Sunday 29 September 2013

Stitching Sunday: Finishing touches

I have so enjoyed Stitching Sundays, not only because they give me a special time to do my own embroidery, but also because I absolutely love reading about your projects as well. I have discovered some great gadgets and learned some helpful tips, and I hope you all have, too!

I have a big embroidery project in mind as soon as I’m finished with my smaller WIPs, so I don’t think I’ll be giving up Stitching Sundays anytime soon...

That being said, I know a number of you are nearing the end, or have already finished, some stitching projects, and I want to discuss finishing touches and different ways to display your work.

I’m still suffering from a nasty head cold, so I decided against any more work on Green Eggs and Ham this weekend. Today’s tip: Don’t work on any detailed embroidery if you’re not feeling well! I started to outline the red letters, but ugh, I just couldn’t get the stitches even, the thread was wonky, so I stopped. I’ll rip out that little bit and start again when I’m well.

However, nothing is wrong with a little fun doodle stitching! My ‘Hive Sweet Hive’ design is just fine to work on, because by nature it isn’t supposed to look too stylized.


I finished the words then added a few bees, teeny tiny ones, with one strand of charcoal floss, grouping three or four short straight stitches together horizontally, then using one strand of pale yellow to make two vertical stitches along the bodies. Grey floss for tiny lazy daisy stitched wings. See how tiny they are next to this pin!


I added some grass with long straight stitches, then put the work aside. Now I’m considering the finishing touches...is this enough? Do I want a few blossoms in there? Which ones and how large? Hmmm. I’ll go back to it later and see, I might like a daisy or two on the side, but I don’t want to go overboard. What do you think?

I have to start thinking about what to do with this little hive when it’s done. I’ve been reading about others considering what to do with their work...so let’s bounce around some ideas! You’ve seen my heart key fobs and my patchwork cushion, both of which are pretty and easy ways to showcase embroidery. Here are two more:


This is a treasured sachet made by my friend Jooles. She explains how she cross stitches on fabrics on her blog, and framing the stitching with pretty fabric and filling it with lavender makes it a lovely gift. The velvet ribbon and the little initial tag are two touches that put Jooles in a different league...


And just look at this teeny embroidery hoop! I found this at Dandelyne on Etsy, and I’m mad for it! It comes as a little kit with instructions for inserting your own miniature embroidery in the hoop, then you can either string it onto a necklace or glue on the brooch attachment. I cannot wait to stitch a wee something for this! I have a feeling I’ll be ordering more – wouldn’t they make just the sweetest gifts for special friends? Monograms, ribbon embroidery...what is it about miniatures that is so enchanting?

Next week I’ll hopefully be well enough to show you how to frame your work in an embroidery hoop, which is very trendy at the moment. You’ve seen the ones I made for my girls, but you can also paint a hoop, wrap it with ribbon, have a hanging bow...makes a pretty addition to any wall.

What are you stitching today? Check out the links below!

Chrissie x

PS One final shout out about the Bloomin’ Crochet-A-Long Giveaway! Deadline is tomorrow, so click here to enter your comment for a chance to win!

13 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear you are not feeling very well, I hope your colds better soon. I love your little bee hive and oh my those bees are tiny, I think a few flowers added would look great. I'm all for flowers.
    Clare x
    http://summerhousebythesea.blogspot.co.uk

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  2. Hi Chrissie, I just love all your little stitching projects. Your stitches are so nice and straight! I am thinking about joining in on the fun on your Stitching Sundays, maybe it just the push I need to finish the one I've been working on for weeks now. I do hope you get well soon. Get plenty of rest, eat soup, stitch a little, sleep, eat more soup ")
    Hugs, Shari

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  3. So lovely Chrissie and those little bees are amazing. Hope that you have fun with your mini embroidery hoop!

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  4. Helloo, sorry that head is still feeling yukky, blugh! Your hive is looking pretty wonderful and I wouldn't add anything else to it, it is perfect just as is, so well done!! I love that little lavender bag idea. I am doing a little embroidery to make some lavender bags for my stall at the end of the year, so that's a pretty nifty little trick, will check it out properly soon. You know I am just going from project to project and loving that you are hosting this, so thanks! Off to look on ebay for that fab diddy embroidery loop, so thanks for sharing. Wishes for a better week for you dearest. xoxo

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  5. Hi Chrissie, Your stitching is immaculate. Im trying to do a bit of hand embroidery myself these days but its no way as good as that. Thanks for your comment on my blog...........all the cosies where sold in aid of Age NI, Ali

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  6. Your stitching is beautiful! I love the hive sweet hive so pretty and the little bees are so cute! Hope your feeling better soon x

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  7. I'm sorry that bug hasn't left yet Chrissie but hope you're better soon! I just love your little bees, you are so darned (no pun intended ) clever with everything you turn your hand to and such an inspiration to me - thank you! I think your little beehive stitching is fab as it is but I don't think a couple of daisies would detract from it in any way either! That's the Gemini double slant on it!!!
    I'm very grateful to have your suggestions and hints and tips for finishing off - you've got my mind working this morning, and I love Jooles' little sachet - how pretty is that! Thanks so much for keeping me going lovely!
    Healing hugs,
    Joy xo

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  8. Hope that horrible bug moves elsewhere soon and you're all feeling right as rain again soon. Good idea not to work on Sam and the ham whilst you're not feeling well! I just LOVE your little hive embroidery, those tiny little bees are just too precious.
    Have a fab week, lovely friend :-)
    xx

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  9. Hi lovely Chrissie, I feel that I am learning so much from these posts! I adore your little hive sweet hive, it is so sweet and your stitching is just perfect. Hope you feel better really soon.
    Marianne xx

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  10. I've seen Dandelyne's things - aren't they just lovely?? I've got to buy one someday! Your stitching is so perfect, I love the teeny tiny bees! Hope your cold gets better soon :-)
    Sarah x

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  11. Well Lovely, that bread has made me drool! I love your stitches, always sooooo neat! Hope your head cold disappears soon, take care :) x

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  12. I love your hive picture, it's so sweet. The little cushion made by your friend is very pretty; I have some of the same pink fabric she used for the border and it's one of my favorites!

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  13. Hi Chrissie, I love it as it is. The tiny bees are perfect. Soz you are still feeling under the weather, hope you feel better soon.
    S xx

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