c10

The pattern for this temari is modified from this picture. It was a design challenge from one of my on-line groups. "Figure out how this one was stitched, and make it." I really like the way this one turned out. The original picture is on a 42 center marking, and a member of our group did one on 92 centers, but this one is on a c10 marking, using 12 threads.



I like it because there are so many ways to look at the design. Above, you can look at the 5 points coming together, or you can look at the black space that forms a flower, or you can look at the underlying stitching, which is the maroon ring with points. Twelve of those rings make up the design.

Below a different view shows a (kinds of a squat) 2-color star with alternating colors, and a hexagon formed from 3 different colors.

The colors look different on the temari compared to how they look on their own. The black background makes a big difference. I think you could probably use even brighter colors on a black background without going overboard.



I think I will eventually try to make a set of these with different markings (32 centers, 42 centers, and maybe even 92 centers) just because it is so cool.

Last night I cut out most of the pieces for the princess dress bodice; maybe today I can get some of the pieces sewn together. Of course, that means finding space to set up the sewing machine...

Very Productive Evening

We got home early in the evening last night, all fed and watered, so I had a long productive evening at home. I worked on my current temari. Even though it looks like a big tangled mess, I've worked out a system with the pins that helps me know where I am stitching without having to concentrate on it too much. I can pick up the ball at any free moment, and know where to stitch without having to spend several minutes figuring out the process.



I really like how this one is turning out. It is getting close to being finished.

Here's the supplies page from the church etui. I found it, and the 37 pages of directions, and the supplies to make the box/case when you get the embroidery done. I overcast the edges of the fabric (also in the picture, but you can hardly see it) but I didn't start stitching on it, because I didn't want to disturb the beautiful threads. I will be able to start stitching tonight, if I can figure out what color to stitch the line dividing the roof from the steeple.



I also got the first pieces cut out of the "Snow White" princess doll dress. I found the Wonder Under and got it ironed on, and cut out! (The red tear-drop pieces for the sleeves.)



I received a message about which project to work on this morning, on my way to work. My classical music radio station that I listen to in the car played "Hi ho! Hi ho! It's off to work we go" this morning, the theme from Snow White, and the Seven Dwarf's (in the style of Mozart, so as not to abuse the delicate sensibilities of classical music listeners). It doesn't get much clearer than that. Plus, if I don't get this dress done, I will lose my "grandma in good standing" credits.

By the end of the evening I was moving faster and faster to not fall asleep; it reminded me of how I used to feel when I was six years old. I managed to stay up until bed time, and I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

In the interests of completeness

I just had to mention that there's another project I am contemplating starting, along with the list I posted on Monday. I didn't want anyone to be shocked if that one shows up instead of anything on the list. I am collecting the tutorials from Mary Corbet on lettering in embroidery, and yesterday when I was home, I started writing down a Bible verse to practice on. It's no where ready to go yet, but I think it will be happening. My friend Moonsilk Stitches did Mary's long and short stitch tutorial, and that was very helpful as well.

I think Pat summarized my dilemma the best: my inner adult wants me to finish the WIP, but my inner child wants to start the church etui. My inner student wants to do the tutorial. I have a feeling the child is going to win.

One of my guilds, Homewood Embroidery Guild, started a new blog this week, and I will be contributing to that. Check it out here. I hope you enjoy your visit.

Temari update, and thank you

I wanted to thank you for commenting on my last post (please feel free to continue to leave comments there, I'm very interested). I'm still holding off, for the moment, but I can feel myself weakening.

I finished a temari over the weekend, but I can't show it to you until Anne receives it. I can't wait to talk about it, I was bowled over by how it turned out.

These are the threads for my current temari. Can you tell I like color? I like how it is turning out too, and it is looking interesting while I am stitching, so it shouldn't be too much of an effort to finish.



I'm home with the flu or food poisoning today. I'm not feeling bad, and I've been stitching, but I can't figure out what it was. It was miserable in the middle of the night. If food sits all right I'll be going in to work tomorrow, and to the doctor, to tell the neurologist I'm all better. It is so wonderful to be "cured!" I'm still thankful.

Your opinion please!

The other day I mentioned I was debating whether to start a new project or not. I'm trying very hard not to start something new, but here are the choices I'm considering:

This is the Holland Springtime mandala. It has scenes from Holland, tons of tulips, delft tiles, and I have all the supplies needed to stitch it, including a very interesting fabric that looks like blue sky with clouds. It's big.

This is an etui (sewing box) in the shape of a church. I got the (very complete) kit from DH for Christmas one year, and I've been waiting ever since then to start it. He was very pleased with himself, because he totally surprised me with it, even though I had sent him the link to it. It's medium sized.

This is a set of smalls, the coif is a needle book, the cap is a pin cushion (I think) and the glove is a scissors holder. There are a couple more items to complete the set as well. It's small.

This is a WIP that I haven't taken a stitch on in several months. It is from Nouveau Encore and is a personalized sampler, with names and dates hidden in it. It is probably 1/4 done. It's big.

I already have 1 vote toward making some fancy dresses for Isabella (18-inch doll). The fabrics are pulled, but not cut out.

As I mentioned, I am interested in hearing your opinion on what to start. (I don't promise to follow your opinion, not even of the majority) but tell me what you would do, and why. A couple of the items have guilt weighing heavily on the scale, and the others just have desire.

How do you decide what to stitch?