Hardanger Wish List

About a year ago I finished my first (and only) Hardanger embroidery. I really enjoyed stitching it although cutting out the squares was fairly fiddly. (It probably didn't help that I didn't have special hardanger scissors). However, at some point I would love to do some hardanger,  although I should wait until the next couple of months have gone by, as I've got to pack up to move house, (which also includes finding somewhere to live) and a 2 week holiday booked. When I do find the time I might try stitching an all white hardanger project, or something useful like a coaster or pincushion. Luckily there's plenty for me to dream about and browse in the meantime, such as these fabulous hardanger embroidery designs, all of which are on my ever growing wish list. Too many projects and not enough stitching time!

Kaleidoscope Coaster by Mabel Figworthy

White Diamond Pin Cushion from arts and designs




Black Hardanger Table Runner from Casa Cenina

Hearts and Flowers Biscornu from Aigullie Anglaise

 

Bookmark from Nordic Needle

Happy Stitching!

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Hardanger Finish!

A while ago I decided to try my skills at hardanger, an embroidery technique that involves leaving cut out squares. In my previous post Stitches past, I mentioned that I was busy working on Purple Delight, a kit which my sister gave me for Christmas last year. Having spend a lot of time designing and making jewellery and accessories for my Etsy Shop, I haven't had much time to fit in my own personal projects, but I am very pleased to announce the completion of one of them! What do you think?

It was nice learning new stitches as my experience is mostly with cross stitch and back stitch, but this piece encompassed embroidery techniques, such as the tulip, along with new stitches such as the Algerian eye and spider stitch. I really enjoyed working on this, and I love how the bead detail adds a touch of shine.

It was, however, fairly fiddly to cut out the even weave threads having completed the panel stitching around it. it would probably have been easier if I'd bought special hardanger scissors, rather than struggling and persevering with my embroidery scissors, but I am pleased with the effect overall.

The fabric I used was 22 count (stitches per inch) even weave, and this was the first time I stitched onto anything that wasn't Aida. As the cross stitches are over 2 threads it equates to an 11count Aida(the smallest I've worked on to date is 18count Aida). It has given me a strong desire to try a cross stitch piece on an even smaller count, and I'm currently considering whether to buy another kit or convert a photograph/picture to make my own chart.

The threads were also DMC Perle threads, rather than embroidery floss. They were thicker and spun in a way more similar to wool, although they were as smooth as embroidery floss. I really enjoyed working with new materials, stitches, and techniques. It has defiantly inspired me try out more new things!

Happy Stitching

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Stitches Past!

Hello!

A brand new Nikon Coolpix s6200 arrived in the post for me yesterday, which means I have a big task ahead to re-photograph my products - and catch up with the ones I've missed, so I can update them on my website to better quality ones.

Eager to try out my new camera I have taken photo's of a couple of (relatively) recent cross stitch pictures that are on display in my house! (I have completed others, but they are all sitting in a draw awaiting framing...one day...)

Anyway, what do you think of my Siberian Snow Lynx?

He hangs in my kitchen, guarding the door...! I started making him when I was a teenager, but left him uncompleted for ages during uni - to tell the truth, I was a little embarrassed at first of my cross stitch hobby. Looking back I was just being daft, but hey, we all are when we're young! Eventually he made his way up to Sheffield, and I occasionally did a little to him, but it wasn't until I moved in with my boyfriend, Chris, that I finally got working on him again properly, and it wasn't long before he was finished!

Before I finished I was already searching for a new kit to buy, but I wanted one that both Chris and I would like, so I gave him a shortlist of ones to choose, and this was the result!

This Winter Sunset kit by DMC now proudly hangs pride of place above the fireplace in my living room. What do you think of it? It took me about a year to stitch it. Sadly I haven't completed a large piece since, as I've been busy focusing on my cross stitch jewellery, but hopefully that will change soon.

I am currently working on this Purple Delight hardanger that my sister gave me for Christmas. I'm not too far off, but it has been sadly neglected recently. I am enjoying learning the new techniques and new stitches though!

I also have a stumpwork kit, which is also a bit neglected, purchased from WYE Needlecraft in Bakewell, (I can't resist going in whenever I'm in Bakewell, they sell all sorts of needlepoint work, and have plenty of completed works adorning the walls). I have done very little embroidery work, so I'm finding it a bit more challenging and fairly time consuming, as I've only done one petal, but I'm looking forward to getting it finished! Hopefully when it's finished it'll look something like this!

Anyway, I'd best get back to photography and stitching!

New Year, New ideas!

Hello and happy New Year!

I am determined to post more on here, and maybe start another blog about hiking (another passion of mine, and how I met my lovely boyfriend). Anyway, time will tell...

All of my current stitching experience is cross stitch based which I enjoy loads. I have spent the last several months increasing my repertoire of hand stitched earrings, rings, key rings, fridge magnets and hair clips, as well as experimenting with adding seed beads to bring out detail.



However, after spending so long making lots of small items, I fancy a bigger project. I'm a bit too scared (and short on time) to begin with either converting a photo I've taken into cross stitch, or in making my own one with the help of 'The Royal School of Needlework" design disc (which I have used to create all of my designs) so I have decided to go back to the tried and tested method of buying a ready to make kit, and getting stitching!

I've got a stumpwork kit, and a hardanger kit, both of which are recently discovered techniques. Stumpwork involves embroidery (something I've dabbled in but have very little experience) and uses wire to form shapes, e.g. petals, but more about this later...

The hardanger kit, a present from my lovely big little sister (She's younger than me and taller than me, boo!) also involves embroidery, along with some new stitches for me to learn. It also involves cutting out some of the threads to create cut out patterns. I'll show you how I get on later...

For now, I'd best get stitching!