Some tiny little Cross-Stitches.

I am starting to tick of some of the items I had on my list to pop into my mini shed.

• ·       To design and build a mini shed – about 2’ cubed with a removable roof. To sit on a piece of wood for a garden. 
• ·       Hinged Door with sign to let people know what is happening within The Shed.
• ·       Crochet and knitted blankets (yarn crafts)
• ·       Carpet for the floor (rag rug)
• ·       Wall decorations (cross stitch and quilted panel)

 

The next one on the list was to make some wall decorations. 

I found some really small embroidery frames in my ‘oddments’ box which I thought would be perfect to make little wall hangings for the mini shed.

Online I found a free chart to do letters which would be the correct size to fit into the frames – I had some Aida (cross-stitch fabric) which was 14 count.  This means there are 14 holes to the inch, so I knew I had about 10 holes height wise to use as the stitching part.

I got to work, using the letters C A L and M – to spell out Calm.  I planned to put a single letter in each frame and hang them together so the word was readable.

I used a variegated cotton thread, but because it was a small design the colour didn’t actually change that much at all.

I had also found a very slightly larger frame, so I decided I would use that too and do a little flower.

Once they were finished stitching, I was ready to pop them into the frames.

I cut the fabric a little larger than the wooden back discs and glued them into place so they wouldn’t move as I manipulated them into the little frames.

Then it was time to stick the backs on.  With my trusty wood glue, which seems to be my new best glue ever, and a clamp to hold it while it stuck.  I stuck a bit of fabric inbetween the clamp and the work so not to risk marking it.

Once they were all set – which I had to do in stages as I only had two clamps – they were ready to display and hang.

These little cross-stitch samples took about 3 hours to make. So this project is now up to 35 hours!

Teen Stitchers - a class for younger people - Hobbycraft, Carlisle

In February I am holding a "Teen Stitchers" a course especially for younger people in Hobbycraft, Carlisle.  The guide for ages I have put at 10-17 years, but if you have an 8 year old that is quite able to hold a needle, of course they can come along.  We will be using a sewing machine on the last week though, but most younger people are more than capable of driving one safely  ;)

It will be held over four weeks, (4 x 2 hour classes) and will cover four different sewing techniques which might got the young folks a taste of crafting that they will carry on with for years.

I feel it is always easier to learn when you can see something done and copy, also the opportunity to ask questions can be invaluable

Deposits are required, sadly because some folk book the spaces, fail to attend and someone else who was waiting misses out.  :(

The times and dates are:

• Thursday 5th February 2015 - 5.30pm-7.00pm  (Cross Stitch)
• Thursday 12th February 2015 - 5.30pm-7.00pm  (Fabric Stuffed Hearts)
• Thursday 19th February 2015 - 5.30pm-7.00pm  (Patchwork)
• Thursday 26th February 2015 - 5.30pm-7.00pm  (Using a Sewing Machine)

The price is £30.00 for this course, for all four weeks, or £10.00 per single session.  The price includes the use of any tools you might need and all materials to finish that weeks project.

You can pay your deposit by popping into Hobbycraft in Carlisle and paying, in cash, at the till point (it doesn't go through their till system so you cannot use a card I am afraid)  Or, alternatively you can pay online using Paypal, or a card  (you don't need a Paypal account) if you click HERE.

It would be nice to meet you if you decide to come along and join us  :)

Cross Stitch Initial kits

I have been working on some new kits.  My kits are very slow at coming out for sale, but I have loads of them on the go at once.

Some are waiting for tools to go in the kits (knitting needles etc...)  while some are waiting for components to finish off the design  (buttons)  but some are just taking so long that they might be on the go for quite a while.

These particular ones are waiting for (very kind and lovely people - ie:  Mother, Shona & Marie) to make up samples for me.  In the meantime I have listed them anyway with a lot of "coming soon..." photo images.

They are cross-stitch kits.  Suitable for beginners with an explanation of what do actually do alongside the chart.   They are done with a colour-change thread, so you get a lovely finish without having to worry about what colour goes where.

You can also opt to have an upgrade to a kit with a black wood frame and a self-adhesive backing board so you can frame and display your work  (single initial kits only).

As well as single initials, I am offering a name design service, which will look something like this one...

If you fancy having a wee go, you can find them HERE.

Need to get back to finishing off half done kits now..