Many cross stitchers are not ready or willing to move beyond the grid. Some stitchers simply enjoy stitching from a chart and just don't care to try anything else and that's understandable. Cross stitch is easy to do and easy to take along and goodness knows there are so many wonderful charts available these days!
So how does one add their own personal touch of creativity to counted cross stitch? Through the finishing of course!
This is my Smokey Joe Mystery Stitch-Along project. I offered this stitch-along to my cross stitch followers earlier this year. I wanted to share this photo with you because I love how Janet and her husband finished it.
Janet's husband stitched this piece. I thought the addition of the silk ivy & floral garland along with the butterfly was a perfect example of creative finishing! It goes to show that anything can be embellished!
I'd like to thank Janet for not only sharing her photo with me, but also for graciously allowing me to share this photo with my readers. Thank you Janet!
Cross Stitch Patterns inspired by nature, animals and the holidays by designer Pamela Kellogg of Kitty And Me Designs
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Friday, July 15, 2005
The History Of Crazy Quilting
I know many of my readers are cross stitchers and I suspect that not everyone knows the history of Crazy Quilting. Except for maybe associating it with the Victorian era. And of course, the Victorian era was the time that Queen Victoria reigned, 1837 - 1901.
I'm rather facinated with CQ history myself although I must say, I find it a bit far fetched that CQing was possibly ignited by the "Japanese crazed ceramics" seen at the Centennial Exposition of 1876. To be honest, I wouldn't begin to presume where the idea came from. I mean, who knows what women were thinking back then? We don't even always know what we're thinking now!
But what I can see is how this artform became so popular so quickly! Victorian women were lucky in that economy was quite good and they therefore were able to afford housemaids, cooks and nannies for their children leaving them with plenty of leisure time. And what was the proper activity for a victorian lady to do in her leisure time? Fancywork!
Now I could sit here for a couple of hours, getting into all the historical details of Crazy Quilting but instead, I'll send you over to the site of The Caron Collection where there is an absolutely incredible article by Betty Pillsbury. Be sure to read both Part 1 and Part 2.
One last note on Queen Victoria. She is quoted as saying, "I take a bath once a month whether I need it or not!" Well, I'm certainly glad that Crazy Quilting came back into popularity but as for bathing, I think we should stick with a shower a day!
I'm rather facinated with CQ history myself although I must say, I find it a bit far fetched that CQing was possibly ignited by the "Japanese crazed ceramics" seen at the Centennial Exposition of 1876. To be honest, I wouldn't begin to presume where the idea came from. I mean, who knows what women were thinking back then? We don't even always know what we're thinking now!
But what I can see is how this artform became so popular so quickly! Victorian women were lucky in that economy was quite good and they therefore were able to afford housemaids, cooks and nannies for their children leaving them with plenty of leisure time. And what was the proper activity for a victorian lady to do in her leisure time? Fancywork!
Now I could sit here for a couple of hours, getting into all the historical details of Crazy Quilting but instead, I'll send you over to the site of The Caron Collection where there is an absolutely incredible article by Betty Pillsbury. Be sure to read both Part 1 and Part 2.
One last note on Queen Victoria. She is quoted as saying, "I take a bath once a month whether I need it or not!" Well, I'm certainly glad that Crazy Quilting came back into popularity but as for bathing, I think we should stick with a shower a day!
More Additions To The Pink Peacock Block
I did stitch on this yesterday, honestly! The obvious addition is the rose vine in the patch next to the tatting. The roses are not done with the Bullion Stitch but rather are what I call "chunky french knots". The FN's are worked with 3 strands of Needle Necessities overdyed floss and wrapped 6 times. It makes for a very 3 dimensional looking flower. It takes some patience as it's challenging to get the knots to lay nicely but I really like the effect.
I also worked on my vintage style apron. Now I want to make more! But I must finish this one first!
I also worked on my vintage style apron. Now I want to make more! But I must finish this one first!
Thursday, July 14, 2005
More Additions To The Pink Peacock Block
As you can see, my Pink Peacock is coming along nicely! I added more beads, lots more! I covered the seam to the right of the peacock.
I also worked up my usual plain tatted edging for the bottom left seam and added some gold sequins to that. The tatting is worked in DMC varigated perle cotton #8. I don't know why I do the same tatted edge over and over. I have other patterns. I guess I do this one because I know it by heart and don't have to stop to follow the pattern.
Anyway, now when I look at my blue peacock block, it seems to me like it needs a little something more. When I finish this one, I may see what else I can do with the blue one. I will of course post photos of any more additions!
I also started the stitching on my apron yesterday. When I adapted the sheet & pillowcase border to fit the apron, I managed to get 4 of the repeats on it. So, I've just about stitched the first motif. I plan to make time for some stitching on that later today as well.
I also worked up my usual plain tatted edging for the bottom left seam and added some gold sequins to that. The tatting is worked in DMC varigated perle cotton #8. I don't know why I do the same tatted edge over and over. I have other patterns. I guess I do this one because I know it by heart and don't have to stop to follow the pattern.
Anyway, now when I look at my blue peacock block, it seems to me like it needs a little something more. When I finish this one, I may see what else I can do with the blue one. I will of course post photos of any more additions!
I also started the stitching on my apron yesterday. When I adapted the sheet & pillowcase border to fit the apron, I managed to get 4 of the repeats on it. So, I've just about stitched the first motif. I plan to make time for some stitching on that later today as well.
Garden Jewels Cross Stitch Mystery Part 1
One more quick note to my cross stitch followers, I've sent out Part 1 of Garden Jewels now. If you signed up for the project and didn't receive it, please drop me a quick email. I apologize for posting here but since my chat board is down again, I need to make sure that everyone has their chart.
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