Wednesday, February 9, 2011

A Little Embroidery Change

We ended up getting about an inch of snow from the storm that was supposed to miss us, but at least it is up to 16* today. (grin)  Still calling for a nice weekend. I am looking forward to that.

Last night, I dug through my tote bin that has prepped embroidery blocks ready to do. I found this snowman and snowlady block and decided it would be nice to do this week since Valentine's Day is so close. I wanted to do it a little differently, though. So I did it in black instead of red. I also used Perle cotton #8. What do you think?
I think I got this pattern from Sandi. I printed it off and prepped it over a year ago, so can't really be sure. That hat on the lady took quite a while. LOL

Yesterday, Pat asked how I use fleece in my embroidery.  I don't use the fusible, just plain fleece. I cut  a piece of fleece the same size as my embroidery piece. Then I pin it to the back of the project and embroider through it. It keeps the thread from showing through to the front. Here is  another project with the fleece fastened to the back of it.
Here is the fleece on the back.
This is the back of the snowman and snowlady.
You can see where I carried the floss over in places. The fleece helps to hide that, plus it makes it easier to end when you need to rethread. I use a knot at the end of my floss when I start a new thread. It may not be the correct way to do it, but that is the way I do it. Sometimes I use scrap batting on the back of my embroidery instead of fleece. I kind of use whatever I have. I always use something on the back of embroidery, though. It is just easier for me. Here are my basic embroidery tools.
My little dog, Buddy found my Thread Heaven and kind of did a number on the lid. LOL I had just opened a new one, so was glad I heard him chewing on something and went to investigate. (grin) I always use Thread Heaven to run my floss through, and also my thread when I am hand quilting, I love this stuff.  I have five different reds that I like for doing redwork. I need to decide which one I like best and just stick with it. LOL I use DMC #304, #398, #321, #815, and #115. I will show you tomorrow what a downer it is to use so many different kinds. LOL Let's just say a booboo can occur when you pick up a project that you have not worked on in a while and can't remember which color you were using. LOL
I hope I explained all this to where you can understand it. I have only been doing redwork for the past couple of years. I did counted cross stitch for many years, but never any other kind of embroidery. This seems to be my year of embroidery. I am loving it. It is so relaxing for me. Thank you for visiting. Please come again. Have a great evening.

12 comments:

Terry said...

Your snowpeople are cute! Good idea using batting to back your stitcheries. I used to do that and it's a great way to use up smaller pieces! :0)

Janet said...

I really like to embroider too. It is very relaxing for me too. I like to have something ready, so I can pick it up when I'm waiting for whatever may happen next. I use white cotton flannel on the back of mine. The snow couple are so cute. I'm glad you didn't get alot more snow. Can't wait for the warm up! :)

Pat said...

Thanks for explaining about the fleece (or batting sometimes). I might do that, too, because it seems to be a good idea. The snow people are very cute!

~JoAnn~ said...

Winona~ I use fleece also for the backing of my embroidery projects but I use the fusible type, I know it is more expensive but I like the fact that it stays put! I buy it at walmart for $3.97 a yard, that's not too bad.I am wanting to get back into doing some counted cross-stitch but didn't remember how much more difficult it is to do than regular embroidery so we will see what happens.
Blessings,Joann

Crispy said...

Interesting that you use fleece in the back. It would give your work such nice texture. Love all the blocks you are working on. Maybe you can wrap the hank of thread in tissue and roll it up into your project when you get tired of working on it :0) The snow people do look like something Sandi designed.

Crispy

Paula said...

*giggle* Poor little Buddy just thought he was helping to keep you organized...
Winona, I have a question~ when you finish with an embroidery, how do you tie it off properly so it won't come undone?
I know that if anyone knows the answer to all my dilemmas it's you, Oh Great One... LOL

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

Your snow people are adorable. I will have to give the batting/fleece backing a try with my next stitchery. Thanks for the info.

Sharon said...

Winona, I am so happy to see your post today about your embroidery. I love to embroider and lately I've been longing to do something. Your post has put me in the right mood to get started. I put a knot too when I start a new thread. I know it's not the right way, but that's the way I do it too. And, BTW, the back of your snowman and woman looks as good as the front. :))

Cyndi said...

I love your little snow people, Winona. I think they look great in the black! I'm trying to teach myself to embroider...boy, do I need a LOT of practice! LOL!

XOXO,

Cyndi

Micki said...

Your snow people are just adorable!
Micki

Rosalyn Manesse said...

How cute! I did a raggedy Ann and Andy picture in embroidery, that was similar. I do the same thing as you--I put a piece of (washed first) white flannel under any embroidery that is on a rather thin type of fabric. I recommend it especially for "chicken scratch."

Karen said...

Love the snowman and snowlady embroidery block. Perfect for Valentine's Day.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...