Pages

Tuesday 19 March 2013

Starting A Project.....Tips

Hi everyone,

I get so excited before I start a new stitching project as I'm sure you all do too.  You know what it's like to see that must stitch right this minute pattern and nothing else matters including feeding the family or taking the dog for a walk.

Before rushing into a project it would benefit you to prepare giving you more free time to stitch rather than sort as you go along and make a mess.

* Make sure if you are cutting your own fabric that you measure and cut correctly....the saying goes measure twice and cut once!

* Sort your threads out by cutting off appropriate lengths, then get some card, use a punch to cut out holes down the side before attaching your thread individually.  Don't forget to add the number, symbol, colour by each piece of thread otherwise you'll be lost.

*  Keep a small tray by your side so you can place your scissors, needles and any other tools you will be using.  How often do we put our scissors down by our side and then spend 5 mins searching for them only to discover them under a pile of our stash also stored  by our side.

* Use a magnet to keep your needle safe in between changing threads........losing a needle and finding it can be like hunting a needle in a  haystack and it's no fun stepping on it because it fell to the floor as you got up from the chair.

* Those little cut offs of threads are a pain and end up clinging to your clothes so maybe take some sticky tape and wrap around your hand (sticky bit should be on the outside otherwise it will stick to your hand) place on a small piece of card and when you have that piece of thread drop it onto the tape.  Dispose of at the end of the stitching session.

*When you've done enough stitching for the evening ahem then place your piece if small enough on the tray and cover with a pillowcase or something similar to keep free from dust and dirt.

More importantly just enjoy because whichever way you start your prep you'll do what works best for you, I know my stash at the side of me gets very messy and that tray....well it becomes over crowded just a little.

Rachel x

Easter ATC Swap

Good evening everyone,

Here is another swap and this time the theme was Easter so of course a bunny was in order.  I found this really cute one but I didn't want to stitch the carrot so instead I attached the button to act as the tail.

I'm starting to think I have a thing for buttons and they might very well be my signature.


Hope you like him.

Rachel x

Ladybird ATC Swap

Hi Everyone,

By now I think it is obvious that I love to swap my cross stitch pieces, it's fun to give and fun to receive.  I entered a letter "L" ATC swap and as  was looking through my files for something to stitch I came across a alphabet with the most cute Ladybirds and got stitching straight away.

To finish I added some pretty colors and love the end result.



I just love the bright colours and how the card stock shows it off.  Don't be afraid to play around with colour.

Rachel x

Sunday 17 March 2013

Mother Earth Giant Art Swap

Just wanted to share with you a swap I recently took part in again using a Joan Elliott design.  I decided to add the name of the lady with varigated threads and love the effect plus I also for the first time used light effects threads which are basically metallic but made by DMC.

To top it off I attached to a journal.



Rachel x

A Kokeshi Doll ATC Swap

Afternoon everyone,

I've been very busy of late with ATC cross stitch swaps and I've so enjoyed taking part, I need no excuse to stitch!.

I especially loved this Kokeshi Doll due to her beautiful bright colours, she is a Joan Elliott design.

The recipient loved her so I'm very pleased.


Happy stitching everyone

Rachel x

Thursday 7 March 2013

Butterfly ATC Swap

I love swapping gifts and what perfect way than to combine both the giving as well as the making.  I really loved stitching this beautiful Butterfly as she is so colourful.  The recipient loved her so I'm happy.


Keep a lookout because over the next few weeks I will be adding more swaps.

Rachel x

Update On Forever Friends

Well, today I present my parents with their Ruby wedding anniversary gift, their actual anniversary is tomorrow but we're having a party today.

I framed this piece myself, left it till the last minute as I so often do and couldn't find a frame the size I wanted (typical) so ended up getting a bigger frame with a aperture that was divided into 4 pieces.  After cutting these apertures out I then had four wiggly odd looking parts to the inner aperture so I got out my crafty bits n pieces and added some flowers to cover them up.

Here is the finished piece and boy am I proud.



Happy 40th Mam & Dad.

Rachel x