tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86496345102496532722024-03-05T02:35:24.870-08:00Su's Silks and ShiniesThis is the place where I post my adventures in embroidery, and occasionally historically inspired fantasy costuming.ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-16443270476607990912011-04-02T15:17:00.000-07:002012-02-01T04:44:10.542-08:00An 18th Century extravaganza, and why I have not been posting,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqxHx7C941CmsNTviS5jawkHVGl3DAOSETAsddbdHsQSg1q4bFnkOtJcktj8D0evw7q9JChhR4FGsw1ooe_dn_wucvLZTwWM9iwWHerkYXIjYnzuKbPt_bDbrn_-JfIct2j4ZD-FnSbbh/s1600/DSC0755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
I have sadly neglected this, my creative blog. Probably because my life first got errr interesting..... and then got of necessity more creative. <br />
<br />
Suffice it to say I am now, for better or worse employed full time creatively as one half of <a href="http://www.jollydicey.co.uk/Home">Jolly Dicey</a> Costumieres to the Discerning. I'm as poor as a church mouse, but for the first time in my life, I'm doing what I love and I am utterly determined to make it work somehow.<br />
<br />
About this time last year, my friend Kate and I embarked on a massive opus of creativity making between us 12 outfits to wear at UK Freeforms Masquerade, a weekend long game set in Venice in the 18th Century. These are diaried in detail over on Live Journal on dressdiaries by katexxxxxx. We worked intensively and well together, so when I lost my job, nothing could have been more natural than to discuss setting up a partnership.<br />
<br />
This blog will probably stay the place where I post the things that feed my spirit the most, rather than customer work. Though there are plans to link all of our blog entries to the website.<br />
<br />
One of my outfits was an homage (my poor skill would not suffice for a replica) of this dress.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8nU2hz7Xbz5jxkSywjYhurhOEz8ujjiJKtUSZ_ZhNejj2gbkzyM8QRFB_L0PnSf_ZW55JaUSu4Rx8-kku1_8UXs1Lnk6jPTvH0Qrz7j6GWiGlQRvRIqV63-8OfBfWlpCCJjO0TRkLjeu/s1600/522px-Boucher_Marquise_de_Pompadour_1756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8nU2hz7Xbz5jxkSywjYhurhOEz8ujjiJKtUSZ_ZhNejj2gbkzyM8QRFB_L0PnSf_ZW55JaUSu4Rx8-kku1_8UXs1Lnk6jPTvH0Qrz7j6GWiGlQRvRIqV63-8OfBfWlpCCJjO0TRkLjeu/s320/522px-Boucher_Marquise_de_Pompadour_1756.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
<br />
And for himself I aimed to make a court suit that had the feel of this one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7js_uyZ05Q5LsXMW8_r0466-nb58KWzgWf6AkyXG7l3bKipXNpWJOIH6Ox9Utc8YJXnSIt63oxm6ji587RBIr8oJXcbZtsqbR5qvNNXTAbGPn-BtHc_ShD2nZI3oXPGdmAeMOaBFvCrXa/s1600/37768649_p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7js_uyZ05Q5LsXMW8_r0466-nb58KWzgWf6AkyXG7l3bKipXNpWJOIH6Ox9Utc8YJXnSIt63oxm6ji587RBIr8oJXcbZtsqbR5qvNNXTAbGPn-BtHc_ShD2nZI3oXPGdmAeMOaBFvCrXa/s320/37768649_p.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So here are some of the outfits we came up with.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSX7RcvhYK1UyqdbjQ9n26efjrBTzyCVUfKz3OQ3SgRAIUYwam4vsKir1RPu2gg81tBqwCFYYA-Pfp0tE43ix4KRYBKdD0y9ehksMLBS1rtNYw2WiPmNCWOdyYUypYcSEXWQ1z2R0bdoV/s1600/DSC0839.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSX7RcvhYK1UyqdbjQ9n26efjrBTzyCVUfKz3OQ3SgRAIUYwam4vsKir1RPu2gg81tBqwCFYYA-Pfp0tE43ix4KRYBKdD0y9ehksMLBS1rtNYw2WiPmNCWOdyYUypYcSEXWQ1z2R0bdoV/s640/DSC0839.png" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madame de Pompadour and her Ice Prince</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJ_ONWhPMBbozTVLOw2AfA1ZocSGlYx5moILWWUoOPmW9_f_OT7h-xRu66_thzOucKuExttWW8T84XFny3xvLJ97ypryCS-KY7gdzABq-VOdRS0rrznutWAr3HM9W_zDVgMzb40HOu7PQ/s1600/DSC0847.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJ_ONWhPMBbozTVLOw2AfA1ZocSGlYx5moILWWUoOPmW9_f_OT7h-xRu66_thzOucKuExttWW8T84XFny3xvLJ97ypryCS-KY7gdzABq-VOdRS0rrznutWAr3HM9W_zDVgMzb40HOu7PQ/s640/DSC0847.png" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMG, what lovely lace, such tiny stitches!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am quite pleased with my Madame de Pompadour frock. I made all the roses by hand, I pinked all the trim, and sewed it on by hand, and I handsewed the vintage Edwardian lace engageantes to the most delicious handkerchief linen with tiny stitches. I am equally pleased with himself's Ice Prince suit, which was embellished with silver needlerun lace sewn down carefully by hand and machine to look like embroidery.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkB6KLQcPOzOLV34zEiwq3YTeL_42RxoO5Ee5OCjM4wOTej6Pyz5MvwlFyM9Dk5NBSgyTBUTegMBHksCSD8FVuKr09S0RS0fmlxiGiKaBufag5uiahhBTv6zlZBePPw5TguIEkmkYsfwl/s1600/DSC0770.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkB6KLQcPOzOLV34zEiwq3YTeL_42RxoO5Ee5OCjM4wOTej6Pyz5MvwlFyM9Dk5NBSgyTBUTegMBHksCSD8FVuKr09S0RS0fmlxiGiKaBufag5uiahhBTv6zlZBePPw5TguIEkmkYsfwl/s640/DSC0770.png" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice Cream Prince Suit by Kate!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzJ12tta4wgUp_nUcWDO50F_AGKqF-SsLcTL2EMJg4SzSmbkF0595dRS8nAhRDuKNJe2wdnDkWwxZvrpCf7LM2oIDwKkcEA5qoSo9k_ioFi-ZilzjxXp1_fk8jUYM4vX4wgM13-1OzHLG/s1600/DSC0775.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzJ12tta4wgUp_nUcWDO50F_AGKqF-SsLcTL2EMJg4SzSmbkF0595dRS8nAhRDuKNJe2wdnDkWwxZvrpCf7LM2oIDwKkcEA5qoSo9k_ioFi-ZilzjxXp1_fk8jUYM4vX4wgM13-1OzHLG/s640/DSC0775.png" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ice Prince</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7itA8jdu6I35VLhKHK5Od1C5ngE67veasYUFuNkbfRy7LqKaj0YlupDcMZ7fQmAZAmWNhwd1RbWFPWN8D-CuVD-7ffDdEA_UOm045ufnZ48NaFIbEOKo9rmKMZhNOWlyhZA2rFTc1dtE/s1600/ice+cream+coat+pocket+det+l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7itA8jdu6I35VLhKHK5Od1C5ngE67veasYUFuNkbfRy7LqKaj0YlupDcMZ7fQmAZAmWNhwd1RbWFPWN8D-CuVD-7ffDdEA_UOm045ufnZ48NaFIbEOKo9rmKMZhNOWlyhZA2rFTc1dtE/s400/ice+cream+coat+pocket+det+l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pocket Detail, Ice Cream Prince Coat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkB6KLQcPOzOLV34zEiwq3YTeL_42RxoO5Ee5OCjM4wOTej6Pyz5MvwlFyM9Dk5NBSgyTBUTegMBHksCSD8FVuKr09S0RS0fmlxiGiKaBufag5uiahhBTv6zlZBePPw5TguIEkmkYsfwl/s1600/DSC0770.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwo0FahhKwvdIHO97C2nPuCus3iybshNVsz9YFB29MHh5Zv1NTjQuCQs28ZtcSgLyen6ngBx1Ql6P0PuYcFr5ZhSEDbqDzU-Jll-bODiU3gzikzgz1jqUByNz51OJGXXDSNSftqj6WN5D/s1600/ice+prince+back+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwo0FahhKwvdIHO97C2nPuCus3iybshNVsz9YFB29MHh5Zv1NTjQuCQs28ZtcSgLyen6ngBx1Ql6P0PuYcFr5ZhSEDbqDzU-Jll-bODiU3gzikzgz1jqUByNz51OJGXXDSNSftqj6WN5D/s1600/ice+prince+back+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwo0FahhKwvdIHO97C2nPuCus3iybshNVsz9YFB29MHh5Zv1NTjQuCQs28ZtcSgLyen6ngBx1Ql6P0PuYcFr5ZhSEDbqDzU-Jll-bODiU3gzikzgz1jqUByNz51OJGXXDSNSftqj6WN5D/s320/ice+prince+back+crop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back detail, Ice Prince Suit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifjZ8mu2_7YNPPLg_lp8HktcBDlMbbZz3V1-qEvtav1f2AxG_rPwrOKq9i1xgTWanEpRO_seRThl3AAGjpc8pyUjCojpFcbpwlXj-qk7FlBglnTo-QXVZCwY1S5Bo73h4BNeYdG_wAB0l/s1600/DSC0803-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifjZ8mu2_7YNPPLg_lp8HktcBDlMbbZz3V1-qEvtav1f2AxG_rPwrOKq9i1xgTWanEpRO_seRThl3AAGjpc8pyUjCojpFcbpwlXj-qk7FlBglnTo-QXVZCwY1S5Bo73h4BNeYdG_wAB0l/s640/DSC0803-1.png" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caracao and hat by Kate, Black Saque and embroidered stomacher by me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SuHvmpm1fKIBQ4g64WzENY4X495-8sjJR23V3H8zsvERcdKnukEGze1-tjXkGB9lLV-8kxNmI6QYkpiX2UMmJkpS_DZFWu20yjF3PyBbF5a03KNDT4zhsFp5X8B1LIvztLTx96tKYYMg/s1600/DSC0859.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SuHvmpm1fKIBQ4g64WzENY4X495-8sjJR23V3H8zsvERcdKnukEGze1-tjXkGB9lLV-8kxNmI6QYkpiX2UMmJkpS_DZFWu20yjF3PyBbF5a03KNDT4zhsFp5X8B1LIvztLTx96tKYYMg/s640/DSC0859.png" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We look as hot as gossip in our flame red outfits!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There is tons more on the <a href="http://www.jollydicey.co.uk/Home">jolly dicey website.</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-43137809387351020242010-03-22T14:05:00.000-07:002012-02-01T04:48:48.724-08:00Internet Resources for my Sewing Ladies - Embroidery<a href="http://www.needlenthread.com/">http://www.needlenthread.com/</a><br />
This is the ultimate embroidery blog. A good proprtion of what I have learnt in the past few years is down to Mary! Her Video Library of Embroidery Stitches is particularly helpful, and she also has a library of free patterns. She posts pretty much daily, and occasionally gives stuff away (though hundred's of people comment to try and win it).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.sewandso.co.uk/cat27.html">http://www.sewandso.co.uk/cat27.html</a><br />
A pretty good source of lots of different embroidery threads. I don't think I've ever seen quite so many in one place.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mulberrysilks-patriciawood.com/store/">http://www.mulberrysilks-patriciawood.com/store/</a><br />
My favourite supplier of silks. Expensive, but so yummy!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://zuill.us/andreablog/category/embroidery/free-patterns/">http://zuill.us/andreablog/category/embroidery/free-patterns/</a><br />
Cute quirky free designs<br />
<br />
<a href="http://heritageshoppe.com/">http://heritageshoppe.com/</a><br />
Another very useful site, with stitch instructions, articles and good links.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.x-calibredesigns.co.uk/html/online_classes.html">http://www.x-calibredesigns.co.uk/html/online_classes.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blackworkarchives.com/bw_stitch.html"><br />http://www.blackworkarchives.com/bw_stitch.html</a><br />
<br />
Blackwork<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org/">http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org/</a><br />
Downloadable E books a great source of free patterns and instructions for all kinds of crafts. I particularly likeTherese de Dillmonts Broderie en passe and motifs de broderies.<br />
<a href="http://www.jfingalls.com/index.html"><br />http://www.jfingalls.com/index.html</a><br />
<br />
More free patterns, these are Victorian.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://heritageshoppe.com/">http://heritageshoppe.com/</a>ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-51678132469487142632010-03-22T07:00:00.000-07:002010-03-22T07:28:03.065-07:00Internet Resources for my Sewing Ladies - Misc<a href="http://www.katedicey.co.uk/">http://www.katedicey.co.uk/</a><br />My friend and frocking buddy Kate's website, and endearingly eclectic mix of hints, tips, projects, and links to all sorts of resources. Included are guides to the care and feeding of sewing machines, and what thread to use for your projects.<br /><br />Kate has been sewing for 40 years, professionally for most of them, and she's forgotton more than I ever knew. Be warned, though, she's a perfectionist!<br /><a href="http://www.treadleon.net/sewingmachineshop/tensionadjustment/tensionadjustment.html"><br />http://www.treadleon.net/sewingmachineshop/tensionadjustment/tensionadjustment.html</a><br />Rather long, but eyewateringly funny article on the mysteries of tension in sewing machines. Enjoy<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lindrix.com/fabcontent.html">http://www.lindrix.com/fabcontent.html</a><br />How to tell the fire content of a fabric by burn testing it. Not that I'm telling you to play with matches! Really, I'm not telling you to play with matches! But if you must, please make sure you have some means of extinguishing the flame if it gets all out of control, and you are well away from flammable materials like curtains, long hair, etc etc. Hold the fabric to be tested in tongs, not your fingers! I do my burn testing by the kitchen sink, so if something goes up too enthusiastically I can just drop it in the sink and turn the tap on.ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-16114880839259558252010-03-22T05:14:00.000-07:002010-03-22T06:28:29.002-07:00Internet Resources for my Sewing Ladies - FabricDisclaimer. I have not used all these sites (where I can remember using them I have said), and do not therefore endorse them. My experiences are my experiences, yours may differ. Please excercise reasonable care when shopping online, check that the site uses a secure credit card server, read their privacy policy about what they do with your details, or use paypal if it is an option. I've compiled these lists of links to get you started, but you shop on the internet at your own risk, and neither I nor my employers accept any responsibility for the consequences!<br /><a href="http://www.efabrics.co.uk/"><br />http://www.efabrics.co.uk/</a> <br />Reasonable prices, seems like a good range<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cheapfabrics.co.uk/thestore/index.php">http://www.cheapfabrics.co.uk/thestore/index.php</a><br />Nice looking site, good prices.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fabricuk.com/fabrics.php?categ=1">http://www.fabricuk.com/fabrics.php?categ=1</a><br />Basic, no frills site with a decent range of fabrics, and some bargains.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hillsidetextiles.co.uk/hillsidecgi-bin/hillsideselector.pl?C=HILLSIDE&P=SELECTOR&USERNAME=trade&PSWD=hillside">http://www.hillsidetextiles.co.uk/hillsidecgi-bin/hillsideselector.pl?C=HILLSIDE&P=SELECTOR&USERNAME=trade&PSWD=hillside</a><br />Ok, this is where synthetic fibres go to die, but I don't expect everyone to share my obsession with natural fabrics. The sell by the roll at really good prices, or by the yard still quite reasonable.<br /><a href="http://www.croftmill.co.uk/"><br />http://www.croftmill.co.uk/</a><br />A quirky selection of quality fabrics at very good prices. Also do interfacing, which is handy.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thesilkroute.co.uk/index.html">http://www.thesilkroute.co.uk/index.html</a><br />OMG! Silks! Not cheap, and mail order only, but the site is pretty!<br /><a href="http://www.puresilks.biz/store/index.php"><br />http://www.puresilks.biz/store/index.php</a><br />This site ships direct from India, but shipping charges seem surprisingly reasonable. I havn't used them yet, but I'm planning a purchase soon. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.abakhan.co.uk/index.html">http://www.abakhan.co.uk/index.html</a><br />Failrly limited selection, but good prices, and also sell interfa cing, which can be hard to find online.ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-57685388351219965762010-03-22T04:17:00.000-07:002010-03-22T06:28:19.530-07:00Internet Resources for my Sewing Ladies - Haberdashery and notionsDisclaimer. I have not used all these sites (where I can remember using them I have said), and do not therefore endorse them. My experiences are my experiences, yours may differ. Please excercise reasonable care when shopping online, check that the site uses a secure credit card server, read their privacy policy about what they do with your details, or use paypal if it is an option. I've compiled these lists of links to get you started, but you shop on the internet at your own risk, and neither I nor my employers accept any responsibility for the consequences!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sewessential.co.uk/">http://www.sewessential.co.uk/</a><br /><br />Sells pretty much everything you could want. They even do fabric, though it's quite expensive. The do free delivery on orders over £50 so perhaps if a coup<span class="content"></span>le of you got together, you could save on shipping.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.jaycotts.co.uk/">http://www.jaycotts.co.uk/</a><br />Another like the above. Free delivery on more expensive itens, not sure about little bits of haberdashery. Do a pretty good range of thread including YLI cotton (as reccomended by Kate Dicey).<br /><a href="http://www.sewdirect.com/index.html"><br />http://www.sewdirect.com/index.html</a><br />An odd selection of stuff, some quite useful. What they do do is Empress Mills Overlocker thread, as reccommended by Kate Dicey.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.macculloch-wallis.co.uk/default.aspx">http://www.macculloch-wallis.co.uk/default.aspx</a><br />This tends to be my go to store for haberdashery, mostly because they sell Coats Silk and cotton thread which I use a lot. They have a good selection of fabrics too. They are pretty helpful, but quality comes at a price.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kleins.co.uk/">http://www.kleins.co.uk/</a><br /><br />I've bought from them before too, if I need something in a hurry this is my go to store, as you can generally get your stuff the next working day.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.corsetmaking.co.uk/store/">http://www.corsetmaking.co.uk/store/</a><br />Not just corsetmaking but lots of other stuff as well. I've bought from them, but it was a while ago.<br /><br /><a href="http://gardengateknitsewcraft.co.uk/">http://gardengateknitsewcraft.co.uk/</a><br />Another site that sells interfacing and lots of other haberdashery bits.<br /><a href="http://www.josyrose.com/#top"><br />http://www.josyrose.com/#top</a><br /><br />Lots of cute stuff for embellishing things, and bag making stuff. Making bags is surprisingly good fun.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.u-handbag.com/index.php?main_page=define_main_page&zenid=ae7cf098f44002ad7616a410a644a37d">http://www.u-handbag.com/index.php?main_page=define_main_page&zenid=ae7cf098f44002ad7616a410a644a37d</a><br />While we're on the subject of making bags, this site has everything you need, plus helpful tutorials<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ribbonmoon.co.uk/index.asp">http://www.ribbonmoon.co.uk/index.asp</a><br />Not the most attractive site to browse, but has a good selection of stuff, including some things that are hard to find.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bedecked.co.uk/">http://www.bedecked.co.uk/</a><br />Expensive but lots of lovely trimmings and pretties. I'm going to use this for eye-candy when I need cheering up!ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-13391758296652350952010-03-21T15:45:00.000-07:002010-03-21T16:12:43.287-07:00A wee tribute to the art of Andrea Zuill!Over Xmas I did a number of quick charming embroidery projects for gifts and to make Xmas ornaments.<br /><br />Many of the designs I got from Andrea Zuill's charming <a href="http://zuill.us/andreablog/category/embroidery/free-patterns/">free embroidery designs</a> over at badbirds. I sort of got obsessed with these for a bit, I got so much pleasure in stitching them. They're cute and quirky and sort of folksy, so I had to add a touch of me by blinging them up in silks and satins with a bit of beading and gold work. (Because if you are going to spend hours and hours of your life stitching something, you may as well use the lushest materials you possibly can).<br /><br />So here is a summary of the gifts I made using Andrea's designs. Some of them came out better than others, my making skills are still not up to my embroidery skills, but I'm getting there.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO0dzMApA7fK8g6KrY0N7IgkjrzIkel6shjce1wdbMdqsa86zW1sqbbHy3lgHxISHjVXALyR-sH03XlWWFd96qG_qAFIbB1jz6F-mk-rBtMZQAd4yQHSy0ikYI18MiVMTLFP14uhuZLkO/s512/christmas%20birdies%202.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO0dzMApA7fK8g6KrY0N7IgkjrzIkel6shjce1wdbMdqsa86zW1sqbbHy3lgHxISHjVXALyR-sH03XlWWFd96qG_qAFIbB1jz6F-mk-rBtMZQAd4yQHSy0ikYI18MiVMTLFP14uhuZLkO/s512/christmas%20birdies%202.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This became a spectacle case for my mother in law.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yydN1rXRW6vpR8jpHEdSuN7ybzg295tX0uw8cCaF49BEVAIjN6w80zj2HjXCdSnYKuyZY48yuoxlLdn7xJzTedKoJ4WjlMpfwPLRVznKMG1aPVhKfSC1qQPehT3Je9jIOEzQVflfUVn1/s512/P1010607.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yydN1rXRW6vpR8jpHEdSuN7ybzg295tX0uw8cCaF49BEVAIjN6w80zj2HjXCdSnYKuyZY48yuoxlLdn7xJzTedKoJ4WjlMpfwPLRVznKMG1aPVhKfSC1qQPehT3Je9jIOEzQVflfUVn1/s512/P1010607.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This was the spectacle case for the mother out law. (Its complicated).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zO1yv9ORyrXStrN9Bi3E1wY3Fc0sFooJ9sNw0rL6RKmGfYJ5zcXGSagpjOfXZ5N_UHoGHFyFTp8wJbjEAzPLGaZP16Av9w2f5xqxtyPMeImJhDF3onitOjQ5I7moZM_fkjjkhb285Pit/s640/P1030772.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zO1yv9ORyrXStrN9Bi3E1wY3Fc0sFooJ9sNw0rL6RKmGfYJ5zcXGSagpjOfXZ5N_UHoGHFyFTp8wJbjEAzPLGaZP16Av9w2f5xqxtyPMeImJhDF3onitOjQ5I7moZM_fkjjkhb285Pit/s640/P1030772.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Another Wol, and a Reindeer made into a pouch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo591fQSqNwc0oZSHAlNtnREZ6VsyBGshyphenhyphenyHNRHnE21JTJhk3IZN5NI2Sw-GAmn6BqT5yLgufrLT5xYT5RcvVZlZ4neWSM0B45xbqzxldV1BmcAACXDZLb5u5GRKy6yx4n2fwIAj7HftH/s512/deer%20little%20reindeer.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo591fQSqNwc0oZSHAlNtnREZ6VsyBGshyphenhyphenyHNRHnE21JTJhk3IZN5NI2Sw-GAmn6BqT5yLgufrLT5xYT5RcvVZlZ4neWSM0B45xbqzxldV1BmcAACXDZLb5u5GRKy6yx4n2fwIAj7HftH/s512/deer%20little%20reindeer.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Another reindeer which was made up into an Xmas ornament with a lvender bag inside, so you can use it to scent your clothes all year round.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSYMJGOS4T4ro8x6H2pKOOPInRy2SRZBjl3m_pdm1ntkgMFcAlV3pocX10ep98niYmNiHMf6RA0bFLMt4pvOlWALwJ2B-EREpUSSHSCyRL2hDuhDUt3eGr_OH2xGFIGGoBKh116VAFhhj/s512/bird%20heart%202.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSYMJGOS4T4ro8x6H2pKOOPInRy2SRZBjl3m_pdm1ntkgMFcAlV3pocX10ep98niYmNiHMf6RA0bFLMt4pvOlWALwJ2B-EREpUSSHSCyRL2hDuhDUt3eGr_OH2xGFIGGoBKh116VAFhhj/s512/bird%20heart%202.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Another Xmas ornament, and lavender bag.<br /><br />Materials include silks left over from various costume projects, gold threads and spangles from <a href="http://www.maceandnairn.com/">Mace and Nairn</a> and silk threads from <a href="http://www.mulberrysilks-patriciawood.com/store/">Mulberry Silks</a> as well as beads from down the market.<br /><br />I'm really pleased with this little series.ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-35602167816470152252010-03-17T06:25:00.000-07:002010-03-17T06:25:29.316-07:00<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBySOcdUN5d1jM1NwPV01IiwD8Pw47HdyLesoTeDT7YWSQZyCB8XjhyphenhyphenTg-geY0eGqaivkqbGxKv-1yNXrR-RjcioXribR1t23q44KsikeB3JSNb3ahGFZmU-CRnARQoHFuUbIUvgrzoajl/s1600-h/P1030699.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBySOcdUN5d1jM1NwPV01IiwD8Pw47HdyLesoTeDT7YWSQZyCB8XjhyphenhyphenTg-geY0eGqaivkqbGxKv-1yNXrR-RjcioXribR1t23q44KsikeB3JSNb3ahGFZmU-CRnARQoHFuUbIUvgrzoajl/s400/P1030699.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><br />I've got the day off work, and Im having a catching up type day today! This is a little project I recently finished as a surprise for an online friend. I am going to make it up, and another similar design (remember the Wol spectacle case) as little pouches.<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-82312002875411576982010-03-15T10:18:00.000-07:002010-03-22T05:13:12.162-07:00Internet Resources for my Sewing Ladies - PatternsDisclaimer. I have not used all these sites (where I can remember using them I have said), and do not therefore endorse them. My experiences are my experiences, yours may differ. Please excercise reasonable care when shopping online, check that the site uses a secure credit card server, read their privacy policy about what they do with your details, or use paypal if it is an option. I've compiled these lists of links to get you started, but you shop on the internet at your own risk, and neither I nor my employers accept any responsibility for the consequences! <br /><br />Patterns.<br /><br />For anything but a very simple garment (loose fitting, no darts, no fitted sleeves) you probably need a pattern.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.simplicitynewlook.com/">http://www.simplicitynewlook.com/</a><br /><br />Simplicity Patterns are usually easy to follow. The website is also fairly easy to navigate. There is not a huge selection on there, however.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sewingworld.co.uk/Sewing_Patterns.html"></a><a href="http://www.jaycotts.co.uk/acatalog/Sewing_Patterns.html">http://www.jaycotts.co.uk/acatalog/Sewing_Patterns.html</a><br /><br />This site has a good selection of patterns from the major manufacturers, and is also easy to navigate, and offers up to 50% discount on retail proice which is worth having! I think I may have bought from them before. I've had good results with Simplicity, New Look and Butterick patterns. Vogue Patterns are nice, but tend to be more complicated.<br /><a href="http://www.sewdirect.com/acatalog/Sewing_Patterns.html"><br />http://www.sewdirect.com/acatalog/Sewing_Patterns.html</a><br /><br />I don't find this site as easy to use, but they have some quite cool stuff in their haberdashery section, so I may be making a purchase soon.<br /><a href="http://www.sewessential.co.uk/CategoryTree.asp?CategoryID=1235&gclid=CL3zrpyXzKACFQUulAodmiMb0A"><br />http://www.sewessential.co.uk/CategoryTree.asp?CategoryID=1235&gclid=CL3zrpyXzKACFQUulAodmiMb0A</a><br /><br />I think I've bought other stuff from them before. The site is easy to use, and they have the dvantage, like Jaycotts and Sew Direct of selling other things you might need, which may save you a bit on shipping.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.freeneedle.com/">http://www.freeneedle.com/ </a><br />Free patterns and instructions. This site links to other sites and blogs, patterns and links are variable. This is one to spend time browsing one day when you've got nothing much else on, to see if you can find anything useful.<br /><br />And a bit of fun!<br />It wouldn't be a me post without a bit of costuming! Remember the bonnet I brought to class? Here are some instrctions for making one!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.simplicitynewlook.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=5">http://www.simplicitynewlook.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=5</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgwWJHzPpr8"><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgwWJHzPpr8</a><br />And, slightly more complicated, but these are the instructions I actually used.ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-1720070795799240322009-12-22T07:35:00.000-08:002009-12-22T10:47:12.069-08:00What I have been doing in DecemberI have now finished all but one of my Xmas projects, so I can present them for your delectation, if anyone actually reads this thing!<br /><br />First up are the little Chrimbo Ornaments for the Perfumed Waters Ornament Swap.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrX8QVDE3BmG7AaB8HHrPqPy_2Zr0BAKDFm8f6QxeVmFo9q1GUe6n1Uy4v7D3-U0UqwUD94U4KyWR2re8kBecsho32cA8iujp_D0s-kHr-X1K2_05tEUc26eShaJO7G2NDsuYhnTv8r63H/s640/P1030045.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrX8QVDE3BmG7AaB8HHrPqPy_2Zr0BAKDFm8f6QxeVmFo9q1GUe6n1Uy4v7D3-U0UqwUD94U4KyWR2re8kBecsho32cA8iujp_D0s-kHr-X1K2_05tEUc26eShaJO7G2NDsuYhnTv8r63H/s640/P1030045.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />These are three completed little silk velvet trees, two outlined in gold smooth passing, with "jewels" from Walthamstow market as ornaments. One has bright check purl as tinsel, the other has Purl purl, one has an embroidered trunk with split stitch for "bark" and the other is beads. they are hand sewn up over card padded with 1/4 inch polyester batting, and inside the two smaller ones i popped a scrap of silk soaked in BPAL "Midnight Mass" perfume because it smells Christmassy to me. The bigger one I used Gilt Rococo for the outline, and couched down sequin trim for the garland, and lovely holographic sequins for the baubles. He's my favourite and I'm keeping him, though I don't think a tree will happen at my house this year (all out of spoons).<br /><br />Then there are the ornaments for the Avebury Yule Feast Secret Santa. A little heart and a reindeer from Andre Zuill's charming free designs. I have done a fair number of these for the festive period and I adore them. I can't draw, so finding charming free embroidery designs is such a boon!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSYMJGOS4T4ro8x6H2pKOOPInRy2SRZBjl3m_pdm1ntkgMFcAlV3pocX10ep98niYmNiHMf6RA0bFLMt4pvOlWALwJ2B-EREpUSSHSCyRL2hDuhDUt3eGr_OH2xGFIGGoBKh116VAFhhj/s512/bird%20heart%202.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSYMJGOS4T4ro8x6H2pKOOPInRy2SRZBjl3m_pdm1ntkgMFcAlV3pocX10ep98niYmNiHMf6RA0bFLMt4pvOlWALwJ2B-EREpUSSHSCyRL2hDuhDUt3eGr_OH2xGFIGGoBKh116VAFhhj/s512/bird%20heart%202.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo591fQSqNwc0oZSHAlNtnREZ6VsyBGshyphenhyphenyHNRHnE21JTJhk3IZN5NI2Sw-GAmn6BqT5yLgufrLT5xYT5RcvVZlZ4neWSM0B45xbqzxldV1BmcAACXDZLb5u5GRKy6yx4n2fwIAj7HftH/s512/deer%20little%20reindeer.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo591fQSqNwc0oZSHAlNtnREZ6VsyBGshyphenhyphenyHNRHnE21JTJhk3IZN5NI2Sw-GAmn6BqT5yLgufrLT5xYT5RcvVZlZ4neWSM0B45xbqzxldV1BmcAACXDZLb5u5GRKy6yx4n2fwIAj7HftH/s512/deer%20little%20reindeer.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The heart is outlined in stem stitch and buttonhole, and embellished with goldwork, beading and a tiny bit of satin stitch. I used Mulberry Silk Medium, and the fabric was some silk duchesse satin left over from Allison's fifties frock.<br /><br />The Reindeer is done in my handweavers studio silks, and embellished with beads. I don't have a finished pic of him for some reason, so here he is cut out and ready to be made up. I made little lavender bags from lavender from the garden and popped them inside alongside foam board shapes and lots of batting, so they can be used on coathangers to freshen wardrobes when Xmas is over.<br /><br />Finally there is a little owl for my beloved's mum. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yydN1rXRW6vpR8jpHEdSuN7ybzg295tX0uw8cCaF49BEVAIjN6w80zj2HjXCdSnYKuyZY48yuoxlLdn7xJzTedKoJ4WjlMpfwPLRVznKMG1aPVhKfSC1qQPehT3Je9jIOEzQVflfUVn1/s512/P1010607.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yydN1rXRW6vpR8jpHEdSuN7ybzg295tX0uw8cCaF49BEVAIjN6w80zj2HjXCdSnYKuyZY48yuoxlLdn7xJzTedKoJ4WjlMpfwPLRVznKMG1aPVhKfSC1qQPehT3Je9jIOEzQVflfUVn1/s512/P1010607.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I made him up into a spectacle case. He is all done in Mulberry Silks, on tan silk dupion (left over from my 18th century petticoat). I put some cotton poplin underneath to stabilise him, as the fabric is quite light. He is embellished with beads and goldwork, and I used split stitch for the feathers, as to me it looks feathery. I call him the little Peachy Wol, because he is not brown, or even tawny, he's peachy, and he's clearly a Wol, rather than an Owl! I like the gold spangles for his eyes. I sewed one on back to front, so he is slightly cross eyed, but I really like him that way, so I left it like that. The larger owl I am doing for my friend Tash, who hosted a most splendid yule feast is equally an Owl, not a Wol, and will not be cross eyed.ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-17320515627194894512009-12-02T00:16:00.000-08:002009-12-02T00:41:42.435-08:00Chrimbo Trees, Chrimbo Trees, Chrimbo all the way!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmnOhwllERqCxYkPCJGz7gZdWy6FQnHJqvaHav5ZtFqFelgJK0pOrqU8-27VzxhN7Tlb94SKRzdnxTvO5zHBAC5f8_HbwNNTf7QDg2yYjaJEOdLQio-Z8IU8BZq6bAyd0oIMk5onblz2W/s1600-h/Christmas+trees+3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmnOhwllERqCxYkPCJGz7gZdWy6FQnHJqvaHav5ZtFqFelgJK0pOrqU8-27VzxhN7Tlb94SKRzdnxTvO5zHBAC5f8_HbwNNTf7QDg2yYjaJEOdLQio-Z8IU8BZq6bAyd0oIMk5onblz2W/s400/Christmas+trees+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410555244542070722" border="0" /></a><br />I thought I would have a crack at making Christmas ornaments for the Perfumed Waters Swap, and some for my tree, and for mum in law's tree, and a few little pressies.<br /><br />I like small fast projects that can be done in a few days.<br /><br />These little Chrimbo trees are done on silk velvet in Goldwork embellished with crystals and sequins from the Fabulous Trim shop in Walthamstow Market. I used free colouring in book pages for the designs.<br /><br />I like the way the bright check purl on the one on the left looks like tinsel!<br /><br />I also do like the way they all look together, though they will be cut up, and stuffed and turned into individual ornaments.<br /><br />Maybe next year I will make a more sophisticated Plaque, using posher crystals and more gold, and leave them all together. But this year I have too many bits and pieces planned for different people.ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-73419303128225344212009-11-28T02:02:00.000-08:002009-11-28T02:56:17.810-08:00Embroidered Reticule 18th Century designI finally finished the reticule I was making from the 18th Century silk shading and goldwork design, and I am very pleased with how it turned out!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8s0m_4oYRbnoQmb9ehFEZyzZNWBieEBaaYjuOEpdyxaxBOtnRclY5JUyunHMRMY6g5uF87m3g45XD0Yzq-XnOYvjlbn9N33hksIUX6Vqa6rwcL1Gct8isajUmXTI5FQEZZpKKfTcNTYC/s1600/P1020650.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8s0m_4oYRbnoQmb9ehFEZyzZNWBieEBaaYjuOEpdyxaxBOtnRclY5JUyunHMRMY6g5uF87m3g45XD0Yzq-XnOYvjlbn9N33hksIUX6Vqa6rwcL1Gct8isajUmXTI5FQEZZpKKfTcNTYC/s400/P1020650.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409103258935317602" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The original design was taken from Gail Marsh's <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/18th-Century-Embroidery-Techniques-Marsh/dp/1861084765">18th Century Embroidery Techniques.<br /></a><br />I used 2% gold and gilt threads from <a href="http://www.maceandnairn.com/">Mace and Nairn</a>, and LOTS of Paillettes (18th Century for tiny gold plated sequins). I love Paillettes. They are so much classier than sequins!<br /><br />I also used my lovely <a href="http://www.handweavers.co.uk/shop/Samples_Catalogues.html">Handweavers Studio</a> silks. The fabric was some silk twill I got from Ebay for a quid a metre. I have 36 metres of the stuff, and I use it for all sorts of things. I backed it with white linen to embroider it whech gives it some substance. When making up the bag I flatlined it with cotton drill to help it keep its onion shape. The bag lining is the same gold dupion as the piping.<br /><br />To make up the bag I followed these <a href="http://u-handbag.typepad.com/uhandblog/2006/12/purse_frames_de.html">excellent instructions</a>.<br /><br />I looked all over the web for the purse frame, I love the peacocks! I think it came from U handbag too,<br />but they don't have it any more.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-_BsByE4aenA9PVTdl82vp-03cjiebqiPJHD8BWY8n0md5xYRXDdEcDQR5HKvJww33CX_X1VhrDK_jEQo7XdTtEubFfc_Afbzn3uaTc1FGj5Q40yDjQCfutEQKza4D8M0ZulKQmO8PqN/s1600/P1020660.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-_BsByE4aenA9PVTdl82vp-03cjiebqiPJHD8BWY8n0md5xYRXDdEcDQR5HKvJww33CX_X1VhrDK_jEQo7XdTtEubFfc_Afbzn3uaTc1FGj5Q40yDjQCfutEQKza4D8M0ZulKQmO8PqN/s400/P1020660.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409103266346832834" border="0" /></a><br />And because it was for Queenortart, there HAD to be piping. I don't quite have her touch with piping, but she liked it anyway.<br /><br />She chose the onion shape, and I believe it works well with the design.<br /><br />There was much squee when I presented it to her at consequences. <br /><br />And it was so simple to make that I beleive more purses and bags may be in my future. In fact I'm considering using the little bird design I posted last to make a spectacle case for the mother in law for xmas.ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-11471699074325094872009-11-28T01:33:00.000-08:002009-12-02T00:14:56.714-08:00Belle Epoque Ball Gown<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_sh7ay8pL0b0Fp8_C8TDBJjSd5JUbBLsvvdHMbaMe0zMPmNmlK-3-l7sBJ8L2DrAVjoVx6pXiiOf0QwtKQdM9KMWfleEtzJa7FdohQ6aooYmMpAx21dMtmzFWqjBcBnRhqwuVuLKaLv9/s1600/Farr_Florence.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 393px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_sh7ay8pL0b0Fp8_C8TDBJjSd5JUbBLsvvdHMbaMe0zMPmNmlK-3-l7sBJ8L2DrAVjoVx6pXiiOf0QwtKQdM9KMWfleEtzJa7FdohQ6aooYmMpAx21dMtmzFWqjBcBnRhqwuVuLKaLv9/s400/Farr_Florence.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409088592401637522" border="0" /></a><br />Okay, I have finished the Frock of Doom. I started wanting to do something loosely based on a dress which Florence Farr, my character for the 1897 game wore in an extant picture.<br /><br />I used the Truly Victorian Belle Epoque Evening Bodice and Grand Parlour skirt patterns, and made them up preety much exactly as per instructions, just adding a black chifforn overlayer to the sleeves.<br /><br />However, I did not get it finished for that game, so I wore one of my Artistic Reform Teagowns to the Ball, which actually worked much better for the character.<br /><br />So there it sat, needing hemming, pressing, buttons, buttonholes and final Jhooshing for nearly two years.<br /><br />At this year's Consequences (freeform gaming convention) there was a big Victorian game on the Satruday night so I sent my casting form in with the picture of Florence and a request to "just cast the frock!"<br /><br />And I got Princess Alexandra. I had to buy myself a Tiara!<br /><br />The hem took ages, it's about 8 yards around! And I hate the buttonholer on my machine, so I did all the buttonholes by hand. I like the way they look.<br /><br />And I LOVE the little Swarowski Crystal buttons up the back.<br /><br />I changed my idea for the lace. I was going to use a deep vintage chantilly, but when I compared the laces I had, it looked a bit too lingerie (perfect for an actress, not regal enough for Princess Alex, and the narrower modern machine embroidered lace with cream on black was just perfection.<br /><br />Anyway, here be pics!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSAsJ1Ap738AYogFSctt3puUhHzycV7NenMwbTy-7hB5OC6H7o2tUloUhAXEHUB9xjt9920BDxJHkVYhNb_M51bKQKPjbDBHjB7znzku6JLZyOXJahRN1gqh4sZuJatKuOhDu-cmTWnfR/s1600/P1020642.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSAsJ1Ap738AYogFSctt3puUhHzycV7NenMwbTy-7hB5OC6H7o2tUloUhAXEHUB9xjt9920BDxJHkVYhNb_M51bKQKPjbDBHjB7znzku6JLZyOXJahRN1gqh4sZuJatKuOhDu-cmTWnfR/s400/P1020642.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409091756227571570" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUZJ6Buxqpajz_-qUkX7LxVgaJm0OenoBRjj5Q_XymUYCPaEJfPPB57D6muCzzD5CftNItBDxImx_kenT2k7gPmLNnKaiMC4j6Iweh7cUlLn9_Nmo6B8ELROkfN-Y94Z6g7Um-Y6wkYoq/s1600/P1020645.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUZJ6Buxqpajz_-qUkX7LxVgaJm0OenoBRjj5Q_XymUYCPaEJfPPB57D6muCzzD5CftNItBDxImx_kenT2k7gPmLNnKaiMC4j6Iweh7cUlLn9_Nmo6B8ELROkfN-Y94Z6g7Um-Y6wkYoq/s400/P1020645.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409091747211553490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aV8ofr3dAgDLU-QUHFvuoPrumS3gnVlCez0BqeHFCUPCFIwwwDBDEjeB5CvLeDUGze9gtQhPZc2CBZjJVHaHPN-kdPZVfZPG10RxadQyxvqrYAb0cZj4FXAUUG7iIjX5kn6yv7nBV5wJ/s1600/P1020641.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aV8ofr3dAgDLU-QUHFvuoPrumS3gnVlCez0BqeHFCUPCFIwwwDBDEjeB5CvLeDUGze9gtQhPZc2CBZjJVHaHPN-kdPZVfZPG10RxadQyxvqrYAb0cZj4FXAUUG7iIjX5kn6yv7nBV5wJ/s400/P1020641.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409090424129371746" border="0" /></a>ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-83510692385932835472009-11-13T11:06:00.000-08:002009-11-13T11:48:14.612-08:00Small, but Shiny!This year I am trying to embroider things for Xmas starting with the Perfumedwaters Xmas ornament swap.<br /><br />I was a bit stuck for inspiration for this one, as designs need to be small, quick, stylish, and most importantly be adaptable for lots of bling!<br /><br />Until I found these charming lighthearted little <a href="http://zuill.us/andreablog/category/embroidery/free-patterns/">free designs by Andrea Zuill<br /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cYRscLD3X67mfQcalicsd0_EFteYQQvnb46f2W7z0-YS6gVlaQTqR0V7YtXbO6ACN09JiTruNPhCiGWpcbcHLxbfOJd9a82Tk1Z9ocpwLBb_-mBflHHGPiG38LoMr09qgx5p8OAxXC_n/s1600-h/bird-flower.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cYRscLD3X67mfQcalicsd0_EFteYQQvnb46f2W7z0-YS6gVlaQTqR0V7YtXbO6ACN09JiTruNPhCiGWpcbcHLxbfOJd9a82Tk1Z9ocpwLBb_-mBflHHGPiG38LoMr09qgx5p8OAxXC_n/s400/bird-flower.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403674470385473058" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have some tiny bits of lots of goldwork materials sent to me as samples by <a href="http://www.bentonandjohnson.com/">Benton and Johnson</a>, and some Paillettes and smooth passing left over from other projects.<br /><br />And I had an Anemone mini-topic from <a href="http://mulberrysilks-patriciawood.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1">Mulberry Silks</a> and some fabulous silk Duchesse Satin left over from a frocking project, and the colours worked together.<br /><br />So the lucky recipient will be getting a very luxe ornament indeed. The gold threads are made from real gold, plated over silver, and then hammered out very thin. So are the little god spangles. (They cost 10 p each but they add such shine!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngWMis-uicFjua3ITrH0Htb2GzcTAsD5hyphenhyphen3FABdiVGrdd5ZOTCKdlsNTYWXAMIhccDKb_OgTOsDes4zWFirqOlMSUZy-Gp6h3GW_Z_Mvm7rasTd1kFiAeUhn5m8fzy3yX0FEJQfzJe9g4/s1600-h/christmas+birdies+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngWMis-uicFjua3ITrH0Htb2GzcTAsD5hyphenhyphen3FABdiVGrdd5ZOTCKdlsNTYWXAMIhccDKb_OgTOsDes4zWFirqOlMSUZy-Gp6h3GW_Z_Mvm7rasTd1kFiAeUhn5m8fzy3yX0FEJQfzJe9g4/s400/christmas+birdies+2.JPG" border="0" /><br /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It is worked in a combination of stem stitch, satin stitch couching, straight stich, (for the feet) Feather stitch (guess) and fly stitch for the little breast feathers.<br /><br />Finally for extra sparkle I added some beads which I didn't use for the TYger Tyger bag.<br /><br />I like it. Andrea's folky style is interpreted through my love of bling and luxe materials.ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-9489542063369425152009-11-05T12:11:00.000-08:002009-11-05T13:18:37.275-08:00From the sublime to the ridiculousFirst off, the big silk shading embroidery arrived at it's destination and was well recieved.<br /><br />So I was between projects. (Not quite true, there is a belt with a repeating design I am working on as a surprise for a friend, but she's not expecting it, and I kind of can't face embroidering the same flowers in the same two colourways sequentially).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzvL1KLPN80CpLdUug8zy2QCwrQ2WdtvQF9wdWXDTYsamutF1T7nBYe6BNs7n0zpkQlN3EIlOVfX4ZMv1aexwd6xLrvE_UOi-sfZFaLFULR9loCb6zs56_ZwxbUHdu26-Mz2egQ1YuOpD/s1600-h/pocket+close+up.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzvL1KLPN80CpLdUug8zy2QCwrQ2WdtvQF9wdWXDTYsamutF1T7nBYe6BNs7n0zpkQlN3EIlOVfX4ZMv1aexwd6xLrvE_UOi-sfZFaLFULR9loCb6zs56_ZwxbUHdu26-Mz2egQ1YuOpD/s400/pocket+close+up.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400730977312726130" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LQuom0CqBTJ7PZDlJ831aaaxxTiH4D1pIvz36HoL2OTfwQGawQeaaXNvECFXAQefnMdT6nvBVZHT82TjN7yyBV6iv7qU0bxtEpK7LQU6VRQQhaq9Z2-pUv08UpGZuAKMgiNvoroaBKBE/s1600-h/tyger+tyger+bag.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LQuom0CqBTJ7PZDlJ831aaaxxTiH4D1pIvz36HoL2OTfwQGawQeaaXNvECFXAQefnMdT6nvBVZHT82TjN7yyBV6iv7qU0bxtEpK7LQU6VRQQhaq9Z2-pUv08UpGZuAKMgiNvoroaBKBE/s400/tyger+tyger+bag.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400730614660145410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinnxFvvIW4kLsPBtdCGxOAr7e8ld2bGCH5Z3fI4vqsK2_SChQagtnzinmqsD2QtHUX_1w-nh8qlKKqj1Lu_yQmv3lu2K2BPGqplz2l0pH8PD7pBbwlhAm-pvXYj7qItidP-r4o9VtA_JF/s1600-h/and+the+smile+on+the+face+of+the+tyger.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinnxFvvIW4kLsPBtdCGxOAr7e8ld2bGCH5Z3fI4vqsK2_SChQagtnzinmqsD2QtHUX_1w-nh8qlKKqj1Lu_yQmv3lu2K2BPGqplz2l0pH8PD7pBbwlhAm-pvXYj7qItidP-r4o9VtA_JF/s400/and+the+smile+on+the+face+of+the+tyger.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400729382169331410" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvL3-xc74uxarOQTCxgEA6gwXrxW0rk9nuU5_Oj-i3-mpNOhcuhdV2Hnw_Y-BKHvBaop0qYZJc1yEUXYM822oVdlC_qhfJWOXARDiZEOxyDIwnnI3Ltq3z1VfG9gjKYwEnC9OmLf_177_/s1600-h/tail+and+hindquarters.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvL3-xc74uxarOQTCxgEA6gwXrxW0rk9nuU5_Oj-i3-mpNOhcuhdV2Hnw_Y-BKHvBaop0qYZJc1yEUXYM822oVdlC_qhfJWOXARDiZEOxyDIwnnI3Ltq3z1VfG9gjKYwEnC9OmLf_177_/s400/tail+and+hindquarters.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400731403693756098" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Perfumedwaters (LJ community mostly dedicated to perfume) swappage to the rescue. My swappee loves tigers, apparently so I decided to whip up a quick little beaded tiger design to go on the pocket of a large shopper bag.<br /><br />Google image search to the rescue, I found a colouring-in page of a stylised Tiger, courtesy of http://www.louiseelliottdesign.net/Download.html which has the cutest animal pictures, which I stylised even more to adapt to embroidery rather than colouring in. I love his little face.<br /><br />A few beads and some braid from the Big Trim Shop (formerly the Tiny Trim Shop, and it still doesn't have an official name though they are obviously doing well enough to expand) down Walthamstow Market where they have a wall of beads and sequins and another of every trim imaginable (by someone who has really lived and taken substances), and a raid of stash (for the natural cotton drill, and embroidery threads) and I was happily stitching.<br /><br />I got quite creative with the braid, deconstructing it to add to the variety of beads and trims I had to play with, and layering the flower elements with sequins and beads<br /><br />I'm rather pleased with him. He took a couple of evenings, and he was fun to do!<br /><br />I'm less pleased with the workmanship on the bag. My Serger was playing up, and the seams are all bubbly. The top seam was so bad I had to quickly bind it with ribbon (the thing has to go off tomorrow). Apologies for creases, I did iron him, but then I realised I had forgotten to take pics and had to unpack him, snap him and rewrap him.ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-6941401518903548112009-10-25T13:37:00.000-07:002009-10-25T16:05:25.832-07:00The Wedding Present Embroidery is all finished!I'm sorry I didn't post progress pics, I took them but I was kind of up against it to get it done in time for my brother's wedding.<br /><br />Probably didn't arrive in time anyway thanks to Royal Fail.<br /><br />But here it is, the secret obsession that has taken up much of my spare time for the past four months!<br /><br />Apologies for the wierd colour of the pics, I photographed it in various different lights, and it still doesn't look as pretty as it does in real life.<br /><br />The real thing is almost A4.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9300oFixCpr86Pq3fvrAJCuuNEcjUCSaG1tr8R6MVLvb1LINzVwcRMi-IKuLfFUAb7t4zoC9Xin3oVPEu515W6oj2a1qddhP6eQuPfQVvR-KIyOQ8mkq3UlhYYk1h7UcsadekW1O48JNs/s1600-h/gilly+final.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9300oFixCpr86Pq3fvrAJCuuNEcjUCSaG1tr8R6MVLvb1LINzVwcRMi-IKuLfFUAb7t4zoC9Xin3oVPEu515W6oj2a1qddhP6eQuPfQVvR-KIyOQ8mkq3UlhYYk1h7UcsadekW1O48JNs/s400/gilly+final.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396656158556921586" border="0" /></a><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The thing itself<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Lvxx20J0NUnry-WSoP9hnvnXIahfBCf3UMGr2pODj1xRX80GB7RYWuwjOG0QnIAH-WGhSslhrSUNfxy3OE6K517nwMCD-siMhDLSEmJdlzcUBun6VqVuRwnWI7Xmpc6WQOjnFXwPgHjf/s1600-h/P1020486.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Lvxx20J0NUnry-WSoP9hnvnXIahfBCf3UMGr2pODj1xRX80GB7RYWuwjOG0QnIAH-WGhSslhrSUNfxy3OE6K517nwMCD-siMhDLSEmJdlzcUBun6VqVuRwnWI7Xmpc6WQOjnFXwPgHjf/s400/P1020486.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396649309740381426" border="0" /></a><br />Top detail<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2345WqTUAr_Qa353g-QJvLohk-3agseq2XlNVOrGo6UE7Cd6gYHIdcyR6Svj2oQMAbXezlD6b3ZTJGdDVieMfEuLLX1wFLmN0BASnpkJlI-kzgAXWh9axw4r9K3SMJfIIZV4sKeXVBbdj/s1600-h/P1020485.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2345WqTUAr_Qa353g-QJvLohk-3agseq2XlNVOrGo6UE7Cd6gYHIdcyR6Svj2oQMAbXezlD6b3ZTJGdDVieMfEuLLX1wFLmN0BASnpkJlI-kzgAXWh9axw4r9K3SMJfIIZV4sKeXVBbdj/s400/P1020485.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396651596238208482" border="0" /></a>bottom detail<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcO-kuimEClQVRPcvYV04tujbCgYmvqM20bFP6KBCtkwHe5v_nEExpH99quGtlJl4T4FD87Pu8czBbHDgkzpnqhVQkRt1qqRE__829GH1Wt0ZP_p1NsuabAJ-BbODGSru37fmgJUejEnkF/s1600-h/top+forget+me+not+detail.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcO-kuimEClQVRPcvYV04tujbCgYmvqM20bFP6KBCtkwHe5v_nEExpH99quGtlJl4T4FD87Pu8czBbHDgkzpnqhVQkRt1qqRE__829GH1Wt0ZP_p1NsuabAJ-BbODGSru37fmgJUejEnkF/s400/top+forget+me+not+detail.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396640621904191874" border="0" /></a>The forget-me-nots. They are four differnt colours ranging from cornflower blue to a pale blueish mauve. If you ever look at a spray of forget-me-nots the very top ones are mauve or pink!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIS3InlCDTIs-O3yyO_2zqcwnKXQfE5ZxhUrF0hCLCkRRe4iAlWN7fNg6hrvI1D2KbEwqZM-HNsyghRDDB_9w4jY_Aku7BuTWLKqsQ_QZjA7zD-z-afx0W6p5-8c-S4PQMM2T9O6dnSYU/s1600-h/small+flower+detail.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIS3InlCDTIs-O3yyO_2zqcwnKXQfE5ZxhUrF0hCLCkRRe4iAlWN7fNg6hrvI1D2KbEwqZM-HNsyghRDDB_9w4jY_Aku7BuTWLKqsQ_QZjA7zD-z-afx0W6p5-8c-S4PQMM2T9O6dnSYU/s400/small+flower+detail.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396641402080565186" border="0" /></a>The top flower. It's abrighter pink that the bottom flower.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG92oLUq-tJNhttf3P1veHAqitsfH4O4BIYqqrO4hIJdYnKhJemnvfdBPApzJIJIMT8Nd2XNomMn6SfVv5F8y18186dhyphenhyphen4hi5M4CuNpUowYjmt-ku4LmUzcekM3odgyokKAD4uL_WENVtt/s1600-h/large+flower+detail.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 358px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG92oLUq-tJNhttf3P1veHAqitsfH4O4BIYqqrO4hIJdYnKhJemnvfdBPApzJIJIMT8Nd2XNomMn6SfVv5F8y18186dhyphenhyphen4hi5M4CuNpUowYjmt-ku4LmUzcekM3odgyokKAD4uL_WENVtt/s400/large+flower+detail.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396657042274272866" border="0" /></a><br />The bottom flower.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCmZGCeMy5vzLCvHUfFHHE4mSpVpk2-XuVmKYyWeNFPro_ONC61ttpYHdILHa_opUd9fSIvc7ao5gnIec5wcbGJ6B-2suvMOkjCcdVT4RYGhKRc7J6Twx39VfsaknpoSFIot3rEuHCQs0/s1600-h/forget+me+not+detail.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCmZGCeMy5vzLCvHUfFHHE4mSpVpk2-XuVmKYyWeNFPro_ONC61ttpYHdILHa_opUd9fSIvc7ao5gnIec5wcbGJ6B-2suvMOkjCcdVT4RYGhKRc7J6Twx39VfsaknpoSFIot3rEuHCQs0/s400/forget+me+not+detail.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396657448460732594" border="0" /></a>The bottom forget me nots<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBxG5FDlWh_hqCC4tIrFnX7OHO2VAih9u-4ZzEuQwtIAVvIWpeOuz3I0OAzAzFwiEF1WqxvgNCDqiqiPFaR54j_OXqlh-j6o1J4iCEx_KNhlWVHEzqBRkt92dtU_FbfTUjG_pZUVoZFcU/s1600-h/leaf+detail.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBxG5FDlWh_hqCC4tIrFnX7OHO2VAih9u-4ZzEuQwtIAVvIWpeOuz3I0OAzAzFwiEF1WqxvgNCDqiqiPFaR54j_OXqlh-j6o1J4iCEx_KNhlWVHEzqBRkt92dtU_FbfTUjG_pZUVoZFcU/s400/leaf+detail.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396645941970740434" border="0" /></a><br />Detail of the leaves. I'm not massively impressed with the way the stems join on to the leave, the satin stitch and the long and short stitch don't seem to meld very well.<br /><br />Ok, so here is how I mounted it ready for framing.<br /><br />When I took it off the slate frame it was kind of puckered! So I found some instructions for mounting embroidery. You take acid free foam board and pad it with polyester batting, to give a nice smooth surface and pad out any lumps and bumps. OOOPs, no polyester batting. So I figured that they must have used this method prior to the invention of polyester batting so what would they have used. Fabric? Several layers of? So I chose cotton muslin as the loosest weave fabric I could find, and used about eight layers. I think it worked fine, and I prefer it to polyester batting on general principals.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYcH3-tOPfxBhkDF6OEH84_AxwQUvImexDY0u_dZSiDMOOeDQiN0Uz5F5tmUgT-b-iMb94J4RJuofGww9nfkCYCqZwUuV_2Q91q_Fq1EOhhKbXHnKPQZl6TrPkYWzNGdBrVhpxLGYNX4-/s1600-h/P1020410.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYcH3-tOPfxBhkDF6OEH84_AxwQUvImexDY0u_dZSiDMOOeDQiN0Uz5F5tmUgT-b-iMb94J4RJuofGww9nfkCYCqZwUuV_2Q91q_Fq1EOhhKbXHnKPQZl6TrPkYWzNGdBrVhpxLGYNX4-/s400/P1020410.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396672056162740338" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then I stretched the embroidery over the padded board using pins.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYFZVAs-IHxop20jahS1eOevQ88eKfchrp2kT4c-_k3sx_v3vOwr8iPnVZYD2QkoJ0pzsZUHGIwDEjAnTCXBJxeibP2bIJcTFejq1s-0alJWXXxn-CGgyxl_1r3hJLlCuPYBw-Mh6N0w8/s1600-h/P1020412.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYFZVAs-IHxop20jahS1eOevQ88eKfchrp2kT4c-_k3sx_v3vOwr8iPnVZYD2QkoJ0pzsZUHGIwDEjAnTCXBJxeibP2bIJcTFejq1s-0alJWXXxn-CGgyxl_1r3hJLlCuPYBw-Mh6N0w8/s400/P1020412.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396672063453426466" border="0" /></a><br />I kept stretching each side repeatedly until all the puckers were smooth.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbd8CMqEvV83UshCIPRe8mv-iKrhgr27fRtsTX_vUlZQeA-StneVqYbgEdvJVAB3qi6mHP0jGhXb1O0aah6jl9iu8J47p4bsBxklx_wsS0-oRe1kEL2nTxBI0kuQXZBz3ETXnsJHjkbjH/s1600-h/P1020413.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbd8CMqEvV83UshCIPRe8mv-iKrhgr27fRtsTX_vUlZQeA-StneVqYbgEdvJVAB3qi6mHP0jGhXb1O0aah6jl9iu8J47p4bsBxklx_wsS0-oRe1kEL2nTxBI0kuQXZBz3ETXnsJHjkbjH/s400/P1020413.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396672077575008146" border="0" /></a><br />Then it was time to lace the emboidery over the frame so the pins could be removed afterwards.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZF6aN03wF7NA20xg6PxOz4Hzm0qjOKUvssHSEhHgE03Xq8hKqTrNm7_7IYyjmgdiceNKdA9Q_0mD74m-y9qbaRl-3zZjSRLY9Ky4HuPRS1y0IwVSnIoAhgC81rnp5hX3hR5KR55glbhG/s1600-h/P1020435.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZF6aN03wF7NA20xg6PxOz4Hzm0qjOKUvssHSEhHgE03Xq8hKqTrNm7_7IYyjmgdiceNKdA9Q_0mD74m-y9qbaRl-3zZjSRLY9Ky4HuPRS1y0IwVSnIoAhgC81rnp5hX3hR5KR55glbhG/s400/P1020435.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396672069283257106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4Jy0DP1tQAyncz-vG3xCaRkaIY2YWpqt3LMmY-ghgdpsMRApuDIpyCIkGaLvNSFnJDEYmX4eR3AYG3uDxl5QtkpwqDI7AoBIi5G2s24sjjUvQ2cQ52oXCp4YHHG2qo4DXfeljIU8iRhu/s1600-h/P1020437.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4Jy0DP1tQAyncz-vG3xCaRkaIY2YWpqt3LMmY-ghgdpsMRApuDIpyCIkGaLvNSFnJDEYmX4eR3AYG3uDxl5QtkpwqDI7AoBIi5G2s24sjjUvQ2cQ52oXCp4YHHG2qo4DXfeljIU8iRhu/s400/P1020437.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396672074836801042" border="0" /></a><br />Now I'm wondering what to do next! But I have a frock to finish for consequences and a couple of half finished smaller projects so I sould keep busy.ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-59700896092383741822009-07-04T05:56:00.000-07:002009-07-04T07:24:11.783-07:00Some progress and a dilemmaI atarted with the small blue forget me nots, as I wanted to get into my stride in a simple part of the design. Initially I did the first little leaf in silk shading, but on that tiny a space I thought it looked wrong, with the medium mulberry silk, which is quite thick compared to the 60/2 silk I usually use, so I redid them in Satin stitch. I think the purity of the satin stitch looks nicer, and makes more of the sheen of the silk so I unpicked the first leaf, and re did it in satin stitch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlYC55_NmyTrsYf2AcZEVXAhKXDA1Vc-m0GI6_HqHrNXJNy593VnmvaCwbL4geNvei6TZUv0-LA7OxE4ek6RnL8XPcedIzjhKX6tAHyJFnfKnsBiKJDti25dhuGTsbdtu3_d-BFBUDb2o/s1600-h/what+I+did+today.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuVUBLOA3_EaYAIMsrVIt9D1HvyItGoNEwNYBN8eWH5zNICBIQsVGA7AfVJUbXsO_98gGfh1XlJRZkVWGd1jMBzmc-t2t5wn-fAhfBZwJT-wQl4DbwlYto6DTOxlmRvDKb4n7aXgcMWYm/s1600-h/compare+leaves1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuVUBLOA3_EaYAIMsrVIt9D1HvyItGoNEwNYBN8eWH5zNICBIQsVGA7AfVJUbXsO_98gGfh1XlJRZkVWGd1jMBzmc-t2t5wn-fAhfBZwJT-wQl4DbwlYto6DTOxlmRvDKb4n7aXgcMWYm/s400/compare+leaves1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354588777149419394" border="0" /></a><br />This is what I had completed by the end of the day. The thicker silk works up much faster! It takes a bit of getting used to, but I like the effect, it's more like a genuine piece, if you look at 18th century embroideries, or pictures of work by May Morris, it is done in very similar looking silk.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlYC55_NmyTrsYf2AcZEVXAhKXDA1Vc-m0GI6_HqHrNXJNy593VnmvaCwbL4geNvei6TZUv0-LA7OxE4ek6RnL8XPcedIzjhKX6tAHyJFnfKnsBiKJDti25dhuGTsbdtu3_d-BFBUDb2o/s1600-h/what+I+did+today.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlYC55_NmyTrsYf2AcZEVXAhKXDA1Vc-m0GI6_HqHrNXJNy593VnmvaCwbL4geNvei6TZUv0-LA7OxE4ek6RnL8XPcedIzjhKX6tAHyJFnfKnsBiKJDti25dhuGTsbdtu3_d-BFBUDb2o/s400/what+I+did+today.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354595071652138466" border="0" /></a>And this is what I have completed since. The silk shading looks nicer on the larger leaves, but I still like the contrast of the satin stitch next to it on the small ones. And I love the colours!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFcrMayUMHKh0N1mmHjhQF3tNw4Zc-0hrEfWdXaqiALBPuPGjIr5vfwFqnEKnBO_AgWd64kPlier2X0iSoXM2HIXmwnCdVMwvt8hXjCbQ5RoiOJ1-W7ZylIPRaoEV5GWd8LCCEn2iMEBo/s1600-h/P1010095.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFcrMayUMHKh0N1mmHjhQF3tNw4Zc-0hrEfWdXaqiALBPuPGjIr5vfwFqnEKnBO_AgWd64kPlier2X0iSoXM2HIXmwnCdVMwvt8hXjCbQ5RoiOJ1-W7ZylIPRaoEV5GWd8LCCEn2iMEBo/s400/P1010095.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354595070215735698" border="0" /></a><br />Heres one final gratuitous close up of the bottom leaves.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pI8KlB4-IX2fTISq5ZNxc222a02bZOumNfDEQ-JmPsKG5QF5T_eJOsq3gInB_nMJSWed9sf1WoAbLHDsRfENFEoXVAJrTq7ZOmIytrLdyS0Ext3Y1cuON29HAme-COa1Z4obs3hVgXQL/s1600-h/P1010106.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pI8KlB4-IX2fTISq5ZNxc222a02bZOumNfDEQ-JmPsKG5QF5T_eJOsq3gInB_nMJSWed9sf1WoAbLHDsRfENFEoXVAJrTq7ZOmIytrLdyS0Ext3Y1cuON29HAme-COa1Z4obs3hVgXQL/s400/P1010106.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354604535601156162" border="0" /></a><br />Next time, I might try photographing this outside, as it is really hard to get a good close up without the camera casting a shadow, or the flash only illuminating part of the design.<br /><br />Anyway, I'm rather pleased with my mulberry silks, though less pleased with my stem stitch!ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-87709080430927352512009-06-27T13:23:00.000-07:002009-06-28T08:26:39.957-07:00Mulberry silks arrived and more investment!Well, my Mulberry Silks arrived yesterday, beautifully packed and wound and displayed in a lovely palette! And they are indeed yummy. Also, at 30/3 rather thicker than the 60/2 silks I am used to using.<br /><br />The colours, oh, the colours! And the sheen. It's so easy and lovely to work.<br /><br />Having said that I have been spoilt by my Handweavers Studio silks, which come in "cheeses" and are sold by weight, at around £80 a kilo. There is a hell of a lot of silk in a kilo! Here is approx £1 worth of Mulberry Silk next to £2 worth of my usual silk.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXv0prAgWckjOH4RaW-ePZdYVglggDmizg7Pt8i2E1QExkY3echmkK8usCb7yH13PNOvCznprpJCm5pD_R_LwVPFj8h57YKKIVWFZyH671LIm-NbJWxhN9Dsjp-NKfMOoWgbjXGneE7y6/s1600-h/handweavers+and+mulberry.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXv0prAgWckjOH4RaW-ePZdYVglggDmizg7Pt8i2E1QExkY3echmkK8usCb7yH13PNOvCznprpJCm5pD_R_LwVPFj8h57YKKIVWFZyH671LIm-NbJWxhN9Dsjp-NKfMOoWgbjXGneE7y6/s400/handweavers+and+mulberry.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352117263331821426" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm happy with my Mulberry Silks, and will buy more, because they are not the same thing as my usual silks. They come in every colour imaginable, and are handwound on the spools, they are obviously quality, and they are arranged in palettes and topics, etc by someone who really understands colour. I suspect that that expertise, as much as anything is what you pay for, and rightly so. And these I bought for a special present, because I can't be at my brother's wedding. <br /><br />But I am also happy to have boxes and boxes of beautiful shiny silk from my local silk shop in quantities that will last me a lifetime, so I can embroider lots of beatiful things for pressies and just for fun, and share them. Not as wonderful as the mulberry silks, but perfectly servicable.<br /><br />They are moving soon, so today's mission was to pop down to complete my stash, and make sure I wasn't missing any colours. I spent as much as I did on the Mulberry silks and came away with a carrier bag full of silks (approx 20 different colours) two books and a magazine. I now own every colour they do in 60/2 silk, some they no longer do, and a few in other weights. And two of some colours, which I am thinking of sending to Mary Corbet of Needle and Thread, because she likes silks, and she has inspired me lots! <br /><br />This is my wholestash!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzJG7pxWeB2wfjZBDLIinW6d_pq6f9N9Yafzy3kZMc9RM3-EJ9jSwb5nLYPhmyA-5Rv-QSrsfPF70hC5UABHoCxCXqdhyphenhyphenAvVJQEbBueUByXyIm2cmdcRmuKrquSkn17u451wQrkBvOPyA/s1600-h/hws+stash.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzJG7pxWeB2wfjZBDLIinW6d_pq6f9N9Yafzy3kZMc9RM3-EJ9jSwb5nLYPhmyA-5Rv-QSrsfPF70hC5UABHoCxCXqdhyphenhyphenAvVJQEbBueUByXyIm2cmdcRmuKrquSkn17u451wQrkBvOPyA/s400/hws+stash.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352127798546193682" /></a><br /><br />I suspect that when they move they may well become more commercial, with a proper website and sample packs etc. I also suspect the prices may rise, hence my desire to stock up.ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-77498927561872896512009-06-25T00:00:00.000-07:002009-06-25T00:41:18.547-07:00Mulberry Silks, and preparing the designMonday night I transferred my new embroidery pattern for my brother's wedding pressie using the light box. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKal8b3ICCmR7drg4kLyAHlCpehbq2iXfoyqw4lT6i19BFa-Nuu7eHhcDrSfL04FChbYnHpM0lUE7UBrdRh4KA0Sgr5K1HeaPegQq2sLngy8AVhlMPvYLRdXvEIl_DDY5-tdPsIU3cafjo/s1600-h/transferred+design+on+light+box.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKal8b3ICCmR7drg4kLyAHlCpehbq2iXfoyqw4lT6i19BFa-Nuu7eHhcDrSfL04FChbYnHpM0lUE7UBrdRh4KA0Sgr5K1HeaPegQq2sLngy8AVhlMPvYLRdXvEIl_DDY5-tdPsIU3cafjo/s400/transferred+design+on+light+box.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351166191689079842" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Such a difference, from my normal method of transferring frim the computer screen. The transferred design has clean crisp lines because I could press as hard as I liked and tape the fabric firmly to the light box to ensure no distortion. I'm going to love working on it.<br /><br />Tuesday night I weakened and ordered the Antique Palette from Mulberry Silks for the project. Aren't the colours pretty?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWd2fnKMTqYQhKhcpEbcREiR2Cx_rltpDFR6uPSy7z4wvb43yr58seSxxcRHaPE4aPM7WiN9VKngL98GZT6O6Ye3L1BXFTAUqkO5-XecxnHRlkw8bNoVmrhQjEdjm7dJxGxukYsmUcux3/s1600-h/palantique.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 307px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWd2fnKMTqYQhKhcpEbcREiR2Cx_rltpDFR6uPSy7z4wvb43yr58seSxxcRHaPE4aPM7WiN9VKngL98GZT6O6Ye3L1BXFTAUqkO5-XecxnHRlkw8bNoVmrhQjEdjm7dJxGxukYsmUcux3/s400/palantique.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351159221996349010" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Pat was very helpful, offered to do the Palette I wanted in the thickness I wanted although it is not listed on the website, and explained that if I needed more of any of the colours (the greens spring to mind as there is a LOT of foliage on my design) I can order them individually in any size I like up to 100 metres.<br /><br />They are based in the Cotswolds, and though they mostly do mail order they may be able to see customers by appointment if the date is convenient. Which is a Good Thing as Esther and I are planning to be in the Cotswolds in October!<br /><br />There was a choice between Fine and Medium. Medium is about twice the thickness I'm used to working with and Fine about two thirds as fine. I chose Medium, as it takes for ever to embroider a large design in very fine thread, and hopefully it will embroider up quicker. I hope I made the right decision. It is for a piece to go on the wall, and my brother's house is huge, so it will mostly be seen at a distance.<br /><br />Perhaps I should do a small test piece to see if they suit the technique? I'm reluctant to waste any more time, as it'a a big project, and I need to get cracking, but I would also like to see how they work up. There's some lovely small Dillmont patterns in Broderie en Passe over at the Antique Pattern Library, and the more I think about it the more I think it's probably a good idea.<br /><br />So last night I framed up the new embroidery piece ready to work on, so hopefully my silks will arrive today. I put it in a slate frame, which is time consuming, but I think is worth it, as it allows you to adjust the tension of the design. I backed the silk with white linen, and sewed the silk to the linen with Herringbone stitch, then sewed and laced the linen to the frame. This stops any pulls in the top layer from the lacing holes. The Herringbone has a little bit of "give" which is why I use it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-eLl2hLatSbtkudEgYP-Q2xJfubhVOet-dTs63b9XbBe3os0nMyyBMM2eWNLBK-gkbYPZtmYOhIs7WkW4aivwGVcSMin9pk8Oqh32auZh9ZJ7-BWZHbTnOQrnd_P_vlS0N1uCmXLWBxe/s1600-h/all+framed+up.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-eLl2hLatSbtkudEgYP-Q2xJfubhVOet-dTs63b9XbBe3os0nMyyBMM2eWNLBK-gkbYPZtmYOhIs7WkW4aivwGVcSMin9pk8Oqh32auZh9ZJ7-BWZHbTnOQrnd_P_vlS0N1uCmXLWBxe/s400/all+framed+up.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351165495672791394" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So here is the piece, framed and ready to go. If I'm being pernickitty I should probably adjust the lacing a little so it is more even top and bottom, but it's a bit of a pain, as the string was a bit short, and I'm reluctant to re do it entirely with longer length of string. Do you think it will make any difference having that slight "bow" at the top?ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-52346882467019135922009-06-21T05:56:00.000-07:002009-06-21T06:24:18.893-07:00Scrubs up well, doesn't it.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFVWSGETf1uVshLaztisqcliRxYWU01UGhKYvKHIzOYZE57VIjJHoPIxUQTQLU1bErf-YRNT-syWCODcdeB3_Sf3mk3vTJtXopH7p3BLpK6yWpwsAMl5wBPtYbRgPeE3cv7WfbdOhw_l3/s1600-h/cleaned+dillmont+gilly.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFVWSGETf1uVshLaztisqcliRxYWU01UGhKYvKHIzOYZE57VIjJHoPIxUQTQLU1bErf-YRNT-syWCODcdeB3_Sf3mk3vTJtXopH7p3BLpK6yWpwsAMl5wBPtYbRgPeE3cv7WfbdOhw_l3/s400/cleaned+dillmont+gilly.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349766353589703362" /></a><br /><br />Here is my cleaned up design for the wedding present with grid lines and smudgy bits removed. You don't have to remove the smudgy bits, but I think it makes for an easier image to trace.<br /><br />FYI, these designs are produced under a creatve commons licence, and came originally from Dillmont, Th. de. Bibliothèque DMC: La Broderie au passé published in 1900. This means you can dowload them and use them and any derivative works, (such as my cleaned up version) but cannot sell them.<br /><br />I cannot reccommend The Antique Pattern Library http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org/ where these books are stored highly enough. It is a treasure trove of lost arts, with enough ispiration to inspire a lifetime of crafting!<br /><br />If I did it again I would probably load the foreground brush with a charcoal grey, the bits where I went over the lines in black stand out more than I would like, but it will do to trace.<br /><br />Next step printing it out and transferring it to the antique gold silk.<br /><br />Then framing it up, which I always find a bit boring, though it makes a huge difference to the end result, and I'll be ready to start selecting colours and stitching.<br /><br />I'm feeling quite a naturalistic colour scheme here, soft pinks, blues and greens.ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-66390750720029778292009-06-18T23:40:00.000-07:002009-06-21T06:27:48.806-07:00Wedding Present Decision madeI have decided what to do for my brothers wedding present, and it's the second asymetric image with the large flower and the spray of smaller ones. It doesn't really lend itself to goldwork, so I shall do it in silk shading, which I enjoy more, although it takes longer. Maybe a light dusting of gold in the centres, a pailette or two? What do you think?<br /><br />I aim to clean the design up for tracing by using Gimp Shop (Gimp is an open source picture editor, and Gimp shop is an add on to make it behave more like Photoshop, which I am used to but can't afford. Anyone imagining rows of middle aged blokes in rubber suits and masks, shame on you!). Basically I use the brushes, loaded with white to rub out most of the grid lines, (keeping a few to line up with the grain) and then I go over any faint or uneven bits with a pencil brush loaded with black.<br /><br />Some people use Inkscape, I don't like the look turning images into vectors gives them. I prefer the cleaned up lines of the Victorian original.<br /><br />I hope to post it today or Sunday.ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-21845621041590746912009-06-17T13:05:00.000-07:002009-06-21T06:27:08.212-07:00Wedding present design, which to choose?Now that my shiny new lightbox has arrived, I have NO EXCUSE not to start on my brother's wedding pressie.<br /><br />It needs to be doable by October, and I've chosen silk shading, though I'm tempted to add a bit of Goldwork.<br /><br />I've found these three books in Terese Dillmont's Broderie en Passe (which is in the public domain and can be found along with many other stitchin related treasures in the Antique Pattern Library http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org/completelist.htm and downloaded for free!<br /><br />Here are the options<br /><br />I rather like the symmetry of this one<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvaVTNP3NnEnLC_rrxA3uAarVIV9-d3Drk9z9nUMXwiposRbaccec_jl8kGbd4EY4gQSo8Vk7wEmg5KrS8Uv8eD8YIDL_kvRnUzr-lnn66x1vt0YfxVROrZzN5cZ_kl37bNJeiQ-Qt2hg/s1600-h/dillmont+baroque.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvaVTNP3NnEnLC_rrxA3uAarVIV9-d3Drk9z9nUMXwiposRbaccec_jl8kGbd4EY4gQSo8Vk7wEmg5KrS8Uv8eD8YIDL_kvRnUzr-lnn66x1vt0YfxVROrZzN5cZ_kl37bNJeiQ-Qt2hg/s400/dillmont+baroque.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348407316501279554" /></a><br /><br />But I think my brother and his new wife might prefer this one.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1o7Ndhs_RhfvxjCOxZgDF34EmZquLV76CtO2TeADznWtUgkMwnYXlU3J28zymNTc3bkmYDzbWEF-tWHA4SFilyM35e2fCMRlw9M79R5hX_vuMVbN6KyNPDGSPFH8iGFYlNpMOwTDC4wx/s1600-h/dillmont+gilly.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1o7Ndhs_RhfvxjCOxZgDF34EmZquLV76CtO2TeADznWtUgkMwnYXlU3J28zymNTc3bkmYDzbWEF-tWHA4SFilyM35e2fCMRlw9M79R5hX_vuMVbN6KyNPDGSPFH8iGFYlNpMOwTDC4wx/s400/dillmont+gilly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348404047112683394" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This one is currently my third preference, though it started as my first.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkbmgqTPE1I46aNFvCdLN3VwvudSFox8t5Gpg3ysKyFzPpEcpTXYxayLwXSoGBGdhtl6mfjTccsXMGnp-qLbEAKwObz-7XrHhqdO-6TtZfK-rLYKjKMwGfaa6A3YmXxor58dDsEoPVdMK/s1600-h/dillmont+baroque+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkbmgqTPE1I46aNFvCdLN3VwvudSFox8t5Gpg3ysKyFzPpEcpTXYxayLwXSoGBGdhtl6mfjTccsXMGnp-qLbEAKwObz-7XrHhqdO-6TtZfK-rLYKjKMwGfaa6A3YmXxor58dDsEoPVdMK/s400/dillmont+baroque+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348405353453838210" border="0" /></a>ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-87060049440233327492009-06-15T14:30:00.000-07:002009-06-21T06:32:08.732-07:00Pictures of previous projects.Here are a sample of things I have done over the past couple of years. I usually make things as presents, and draw much of my inspiration for the design from the person it is for.<br /><br />For example this purse with a tribal raven design in satin stitch on red Dupion was for a friend whose LJ name is Ivymoon Corvus.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyRWEQKH_5_t0tyG1YFNJQchyoJ8OeyGBPy2UtbTXLWULLgLBJmn55bqE0Ycxf-OyjFul_KtPYMW7wl1PuiI_rzfw5mQcFITTUlrU5vQRVVCIoK_ykLbNjx9-jTBc5yYrCgQw47b-Be_y/s1600-h/P1050151.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyRWEQKH_5_t0tyG1YFNJQchyoJ8OeyGBPy2UtbTXLWULLgLBJmn55bqE0Ycxf-OyjFul_KtPYMW7wl1PuiI_rzfw5mQcFITTUlrU5vQRVVCIoK_ykLbNjx9-jTBc5yYrCgQw47b-Be_y/s400/P1050151.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347672456770782162" border="0" /></a><br /><br />While this 18th Century pocket in chain stitch, inspired by an original in the Costume museum in Bath was made for a friend who makes the most wonderful 18th Century inspired frocks, and wears them for Roleplaying in. I used some scrap linen, and my wonderful silks from The Handweaver's Studio in Walthamstow.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOHUqJuM5tCW5bvHBf-MyX9ROrCxUGOPvM6bR3BF-XTMeUvOH9sVu-xNUrZOy_5BMZdRNDRiJ7Yg0aBRNnejQOAxasYE2_aoZoE5BsUN6qKJUuIqKFuK01EVT3MBT20GjHqmZsosjzdJ4/s1600-h/P1050221.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOHUqJuM5tCW5bvHBf-MyX9ROrCxUGOPvM6bR3BF-XTMeUvOH9sVu-xNUrZOy_5BMZdRNDRiJ7Yg0aBRNnejQOAxasYE2_aoZoE5BsUN6qKJUuIqKFuK01EVT3MBT20GjHqmZsosjzdJ4/s400/P1050221.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347673706578176498" border="0" /></a><br />When I traced the design, I discovered it was too small for the pocket I wanted to make, so I added various elements to make it bigger. I love the colours, and the slightly wonky feel of the design.<br /><br />My first attempt at silk ribbon embroidery on a cotton moleskin tea cosy, which was part of a circular swap of tea and teamaking accessories.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WoXjQVkca4HS09yaFRDal4nYRB5uos4X4MPREoxpIUI58W3klshEujmuviwbTq6in7GC7B8bg2GgJLnTM5MGv7HTbZz8CFm-3FD6iy8JSFuEy1rPIUmoxCiSWY_ZKop27WG1gZMEMvES/s1600-h/12102008123.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WoXjQVkca4HS09yaFRDal4nYRB5uos4X4MPREoxpIUI58W3klshEujmuviwbTq6in7GC7B8bg2GgJLnTM5MGv7HTbZz8CFm-3FD6iy8JSFuEy1rPIUmoxCiSWY_ZKop27WG1gZMEMvES/s400/12102008123.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347679137759012994" border="0" /></a><br />Finally, a glimpse of my most ambition project so far, a stomacher from a modified Therese Dillmont design originally intended to be worn with an 18th Century dress for a ball. I didn't complete it in time, and I still need to make it up. This is it partially done, I can't seem to find the photos of it all complete on my new computer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuw1FNKANFXPpP5QguOkABE4IWxxP1t7ZLnhhxD5v8tUw-YI1eRXe4s1OKmJfkV3TW8at47v5xez_K13x1Bm4V-njc11qRqI1Lb22-3CAQEXD6iRUoo8MPmil4EeNVhsAJqCgmJL1dZo1h/s1600-h/P1070037.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuw1FNKANFXPpP5QguOkABE4IWxxP1t7ZLnhhxD5v8tUw-YI1eRXe4s1OKmJfkV3TW8at47v5xez_K13x1Bm4V-njc11qRqI1Lb22-3CAQEXD6iRUoo8MPmil4EeNVhsAJqCgmJL1dZo1h/s400/P1070037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347684551089665842" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Anyway, that is a quick cooks tour of my adventures in stitching so far, tomorrow I hope to take and post pics of my current projects.ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8649634510249653272.post-87714591091464296432009-06-15T10:01:00.000-07:002009-06-15T14:29:29.744-07:00My silks and shiniesI've been embroidering on and off since I was about 13, (I'm 50 this year) but more fanatically in the last two or three years! I blame Mary Corbett of Needle and thread, who never fails to inspire me. I used to post pics of my creations on my LJ, but all the stitchers seem to have blogs over here, so I thought I'd join you all.<br /><br />This is just a place holder, (I'm posting from work, my bad) but later in the week there will be pics of some of my past and present projects.<br /><br />My current projects are;<br /><br />A first attempt at Jacobean, in Cotton on cream linen twill from a design from a Victorian book on Jacobean work that I found on Project Gutenberg,<br /><br />A colourful belt in silk shading on black velveteen for a friend,<br /><br />and, on the to do list, a wall hanging in silk shading (probably from another Dillmont design) as a wedding present for my brother.<br /><br />Mary talks about how blogging motivates her, I'm hoping it does so for me too, as I really need to get cracking on the last one, the wedding is in October, and they are in New Zealand so I need to allow a couple of weeks for postage.ravenriganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03000571019027008811noreply@blogger.com0