It's Been Bugging Me!

It's kind of been bugging me that since getting my license I haven't added any Sublime Stitching stuff to my etsy.  So I took a break from some of my bigger projects and swap pieces, which can get a bit overwhelming, to make some things for the shop. 

Like this little guy!

This comes from the "Garden Variety" pattern.  I stitched it with DMC Cotton, Metallic, and Rayon floss.  The piece is mounted in a 3in x 4in oval hoop and is ready to hang.  Even the back looks cute, with a coordinating felt covering the stitches.  It'll be in my shop later today!  

My guy said I should have arranged it vertically in the hoop.  What do you think, would it have looked better?  Maybe I'll try another one that way.

I'm also working on some bees for the shop, from the same pattern.  I'm just loving how they're turning out, can't wait to show you.  Be back soon, guys.  Have a craftastic day!

Words on Wednesday!

See you tomorrow?  Wow, I was feeling ambitious when I wrote that, considering it was a holiday weekend.  I should have known that I would be more focused on stuffing my face with delicious grilled food and maintaining a frosty beverage at all times.  Although the "off to pet someone" part was pretty accurate.  Our babies got a ton of attention this weekend since it was both of us at home.

Last week I missed "Words on Wednesday" because apparently I can't keep track of time and realized too late that it was actually Thursday when I wrote it.  Oh well, turns out for the better anyways.  Looking back at it, it's a bit grumpy and depressing, reflecting my mood at the time.  Trashed it.  This week it'll be happy!

Today's words are, "Officially Licensed!"  I received my signed contract back and I am now officially licensed by Sublime Stitching!  Yay!  

It's crazy to think that years ago a little ol' ad for Jenny's patterns in the back of a Juxtapoz magazine got me started on this crazy embroidery journey.  Now I'm licensed by her company to sell items made from those patterns!  It's really mind blowing to me.  I never would have thought that a little curiosity about a new hobby would turn into so much, it's practically my life now.  I've learned so much and met amazing people, all thanks to embroidery.  It's nuts!

I'm happy that I can share this news with you, it's very exciting for me.  Now that that's done, I'm off to get in a little stitching before work.  Then I'll be back at it when I get home, I've got to get this thing finished by this time next week!  I'll share another picture soon.  I know that last one was horribly vague.  Bye for now!

Sewing Case Tutorial!

The little case I showed you guys last time is pretty easy to make, so now I'll show you how!  Oh, and I'll just go ahead and apologize right now for the terrible photos.  I'm not sure if my photography skills have improved in the last few months or it's the new camera we recently acquired, either way these shots aren't so hot.
 

Materials you'll need:

* Plastic container- this can really be any type of container.  Even the clear deli take-out kind will work, (although I have a different method for that kind, I'll share with you later.) you just have to be more conscious of your jump stitches.

*Embroidery Patterns-  I used Sublime Stitching's Dress Up patterns. I also used a photocopy since I would be chopping it up and writing on it.

*Embroidery Floss and normal stitching stuff like needles- Duh, you already knew that!

*Drill- with a 1/16 drill bit (teeny tiny!)

* Tape- for your pattern and reinforcing your container if it's on the flimsy side.

*Scissors

*Pen/Sharpie

Optional Stuff:
*Beads

*Rotary Tool- Sandpaper will probably work just as well.

*Transfer Paper

*Felt (with hot glue)

*Scrapbook Paper (with glue stick)


Let's get started!
I wrapped the whole jar with masking tape to reinforce it while I was drilling.  I wasn't sure if the plastic would take it well.  It was probably unnecessary, however, it also helped with the transfer method so it wasn't a total bust.  I also taped my lid down so it was more secure when drilling. 

To transfer the pattern I used a scrap of Saral Transfer Paper.  (Most of my fellow stitchers know how much I love this stuff.  I carry on about it in our forums all of the time!)  I tape the pattern onto it and traced it with a ballpoint pen.  Easy Peasy.

 

*Tip- If you have a particularly sturdy container or lack transfer paper, you can probably just tape your pattern to the jar and drill right through it.  I just like to plot out my holes first.  You'll see.... 

Okay, so at this point I plotted out where the hole for each stitch would go.  I find this part helpful so that I can make sure that two holes aren't to close together.  (Notice how I crossed one out?)  Plus, I would probably just start drilling, willy-nilly, that usually doesn't end well around here.

 Notice on this one, I had to adapt the pattern a wee bit based on what the plastic would allow.  Keep that in mind when you're plotting out your stitches.

 

Now it's time to drill, baby, drill.  (Ewwww, did I just quote Sarah Palin?  Gross.  I'm sorry, it won't happen again.)  I didn't take a picture of this step, but I think you can handle it ;)  Just be sure to be safe- wear those silly looking goggles!  Also, hold the container securely, taking special notice to the placement of your fingers so you don't drill yourself.  You want those fingers to be ready for stitching in just a few minutes.

Here's where the rotary tool comes in.  On the inside, where the holes are, there were lots of little plastic burrs.  I sanded them down with the rotary tool so that it wouldn't snag my floss.

  *Tip- if your container is completely clear or you don't have a rotary tool, snip the burrs as close as possible with sharp, pointy scissors.  I don't think the snags will actually cut your floss, just makes it irritating.

 Since my container was frosted, my sand marks on the inside were visible.  So I did the outside too.  It's most evident in this photo.

Now, stitch!  I used all six strands of floss for the designs and just knotted it at the end.  When it was time to finish off a color or design, I simply ran the needle with floss back through a few existing stitches on the inside.  Since I was using the back stitch there is enough floss in the back side to keep it nice and secure.

 As for the optional stuff, it's really just to gussy it up.  I added beads to some of the designs.

To cover the stitches, I added felt and scrapbook paper.  

For the paper, I just made 2 tubes, one with the design on the inside.  The other with the design on the outside.  (The outer one is so there is a pinkish tone showing through the frosted plastic.  It looked better with the sanding.)  I put one inside the other, squished it up and let it open back up once it was in the jar.  Since I didn't glue the paper into the jar itself, since the glue would have shown on the sides, I added a circle of felt at the bottom.  This keeps the paper from moving around too much.

That's it!  Lots of little steps, but pretty easy.  I hope that this tutorial is clear, if not, please let me know.  Don't hesitate to ask me questions, I don't mind at all.  

So now that you know the secrets, I hope that you can find even more stuff to stitch around your house.  This ability is especially helpful when you're broke...trust me.   If you make something with the tips I've shared, I'd love to see.  Crafty geeks....unite!

Enjoy a craftastic day!  And don't forget to recycle :)

Upcycled Sewing Case

Hey there, guys!  Remember the other day when I said I was at least a month behind with sharing projects with you?  Well, holy smokes, I just found something from all the way back in June!  Shameful.  Well, despite being little bit behind the times, I think that you will like this project.  A little bit of everything went into it- stitching, upcycling, felt, pretty paper, beads, power tools!  Fun all around.

You guys know that I love to recycle.  So when I find a product that I like and it also has nice, sturdy packaging, it's like a bonus!  Silly, I know, but something has to excite me.  (Fun Fact:  I hoard glass jars...it's true.)  Over the summer, before we went camping, I decided I need a little something to store my embroidery projects in.  I whipped up a little case made from the packaging of face wash wipes.

TA DA!!

 It's pretty big too, considering the jar was excessively large for the product.  (Sorry, Aveeno, it's true.  I love you, but you went overboard on this one.)  Which is one of the main reasons I decided to reuse it instead of just tossing it in the recycling.

The inside of the lid and jar.  That had to be pretty too!

Want to see more photos of it?

You'll noticed I used a set of Sublime Stitching patterns and of course, metallic floss.  (I'm an addict.)  It's certainly not my prettiest stitching but I'm happy with it.  And I think Mother Earth would be too.  

What do you think? If anyone is interested I can throw together a tutorial.  Just let me know.  Hope you are having a craftastic day!

Bluework Quilt Square

Little 5x5 squares stitched up for the "Bluework Quilt Square" Swap.  Bluework....one word?  Two?  Please, enlighten me.

I made this little gal.  The pattern is from Sublime Stitching.

 

I'm not sure if it's really Bluework since I added the crayon tinting, but my partner liked it so that's all that matters.  Right?

My partner, Courtney, made this tea themed square.  (Also with Sublime Stitching patterns.)  Courtney and I also did a private swap on swap-bot, so you'll be seeing more of her work shortly.

Perfect for a little tea wallet, wouldn't you say?  I'll have to whip one up for my bag when I'm at work, I've been on such a Chai kick lately.

Bye for now!

Science Stitches.

For the "Embroidery in Yellow" Swap on Swap-bot, I made three little patches.  My partner is a science teacher so I went with that.  I figured she could use them as applique on a lab coat or a tote she uses to haul her school stuff around.

I used some patterns from the Sublime Stitching Craft Pad.

Sorry about the poor photo quality, I was blinded by science.  I guess that's what I get for only taking one!

Oh, hey- remember this?  After stitching these I got it stuck in my head.

Hope everyone is having a lovely day!  I'm off to run some errands.  I'll be back later to give you guys a little peak at the inside of these awesome journals I'm giving away.  See ya soon.

T-T-T-Tea Towel!

I stitched this for my partner in the "Sublime Stitching Embroidery" Swap.  The pattern is from Artist Series # 9 by Carson Ellis.  Have I ever mentioned how much I love her work?!

The banner says, "Love" in Russian.

If you aren't familiar with Carson Ellis, check out her website by linking on her name above.  Oh, and read this short interview!

Thanks for looking.  I'll be back later with some thriftacular finds because after all, it is Thursday.  See you soon.

A Pin-Up Party!

The Pin-Up Embroidery swap organized by Snifferooski was a huge success.  Those of you who joined me in it, wouldn't you agree?

I made this one for my partner, while I was in Michigan.  I used the Pin-Up Pattern from the gals at Sew Lovely Embroidery.

Since I had to scan it, the pattern on the fabric is much more evident than it is in person.  Of course, I had to get some Metallic floss on there, oh shiny!  And I also used Rayon floss for her stockings, so they have a nice silky, gleam to them, too.

For that swap, Raegun83 made me this gal.  I think it is a Sublime Stitching pattern.  She also used Metallic and Rayon floss.  Great minds, huh?

When I arrived home, I found my package from Cleof for the "Embroidery in Red" Swap.  And guess what she stitched me?  A Pin-Up!  Funny how that all worked out.  Here's her lady, another Sublime Stitching one.

Don't you just love those gemstones?  I sure do.

Today I'm stitching like crazy, all swap stuff.  I'm going to have quite a bit of mail to send out pretty soon.  What are you up to today?  Anything fun?

Thanks for looking.  Have a craftastic day!

p.s. Thanks for tolerating my lack of nice pics lately, we should be taking care of that soon.

The Book on Love.

I had been wanting to make an art journal for a while now after seeing some fabulous how-to videos from Artiste Nouveau.  I'm sure you guys remember her from my list of happy blogs a little bit back.  I have plenty of journals and sketchbooks but I wanted something that I made all by myself.  I have a slight obsession with paper goods and stationary items so that also fueled the fire on this one.

It began with a bit of drunken midnight crafting.

So, here it is, The Book on Love.

Most of you will recognize the pattern from the Sublime Stitching Craft Pad.  I stitched it up on vintage pink linen that I snagged while thrifting.  I loved working with this fabric.  Due to the loose weave the floss just slid through it so nicely.  But it wasn't so loose that it pulled out or the tension got all wonky.  I even stitched it up without a hoop, which was new for me.  Because it was so easy to stitch on I used lots of metallic floss and kept all six strands for a majority of the floss.

I will eventually paint the title on it when I decide the exact wording.  I'm not 100% sold on The Book on Love yet, although that will be the themes for my entries.

Little charms on the spine.

  

I tried couching!  Although, I had originally picked a purple floss to go over the top.  However, I was in the zone with stitching that I grabbed the bobbin next to it, the yellow, and just went to town.  I didn't even notice until I was almost done with it.  Isn't it funny that how sometimes you can just get so wrapped up in something that you are staring at it but not even really seeing it?  Or maybe I just don't pay attention...  I'll have to think more about that one.

The inside covers both match.

 

As you can see, I used black paper for the signature.  I used a bit of vintage gingham ribbon to hide the little space between the decorative paper cover and the signature.  Nothing matches 100% but most of it goes together with all of the pinks.  I had originally intended to make it a monthly journal this one would have been February, so I think I had girly valentine stuff on my mind.  That's also why I made it with 28 pages... but as I didn't actually start it working in it on the 1st of the month.  So yeah... I digress.

I attached the spine and back cover fabric with Mod Podge.  I was out of Matte so I just went with Gloss.  Unfortunately, I didn't consider how much it would change the color of the linen.

You can see the difference in these shots.

In progress, before attaching the front cover with the Mod Podge.  (I figured, screw it, they should match on both sides.)

 

  

After.

Crazy different, huh?  I'm not so happy with the way the Mod Podge pooled up around the beads and some of the edges of the stitching.  However, I'm not going to dwell on it.  And I'm happy with the total piece overall so that's all that matters.  A plus is that it made it super strong!  The covers are very rigid and the stitching is ultra protected, so I don't have to worry about it getting destroyed over time as I work in it.  I probably can't journal about love every day so I wanted it to be tough enough.  This baby will outlast me.  In fact, a friend was over this weekend and she happened to pick it up while we were in my studio.  She yelled, "HOLY CRAP!  This thing is crazy...it's probably strong enough to be used as a deadly weapon!"  As it looked all dainty she was a bit surprised.  I took it as a good sign that I had been successful with my first handmade art journal.

Thanks for looking and taking the time to read my ultra long post today.  I'll share pics of some pages soon.  Have a craftastic day!

Postcard

So, I was thrilled when I received an address from Postcrossing for a person who actually liked handmade postcards.  (Most members don't, as they've had a bad experience with them in the past.)

I opted against my store bought cards and whipped up something especially for my new friend in Taiwan.  She specifically wanted "cute" handmade cards, so that's what I aimed for.

I started with this.

I stitched this onto card stock using the Inside a Black Apple pattern from Sublime Stitching.  Before I stitched it, I painted the card stock with watercolors.

Then it went to this.

I used a 4x6 piece of Bristol paper and painted it with watercolors.  Then I added some lovely scrapbook paper.  To attach the little guy I used E6000, he shouldn't be going anywhere!  Then I sealed the whole thing with outdoor Mod-Podge.  Then, because I was paranoid about the distance he'd be traveling, I sealed it off with a coat of clear acrylic.  This card should definitely be able to make the trip.

Somehow it turned into this.

Not only had I recently bought some paint pens (for ol' Bessie's tattoo) but I don't when to stop.  Therefore, along came flowers, clouds and a word bubble.  Cheesy, I know.  Anyways, I'm happy with it and I hope the recipient, BingBing, will be too.  It's the first postcard I've ever made and I have a feeling that there will be many more!

Thanks for looking!  Have a great weekend.  Planning on making anything?

Holiday Crafting Round-Up.

These are some smalls gifts that I made for friends at Christmas time.

Embroidery and colored pencil on moleskin notebook.  I used the Tara McPherson pattern (Artist Series #10) from Sublime Stitching.

 

Embroidered fabric and bristol paint chip on moleskin notebook.  I used the Handmade Nation pattern from Sublime Stitching.

Next up are some ATCs that I made on New Year's Eve.  As we were taking a friend to the airport shuttle at 2:30 AM, there was no wild and crazy party for us.  I know, I lead an exciting life.

The last card of 2009- Random

 Watercolors and embroidery floss on Bristol.  Sam aka Sunnysidey was my inspiration for this one.  Everything she makes looks so bright and fun!

1st card of 2010- Banana Pancakes

 Paper clippings, beads and embroidery floss on Bristol.  The stack of banana pancakes is the piece of junk mail, so this card officially carries the Coupon Series over on into 2010.  I'm having a lot of fun with these.  Remember- waste not, want not.  Although that was my motto for 2009, I think I'm going to stick by it for this next year.  It's a good one.

If you don't understand this card, maybe this will help :)

2nd card of 2010- Fetch

Paper clippings and thread on Bristol.

This is also part of the Coupon Series as the picture of the dog came from junk mail.  I made the little newspaper from a few scraps from a local newspaper.

I love the headline.

It's soooo true.  Santa Rosa is home to glorious beers.  My favorite being Pliny the Elder, at the Russian River Brewing Co.

Thanks for looking.  Have a craftastic day!

p.s.  Have you entered the giveaways?!  There's two, sign up for both!

Embroidery Giveaway!

It's giveaway time- again!  I'm posting these separately so that those who are interested in both prizes can enter both contests.  I was happy that the poll resulted in a hand-embroidered piece.  Not that I wouldn't have liked to go do lots of shopping, I just really enjoy stitching things for people.  As this piece and the ATC Kit were my first giveaways, I wanted to make them special.  Since all of the people that have supported my embroidery and blog have made me feel super special.  So the winner of this piece will get to personalize it!  I'll stitch the top portion to say whatever you want.  The font can match the bottom portion...or not.  I can fill the text in...or not.  I can add more color to the letters...or not.  Color, style, font, what it says- everything is up to you!

(Click on any of the photos to enlarge them.)

We went back and forth with name for her but I just couldn't pick one.  My hubby had the genius idea of letting the winner decide.  Naturally, this means that I can't mail it out to the winner right away.  However,  I hope that it'll be worth the wait since it'll be custom.

 

 

 

I used a banner from Sublime Stitching and tea-dyed it before transferring the pattern.  I stitched it up using DMC floss, with portions ranging from one strand to all six.  I even used the fancy schmancy glow-in-the dark floss for her crystal ball.  I really wanted to get a picture of it but they all sucked.  So, you'll just have to take my word for it, lol.  I went a little bead crazy, so I hope it wasn't too much.

The fortune teller comes from a new company called,

 

Started by Katy and Maureen of San Francisco, California, Sew Lovely Embroidery produces fun and original iron-on patterns for the stitching enthusiast.  You can find out more about these talented gals on their website.  Those of you who like detailed projects will just flip when you see the awesome designs they've come up with.  The possibilities are endless with their patterns!  You can see their samples, in all of their stitched glory, on their photostream.  You'll be inspired to get our your needle and thread.  Trust me!

In addition to the banner, personalized to your liking, the winner will also receive a packet of the Mad Ink Embroidery Patterns, generously provided by the ladies at Sew Lovely Embroidery, and some stitching goodies.

All you have to do to be entered to win is leave a comment after this post.  (These will be the only times I don't comment back as I don't want to throw off the numbers.)  That's it!  So tell me what motif you like stitching the most, or your favorite stitch or better yet- what pattern from Sew Lovely Embroidery you like the best!

The contest will be open until January 17th 2010.  The winner will be chosen using a random number generator and announced the next day.  At that time I'll get the information to continue with the customization of the piece.

  Everyone is welcome, I'll ship internationally.  So tell your friends!

Thanks for looking and good luck.  Now go stitch something!