I'll try to get some better pictures later, but this is the only one that is half-way decent.
Second piece pinned.
Oh, the slow work of embroidery! I can spend hours and have so little to show for the effort--a few inches of French knots over the thickness of prairie points was not a smart move on my part. When hand stitching over as many as 8-10 layers of fabric, don't choose a mass of French knots--'cause I'm here to tell you, it will take a while. A long while. And a lot of effort.
Initially, I was going to place a few scattered French knots on that seam, but the effect was not what I wanted. Added a few more. Still, not so hot. More. Now, I think they look great, but from this day forth, all stitching over prairie points (or rouleau loops, for that matter) will be utter simplicity. I used two colors and thread thicknesses.
Although my computer has been cranky lately, I hope my husband has fixed the problems.
Last night, Bryce Eleanor came for a visit. Before she went to sleep, I gave her a back and leg massage and said (as I have done many times before), "your mother and your Aunt Erin loved to have their back and legs massaged when they were little."
She looked puzzled for the first time. She's heard this so many times before, but never seemed confused by it. Finally, she said, "I don't remember. Where was I? What was I doing when my mommy was little?" (Oh, my dear, you were just a promise of the future. You weren't there.)
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It is 1:35, almost time for a nap, but Chris is supposed to pick her up for a birthday party. I hope he has some clean clothes for her because...she doesn't look as fresh as she did when she got out of her bath around 8:30 this morning.
You are both so lucky to share your days together! And your stitches are beautiful. The time and effort was worth it, yes?
ReplyDeleteI hear you on the french knots. I spent the day on the back porch hand embroidering buttonhole stitches over stablized embrodiered patches. For some of it I had to employ the needlenose pliers. My hands are sore now.
ReplyDeleteB.E. is looking so much like a little girl now. Sweet.
Nancy - B.E. is a joy. She is always happy to come, she's happy while she's here, and she's happy when her mom or dad pick her up. I was thinking today about her ability to enjoy every moment.
ReplyDeleteSince I love the process of stitching, I do think the time and effort are worth it--but I will be more economical with stitching really thick layering from now on!
Debra - :) My hands are sore, too. It can be an effort, can't it? I didn't have to use pliers, but did have to use all of my strength to push that needle through all those layers.
Yes, B.E. is growing fast. She talks all the time, and she is so entertaining.
Thanks for your comments on my blog. Your French knots are gorgeous and they secure the prairie points very well! It's worth all stitching! I like your second block too, especially the butterfly. Happy stitching!
ReplyDeleteAnnet - I'm really enjoying Karen's class! Thanks for the kind words!
ReplyDeleteYour work is so beautiful. Holy cow. That will be spectacular!
ReplyDeleteStephie - Thanks! I'm working on it every night--slowly, but surely!
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