It's a Work in Progress: Crewel Embroidery Sampler & Summer's End

I'm thoroughly enjoying working on this sampler design by Alicia Paulson (which was on my Summer Craft To-Do List!). It forces me to slow down and get off the interwebs which is always a very good thing. It's definitely a slow-and-steady-wins-the-prize kind of project, but that is what I like about it. And the great thing is that it never gets boring because each letter feels so different and almost a little finished piece unto itself. I'm also learning new stitches left and right which is exciting. Some stitches I thought I was doing right before and I wasn't.

You Tube stitch videos are the bomb.

That daisy was entirely too fullfilling let me tell you. All of those little french knots and satin stitches.. sigh. Such fun.

The stitch on the "B" is a stem stitch and it's one that I've done before but now realized I was doing it wrong all this time. I LOVE learning to do things the RIGHT way. (who would've thought?) And it's a very satisfying stitch once you get it right.. although my OCD-self is a bit bothered by the fact that you can see some of the embroidery line marks. (the letters were screenprinted onto that gorgeous olive fabric by Alicia's husband.. um, how cool is that?)

But we'll just choose to ignore those lines peeping out, deal? Deal.

The "Threaded Back Stitch" on the "C" is pretty awesome. I've never done that one before.

I'm SO glad she went with crewel thread for these kits instead of embroidery thread. I'm totally in love with this thread! I love the woolly, fuzzyness of it.. and of course the vintage feel to it. (she sold out of the kits but you can find the pattern here if you're interested in stitching it up!)

I'm taking a bit of artistic-license by changing some colors on just a few of the letters. I found vintage crewel yarn (wrapped around the chipboard in the photos) at a thrift store recently and I just loved the colors. I'm going to introduce some of those oranges and greens. I think they will look lovely with the colors from the kit.

Apologies for my sporadic posting lately. With the boys still home this summer, I've been trying to spend lots of time with them. We went to the Fernbank this week, the Fernbank Science Center (where I almost fell asleep during the Planetarium program yet again.. they're just too relaxing, am I right?), Jumpin' Jamboree, and they roped me into going to Chuck E Cheese's. I loathe that place. Wasn't it cooler back in the 80's? Showbiz?? Am I right? Anyway, I was already not thrilled to be there (although the boys were in heaven) and then my brand new laptop fell out of my bag onto the floor.

Busted screen. Not fun.

I spent the better part of yesterday trying to restore my files. Luckily I was able to restore all of the important stuff. Not a shining day for Danielle. But thankful I was able to save what I could!

Is school starting for most of you soon? Are you working in as much fun time for you and the kids before they go back?

This summer has really been a great one for us. I'm really kind of sad to see it end.

Comments

[katrina]

i've always wanted to do this! but alas, (thanks to my internet ADD), i lack the patience to learn intricate handmade crafts. anyhow, i love what you made, danielle -- you do such beautiful work!

[heather]

i LOVE the colors of this!

[Jenn]

Ohhh, I bought this sampler kit too! I can't wait to get started on it :)

[Sue May]

love the sampler and all the stitches being used, can't wait to see it completed!

[Michelle Clement]

Ohmygosh, this is coming along swimmingly!! :) Love it! I have been dying to learn these stitches!

[chinamommy]

I know I have def abandoned my blog this summer for the most part, I just don't want to miss out on time with my daughter, my ONLY child who will only be young once!! Oh, Chuckie Cheese is a totally a hoochie-mama hang out in our city!!! My husband and I also HATE going there...it might be the white pants with the thongs hanging out the top and the throngs on screaming children...oh yeah, and the GERMS!!!!!

[flyer printing]

WOW, that was great work! The pattern and design are great. I don't know how to stitch, I so want to learn seeing this.. Maybe I can try practicing a break for creating journal and scrap books, hmm.. Thanks for posting this one.

[Beka]

Even at this early stage this looks really grand! I like the idea of that daisy alone: a great way to practice nice, consistantly even, french knots. Might just have to rustle up a daisy sampler all on it's tod just for that!

[Dottie]

I'm still on the daisy of mine, but I'm soo happy that you posted your update! Inspires me to get cracking on it!

[Magdalena, The Craft Revival]

That's some beautiful work there lady. I'm diggin' it immensely