Embroidery: Girls

Six Geisha Girls - All stitched with a three inch embroidery hoop and left over floss ends. Not sure what I will do with them. Want the pattern?

Embroidery: Owl

I've been eyeing this pattern since it first came out in JUNE 2009! Well, I finally stitched this up while marathon-ing the really horrible tv show 'Suits'. I did it in various shades of brown except for three light blue stitches between the eyes, and of course the yellow pupil. I have plans of doing a whole wall of owls in my study (ie. above my desk) - get it? Owls in the study? Smartie pants!

There are two major reasons I've been embroidery more lately. 

1. I figured out how to transfer patterns. For years I've avoided embroidery because I couldn't figure out an easy, cheap, no special equipment way to transfer patterns. I use tissue paper! I trace the pattern onto tissue paper (tracing paper). Then the pattern is tacked down with spare thread to the fabric. Simply stitch through the tissue paper and follow the easy to see lines! When the pattern is done, remove the tacking thread and gently pull the tissue paper away from the design. This takes a while, especially on a pattern like this owl but it's not hard. Voila! 

2. I gave up trying to learn the french knot and now use the colonial knot! Super easy!

   
Here is the link if you want to stitch up your own! Link  
 

Springbok: Knit Knacks

Details: Springbok 'Knit Knacks' 1JIG10550 1000 pieces
I bought this puzzle from a thrift store that raises money for a charity - the little old ladies that run the shop commented on how lovely the picture was. More proof that my hobbies are old lady approved
Difficulty: easy
Done: 27 Dec 2013
Cost: $2.00
Obtained: Thrift Store
Missing Pieces: None
Size: 24 x 30 inches

Embroidery: Winter Stitching Club

Here are the little hexagons joined to make a snowflake type shape. The Winter Stitching Club makes a table runner type thing. I'm really glad about my choice to not include the little faces on the stitchery. My favorites are the cup of tea and the thermos!

Previous Post on this subject.  

Tatting: Next Two Rounds

The next two rounds of the tatted doily. It's getting larger and each round is taking more time. Tatting is definitely labor intensive! At a few points along the way I was worried that the doily would not lay flat but that is no longer an issue.   

Crafting: Tatting

I've been on vacation for a few weeks and apparently during that time I've decided to become a tatter! I hit the thrift stores and came across a Coats & Clarks Book No. 124 - Old and New Favorites which originally cost 29 cents. I got my copy for 25 cents! I also picked up a bag of 4 500 yard skeins of vintage thread (all with the same die lot!) for $2.00. 

I had been teaching myself to tat for a few weeks prior to this thrifting discovery so I started right in on the Frosty Flowers Tatted Doily A-347. I really like the design even though I am not sure what I will do with a doily! I finished the first three rounds the first night.

I enjoy tatting. It is simple to learn but you can make a lot of designs. It also seems easy to design your own patterns which is something I've been thinking of doing as there aren't many icicle tatting patterns out there!