Friday, January 18, 2013
New Blog Hop Alert!
Such A Pitiful Attempt At Embroidery
THANK YOU
for all the sweet answers to my embroidery/applique
questions. You guys are amazing!
It looks pretty pitiful and a 5-year old could have done better,
but I gave it a go using some of the little hints you all shared with me.
It was just a straight stitch for lettering, nothing fancy,
but it makes me cringe just to look at it.
I'll be ripping it all out and going for smaller stitches,
per some really good advice I got. Or, I'll rip it out
and do some machine embroidery...or, whatever.
Anyway...here are some of the hints about embroidery
and applique that were so appreciated and really helped
(though it would have helped more just to have one
of you do the stitching for me):
Amy said: For embroidery, I was always taught to use three strands. I just use the standard DMC floss. As for appliqué, I have heated the appliqué back up and sometimes it comes off with ease and other times no so much.
Carrie said: If you go to the store/Joanns you will be able to find needles that say embroidery on the package. I use DMC mostly, cut a length about 15-18" long and then pull one thread out at a time. Then I put 2 strands back together to do my embroidery. I might use more depending on what I working on. If your thread starts to tangle up while embroidering hold up your piece in one hand and while the needle is threaded let it hang freely and it will untwist. Just make sure you have your hand under the needle so you don't lose it if it should come off the thread. I don't use the wax when embroidering. If you go to Joanns/craft store where they keep the floss you will find ways to store the thread. I wrap mine around little card board pieces made for storing thread. You could make your own. Just don't forget to write the number on the cardboard that is on the floss. Here is a great blog for embroidery. At the top of her blog you will see a tab for tutorials and tips. It is the best. http://www.needlenthread.com
Diane said: I used to use DMC floss (single strand) for embroidery until a pattern I had suggested 12 weight thread. I tried it and was sold. It is so much easier to work with. No problem with twisting. And I love many of the variegated colors. Easier to store spools than floss too. Only downside is initial cost but if you are planning on doing more embroidery it is well worth the investment. I have mostly Sulky but Aurifil also has 12 wt. My local quilt shops carry some of both. I have also ordered from http://www.uncommonthread.com. If you have a smart phone or an iPad there is a handy app on embroidery stitches. And it's free! I use it to remember stitches I don't use very often. Look for Judith Baker Montano's Embroidery & Crazy Quilt Stitch Guide. (I looked it up...it is a great app!)
Lesley said: (she answered each question...sweet!): How do you prevent or minimize frayed edges (especially on little pieces) on fabric when you applique? I use a small blanket stitch to machine appliqué, but a friend of mine always uses the blind hem stitch.What machine stitch is the best for keeping those applique pieces on a quilt that will be washed frequently? Mmm, most of my projects end up on a wall and aren’t washed...it might help to use shorter stitches? Are wider/narrower stitches better than smaller/larger ones? I prefer shorter, more compact stitches. Do you use embroidery thread in your machine when you go around the edges of applique? I’ve never used embroidery thread in my sewing machine. When stitching around the edges, is there a clear-colored thread that is strong enough to last on a quilt? There is such a good variety of threads on the market...I used Coats and Clarke for years from Walmart, but now I use Aurifil, Wonderfil, and quilt shop quality thread. I usually prefer cotton but there are blends available. My quilt friend/expert, says to always match the thread colour to the piece that you are appliquéing to your background. When you embroidery, what size/type needle works best for you? I have bought every type and size out there...I always seem to have a hard time threading the needle. I use a lot of perle cotton # 8, # 12, and use floss that doesn’t have to be separated, like Aurifil and Presencia (Finca). Presently I have Richard Hemming and Son Large Eye Needles, Size 4, Fons and Porter Wool Applique Size 2, .John James Embroidery size3 , and DMC Embroidery needles # 5 . I just pick and choose what seems to work for the project I am doing. Someone also suggested Clover Sashico needles. What embroidery thread do you find tangles the least amount?(Mine gets tangled/knotted sometimes...okay, A LOT!) Mine always gets tangled too , but usually when the thread is too long...I have such a hard time threading the needles that I try to use long, long thread. Embroidery thread comes in so many strands...what's the easiest or best amount to use when doing simple embroidery stitches like words or outlines? I would probably use two strands, but most of what I use doesn’t have to be separated. Is it good to use a waxy substance to make the thread slide through the fabric easier? I use this when quilting...haven’t thought to use it with embroidery. Is there an easy way to store all those threads without ending up with a tangled mess? I usually use the balls so you can twist it around no problem. For either applique or embroidery, do you have a favorite website with tutorials? I adore Clover and Violet...they have embroidery tutorials that will show you everything, and they’ve had a few stitchalongs where you make a quilt with an embroidered centre.
Fawn said: Don't use wax when embroidering. I prefer to use a size 24 or a size 26 when embroidering or cross-stitching (use size 26 on linen type fabrics). As far as the number of strands to use...it honestly depends. If the design is pretty basic, then you can probably go with a higher number of strands. It's pretty standard to do around 3 strands (out of the 6) for MOST projects. As far as organizing those remaining strands, you can get project cards, which have lines (for writing down embroidery thread colors/numbers/symbols) and hole punches which you can thread those strands through! I use them for every counted cross-stitch project I ever do. In order to minimize tangles...keep your thread lengths shorter (like carrie p. said 15-18 inches in length) and frequently let your needle and thread hang down to unwind/detangle before knots form. Should they form, don't pull them through, just take your time with the knot and use that embroidery needle; totally helps!
Daryl said: For hand embroidery stitches going around a fused applique motif, I use 2 strands of the 6 strand embroidery floss. Cut about an 18" piece and let it dangle as you separate the strands. You can also purchase size 12 perle cotton which is the same thickness as 2 strands of floss, but it doesn't need to be separated. Use an embroidery needle and I use a blanket (also called a buttonhole) stitch. You never use wax on embroidery thread. For machine embroidery around an applique motif that is fused, use a rayon or polyester thread made for machine embroidery and a machine embroidery needle too. I prefer the blanket stitch or a zigzag stitch for my machine work. Always test on a scrap first and test different widths an lengths to see which you like best. I have never had a problem laundering an applique piece that has been stitched by hand or machine. Of course this is just for fusible applique I am referring to. There are several methods of applique which include needle turn, using a fusible interfacing and sewing around your motif and then slitting the interfacing and turning it right side out and pressing in place, reversible applique, raw edge applique that you sew with invisible thread using a straight stitch sewing very close to the raw edge or you can also sew straight using a black thread, you can use glue to glue your raw edges under first and then sew them down, etc. I think you should practice a variety of applique styles both by hand and machine to see which you like best. It's good to practice with something that has both a concave and convex curve as well as a point. So try to applique around a heart and a crescent shape for practice. Hope this and your other answers help you. Practice is the key to get good and to find the applique method you prefer doing too.
Shirley said: This time I used the quilting basting spray to adhere my letters to my pillow, that way you can move it if it looks like crap. (I like using basting spray, so I love her comment.)
Madame Samm said: I only use presencia, it never tangles, and you don't have to separate the threads . I cut 18 approx..I never knot...finca perle 12 is the best for embroidery...Jane carries it.. I only use a size 9 needle for embroidery. I like to back my kona cottons with flannel..it hides the stitches and puffs your completed project. Appliqué I only use wonder under, trace , iron, score and iron...on finished background. (I used flannel on the back of some machine applique that was on white fabric--it made a huge difference by not showing all those little threads.)
Tammy said: Aneela Hoey's book Little Stitches is great for beginners and has heaps of iron on transfers or you can choose to trace the pictures. She selects strands according to what she wants to emphasize so you might use just one strand for an outline but 6 if she is filling in. And the other thing is that she always has a 2nd hoop to practice a few stitches on and get a rhythm going alongside the main project. (I love this 2nd hoop idea to use for practice!)
Carrie said: If you go to the store/Joanns you will be able to find needles that say embroidery on the package. I use DMC mostly, cut a length about 15-18" long and then pull one thread out at a time. Then I put 2 strands back together to do my embroidery. I might use more depending on what I working on. If your thread starts to tangle up while embroidering hold up your piece in one hand and while the needle is threaded let it hang freely and it will untwist. Just make sure you have your hand under the needle so you don't lose it if it should come off the thread. I don't use the wax when embroidering. If you go to Joanns/craft store where they keep the floss you will find ways to store the thread. I wrap mine around little card board pieces made for storing thread. You could make your own. Just don't forget to write the number on the cardboard that is on the floss. Here is a great blog for embroidery. At the top of her blog you will see a tab for tutorials and tips. It is the best. http://www.needlenthread.com
Diane said: I used to use DMC floss (single strand) for embroidery until a pattern I had suggested 12 weight thread. I tried it and was sold. It is so much easier to work with. No problem with twisting. And I love many of the variegated colors. Easier to store spools than floss too. Only downside is initial cost but if you are planning on doing more embroidery it is well worth the investment. I have mostly Sulky but Aurifil also has 12 wt. My local quilt shops carry some of both. I have also ordered from http://www.uncommonthread.com. If you have a smart phone or an iPad there is a handy app on embroidery stitches. And it's free! I use it to remember stitches I don't use very often. Look for Judith Baker Montano's Embroidery & Crazy Quilt Stitch Guide. (I looked it up...it is a great app!)
Lesley said: (she answered each question...sweet!): How do you prevent or minimize frayed edges (especially on little pieces) on fabric when you applique? I use a small blanket stitch to machine appliqué, but a friend of mine always uses the blind hem stitch.What machine stitch is the best for keeping those applique pieces on a quilt that will be washed frequently? Mmm, most of my projects end up on a wall and aren’t washed...it might help to use shorter stitches? Are wider/narrower stitches better than smaller/larger ones? I prefer shorter, more compact stitches. Do you use embroidery thread in your machine when you go around the edges of applique? I’ve never used embroidery thread in my sewing machine. When stitching around the edges, is there a clear-colored thread that is strong enough to last on a quilt? There is such a good variety of threads on the market...I used Coats and Clarke for years from Walmart, but now I use Aurifil, Wonderfil, and quilt shop quality thread. I usually prefer cotton but there are blends available. My quilt friend/expert, says to always match the thread colour to the piece that you are appliquéing to your background. When you embroidery, what size/type needle works best for you? I have bought every type and size out there...I always seem to have a hard time threading the needle. I use a lot of perle cotton # 8, # 12, and use floss that doesn’t have to be separated, like Aurifil and Presencia (Finca). Presently I have Richard Hemming and Son Large Eye Needles, Size 4, Fons and Porter Wool Applique Size 2, .John James Embroidery size3 , and DMC Embroidery needles # 5 . I just pick and choose what seems to work for the project I am doing. Someone also suggested Clover Sashico needles. What embroidery thread do you find tangles the least amount?(Mine gets tangled/knotted sometimes...okay, A LOT!) Mine always gets tangled too , but usually when the thread is too long...I have such a hard time threading the needles that I try to use long, long thread. Embroidery thread comes in so many strands...what's the easiest or best amount to use when doing simple embroidery stitches like words or outlines? I would probably use two strands, but most of what I use doesn’t have to be separated. Is it good to use a waxy substance to make the thread slide through the fabric easier? I use this when quilting...haven’t thought to use it with embroidery. Is there an easy way to store all those threads without ending up with a tangled mess? I usually use the balls so you can twist it around no problem. For either applique or embroidery, do you have a favorite website with tutorials? I adore Clover and Violet...they have embroidery tutorials that will show you everything, and they’ve had a few stitchalongs where you make a quilt with an embroidered centre.
Fawn said: Don't use wax when embroidering. I prefer to use a size 24 or a size 26 when embroidering or cross-stitching (use size 26 on linen type fabrics). As far as the number of strands to use...it honestly depends. If the design is pretty basic, then you can probably go with a higher number of strands. It's pretty standard to do around 3 strands (out of the 6) for MOST projects. As far as organizing those remaining strands, you can get project cards, which have lines (for writing down embroidery thread colors/numbers/symbols) and hole punches which you can thread those strands through! I use them for every counted cross-stitch project I ever do. In order to minimize tangles...keep your thread lengths shorter (like carrie p. said 15-18 inches in length) and frequently let your needle and thread hang down to unwind/detangle before knots form. Should they form, don't pull them through, just take your time with the knot and use that embroidery needle; totally helps!
Daryl said: For hand embroidery stitches going around a fused applique motif, I use 2 strands of the 6 strand embroidery floss. Cut about an 18" piece and let it dangle as you separate the strands. You can also purchase size 12 perle cotton which is the same thickness as 2 strands of floss, but it doesn't need to be separated. Use an embroidery needle and I use a blanket (also called a buttonhole) stitch. You never use wax on embroidery thread. For machine embroidery around an applique motif that is fused, use a rayon or polyester thread made for machine embroidery and a machine embroidery needle too. I prefer the blanket stitch or a zigzag stitch for my machine work. Always test on a scrap first and test different widths an lengths to see which you like best. I have never had a problem laundering an applique piece that has been stitched by hand or machine. Of course this is just for fusible applique I am referring to. There are several methods of applique which include needle turn, using a fusible interfacing and sewing around your motif and then slitting the interfacing and turning it right side out and pressing in place, reversible applique, raw edge applique that you sew with invisible thread using a straight stitch sewing very close to the raw edge or you can also sew straight using a black thread, you can use glue to glue your raw edges under first and then sew them down, etc. I think you should practice a variety of applique styles both by hand and machine to see which you like best. It's good to practice with something that has both a concave and convex curve as well as a point. So try to applique around a heart and a crescent shape for practice. Hope this and your other answers help you. Practice is the key to get good and to find the applique method you prefer doing too.
Shirley said: This time I used the quilting basting spray to adhere my letters to my pillow, that way you can move it if it looks like crap. (I like using basting spray, so I love her comment.)
Madame Samm said: I only use presencia, it never tangles, and you don't have to separate the threads . I cut 18 approx..I never knot...finca perle 12 is the best for embroidery...Jane carries it.. I only use a size 9 needle for embroidery. I like to back my kona cottons with flannel..it hides the stitches and puffs your completed project. Appliqué I only use wonder under, trace , iron, score and iron...on finished background. (I used flannel on the back of some machine applique that was on white fabric--it made a huge difference by not showing all those little threads.)
Tammy said: Aneela Hoey's book Little Stitches is great for beginners and has heaps of iron on transfers or you can choose to trace the pictures. She selects strands according to what she wants to emphasize so you might use just one strand for an outline but 6 if she is filling in. And the other thing is that she always has a 2nd hoop to practice a few stitches on and get a rhythm going alongside the main project. (I love this 2nd hoop idea to use for practice!)
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
In Your Words Blog Hop - Last Day!
It's been a fun ride seeing all the creative ideas
that came out of In Your Words. But it had to end
sometime and today is the last day--ENJOY!
JUST THE FACTS:
The Hostess: Linda at Buzzing and Bumbling
The Leader of the Blog Hops: Madame Samm at Sew We Quilt
They are both amazing and creative people so you know this is going to be a
blog hop to remember!
Today's blogs to check out:
Wednesday, January 16
My Collection of Things (Jeni K.)
Quiltin' Jenny (Jenny)
Shade Tree Quilting (Judy C.)
Pat Sloan, The Voice of Quilting (Pat. S.)
Dachsies With Moxie (Agnes B.)
Sew Many Yarns (Lyndsey M.)
Tomorrows Treasures Today (Denise D.)
Christa Quilts (Christa W.)
Read, Quilt, Cook, Pray (Aletta D.)
Be sure to visit Sew We Quilt to see the daily favorites
and get the scoop on her giveaways.
ALL the In Your Words creations.
Ohhh....don't forget I have a giveaway going on
You can still sign-up for Nancy Drew...just send me an email.
We have 69 sleuths who are sewing and getting ready
to share their mysterious creations. Come on...join in!
Monday, January 14, 2013
Applique, Embroidery, Etc. Questions
I'm new to this applique and embroidery thing, so....
How do you prevent or minimize frayed edges
(especially on little pieces) on fabric when you applique?
What machine stitch is the best for keeping those applique
pieces on a quilt that will be washed frequently?
Are wider/narrower stitches better than smaller/larger ones?
Do you use embroidery thread in your machine when you
go around the edges of applique?
What's the best way to remove the ironed-on adhesive paper
without totally destroying the piece?
When stitching around the edges, is there a clear-colored
thread that is strong enough to last on a quilt?
When you embroidery, what size/type needle works best for you?
What embroidery thread do you find tangles the least amount?
(Mine gets tangled/knotted sometimes...okay, A LOT!)
Embroidery thread comes in so many strands...what's
the easiest or best amount to use when doing
simple embroidery stitches like words or outlines?
Is it good to use a waxy substance to make the
thread slide through the fabric easier?
Is there an easy way to store all those threads without
ending up with a tangled mess?
For either applique or embroidery, do
you have a favorite website with tutorials?
Am I the only one who doesn't know
the answers to the above?
(Do my questions even make sense?)
Update: I'll post the answers I've received
with the questions in the next day or two.
P.S. Please make sure there is a way for me to contact you.
Google+ and Open ID don't allow me to see your
email address. If you don't hear from me, it's because
you don't have a way to get a response from me.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Dresden's Interrupted
The brown eyes from that Monkey Boy
got to me again. I was busy sewing all my Dresdens
when three of the four Monkey Boys came to visit
for the day. The six-year-old said he really, really
wanted a bathrobe and so did his big brother.
So, of course....
off to the fabric store we sent so he could
pick out his own fabric (he likes camouflage.)
He helped me lay out the fabric and cut out
the pattern pieces. I sewed them after they left.
The robes will have to wait to be finished until the
boys come back over so I can hem them to the right length.
The funniest thing was that after buying the fabric,
he asked me "when do you wear a bathrobe?"
and "Do you sleep in it?"
I'm not sure he knows what a bathrobe is,
but he really, really wanted it.
Gotta love it!
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Blog Hop Alert!
(mbushretired@gmail.com)
Friday, January 11, 2013
Dare To Not Dread Dresdens
I've started prepping for DARE TO DRESDEN...
have you?
I don't dread the Dresden anymore and actually love making them.
(Okay, so I've only made one and it was turned into a turkey,
but they aren't scary and that's my point.)
Missouri Quilt Company has an amazing video
tutorial that will help you overcome your fears.
Check it out HERE.
I used a jelly roll to make my Dresden pieces, but a charm pack works great, too.
This ruler made it amazingly simple!
This pointy thing makes those corners, well..pointy.
I'm looking forward to seeing how the "Pros" make their Dresdens,
but for now the instructions from Missouri Quilt Company really has me
moving forward to conquer the Dresden phobia I've had for years.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
In MY Words...And A Giveaway, Of Course!
Thanks for stopping by to see my wordy creations!
JUST THE FACTS:
The Hostess: Linda at Buzzing and Bumbling
The Leader of the Blog Hops: Madame Samm at Sew We Quilt
They are both amazing and creative people so you know this is going to be a
blog hop to remember!
As I sewed this quilt with colors that reminded me of that era
and machine embroidered words that were common for me to use,
(minus a few words I don't want my kids or grandkids to know I used)
I couldn't help singing some of the words from "HAIR."
"Give me a head with hair, long beautiful hair
Shining, gleaming, streaming, flaxen, waxen
Give me down to there, hair, shoulder length or longer
Here baby, there, momma, everywhere, daddy, daddy...."
I also had the strongest urge to quilt it with yarn in the
corner of each square (like I did during those days) but
I didn't--I just topped stitched and ragged the edges on the peace sign.
This is the label I ran through my inkjet printer using
Blumenthal Lansing Crafter's Images 100-Percent Cotton Poplin
Photo Fabric that I purchased by the roll from Amazon.
I love using it!
Here it is before washing:
My second and third project used Laurel Burch fabric,
"Fabulous Felines Metallic" line.
I love her fabric and feel so sad that she's no longer with us
to keep sharing her creative designs.
I did a little quilting on the fabric before beginning my project.
Using painter's tape helped keep those lines straight and equal.
I found this pattern by Susie D. Designs. It's called
Retro Style Large Handbag
Hopefully, Susie won't see this and wish I wasn't giving her credit for this bag.
I am really and truly pattern-following-challenged,
though I tried really, really hard to make it
come close to what she intended it to look like.
The little coin purse has a machine embroidered cat from Laurel Burch.
The Leader of the Blog Hops: Madame Samm at Sew We Quilt
They are both amazing and creative people so you know this is going to be a
blog hop to remember!
I didn't hang out in Haight-Ashbury.
I didn't go to Woodstock.
I didn't participate in any anti-war protests.
But, I loved that HIPPIE era!
I painted our living room orange, had a couple lava lamps,
and always wore "hot pants" or bell bottom jeans
(I didn't even own a pair of dress pants until after I was married!)
and machine embroidered words that were common for me to use,
(minus a few words I don't want my kids or grandkids to know I used)
I couldn't help singing some of the words from "HAIR."
"Give me a head with hair, long beautiful hair
Shining, gleaming, streaming, flaxen, waxen
Give me down to there, hair, shoulder length or longer
Here baby, there, momma, everywhere, daddy, daddy...."
I also had the strongest urge to quilt it with yarn in the
corner of each square (like I did during those days) but
I didn't--I just topped stitched and ragged the edges on the peace sign.
Blumenthal Lansing Crafter's Images 100-Percent Cotton Poplin
Photo Fabric that I purchased by the roll from Amazon.
I love using it!
Here it is before washing:
Here it is after washing (lousy picture, but the label didn't fade.)
My second and third project used Laurel Burch fabric,
"Fabulous Felines Metallic" line.
I love her fabric and feel so sad that she's no longer with us
to keep sharing her creative designs.
I did a little quilting on the fabric before beginning my project.
Using painter's tape helped keep those lines straight and equal.
I found this pattern by Susie D. Designs. It's called
Retro Style Large Handbag
Hopefully, Susie won't see this and wish I wasn't giving her credit for this bag.
I am really and truly pattern-following-challenged,
though I tried really, really hard to make it
come close to what she intended it to look like.
The little coin purse has a machine embroidered cat from Laurel Burch.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Pssst...The WORD is coming!
Linda at Buzzing and Bumbling has been
busy working to get us ready for this hop--it starts Monday!
Check out the whole schedule
HERE.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Yesterday...Ugh! But, My Husband Made It Better
My husband sent this picture to my phone while I was at work yesterday.
It's a package that arrived from Amazon with some chocolatey stuff I ordered.
Without the broken glass and chocolate goo all over the box, it might look yummy.
The company that mailed it did not wrap each bottle individually in bubble wrap.
They just threw a little of it in the box and (I guess) hoped it would get to me safely.
Amazon was great when I called them and took care of the situation.
Yay to Amazon for their great customer service!
THEN....
I checked the tracking on another package I ordered from a company. FedEx showed it was left on my doorstep at 3:19 p.m. yesterday.Well, it wasn't left there and FedEx said they'd look into. I heard nothing, so my sweet husband went down the street checking the neighbors doorsteps to see if the package was delivered to a wrong house. Nope.
THEN...
I got a summons for JURY DUTY!
At this point, after a yucky day at work, the mail fiasco, and JURY DUTY
hanging over my head for the next month,
I was ready to crawl into bed and stay there for the evening.
THEN...
My sweet hubby decided to go check one house that often gets our mail (our numbers are similar.) He went out into the cold night and...surprise...the guy answering the door said his "roommate had it." When my hubby asked him when he was going to bring it to us, he just shrugged, handed him the package, and shut the door. Thank goodness the majority of my neighbors are not like him! Yay to my sweet husband for making my day a little better!
My whining is over (I know, you're sick of hearing my petty complaints.)
Today is another day. I think I'll sew.
Oh, and don't forget that In Your Words starts on Monday!
AND...
Dare To Dresden still has openings... Christine has 80 scheduled
and has a bit more room for a few more....
Let her know ASAP
jeepgirl300@gmail.com
or you can find her here
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