Charting New Courses

So my sample compass idea has progressed to what I think is near completion. A spot of less is more. I want to do more along this type of work, and a few ideas for custom work is still brewing away.

However, I am going to take a small break from 'charting' new courses, to start doodling new typography based ideas. Linen, and silk threads are calling to me in this idea.

If there is a quote or a saying that you love, share it with me I might well make it my next design.

Life is a Big Puddle continues on

My latest embroidered quote is coming along rather well if I do say so myself. I hadn't quite planned on getting as far as I have done this weekend but evidently my stitching fingers had other ideas. No sooner had I started the second word yesterday morning, was I whizzing along to start the sixth word this Sunday...and now nearly half way through that one. 

It has got me thinking in what capacity I could sell them. This particular piece is for me, as was the last one. But I could consider turning images into postcards or greeting cards, to turning a smaller quote into a kit. I have another two designs in the pipeline, and  I think there might be some scope with making them as a kit or a pattern design. Thoughts welcomed. Anyway, for me its something to ponder over on the way too and from work, in between reading Hannibal. I think the TV programme has gotten under my skin, no pun intended, and I've been making my way through the Thomas Harris books, currently reading Red Dragon. 

Note to self I must also start penning my next newsletter (this was the last one), and finally pick a replacement linen fabric, my stash has taken a battering over the last couple of months and I've not found a fabric I like to replace it. I've been to countless stores, ordered samples left and right, and yet still not found one that's anything like what I had. So heed this warning folks, if you like a fabric don't skimp on how much you get (if you can) because later down the line you'll kick yourself for not being an extra meter or two. Darn it. Lesson learned.

My quest will continue on, as will my quest to finish wrapping and tidying up my thread stash, only half way through the stranded cottons, still have all the specialist threads to go?! It will drive me even more loopy, than I am already. 

So what is everyone else up to? Are you working on one of my free tutorials, or like me attempting to finish projects for yourself or organising your thread stash?

Kandinsky Inspired Trinket Box

It's been a while since I made a fabric covered box, so it was nice to do one again, even if I don't particularly like working out the maths to construct it...but that grumble aside I like the final outcome. It was good to turn the Kandinsky inspired piece into something practical and not just framing it. Not that there is anything wrong with framing embroidered pieces, it has its place and I normally do frame my pieces but I've always liked to turn my work into something more useful or have some practical purposes or another. From clocks, trinket boxes, coasters to Peter Pan collars I've turned my hand embroidery into something other than something that can adorn a wall and looked at from a far...

I'm sure this says a lot about me or simply shows I get bored with framing, I like to think it's the idealist inner craftsperson. Anyway, before I go off onto another path have a look at the box for yourself, smashing isn't it? I know, so modest.

The turquoise lining works well, and compliments the stitching on the outside as well as giving the inside a great big, eyeball grabbing zing of colour. 

Speaking of colour, and reminding myself something I said in a previous post I will be doing something more with this design, colours and the stitches I've used. I have in mind a set of really bright, cheerful and playful Peter Pan collars, just designs mind you at this time, no wait three. 

And it's also helped me come up with a couple more thoughts for the stitch along that I mentioned on Wednesday.  So with that said, I must get the ideas down on paper, and start trying them out and then blitz the flat for tomorrow I have a day off and I'm having a crafting day with my best mate.

Huzzah for tea and cake.