxurM9xnvCCiaCCthJa_JTHjsFtfttR5TgM-ZNg10_OtMge4WBUUfjs6YKC8e0FAGJjNIpC_2chUkeDoAKFF-Y/s1600/SShell1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558425918990601826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsT6J-4dgRHG__m6hLZqmDTKTFN9COOST3OqH1mhLSESKfvX4vpUsYgtxurM9xnvCCiaCCthJa_JTHjsFtfttR5TgM-ZNg10_OtMge4WBUUfjs6YKC8e0FAGJjNIpC_2chUkeDoAKFF-Y/s320/SShell1.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">The second picture has only been partially painted, and the jewels added - I hope I have a photo of this one in color. It's about 5 1/2" high. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">The next two are the drawings on canvas, ready to paint, with the little "pearls" drawn also. The long, skinny one is 5 3/4" high. The shorter one is 5 1/4" high. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9VJoZ_hX9eieyQ5L7uJC9F0cWrQ0FL8Yu2Q0BQ_1DqtwvhaqdCaQCqEDj_nLdXtikRJkndTpOEX_qULzmaS-nPgRIWzr3oUoXhjQvMbwM_KLrKgrVjWQ17smPm3QbVe5wViyi4cYhrM/s1600/JwldShl2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558426654009016114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 126px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9VJoZ_hX9eieyQ5L7uJC9F0cWrQ0FL8Yu2Q0BQ_1DqtwvhaqdCaQCqEDj_nLdXtikRJkndTpOEX_qULzmaS-nPgRIWzr3oUoXhjQvMbwM_KLrKgrVjWQ17smPm3QbVe5wViyi4cYhrM/s320/JwldShl2.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hneXF3TxFk5Lk11d738Dmp_QxRLlipaKHUlNnOF5-JS7jpVXHJp6Byu6IdVkUTN4bzTIAUhiGxgu_Pq7ImMv8B9nxZRhbamsoAjfp0QGqlqQ_8zuUMcQIxaL-TfGRnjHj8J73flbjBc/s1600/JwldShl3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558440832524005618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hneXF3TxFk5Lk11d738Dmp_QxRLlipaKHUlNnOF5-JS7jpVXHJp6Byu6IdVkUTN4bzTIAUhiGxgu_Pq7ImMv8B9nxZRhbamsoAjfp0QGqlqQ_8zuUMcQIxaL-TfGRnjHj8J73flbjBc/s320/JwldShl3.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">These are all that I have on canvas with the pearls, but there are more that are drawings of the actual shapes but without jewels. Also I found lots of just drawings on paper that I'll pass along in thenext post (while I'm still working on trees). </span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"> All of these shell shapes are drawn from pictures of the actual shells, so you might paint them realistically (leaving off the jewels) or do them in your choice of colors and do the pearls too.</span></div></div></div></div>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-73662426698551577142010-12-28T12:11:00.011-06:002010-12-30T10:35:04.494-06:00More Festive Topiaries!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFA1IpM8VZo3k23hBYsevwCgHSesilnVVr0mKGYtdA_lcgi1w1sDtaIj8NFJGlKIhqXrPjckPW1xOAzqmCauJR2JDteJF7EEXVJG-GX6eFWbd55xkDhig8I4rwUqbbpIECQyDQc_7hv2Q/s1600/DiagLcesCone2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555798394366097858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 163px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFA1IpM8VZo3k23hBYsevwCgHSesilnVVr0mKGYtdA_lcgi1w1sDtaIj8NFJGlKIhqXrPjckPW1xOAzqmCauJR2JDteJF7EEXVJG-GX6eFWbd55xkDhig8I4rwUqbbpIECQyDQc_7hv2Q/s320/DiagLcesCone2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">At this point, the project is beginning to be exciting, as new "happy accidents" occur. I have the flat paper sketches and the cone appearance of these on the other blog, but wanted to show what I discovered late last night!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">By moving the orientation of this tree on canvas, I can use either my diagonal laces and trims or the horizontal laces and jeweled chains, etc. to make the spiral around the topiary.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The first photo shows the paper cone I drew with the lines parallel to the straight lines of the pattern. Incredible, I think, how it looks like spirals - which gave me lots and lots of new ideas!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvE-jcyH-QGfgyF5DgeJ9JUm1-2IArCgd4-JN0zLEj_M0-t1UUsYsa_qNTbksD7LY9Rv7WdMK88snk6PeGI85m1ZFgmg9DO5mTHtZaOUBXJgJNaUVX2cDF28WaIlYeHspxmXBym-BTPB8/s1600/DiagnlLace.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555799040074286610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvE-jcyH-QGfgyF5DgeJ9JUm1-2IArCgd4-JN0zLEj_M0-t1UUsYsa_qNTbksD7LY9Rv7WdMK88snk6PeGI85m1ZFgmg9DO5mTHtZaOUBXJgJNaUVX2cDF28WaIlYeHspxmXBym-BTPB8/s320/DiagnlLace.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">By putting the top of the tree this way on the canvas, the lines are at 45 degree angles, so will accomodate easily my diagonal laces and "jeweled" chains, etc.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">By turning it so that the straight sides are on the threads of the canvas (it also takes less canvas this way), I can do the horizontal/vertical laces and trims - and some of my RIBBONS!! also candy canes. Strings of candy corn, etc. - lots and lots of things for decorating a table top for a special occassion.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3SyeE1Mu8T_UeDk9rwuviwjFN9mIQzovQxsp3C6kDvLmcg58wmu2Sb4e3ZhMSqRAZ4IMFw17zpSpKCASUNootNEHxOnSOAkVWcEMffxYJanqTGmkCJqeI0y9rkUYWYOCSzrN7AfS3sA/s1600/horizLace.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555801086155838786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 313px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3SyeE1Mu8T_UeDk9rwuviwjFN9mIQzovQxsp3C6kDvLmcg58wmu2Sb4e3ZhMSqRAZ4IMFw17zpSpKCASUNootNEHxOnSOAkVWcEMffxYJanqTGmkCJqeI0y9rkUYWYOCSzrN7AfS3sA/s320/horizLace.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RYnX_d_1-ehjCTOpRmdUV2waCoCrG8WuooiM9Pt2woIWAIR3kQaUudFuniaqI4ypwNfcXX-xTt8Hb4_YXe-dxGmjxKLVOy6bc9q9oVS49Tc1WVOGwUKzuNTiYNrEejH2nTnyfxwK9p4/s1600/areaLace.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555801492697144322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 279px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RYnX_d_1-ehjCTOpRmdUV2waCoCrG8WuooiM9Pt2woIWAIR3kQaUudFuniaqI4ypwNfcXX-xTt8Hb4_YXe-dxGmjxKLVOy6bc9q9oVS49Tc1WVOGwUKzuNTiYNrEejH2nTnyfxwK9p4/s320/areaLace.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> (No matter which way the pattern is oriented on the canvas, it will still finish as spirals.)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The second picture shows an old project with my "cotton lace," which is a horizontal lace.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRv6sJjoNewdqqkDwDHiRtZ0aBEMuUrkwH624mzvClbIhY0OrjHl5AvPnU2dArNqk1Brt4tgHXsv3E9Rzk4-lWiRo4x0n-UirWVJS7iaeelnUzDzUfVFkGLFebH-vTDjJ6TXfs1jCVJBM/s1600/HndsthCk.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555802373509872226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 296px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRv6sJjoNewdqqkDwDHiRtZ0aBEMuUrkwH624mzvClbIhY0OrjHl5AvPnU2dArNqk1Brt4tgHXsv3E9Rzk4-lWiRo4x0n-UirWVJS7iaeelnUzDzUfVFkGLFebH-vTDjJ6TXfs1jCVJBM/s320/HndsthCk.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The leaves are on one of my very first pieces in crazy quilt long ago, where I worked out leaves as a seam treatment - they are worked on the horizontal or vertical, and are great with French knot "berries."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">At this point, I'm just wishing I could stitch as rapidly as I think. However, there are days that I can't think at all, so am grateful for small, mindless pieces to stitch to keep me going.</span>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-11296905847423812172010-12-26T21:04:00.011-06:002010-12-27T10:33:53.695-06:00The Topiary Tree! (in needlepoint)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuV_mbBO2Cbst9NMVVzkucJLyfViD-do50OdBuhltes-2wQqkPtiCfE_CB4Fw1b7ajYa_x6amcUB6r7lHu10ItXsjrR9548lBPs0TPKnin9LZqLuxBw3K0mcCyEQz8cGza2Mn5FnPz3eU/s1600/DrngTopiary1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555193602344938786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuV_mbBO2Cbst9NMVVzkucJLyfViD-do50OdBuhltes-2wQqkPtiCfE_CB4Fw1b7ajYa_x6amcUB6r7lHu10ItXsjrR9548lBPs0TPKnin9LZqLuxBw3K0mcCyEQz8cGza2Mn5FnPz3eU/s320/DrngTopiary1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">I have myself rather twisted and confused right now about what to put on which blog - but this is where the pattern should be, I think, and the actual stitching on the other one.. Anyway - this is how I went about arriving at it for now. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">These drawing implements are very old, but I'm very attached to them - so please excuse their appearance. I used the triangle to make the 90 degree angle necessary for the top of the tree, and drew lines down each side with my black felt tip pen. This one is 7" tall.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJH0232UPRkSiwIYpXht5DIbObI2b5k-GeEudUFDK9ZGpyHcu5hqqw8b2PjQ4zmaoYt_P4Zu8tElTtIfAaxSM639WGq2VtRCtQnY1SU8pEQTMBIZaDlUYNL0IhsxLn_sKjcZbVKXAz83Y/s1600/Drwng2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555194307731796114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJH0232UPRkSiwIYpXht5DIbObI2b5k-GeEudUFDK9ZGpyHcu5hqqw8b2PjQ4zmaoYt_P4Zu8tElTtIfAaxSM639WGq2VtRCtQnY1SU8pEQTMBIZaDlUYNL0IhsxLn_sKjcZbVKXAz83Y/s320/Drwng2.jpg" border="0" /></a> I decided to make the foliage/background shaded by needle blending, so needed to mark off the five spaces required to use two shades of a color. I divided 7 by 5, and then made concentric marks with the compass for the pattern.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODjTBaGE5Qyp9iE87Fn42mGj1eNv6llb0JLklpDjdv2IoeT7oDMBNy1fQ2SfQnYdcLsmqMNTEHQTyrco17aQTmsCFVS4nsgf04OAGsVO4H9xCAbor6OGo2VNHaqMzs4EIK71BSv5Kq2Q/s1600/Drwgn3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555195427024273730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 275px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODjTBaGE5Qyp9iE87Fn42mGj1eNv6llb0JLklpDjdv2IoeT7oDMBNy1fQ2SfQnYdcLsmqMNTEHQTyrco17aQTmsCFVS4nsgf04OAGsVO4H9xCAbor6OGo2VNHaqMzs4EIK71BSv5Kq2Q/s320/Drwgn3.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Next, I marked the exact center of the conical pattern, and made black marks on the side so that I can make sure they are in the same place on both sides on the canvas - things need to meet when the cone is closed to make the tree.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHxaJAtX2uRX4e3FqeRBwUBdylFuwWDMvq2MAXvmIuGsMhsZ0NehzWU4jUnA1D0J_QPUjoGOBJTobvLcL_ABNRnaifDpvulCxCM2uQeF5A_zCMQMQjIgcybeFc2LJxJsF0S0EUBM05Kk/s1600/Doodles4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555196262657437826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHxaJAtX2uRX4e3FqeRBwUBdylFuwWDMvq2MAXvmIuGsMhsZ0NehzWU4jUnA1D0J_QPUjoGOBJTobvLcL_ABNRnaifDpvulCxCM2uQeF5A_zCMQMQjIgcybeFc2LJxJsF0S0EUBM05Kk/s320/Doodles4.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimn5injA9zFr0DQ9_0tGIbXHpBclRBr6nxfcmZDiG7pDf1zoQguOEk884ge5r7cAfmFx_p4EMG3o0y11DvgYCIDHJRAuFXwB8jPN3qUdIAmtEpHEXbGrmREVLMqJxK01jWMxhWKAER0mM/s1600/TopiaryDoodl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555196873266401090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimn5injA9zFr0DQ9_0tGIbXHpBclRBr6nxfcmZDiG7pDf1zoQguOEk884ge5r7cAfmFx_p4EMG3o0y11DvgYCIDHJRAuFXwB8jPN3qUdIAmtEpHEXbGrmREVLMqJxK01jWMxhWKAER0mM/s320/TopiaryDoodl.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I was playing a bit with the white paper cone while it was on the stiff poster board model, and then opened it out - surprising how these things look! It's difficult to envision those curved lines becoming straight bands on the tree. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I decided to add three to the canvas I'm going to stitch, as I want to make swags or something there. Notice how the straight vertical lines look when the paper is opened out. The rest of the story for today is over on <a href="http://fairy-crafts.blogspot.com/">Possibilities, etc.</a> - including a bit of the stitching.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vfeqXTaSdgr2bTZX1WUk1Mr7mMsf3fFSTlep_0-Psz1WekP0_WOVpTWL2A9i5Xe_aBKBF1JfS1x1ihJ55t7ppUNmSXs-WCk7S3MztKbe1n0sXLTU9AtGHAr-2I1iOTr4lGCV_XgtvtQ/s1600/TopiaryTrcng.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555198259148458674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 313px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vfeqXTaSdgr2bTZX1WUk1Mr7mMsf3fFSTlep_0-Psz1WekP0_WOVpTWL2A9i5Xe_aBKBF1JfS1x1ihJ55t7ppUNmSXs-WCk7S3MztKbe1n0sXLTU9AtGHAr-2I1iOTr4lGCV_XgtvtQ/s320/TopiaryTrcng.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This next scan is the pattern itself - I have sized it to about 7", but you can always print it out and make it smaller or larger. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4ju1-apGFfH4bhBXArRi2cumZPjXr_wOPG7bhkjx1uNGaHHfFfaQZXimqCZIe6IHWE4wjAzP-ciij8rokWS7l5xHipRBhCMr6ZMSqlnaQmtnA8kSoWiqXppTkSaqtqK40XwjhtDQ9_k/s1600/TopiaryCnvs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555198668058061938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 295px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4ju1-apGFfH4bhBXArRi2cumZPjXr_wOPG7bhkjx1uNGaHHfFfaQZXimqCZIe6IHWE4wjAzP-ciij8rokWS7l5xHipRBhCMr6ZMSqlnaQmtnA8kSoWiqXppTkSaqtqK40XwjhtDQ9_k/s320/TopiaryCnvs.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is the drawing on canvas, and the arrows are pointing to show that the lines end on each side on the same thread - a fingernail may be run across the canvas to make sure they are where they need to be. I marked the needle blending lines in black, and the three horizontal decorative bands in blue. I didn't feel it necessary to stitch count these curved lines on this, but care must be taken to make them neat.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>NOTE:</strong> The stitching, which I began last night and showed on the other blog, has a serious glitch in it. Therefore, better judgment ruling in the morning light has shown me that I needn't do the five section separation for needle blending, but should simply use the four sections made by the "swag" lines, which are shown in blue on this pattern. I would not do the five separations unless I were going to do basketweave on the background. </span><span style="font-family:arial;"> As it's already drawn onto the canvas, and I have begun stitching, I will simply ignore the black concentric lines, and just use the blue ones as separation.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The bottom is stitch counted so that it will sit nicely and not wobble or be lopsided when finished. There is a little mark showing the center thread at the bottom. I'm showing this sideways because it wouldn't fit in my scanner with the top upright - the bottom is too wide. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This pattern must be drawn with the point at the top. It requires more canvas, but won't stitch well at all if placed as I did the original one with the holly leaves. It's very easy to draw the 90 degree angle by just finding the center thread on the canvas, and making dots 7 inches down on each side from the top point. The concentric curves may just be traced very carefully by putting the canvas over the pattern you made.</span>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-42086191590198668382010-12-20T21:15:00.003-06:002010-12-20T21:25:52.984-06:00A New Project: Topiary Trees in Needlepoint!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rPI6YEySW7xjDJMJvE6FSrfgx2gIYQk64raMjlnmSY8BIWhLDkZJwPscLOzULkL7J1xJm2D6ZQWqwhB0s9RL-Z_lPj2X1ku_caIJzYuhzxYKsojk6htkNxBYF1oz2KD5EtLAQTEF310/s1600/TopiaryHolly.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552970204954777362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rPI6YEySW7xjDJMJvE6FSrfgx2gIYQk64raMjlnmSY8BIWhLDkZJwPscLOzULkL7J1xJm2D6ZQWqwhB0s9RL-Z_lPj2X1ku_caIJzYuhzxYKsojk6htkNxBYF1oz2KD5EtLAQTEF310/s320/TopiaryHolly.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">I found an old photo in the bottom of a box, dated 1998! I had painted these things, conical topiary trees, for the cash/carry market in Phoenix in 1997 - and then discontinued them after about two years. (I do this when I'm tired of painting something.) </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Anyway, I decided it would be fun to resurrect them and stitch a few for myself - and make a tutorial on how to do your own! I have learned and developed so many skills, stitches, and techniques, and become acquainted with zillions of fine novelty threads over this span of years, so think it would really be fun - and not just for Christmas! </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I will show some stitching on <a href="http://fairy-crafts.blogspot.com/">Possibilities</a>, where I have just now posted a tutorial on how to make a pattern - but will do the canvas preparation in detail here on this blog - so stay tuned in to both if the project interests you - it might be fun!</span>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-21553646526717262042010-12-01T10:23:00.004-06:002010-12-01T10:31:45.540-06:00A New Month already!! (again)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFWfTV0Pj-5MlS0GowgBMUwP3zNgEGdA2s8PRjwp9qrZlQdVgqy_-Qk4DZKeNhkcL20t_AnKRigMxLNcsJVIkzlN2twEEMePL0giAES4yN7HYF-wbeqEu03IVQz0NTv3f2IDdabWORSQ/s1600/DecCQbest.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545750852089607586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 318px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFWfTV0Pj-5MlS0GowgBMUwP3zNgEGdA2s8PRjwp9qrZlQdVgqy_-Qk4DZKeNhkcL20t_AnKRigMxLNcsJVIkzlN2twEEMePL0giAES4yN7HYF-wbeqEu03IVQz0NTv3f2IDdabWORSQ/s320/DecCQbest.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">I cannot believe another month has gone, and I have produced so little for this blog - another very stressful change of address was in the middle of this one, but as soon as I find my drawing equipment and paint brushes, I'll be back working.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Anyway, this is "December" from my Birthday Crazy Quilt series - and probably my favorite besides April and August. It has lots of symbolism in the mistletoe, holly, narcissus, and the birthstone turquoise. (Tanzanite or blue zircon is the alternative used now, I think). I also like the effect of the blue patch with "rain drops," and the white with glittery snow.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I started these almost three years ago, but still haven't produced January, February, or July. Incidentally, these are now available as e-patterns on my web page, <a href="http://www.elegantwhimsies.com/">Elegant Whimsies</a>, so you can put your own onto canvas.</span>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-49382235653507368782010-11-05T17:31:00.008-05:002010-11-05T20:58:04.769-05:00Drawing Trees to Enhance and Embellish<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIABQWvLvK2iKtzcFg375huw9s5_Mc87kemT0gYMbtLv95tjbq-G0VJfddM0UJilICl9jyosul2cWBMOauJ1HqixFPL4LXJsvgMukmGOraIk1Vz7tWxqNin7aD5BAzGi2_SdgqFJ5lQoo/s1600/Tree01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536240723927135170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 289px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIABQWvLvK2iKtzcFg375huw9s5_Mc87kemT0gYMbtLv95tjbq-G0VJfddM0UJilICl9jyosul2cWBMOauJ1HqixFPL4LXJsvgMukmGOraIk1Vz7tWxqNin7aD5BAzGi2_SdgqFJ5lQoo/s320/Tree01.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">This is a project that I have played with many times over the years I've stitched and designed needlepoint. It's a very very simple thing that anyone could do - skill at art and drawing isn't necessary, and with a knowledge of lots of fun decorative stitches, amazing affects can be achieved. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">One of my favorites a few years ago was a little grouping of three to five trees of different sizes, heights, and widths to sit on the mantel at Christmas time. I had little stands made with a base and a dowel to fit into a pocket on the back of the tree so that they would stand upright. I wish I had one to show, but I gave them all away. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Anyway - all you have to do is decide how tall you want your tree, and approximately how wide - so the tree will be tall and skinny or short and fat or whatever. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">I first drew a straight line across the bottom, and then, using the triangle, drew a vertical line to designate the center. It's marked at 7 1/2" high.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536241392358689282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 234px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGvynSSxaop6f5WuffD4XrLZmmMwpdo2Kxi6WjPj_iE0ylJnr6twWzzEKj8f-xEPktLAw3lGo_NCV9KRfD13QQeLxEV22c-MsX23SF95ojtsTRD_1PdfEBeC-3e5pjGgpotcfVH6ovjs/s320/Tree02.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">In the second picture, the arrow points to the left side, which is a sketch to show me the shape my tree will be. Then, the bottom is marked at 2" each side of the center, and a straight line is drawn from top to bottom on the right side, using the triangle as a straight edge. (because it was convenient). I added the little trunk freehand.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXTug5GIwaXw02lOVHtATOeEJoN6XoWtoGMJL9RDfy0uvpgj-RirSKDzKARW3YYo70RWfEV1BaTFlhxjoU0MABgDY4L6zNcKSG4clweBYZU_xmoz6d06AJgSOnPhIUostXSw86jQlW3Q/s1600/Tree03.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536242409361723218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXTug5GIwaXw02lOVHtATOeEJoN6XoWtoGMJL9RDfy0uvpgj-RirSKDzKARW3YYo70RWfEV1BaTFlhxjoU0MABgDY4L6zNcKSG4clweBYZU_xmoz6d06AJgSOnPhIUostXSw86jQlW3Q/s320/Tree03.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">The next picture is the 5 1/2" tree I drew, using the same center line and base line, but cutting the center off at 5 1/2" high, - and drawing the line down to the 2" on each side, just as I did for the taller one. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">At the bottom, you can see where I played with sketches for changing the shape, and then traced them onto tracing paper to use for my trees if I wish.</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CQDNl4Su9ekURxw1dABv2tR2dqw_CW4LcszmCmWcKQSW6vy65YDaTDu6o7Sn46-ilqxBOKFuIQq6IHu3Rfe9ZC3o3KWrtbsyFzkRU98_vf9j9vnuU5kQ_LNocbENrhlsnfvI7Xo0qPo/s1600/Tree05.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536249416040492242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CQDNl4Su9ekURxw1dABv2tR2dqw_CW4LcszmCmWcKQSW6vy65YDaTDu6o7Sn46-ilqxBOKFuIQq6IHu3Rfe9ZC3o3KWrtbsyFzkRU98_vf9j9vnuU5kQ_LNocbENrhlsnfvI7Xo0qPo/s320/Tree05.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Drawing the tree onto the canvas is a simple thing - and you may use whatever mesh size you please for this project. Just place the canvas over the drawing with the center line exactly on a canvas thread so it will be symmetric. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">The easiest way, if you aren't a perfectionist, is to use a straight edge and draw the line from top to bottom on each side. I've given several tutorials on this blog about drawing with a pen on canvas - a simple thing. </span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536244105755368946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 209px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVzFG9bPk361xbWnyHB8CkYq8VlUpHSP0ineQla2Jktv6OjDoaabv5ohq45TYND6o0ZBWEz2gT8rUk2hFfv5tFQwRG8Ksl-YgFhEa8lHzVxmvSPwqbVX-DaOjJP1YNdZwdnmF5Bet3mE/s320/Tree06best.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:arial;">On this picture, I've begun to stitch draw the side, as I insist on symmetry. You can see where I started to copy on the left side what I've done on the right. I keep a little bottle of white acrylic paint on my table, and a trolley needle to dot out mistakes and re-draw them. </span><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">These little trees make a great small, bright project that one can do quickly, and they are a wonderful way to use up stash threads and practice stitches and new techniques and effects. You might just make horizontal bands of decorative stitches (I've actually seen these sold as painted canvas with stitch guides), or fill the whole tree with a multi-colored stitch. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">I hope to find time to get a few ready to embellish with surface treatments and embroidered effects I've been wanting to try out! If you wish, just print out these drawings for yourself, and then enlarge or reduce them as you want them - an easy thing. I do recommend a coat of acrylic paint if you intend to use stitches that might allow the white canvas to show through - the "dandruff" effect.</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-50216827118979811382010-11-01T22:51:00.004-05:002010-11-01T22:56:24.457-05:00Beads for Sugar Sprinkles! (decorating a cookie)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcBBNdVuqazKZNkQR8-NzBZYf68X1drVlpsghQtyg7-47wG0c7q7taA2Qqjfg70PHsV2SLd3fc9h8ZhhUW_SUnQFhQ9U-aDSfIy9-tn5AMQEs6ZFihqcm83NE1hpzUxZRQ3gFF9GhoTo/s1600/BedShmrkDetl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534795911647916722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 253px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcBBNdVuqazKZNkQR8-NzBZYf68X1drVlpsghQtyg7-47wG0c7q7taA2Qqjfg70PHsV2SLd3fc9h8ZhhUW_SUnQFhQ9U-aDSfIy9-tn5AMQEs6ZFihqcm83NE1hpzUxZRQ3gFF9GhoTo/s320/BedShmrkDetl.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">Be sure to check <a href="http://fairy-crafts.blogspot.com/">Possibilities, Etc</a>. fairly often, as the decorating continues on the Shamrock cookies. At the present time, the sugar sprinkle icing (made with beads worked "solid") is showing! </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> Also, for right now, the Beads! E-Booklet is offered at half price!!</span>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-42894773392247807012010-10-31T21:47:00.004-05:002010-10-31T21:52:27.211-05:00November in a Few Hours!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPyDClLcbO_5xZ4OP_RL_QV2_ewgC35JWyaDtsKCwLbyfrDlClEzzGAMSIxr_R4WL2YZxB7yTytN8b-gNZ57K1R5xtU_4FFkkXdbLA5KD6OfEOVksWtkJMn5BFMSeelwcjPUSPxS368g/s1600/NovCQfinshd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534408121503914386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 305px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPyDClLcbO_5xZ4OP_RL_QV2_ewgC35JWyaDtsKCwLbyfrDlClEzzGAMSIxr_R4WL2YZxB7yTytN8b-gNZ57K1R5xtU_4FFkkXdbLA5KD6OfEOVksWtkJMn5BFMSeelwcjPUSPxS368g/s320/NovCQfinshd.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">This year has flown fast, and it will be November in a few hours when I wake up! This is the November Birthday Crazy Quilt heart. Now I need to get busy and finish "January," as I put it down two years ago and never got it back out to do the silk ribbon carnations. Ouch.</span><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Be sure to go see <a href="http://fairy-crafts.blogspot.com/">Possibilities, Etc</a>., as I have started another cookie with "icing" - this time solid sugar sprinkles in the form of clear beads!</span></div>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-35965843874115364152010-10-29T21:45:00.003-05:002010-10-29T21:50:10.035-05:00Stitching the Shamrocks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGLwc0KR-PTEyTr5Acs6bwfkGfOGW6Sa5oKlgIw7vTGLVtxzULevo2ogFOLRrlBeQ0u3nDn55Vgsa9vXu1OmOHBXxd-Y-hyrOeHVpzpcnMMbC_OQIrK8cr-NiA5iX0toqeak7zZ8HY1E/s1600/ShmrkA03.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533665148921208066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 285px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGLwc0KR-PTEyTr5Acs6bwfkGfOGW6Sa5oKlgIw7vTGLVtxzULevo2ogFOLRrlBeQ0u3nDn55Vgsa9vXu1OmOHBXxd-Y-hyrOeHVpzpcnMMbC_OQIrK8cr-NiA5iX0toqeak7zZ8HY1E/s320/ShmrkA03.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">I have started the stitching on the Shamrock cookies on <a href="http://fairy-crafts.blogspot.com/">Possibilities, etc., </a>so you can take a look and follow along if you wish - and do something creative and original of your own!! Experiment! </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Also, I'm offering for the duration of the cookies, my E-booklet (at half price) with lots of different cookie cutter shapes that I have used for many years for playing with new threads, stitches, and techniques - and have also added a mini-stocking. Lots of stitches diagrammed, and color pictures as guidance and inspiration.</span>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-30186154955787466002010-10-27T20:14:00.005-05:002010-10-27T20:27:39.347-05:00Cookie Cutter Needlepoint<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw378omf86ekKubzkdc2NhCoVeptSRKofx72EEVpvViktj3LrI4tEcdw0VFwdqMfVqjty57BWdZjePmHkDwK2WMMk5IuI-UBX-OtLgjtIQx4BQ6XhelLl-68aDJFCUt1B6J9LysyacqlY/s1600/ShmrckCtr.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532900034695716226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw378omf86ekKubzkdc2NhCoVeptSRKofx72EEVpvViktj3LrI4tEcdw0VFwdqMfVqjty57BWdZjePmHkDwK2WMMk5IuI-UBX-OtLgjtIQx4BQ6XhelLl-68aDJFCUt1B6J9LysyacqlY/s320/ShmrckCtr.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">That title could have double meaning - and I had to remind myself of just that when I was fooling around with the drawing. I had to remember that these are to be "cookies" shaped like Shamrocks, and that I probably would only have one cutter in the drawer. Decorating them is the fun and imaginative part that will make each one different.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Anyway - I started this odyssey on the other blog (<a href="http://fairy-crafts.blogspot.com/">Possibilities, Etc.)</a>, so you can go there to see what's happening. This pattern is about 4 1/4" across at the widest part, but you could always play around with the size and suit yourself. I used 18 mesh canvas, but 13 would work as well. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">The idea is to replicate icing and do such things as you would do with a pastry tube/cake decorator type thing, using lots of fun things and great stitches. It's really a good way to try out new stitches too, and new fibers in your stash.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCh5wJ05vi0U_jJ4079h-rZymEmmN7Q2CaRcElYa7KrTsu5TXwwTcz9BUkr35umB926neLEKJsDaKSY0vSnNfN0fdEiyTNfIoztPM4rqoD7CMNPGSRd0Sjeg3vauflBNh113H-rX3sT9A/s1600/ClovrCnvs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532900950556501778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 232px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCh5wJ05vi0U_jJ4079h-rZymEmmN7Q2CaRcElYa7KrTsu5TXwwTcz9BUkr35umB926neLEKJsDaKSY0vSnNfN0fdEiyTNfIoztPM4rqoD7CMNPGSRd0Sjeg3vauflBNh113H-rX3sT9A/s320/ClovrCnvs.jpg" border="0" /></a> I'm showing the drawing on canvas to illustrate the orientation of the tracing. Use the orange line as a reference.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"> Please refer to other posts about canvas preparation and drawing for instructions for doing this. I've pointed to places where one must be sure to draw on the THREAD and not slip down between them into the groove - makes it much easier to stitch.</span></div>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-21743895179358435942010-10-08T15:31:00.006-05:002010-10-08T15:49:19.769-05:00October Again Already!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSvV1jaT-7nwCZLZ_CYy-SX0hLDD6foLL1rw9lkszBW9pgO8BmRwPakFO5THSMQTC-jqeJPGR9CHvsg1wqaepz-f4eJGt1FxTZKkkBZYoFAzNtGNnE0-pcJbmjoOVgT-eJnRuJ3INpFg/s1600/OctCQ.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525776443877008498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 307px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSvV1jaT-7nwCZLZ_CYy-SX0hLDD6foLL1rw9lkszBW9pgO8BmRwPakFO5THSMQTC-jqeJPGR9CHvsg1wqaepz-f4eJGt1FxTZKkkBZYoFAzNtGNnE0-pcJbmjoOVgT-eJnRuJ3INpFg/s320/OctCQ.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">The "Birthday Crazy Quilt Heart" for October was finished in 2008, with its opals and calendulas and glorious Fall colors. You can see the other months (some not done yet, though) on the other blog under the label Birthday Crazy Quilts. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">There are lots of freebies on this site from last year for Halloween, so don't miss the napkin rings and other small, fun things. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I've never designed a lot of needlepoint for Halloween, as there seems to already be more than enough "out there," and it's also not really my interest for designing painted canvas or for stitching - I leave that to others who excel. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">However, I have recently found a web site while cruising on ebay, that has just about sent me over the edge to be stitching on Halloween things!. These pieces are so much fun and so full of originality and personality, they are quite different from any I've seen. I've shown these on the other blog, but to be sure you don't miss it, I'll give you a link here for her Halloween page: <a href="http://www.nenahsneedle.com/halloween_collection">Nenah's Needlepoint.</a> </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> I won't show any canvases here, as that would spoil the surprise. Also, these aren't Freebies, of course, but the prices are so much less than they would be if offered in a retail store!! I love finding these wonderful things that I didn't know were available.</span>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-1402149244130269382010-09-05T13:48:00.005-05:002010-09-05T14:02:23.734-05:00More for a Halloween Table!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwz4fYZzCTw8eNW3jXIRPBX1xme48QvYmUuL0KlBxNqUlC6A8kBK9zguUMxHzkQFLOfMpdjko5L8_yOL8dTeWc9yqA5G1x8T0_eb-479UcPgVg_H-ZMh6cLY_JggNeTtXs2PpWCNBfjg/s1600/BatNR.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513503784514092306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 254px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwz4fYZzCTw8eNW3jXIRPBX1xme48QvYmUuL0KlBxNqUlC6A8kBK9zguUMxHzkQFLOfMpdjko5L8_yOL8dTeWc9yqA5G1x8T0_eb-479UcPgVg_H-ZMh6cLY_JggNeTtXs2PpWCNBfjg/s320/BatNR.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">Last year I drew several Halloween napkin rings, but didn't stitch any of them myself - these you can find under the label "napkin rings." There were two I didn't finish drawing, but now have at least put enough on canvas to be able to do a complete one of each, and also pass them along for you to do your own. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The first is a simple one - a bat! I picture a black one stitched in basketweave with Petite Very Velvet, and glittering metallic eyes (Kreinik braid). Usually I make these 1 1/2" wide, which is the same width used for bracelets and belts - but this one, to accomodate the "moon," is 1 3/4" wide. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I have left the images for these a bit large so that when you print them out, you can clearly see where to put the dots onto your canvas when you draw them. Where I put the arrow, just ignore the long, curved line - I drew these things late one night when I was too tired to count, and kept making a mess of it - so gave up and called this a "scrap" and just left the line there. Again - IGNORE it. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As for stitching the bat, I visualize a moon against a navy sky - maybe with metallic stars on it - either silver or Kreinik 032 white, which is very sparkly.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3jKJH9tWyVEngnPNmeEWKbs6SR07co2WiwUxCJ2UMmL441d17TKGbXd0RMO9zZGsZYSV8CkjH6fUgjyGQe-zGu5xRU4goZbzVYocLLXywLLv4RAXwhEWJ07C8J1unCb_1P6rd3f5oT4/s1600/WitchNR.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513505309371285650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 247px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3jKJH9tWyVEngnPNmeEWKbs6SR07co2WiwUxCJ2UMmL441d17TKGbXd0RMO9zZGsZYSV8CkjH6fUgjyGQe-zGu5xRU4goZbzVYocLLXywLLv4RAXwhEWJ07C8J1unCb_1P6rd3f5oT4/s320/WitchNR.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The next is a witch on her broomstick - again, against a moon! My son said this is a self portrait I painted. I put a red scarf on it simply to separate the dotted elements of the drawing. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">You could put color on this lady, or just make her a black silhouette - whatever suits you!! Just have fun, and enjoy these for table settings - very festive! </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"> As for drawing them onto canvas, there are a number of blot posts here to instruct you - mostly under "canvas preparation."</span>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-68974035375747145952010-09-01T11:27:00.005-05:002010-09-01T11:51:25.731-05:00'Tis the Season! (thinking about stitching)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRp3Fqq9VlVnu0OL62ndB0Z0mVTuDmZP6V0iW8OjufaoFrOUQMevlbKFwSVaJINZJjUymV-hIGf6PMuUjC5z0kHy60fO3nOyjq8wgs4kuW-U7BPC49XbDlaF_Cldos0uQmxC7KlgQUWY/s1600/Amnr02.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511987165222348114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 309px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRp3Fqq9VlVnu0OL62ndB0Z0mVTuDmZP6V0iW8OjufaoFrOUQMevlbKFwSVaJINZJjUymV-hIGf6PMuUjC5z0kHy60fO3nOyjq8wgs4kuW-U7BPC49XbDlaF_Cldos0uQmxC7KlgQUWY/s320/Amnr02.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">Lest you think I've lost my mind (I probably have, and don't know it yet) - I decided I'm tired of looking at crazy quilts, so "retired" the September heart as a header, as I've used it two years in a row. (See these at my other blog, <a href="http://fairy-crafts.blogspot.com/">Possibilities, etc</a>., under "Birthday Crazy Quilts") </span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">I finished this piece last night as a napkin ring, as one of my "tartan adaptability and uses" experiments, and thought it might be suitable to point out that even tho' it's still horrendously hot (at least here in Austin), it's time to think about starting gifts, ornaments, table decorations, etc. for the upcoming gaiety of the seasons of fall into Christmas! (and don't forget Hanukkah!)</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">My next blog post here will be a new napkin ring motif or two, as these were fun last year, fast to stitch, and great for decorating a table. I'll probably change the header too, and show candy corn or something more appropriate! Meanwhile, there are lots of napkin ring patterns right here on this blog - just click on the label for them. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">The illustrated napkin ring is adapted from the Alpine Meadlows tartan, and I have a more complete description on the other blog.</span></div>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-12714206479206060352010-08-06T10:02:00.003-05:002010-08-06T10:10:46.159-05:00Planning Ahead! (It's August already)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VJXq6ex1UTcqACoGZE-OWpG0n5tyf58LMP5cdDpoLiJcObAu7FBAkWAMTDA8U3prhSc_iDTVom3UqlPb5VaoDJcvxbUMrIgfsTusg1j8PdksDXMIkBMRj-eiy0niLjiL0SBbXcrghpE/s1600/AugustCQbest.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502314400498394962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 290px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VJXq6ex1UTcqACoGZE-OWpG0n5tyf58LMP5cdDpoLiJcObAu7FBAkWAMTDA8U3prhSc_iDTVom3UqlPb5VaoDJcvxbUMrIgfsTusg1j8PdksDXMIkBMRj-eiy0niLjiL0SBbXcrghpE/s320/AugustCQbest.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">It only occurred to me last night that it's August, and time to change the header here, and also to get busy (or busier). It's time to be thinking of things to start stitching for "the seasons." My year is kind of turned around, as I was doing coral reefs and seashells and fish in the middle of the coldest winter I can remember having in Austin. </span><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Right now, I'm working on my article for the November/December issue of Needlepoint Now, as the deadline is in three weeks - and it's beastly horrible hot in Austin. Oh well, it's a good time to stay indoors and think and stitch. Anyway, I've neglected Freebies this last year or so, and not offering new things often enough - I'll try to do better starting soon - and definitely by September. </span></div>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-81750167208057606432010-07-22T18:34:00.011-05:002010-07-22T19:21:59.367-05:00Drawing and Designing Crosses: another tutorial<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-IMLUNP3Q4ZroNJf1-_r87h3hRP0GVuBwABDE3BBpozAd2QwjkMYCrlYZileu4vhzoR2idqVhG_ZduqRbLHdsjZBtsQ5pI8EmXz7GlpDxCHkNJbM4wPXehFwmRh1HCJf-3WrlWsoREI/s1600/CrssTrcngs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496879494386801362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-IMLUNP3Q4ZroNJf1-_r87h3hRP0GVuBwABDE3BBpozAd2QwjkMYCrlYZileu4vhzoR2idqVhG_ZduqRbLHdsjZBtsQ5pI8EmXz7GlpDxCHkNJbM4wPXehFwmRh1HCJf-3WrlWsoREI/s320/CrssTrcngs.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">I had intended to post the drawing of the flowers for the cross in the previous post, but found these - and thought it might be fine to encourage you to draw your own sizes and shapes - and then put the flowers on them if you wish. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I have put pictures on the other blog of two I made long ago when I was practicing silk ribbon embroidery - and started making crosses for gifts for Godparents and ornaments and Christenings - all kinds of fine uses! When trying out new techniques and learning new things, I decided to put them to good use while I practiced!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Anyway, to draw your own, this is how it begins: These are sketched onto tracing paper - kind of squiggly and rough, but O.K. to determine size, etc. Just ideas that pop into the head from time to time. These are very simple Latin crosses, so easy to draw onto canvas when you get the size right. Actually, any piece of white paper is fine for doodling. I have saved copy paper I was going to discard just for this purpose.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhr6s0Nt7vr8F9NuCY9mtC-lEUoYAUJ9GXGilqdkEl-zRgxMw-eUiHiPyGF5LYhC8AxGSfHEFl0Z5fzu3p0urGD8m-wDk_Mgwp0Z8VM1OlURbx0fYmI8BzAFXdfCe7ri8P5TaL4jn3e8w/s1600/CrsSREbkgrnd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496880525927347890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 232px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhr6s0Nt7vr8F9NuCY9mtC-lEUoYAUJ9GXGilqdkEl-zRgxMw-eUiHiPyGF5LYhC8AxGSfHEFl0Z5fzu3p0urGD8m-wDk_Mgwp0Z8VM1OlURbx0fYmI8BzAFXdfCe7ri8P5TaL4jn3e8w/s320/CrsSREbkgrnd.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">When you have done this, and have a size that suits you, simple make a good tracing with tracing paper and a black felt tip pen (I use the Paper Mate for this, but NEVER use it to draw on canvas). I also use a plastic drawing triangle, utilizing the 90 degree side. Then, fold the tracing in half and mark the center fold with a pencil - this gives you guidance for placing the pattern elements - as the jewels, etc.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I found this scan of a drawing I had made on canvas - to use as a model. I had marked the lines and diagonal intersections where I intended to put a bead. These things must be worked out first, as it's a mathematical thing of being centered and symmetric - very very simple.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Just mark the center of the canvas - on the thread unless you have something in mind that is even numbered (as the cross in previous posts), and work from there. It's always good to make a scan of the drawn canvas for future reference. This one is 6" high on 18 mesh canvas.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBSotX4DytPLsuSOUtdTa0Lvkx_tzCEM9ajqynYnzDgjAsHqS4jXty44AEwdAnjXpxh1lygDlF2AGDLArm9Hh7L_nnKnZ53h1f2dLFsVXP7GZbMGh-Yv9XycMOV-RXfa6ZnFNw_cbSy8/s1600/CrssRubsStch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496882055560849314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBSotX4DytPLsuSOUtdTa0Lvkx_tzCEM9ajqynYnzDgjAsHqS4jXty44AEwdAnjXpxh1lygDlF2AGDLArm9Hh7L_nnKnZ53h1f2dLFsVXP7GZbMGh-Yv9XycMOV-RXfa6ZnFNw_cbSy8/s320/CrssRubsStch.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The next one is very small - made as an ornament. It's 5 1/4" high on 18 mesh canvas. It's on an even count, as the little "gold beadwork" border is Smyrna crosses with Kreinik gold braid (#12). Very easy to draw!! Also, it has many many possibilities for jewels and color schemes. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">On this one, if designing your own, it's good to start with the jewels first - and then work outward to make a nice arrangement of the borders. I worked these in simple slanted gobelin.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-Quqsv8t1Olu8E5SDmgraGcsLR-wbesJtAKjvtHtOXtSE21QItYd1vVpeIi-IXWsyibgI3fU9Wz4dRQLheQGaTn8R0flfOVwbCTHlfVx1-suvO-AIcy4ykyZboD7LBi_csZt4oOFfi0/s1600/CrsRubiCnvs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496883644682415330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-Quqsv8t1Olu8E5SDmgraGcsLR-wbesJtAKjvtHtOXtSE21QItYd1vVpeIi-IXWsyibgI3fU9Wz4dRQLheQGaTn8R0flfOVwbCTHlfVx1-suvO-AIcy4ykyZboD7LBi_csZt4oOFfi0/s320/CrsRubiCnvs.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The next scan shows how the canvas looked when drawn. I had to do some juggling at the corners, as the Smyrna cross bumps wouldn't fit there. This is O.K. I had to do this, as to make them fit would have messed up the shape so that the jewels wouldn't fit like I wanted them to.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqkNI9VvupyqsbGhby2eLi4M8eOVixyeth5ASsrijtJZ71ltLwNyE9T9r7H0TfF0OLJnW_3S6T3CKEj5B72pUr2Z7XhwN7eqZtHFNjlqDWx0LwcrSqBdL17RVV_NsW_tKWFunzezN5r4/s1600/SmlCrssRubies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496884509013753794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 251px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqkNI9VvupyqsbGhby2eLi4M8eOVixyeth5ASsrijtJZ71ltLwNyE9T9r7H0TfF0OLJnW_3S6T3CKEj5B72pUr2Z7XhwN7eqZtHFNjlqDWx0LwcrSqBdL17RVV_NsW_tKWFunzezN5r4/s320/SmlCrssRubies.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The second of these is on an odd count, and the arrows are pointing to the corners, where the 2 x 3 stitch "jewel" wouldn't fit, so I simply placed a "Smyrna cross" size there. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This one, again, could be worked in many different colors, etc. I started with exactly the same tracing as I worked with when doing the little one with the round jewels. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I have posted two pictures on Possibilities, etc. of crosses I made years ago when first working with silk ribbon embroidery and beads. I got tired of wasting little pieces of canvas - and my time and threads, so started doing small crosses. At least these were useful at gift giving occassions when such things were appropriate and appreciated! </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCk5tYNM43qr4ss35uvsI-YA-8ny5y-Rr34LsvSlFwEK0NkJnph8OvldpCaAaXyKzXNY01plYMqBIaVyMWqtLWOVPCZ-bC3X51F4a-NTFXDlZTgEpYQO0rKcUKogDhkHGXYKlvagg1Pk/s1600/WthUalwas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496886798554960802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 257px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCk5tYNM43qr4ss35uvsI-YA-8ny5y-Rr34LsvSlFwEK0NkJnph8OvldpCaAaXyKzXNY01plYMqBIaVyMWqtLWOVPCZ-bC3X51F4a-NTFXDlZTgEpYQO0rKcUKogDhkHGXYKlvagg1Pk/s320/WthUalwas.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The last one is a piece a drew for a friend who requested it. It's small- and I had to do some juggling to get the lettering and placement of the words to fall into the shape I needed to use - it worked well, and she was pleased. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Notice at the corners (where the arrows point) that the count didn't quite work out the way it should have, so I simply "rounded" them. The one stitch inside the gold "chain" was for insertion of a bead or a cross stitch with a sparkly thread (to make a bump) to resemble a jewel </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This is such a very simple process - I hope you will be encouraged to try it for yourself - and be very imaginative!! I'll do the flower tracing in a few days, with also thread and stitch suggestions.</span>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-45925032407307699302010-07-15T17:57:00.010-05:002010-07-15T19:43:08.211-05:00Drawing the Cross onto Canvas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-HBSVKjUKf3IrRSDKenAfFXjYWfNzVFJplrwgoUlX51xscpkKiL6sUhnALyUFsbvlVRs7Ut8r4M9Xht33TxWfjfD1B7MiJWcFBBn7j1uIA-m3ZSeBQaTAtI7ZJICahgp2wGtvCYxmas/s1600/MarkCntr.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494290747236290882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 301px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-HBSVKjUKf3IrRSDKenAfFXjYWfNzVFJplrwgoUlX51xscpkKiL6sUhnALyUFsbvlVRs7Ut8r4M9Xht33TxWfjfD1B7MiJWcFBBn7j1uIA-m3ZSeBQaTAtI7ZJICahgp2wGtvCYxmas/s320/MarkCntr.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">I'm having to plagiarize my own canvas, as all I had for reproducing it was an old photograph, which I enlarged on my color copy machine. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The first thing to be done was to figure out the size of the thing. I managed that by counting the little "jewel" things across the top (11 of them) and then down the side. I drew it out on scrap canvas and measured it - the cross is 6 1/4" high on 18 mesh canvas without the little 3 thread border. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Of course you could do it proportionately larger by putting it onto 13 mesh instead of 18. Having determined the height and width, I could cut canvas the right size. I like to leave at least 1 1/2" all around - 2" if I'm doing it commercially so that people will have the option of putting a background for use as a Bible cover or framing. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">You can see that this is on an EVEN count, as the jewel is four stitches square - perfect for a little Smyrna cross "pearl." So - one must mark the center of the canvas at the top for guidance by drawing a line in the GROOVE between the threads. If the count had been odd - one would make the mark ON THE THREAD. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Incidentally, you might play with this format, and make a larger, very interesting cross by making the jewels 3 x 3 stitches in stead of the 2 x 2 I used here. There are all kinds of possibiilties for stitching and decorating!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_jxJnOdVt2Wxn0EYV4zxm0YBJc8sl6tdnPNVoPunTmqMomk9C5LUETU1gYVKeXGCmoI8zHAxqPGPYCxkPBbpvYtBtGALChRq1z20_lIDifS5R_FPFeX3ptSInlvID3SywLOGhkRiSOI/s1600/ScanCrss2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494293205162926322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_jxJnOdVt2Wxn0EYV4zxm0YBJc8sl6tdnPNVoPunTmqMomk9C5LUETU1gYVKeXGCmoI8zHAxqPGPYCxkPBbpvYtBtGALChRq1z20_lIDifS5R_FPFeX3ptSInlvID3SywLOGhkRiSOI/s320/ScanCrss2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Next, just go around the cross from the first little jewel. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I find it very very easy just to "eyeball" draw without having to count stitches by only making two marks - you can see where the arrows point. Then when finished, you can go back and fill in the missing spaces. This way you can concentrate on counting the jewels and not the stitches. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I marked the corners just to show where the border will be. Be sure from time to time to check yourself - run your thumbnail down a thread and make sure everything lines up. This one is so simple, but one can get "off count" if not paying at least a little attention.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGjSxxYBaNsuXjDRp6lYMBmcBcSfRGkUEAu9DWooHdlqECbgrRT2lOX_zMb6Pnmy1x1eBVh0rSxCUZR7UI6HldN4PD8TNR793HKwvwc35kvGNJllLYeNsNr22e368ruTCqwQG1JqhT4Q/s1600/ScanCrss3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494294591891470178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGjSxxYBaNsuXjDRp6lYMBmcBcSfRGkUEAu9DWooHdlqECbgrRT2lOX_zMb6Pnmy1x1eBVh0rSxCUZR7UI6HldN4PD8TNR793HKwvwc35kvGNJllLYeNsNr22e368ruTCqwQG1JqhT4Q/s320/ScanCrss3.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The third picture shows the outside drawing complete. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">At this point, you might figure out something of your own to do with the shape instead of doing it like mine. I have charted for people things like "With Faith all Things are Possible" - simple things. OR a wonderful interesting background with lots of silk ribbon flowers on it.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1jx7MsKGzxBw2MMtkAEpSqxQQPjwHCYqDGiYPDc1b1YPk-gyuTaJe3B6E6ZwxgH5vYQBdW7gJd0wKUARfnH7X7McyDUq_phRIqvnhsK1PqGpXJOKykwteAr2-H4y1lGDYQ20hK03o7A/s1600/ScanCrss4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494295452037035410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1jx7MsKGzxBw2MMtkAEpSqxQQPjwHCYqDGiYPDc1b1YPk-gyuTaJe3B6E6ZwxgH5vYQBdW7gJd0wKUARfnH7X7McyDUq_phRIqvnhsK1PqGpXJOKykwteAr2-H4y1lGDYQ20hK03o7A/s320/ScanCrss4.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I only sketched in the stripes with two different blue drawing pens (sharpies). I left them incomplete, as I'm not sure what I'll do with the center - probably go ahead and show you how to trace the flowers onto it for stitching - but you could also just leave the center with no painted flowers and do the silk ribbon variety instead. I'll give you the tracing next time for the flowers. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Setting up these stripes originally was easy, - as, again, it's on an even count, so making the three dark blue stripes 2 threads wide, and two wider light blue stripes (4 threads wide) was logical. Try also making a much smaller cross by using maybe only 5 or 7 "jewels" across the top - and proportionate on the rest of the shape. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Be imaginative, and enjoy the process!! The color picture of the painted cross is on a post just previous to this one in case you missed it!</span>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-25139447507589673142010-07-14T11:44:00.007-05:002010-07-14T13:09:23.205-05:00More "Paint Your Own Canvas": A Floral Cross<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg060LZUoUh-K_8JGh-IG78wIpSI68fLrFHkLwolfBTTVVl-e-UuxVCN96-pF3glQfoNoSqPFWbvKetbVAj2qxNZZjj1H1de8xG74nkEUBGr3_8FFLD8MmePh0OYqbEpmcRPNMz88fFSuI/s1600/FreeCrss.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493805694349613522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg060LZUoUh-K_8JGh-IG78wIpSI68fLrFHkLwolfBTTVVl-e-UuxVCN96-pF3glQfoNoSqPFWbvKetbVAj2qxNZZjj1H1de8xG74nkEUBGr3_8FFLD8MmePh0OYqbEpmcRPNMz88fFSuI/s320/FreeCrss.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">I found this photograph, as I have found so many long forgotten, while cleaning out boxes after a major move of residence. This one is a scan of a photograph, as I painted it long before I had a digital camera and computer - a VERY long time ago.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As I remember, I drew and painted this for a class I was teaching in trying out different techniques and canvas preparation. I think this is the one which led to my deciding to start using silk ribbon embroidery for flowers on crosses and then, later, crazy quilt adaptations. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Anyway, over the next week or so, I intend to give you here the instructions, starting with cutting the canvas, in detail for drawing it onto canvas yourself - and then suggestions for stitching. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">There are plenty of tutorials on canvas preparation now here and on my other blog, <a href="http://fairy-crafts.blogspot.com/">Possibilities, etc.,</a> to help you know which pens and which paint to use, and how to use the paint brushes, etc. etc. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This is a more advanced Freebie, and I hope you put it to good use and enjoy it!! Just please remember that it's for your own entertainment and for giving as gifts either as a painted canvas for stitching friends or as a stitched and finished piece - but NOT for sale as a painted canvas.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">For more detailed instructions for Painting Your Own Canvas, I have the book in two chapters now as an E-booklet on my web page, <a href="http://www.elegantwhimsies.com/">Elegant Whimsies.</a> Under "our designs" just click on E-Books.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I think this has confused some people who have only seen the coil bound version. This is the downloadable, much less expensive version, as you receive it almost immediately upon purchase, and may download and print it out yourself. I revised it and added a lot more color, newer materials and techniques.</span>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8716751922375592300.post-25628455429768326572010-06-25T15:09:00.012-05:002010-06-28T08:56:59.407-05:00Stitching Gingham/Plaid/Tartan on a Circle (How to)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXae2qmGyhUuLulIqjFXKdFmkYvqwCui3rgY9NfOQSqm1_AOCUXV7ygRGsasLD3X831H2vs49qZ9A2V6YzoP0jHavH8znlQFjxou4Vq6rOqjEbcJ0OHGELPLR_YYNnpD8sAfAf_V6gRxo/s1600/Gnghm1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487612273248080994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXae2qmGyhUuLulIqjFXKdFmkYvqwCui3rgY9NfOQSqm1_AOCUXV7ygRGsasLD3X831H2vs49qZ9A2V6YzoP0jHavH8znlQFjxou4Vq6rOqjEbcJ0OHGELPLR_YYNnpD8sAfAf_V6gRxo/s320/Gnghm1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">I used all three names applied to this textile - stripes intersecting at right angles to form a delightful pattern (I explained the origin of the terms in a previous post back a while.) </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This one is what we in this country call "Gingham," a woven fabric (replicated in needlepoint here) with even stripes on both warp and weft - and just one color plus white, creating a lighter shade of the color where it crosses. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The arrow is pointing to a place where one has to be careful when stitching on a rounded outline. It's necessary to pay attention!!</span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Feeling rather lazy the day I needed to start this, instead of cutting a new square of canvas, I Ipicked up a small piece of canvas that already had a 3 3/4" circle drawn on it, and decided it would be a great exercise anyway in stitching needlepoint plaid. </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4DjFyvJdV0-7H4dJPsbL-RcaABaqmzj-1zdLvr3MzZcieZaWG2YROGLb-XnnXvSgixVn4ocL00nu9qaArSt_FAFY53_d5DvGk6gCFjBh3FE7qxiP7GLNF647d0SwryY9o1UNZQjoV6w/s1600/gnghm2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487613977005981586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4DjFyvJdV0-7H4dJPsbL-RcaABaqmzj-1zdLvr3MzZcieZaWG2YROGLb-XnnXvSgixVn4ocL00nu9qaArSt_FAFY53_d5DvGk6gCFjBh3FE7qxiP7GLNF647d0SwryY9o1UNZQjoV6w/s320/gnghm2.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">The circle is drawn on an odd count, which meant I couldn't make stripes of 4 threads. Three were too small for the scale of this piece, and 7 were too wide. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">There is a lot more to using plaid for needlepoint than just "setting it up." One has to consider the <strong>intended use</strong> for a particular project, and make sure the scale is also attractive. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">The 5 threads I settled on look right for the circle. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The next consideration was where to start. On a rectangle, I would have started stitching the warp on the right side - however, on this circle, I began in the center, as I am a perfectionist about symmetry. (The circle is stich drawn for this reason) From the center, I simply worked out toward the right side. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The arrow pointing to the center shows where one could draw a well centered letter or monogram if desired (before stitching).<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDf7rdIGV37CrCQ5x7yaBGSCpV7wx-IBQPhGNnWEqtKV7T-k50Fc48muo8wOvltnosABlVN_GdTRZgo-H2wAI2LAHw-qg3AwMiLZpO7YNtR0X40tfHzhTY81BF13kY_boop6uwzHaOaE/s1600/Ghnghm3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487616240884708882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDf7rdIGV37CrCQ5x7yaBGSCpV7wx-IBQPhGNnWEqtKV7T-k50Fc48muo8wOvltnosABlVN_GdTRZgo-H2wAI2LAHw-qg3AwMiLZpO7YNtR0X40tfHzhTY81BF13kY_boop6uwzHaOaE/s320/Ghnghm3.jpg" border="0" /></a> Next, I started stitching the weft - again centering it. The arrows point to the center thread. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">After this, it had to be marked for guidance, so I used the Sharpie extra fine Permanent MARKER - never the paint pen, as it's not really safe for needlepoint canvas.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedE2QFozi0VFu4d710zH2M4V5-UX1mHoW9Ti3hSq-iT2h9DUseCH1MIxCdb_mr6cIMITA4Lkq57Sn8F5MulQQsjEMPCwQcAsjS81Ir-W_GLnhJ-_A53EVKAeufuzv2i_H21z0GTSimtE/s1600/GngmWeft1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487617687105743554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedE2QFozi0VFu4d710zH2M4V5-UX1mHoW9Ti3hSq-iT2h9DUseCH1MIxCdb_mr6cIMITA4Lkq57Sn8F5MulQQsjEMPCwQcAsjS81Ir-W_GLnhJ-_A53EVKAeufuzv2i_H21z0GTSimtE/s320/GngmWeft1.jpg" border="0" /></a> I counted backward from the center to reach the top where I began the stitching. The marks on this circle didn't go into the circle itself as I do on squares - it would have made the outline difficult to discern.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVVDSgy8iyD9jG0n6-a2s7xGYD5_i_hVLm8-RY71iz3D8x-CuuxuW-vdIqrebLhSfH_m9hYOvitW8BwcXHEWD3MYFRZ3rnyGzthNWkUxXMl3cO_vZbaSkrgzP4JygAa2jDw5Qbb6MYTg/s1600/GngmWft2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487618417507118786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 301px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVVDSgy8iyD9jG0n6-a2s7xGYD5_i_hVLm8-RY71iz3D8x-CuuxuW-vdIqrebLhSfH_m9hYOvitW8BwcXHEWD3MYFRZ3rnyGzthNWkUxXMl3cO_vZbaSkrgzP4JygAa2jDw5Qbb6MYTg/s320/GngmWft2.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The arrows point to a place that looks rather strange - but it's just the white stitches making the "gap." This won't show when it's finished.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4WCEwFokfb65GlMKmflCSFynWRhuHggArXGN4Kk5S2O3WtjyIXyJC81BUZ2wAgVrrKkjl9RL24mlRgDp9RRvMLmvoYTjAjBBhnkuttd6IzT_XP3pVB5eVmvbFqOW_H0GLmTju6e9NI0/s1600/Gnghm5best.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487619151608189570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4WCEwFokfb65GlMKmflCSFynWRhuHggArXGN4Kk5S2O3WtjyIXyJC81BUZ2wAgVrrKkjl9RL24mlRgDp9RRvMLmvoYTjAjBBhnkuttd6IzT_XP3pVB5eVmvbFqOW_H0GLmTju6e9NI0/s320/Gnghm5best.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The last picture shows the progress toward looking like gingham!! Again, the arrows point to places where it appears that a little bite has been take out of the circle. The tendency would be to want to complete the blue square - but then it wouldn't be correct according to the circle drawing. A round piece this small could be a box top insert - but I think I would have started with a monogram before beginning the stitching!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>ADDENDUM:</strong> I have several tutorials on the subject of stitching plaid in needlepoint, but for anyone who has missed it; the WARP (vertical) stripes are stitched first, and in basketweave, on every other row. Use the warp threads of the canvas - the thread is on top, forming a slight "bump." Then the weft is worked horizontally on the weft threads of the canvas - where the spaces are left. This is extremely simple, and there is minimal distortion of the canvas.</span>Possibilities, Etc.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00301188397987608400noreply@blogger.com0