To Dye or Not to Dye????

I think most of you know I hand dye and sell needlework fabrics.  I haven't done any in weeks due to my hectic work schedule with jobs #1 and #2 and the custom stitching orders I've had going on.  I've actually missed doing it.  I admit, it had gotten to the point it was becoming boring, if that's the right word to use.  Don't get me wrong, I love doing it, or else I wouldn't.  But on the other hand, the creative side in me likes to be able to branch out and try new things, which time has not permitted me to do.

Recently I had a loyal customer request a piece of fabric to compliment the pattern she's going to stitch.  It was the perfect opportunity to force myself to try something new.  Here's the result....

Both the customer and I LOVED the final result.  It prompted me to squeeze in the time in my crazy work schedule this week (116 hours in 12 days, NOT including Stitchnmomma time!!) to do some more color combos.  Here's a couple more I've done.

Mixing colors is great as I never know how it's going to look until the piece is completely done (dyed, washed & air dried).  I'm having a blast making these and will definitely be adding many more color combos to my shop.  And for those of you that like plain, solid colors don't worry, I'll still continue dyeing those also.  If you're interested in seeing what fabrics I currently have available, just click HERE to go to that section of my Etsy shop.

Off to get some more fabric from the washer!!  :)

Fabric Stash - Do You Have One?

I did another guest blogger post go up over at Stitching The Night Away this morning.  I blogged all about fabric stashes.  I'm not going to retype it all here, but if you'd like to read it, just click on the photo and you'll see the full post.  :)

Money Monday - December 10, 2012

For all you embroidery lovers out there...

I hope this sale is still going on.  Jen posted it yesterday, but it doesn't say how long it's going on.  She has wonderful patterns and who can beat 50% off?!?!

If you want to see what beauties she has, just click the photo.  :)

Portrait Embroidery

I think by now everyone knows I like to browse the web and find different little bits of art I find amazing to share with you.  Recently I came across a portrait artist by the name of Cayce Zavaglia.  A lot of people make portraits, you may be thinking, so what makes her so special?

Well, take a look at this photo and I think you'll see.  All of her portraits are embroidered!  

I must say, watching the video (click the picture to see it), I'm a little bit jealous (ok, maybe a LOT jealous) of her talent.  I mean she doesn't even use a pattern and the detail is absolutely phenomenal!!!

I don't even know what else to say besides I'm in awe and I really, really think you should take the 4 minutes to watch the video and see how she creates them.  :)

 

Tips & Techniques - What Size Needle Should You Use?

Have you ever found yourself in your LNS (local needlework shop) staring at the selection of needles and wondering what size you should use?  Yeah, I'll admit I've been there.  Personally I prefer a larger numbered needle, which is actually smaller, regardless of what count fabric I'm stitching on.

I have found an awesome explanation of to what size needle you should use for what count fabric, along with some explanations of the different types of needles over at Cross Stitch Needleshop.  If you're interested in learning more, just click here.

Pattern of the Week - July 28, 2012

I promised several weeks ago that not all of my posts would be cross stitch related, that I would expand them to cover all types of needlework.  This week I'm featuring an embroidery pattern from my friend Jen over at SewJenaissance.

Halloween will be right around the corner and I think Jen has done a fantastic job of combining jack-o-lanterns with matryoshka dolls.  You can get the pattern here and at $5.00 (regular price) it's quite a bargain.

High Fashion Needlework?

Could it be true?  Are fashion designers actually embracing the art form we consider our passion?  Well according to this phenomenal blog post by Susan Elliott over at Plays With Needles, it certainly is.  I have no clue where she found all the photos in her post, but they are truly amazing and need to be seen by all that love needlework.  

The photo below is just a sample of what she included in her post.  Just click on the picture of the beautiful Kiera Knightley and you'll see her post in entirety.

 

http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-needle-storms-runways.html