Knitting with Fabric Strips (again!)

I have mentioned this briefly at an earlier date, but as I've noticed that people are now looking for patterns and techniques for fabric strip knitting, it's time to dig out the pattern file I created on my last "binge" of this about five years ago.

It's an extremely creative medium, as is knitting in general, and I'm apalled at the number of people who have never gone beyond scarves - so were bored and gave it up.

I have probably shown this little tote bag on the other blog at some point in the past, but will show it again here - as well as another one I really enjoyed from the "Mosaic" patterns by Barbara G.Walker.

The blue and white bag is made with the pattern "Waves" from the first book on the subject.

I'll go find some simple ones that I can offer here for you to try - probably starting with the placemats I made, using the little washcloth pattern we were doing with cotton thread about ten years ago - starting in the corner. I managed to figure out how to elongate this, and made placemats - with the same fabric hemmed, and used as napkins. Very effective and festive for a table setting!

PAINT YOUR OWN CANVAS 2nd chapter

I worked very hard over the weekend, and astonished myself by finishing Chapter II and putting it onto the web page. Now I deserve a rest, and another "swim" with the coral reef critters.

This chapter shows, mostly in pictures, detailed instruction in drawing the pattern, putting it onto canvas, and painting - even as to how to hold the paint brush and how to fill it with paint.

This is a downloadable e-booklet that you can print out yourself, so may be purchased by those interested who are from countries outside the U.S.A., as there is no "mailing" involved except by e-mail.

A Mini-Scallop Shell and Paint Your Own Canvas!

This scallop shell is from my Coral Reef series of ornaments - and it was stitched on waste canvas over the background, to make it stand out a bit instead of blending in - very effective! It can be seen on the other blog. It's a tiny thing, at only a bit over 1" high, but might be useful for something else - so I'm passing it along.

Likewise the fish, which is intended for an ornament now in progress - it will also be stitched on waste canvas. I have these on graph paper to make them show up better, and each little square represents a stitch in needlepoint or an X for counted X-stitch. The color scheme is yours to imagine!

I drew these first, of course, on needlepoint canvas so I could see what they would actually look like. When I drew them later on graph paper, it helped me visualize some stitches I might use - so it helped a lot.

And now for my commercial about my re-do of "Paint Your Own Canvas." I've been needing to update that book for about two years, and for the last year, have sworn almost daily that I would get busy and put it into E-Book form.

As I was able to add more color pictures, etc. by doing it this way, as well as having new materials, tools, and information that I didn't have five or six years ago, (including a computer and digital camera) it started getting too long, so I have split it into two chapters.

Chapter I is ready and already on my web page (Elegant Whimsies). under "E-patterns: Booklets." It deals in depth with the tools and materials and how to use them - and also with paint and mixing colors, etc. Hopefully, I'll finish Chapter II over the weekend, which will be about actually designing, drawing, and painting a canvas.

Meanwhile, as I'm day dreaming about the Gulf of Mexico, and time spent on the coast of north Florida, I'll get out my "jeweled sea critters" file and put some more here for your use.

It's March Again Already!

I usually dread the arrival of March, as in Austin it means the advent of hot weather again. However, after having a record number of weeks of winter, (which was rather wonderful, for a change), I'm looking forward to maybe some sunshine and good weather for outdoor activity. (as long as it remains cool).

Anyway - this is the Birthday Crazy Quilt for March, which includes the aquamarines and daffodils significant for the month. The symbolism of these is explained on the other blog (Possibilities, etc.) I think , under "birthday crazy quilts." - be sure to go look.

Also, this piece, along with the other ones, may be purchased as an e-pattern or as a painted canvas with instructions on my web page, Elegant Whimsies.

DMC and Needlework History

If you don't already go regularly to the new DMC blog, written by "Emma Broidery," be sure and see it now - a post describing the total history of the DMC corporation, and also history of needlepoint, needlework in general, etc. This one also has the usual little "freebie" - a charming counted cross stitch mini-sampler.

An Egg with Memory Thread! (and a new blog)

"Tis the Season" to do an egg or two, and I'm loving what the ladies at DMC did with my little egg and their new Memory Thread.

"Emma Broidery" is doing a blog for them, where you may find this egg as a Freebie, as well as other interesting things to browse and for finding inspiration for your needlework - do go see it. The link is on the side bar under "Good Stuff."

A Delightful Valentine Freebie from Liz

For anyone who hasn't found Liz Morrow's beautiful blog, she has now added a web page with downloadable patterns - and a freebie, which changes regularly.

I wanted to share this delightful Valentine with you, and also couldn't resist the purchase, myself, of one of her gorgeous bargello patterns.Her bargello is so imaginative! These patterns may be delivered to your e-mail by PDF - or you can get them "hard copy" as she calls it.

The little picture I'm showing says "click to download" - but this was on Liz's site when I touched it with my mouse - so you have to go to her web page to do that.

Also, don't forget that these charts work equally well for needlepoint or counted X-Stitch. Each little square represents a stitch, which would be an X for cross stitch, and a tent stitch for needlepoint - a simple "translation."