Nacktschnecken omlet Cube

[Plum]

That's good. Looking forward to seeing it. When you start doing the hand embroidery you'll be glad you've got the extra space. I found that using the same thread in bobbin as in top sorted out a lot of my stitches, the tension was right and the puckering and loops vanished. Kept to cotton when using metallic thread though.

 

I'm a french knot addict now. Think I may tart up my uniform with a few fancy stitches around the neckline

[Snowy]

I did as Carol suggested and just used a fine thread in my bobbin and it seemed to work fine on my machine - the back looks surprisingly neat!

 

I've discovered that, apart from a healthy stash of stranded threads, I have no other thread suitable for hand embroidery, so paid the city centre a visit. Oooh, that was a mistake for my bank balance! Spent a small fortune on threads, wonder under, couching stuff, plus some fabric for a project in the boys bedroom! And just had a look on ebay (now I know what I want!) and found Thredfairy and ordered some beautiful hand painted perle threads

[Plum]

I warned you! Now look what you've done putting that link up, I'm doomed

[Snowy]

Does look rather gorgeous doesn't it?

[Plum]

I've added a few beads to the disapearing stitches

 

and finished it off. Couldn't find rattail binding so bought some other, then found rattail but didn't buy enough so used the first.

 

 

join and corners are a bit dodgy but I think I can do it better next time

[Goosey Lucy]

Wow! Looking good, ladies

 

I've been so impressed I've signed up too

 

Just don't expect anything anytime soon, bit busy with life...

 

but I am going to watch lesson one tonight

[Plum]

Great Goosey you can sew along with us. I'm Twiglet on there You won't be able to stop at one lesson.

[Snowy]

That looks lovely Plum!

 

Well done Lucy! I agree, you won't stop at one. I watch a few at a time, then go back over them several times because I forget what was said

[Goosey Lucy]

Twiglet

I'm still Goosey Lucy on there, I have enough problems trying to remember login and passwords let alone changing my username too.

 

I'm itching to get going but I must finish (start ) my inchies and finish my Easter swops first. I shall get Half Term out of the way then have a play once the children are back at school.

[Plum]

Couldn't get Plum. Must be another

 

Like you I'm going to do my Easter swap before starting my proper piece

[Snowy]

OK, here is mine - had to take new pics as the boy hasn't given me back my little camera

Threads bought today (not including the fancy variegated ones bought on ebay )

My practice piece (does look better in real life - the colours are so bright, they really don't show up well on camera!) And it wasn't the best fabric to use as it is already quite busy, but I do love the colours:

Close ups:

A neat bottom!

I think it needs just a little bit more machine work before I go onto the hand stitching

[Goosey Lucy]

Wow! That's terrific! And I am so over those threads, I'm off shopping tomorrow...

[Plum]

That batik is gorgeous the colours really glow. Its pattern could be used to emphasise the hand stitching. You could do stitches radiating out from the centre of the blue pattern.

 

Love the variagated green wavy lines

 

Threads are lovely, can't wait to see how you use them Think you may regret doing too much machine stitching, it's very satisfying doing the embroidery and you'll want to use those lovely new threads.

[Plum]

Did you stop yourself going past the first lesson Lucy?

[Snowy]

Spot the difference!

I've added a little more machine stitching this afternoon:

And this evening I've done the handstitching. Can't take pics yet as really need the day light!

Was worried about the threads I'd bought as on the tutorial she specifically says that DMC 5 is too thick, and that is what I'd bought (not that there was much choice!)

Anyway, I found it OK.

[Plum]

Gorgeous Snowy. Have you sandwiched it already it looks quilted

 

You proved her wrong then. I bought 5 and just did the french knots with 2 twists rather than 3 or 4 and looks ok to me. I also bought DMC 3 which really is too thick but may try it anyway sometime.

[Snowy]

Yes I found only 2 twists were needed for the french knots.

It gives a nice texture to straight and chain stitches too.

It does look quilted in the pic, but it isn't - it's just not ironed!

And this is it with the handstitching:

I'm struggling to get a decent picture of it

[Plum]

No that's a good one, it's really lovely it glows. Love all the embroidery, that daisy stitch flower is stunning and love the crosshatched red one and all the french knots

 

It's amazing how the work changes with each stage.

 

I'm just going to do a small piece for a glasses case as a gift this afternoon.

[Snowy]

It's amazing how the work changes with each stage.

 

I'm just going to do a small piece for a glasses case as a gift this afternoon.

 

It does doesn't it? Normally 'less is more', but in this case you almost can't do too much!

You must take pics of your glasses case!

Now whether mine will ever get backed and quilted

[Plum]

What did you have in mind when you were making it? You'll have to finish it, doesn't take long so you can practice rattail binding before doing your wall pieces.

[Snowy]

It was literally just a practice piece before doing the larger ones! I bought wonder under the other day, but didn't think to get enough to do this piece as well!

Plus I need to get some more batting. Will put this on one side and start stitching the others, but will make an effort to finish this one first

[Snowy]

Well I've started my wall panels. Getting the hang of it now!

The 4 panels couched:

First panel, machined and hand sewing started:

I can't resist keep going on to ebay and buying more bits of yarn

[Plum]

That fabric's stunning Snowy It's coming on really well and again changed with the stitching, I love that it looks so different - even better.

 

I bought some more batik today ready for my proper piece (s) and some threads found DMC cotton unstranded it's lovely. Plus a hand dyed thread called wildflowers and lime green jute for couching. Daren't look on ebay!

[freddie]

Look at Stef Francis...

I never told you, so dont blame me.

[Plum]

Naughty Going to be at NEC in March I'd love to know how to sew mirrors into work so will head for their stall.

 

Just been looking at spun silk with flames, think I've gone to heaven prices are good as well