tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71191661772104242412024-03-19T19:47:03.839+10:30 Anna Scott EmbroideryAnna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.comBlogger357125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-53728796773611563752022-09-02T17:15:00.009+09:302024-03-11T15:08:27.390+10:30The Blog has retired - Or has it?<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><i>Yes, </i></span><i style="color: #ffa400; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">it's official</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><i>I have retired this blog.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><i>You can subscribe to my NEW Journal HERE</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><i>and follow NEW Studio Updates HERE</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-77647872754480823732022-07-30T13:35:00.001+09:302022-07-30T13:35:26.995+09:30Picking up<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: darkslategrey;">Dear Friends,</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: darkslategrey;">First of all; a Big, No HUGE <strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Thank You</span></strong> from the bottom of my heart for all the sweet and heartfelt messages you sent me following my last update. I am sorry that I have not responded to you all individually, but I can assure you that I am filled with gratitude and feel incredibly privileged that I am being carried and supported by this amazing community. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: darkslategrey;">And to the sweet soul who had the most glorious white orchid delivered to my post office for me; Thank you. I feel terrible that I have not been able to contact you, but there were no personal details on the card - perhaps deliberate? The orchid is still flowering profusely, and I thank you each and every time I look at i<i>t.</i> </span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjL8VsAXOX7PKS5CP4OF_8NObrMLiREbJLExppvVxUYIcXhflHenag4vAQJX04TtQ-FGm5w0XV1Jgq26GWCF2__O50vO4m3CJoOjWnzl_IAexA1e-bgH7eItW0bfBQ3rc06bCmuYhxUGCXSBX0_P-403npqqd2NoN9aS9v2OZX3sK9qCgP3czCR302g/s2362/IMG_4458%20copy.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1585" data-original-width="2362" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjL8VsAXOX7PKS5CP4OF_8NObrMLiREbJLExppvVxUYIcXhflHenag4vAQJX04TtQ-FGm5w0XV1Jgq26GWCF2__O50vO4m3CJoOjWnzl_IAexA1e-bgH7eItW0bfBQ3rc06bCmuYhxUGCXSBX0_P-403npqqd2NoN9aS9v2OZX3sK9qCgP3czCR302g/w400-h269/IMG_4458%20copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My neighborhood and one of my favorite places to walk.</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: darkslategrey; font-size: 12pt;">Last week, I started to
think that perhaps it was time that I picked up where I left off…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: darkslategrey;">A lot of my materials and
equipment is already packed away, but I had deliberately kept a couple of
things in the cupboard, thinking that I would need something to work on while
‘between houses’.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobKO4Thps7WeR51oF3pmS6fNNa1aY-72jOVpGNlfIfIZufKFqW9_ZlbLFema1fdIHnckeyjiGqpD7gjqmjZnZnq-MeHXO-dMVZA7SGcqiSO_ENtVojSXzdUBstj5Rt21XD6KGyQR4_h1poYlLYg_Ku3cHLHWyQOGitBChHCihy3IBuAeYjijurO4vSA/s2953/IMG_4513%20copy.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1696" data-original-width="2953" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobKO4Thps7WeR51oF3pmS6fNNa1aY-72jOVpGNlfIfIZufKFqW9_ZlbLFema1fdIHnckeyjiGqpD7gjqmjZnZnq-MeHXO-dMVZA7SGcqiSO_ENtVojSXzdUBstj5Rt21XD6KGyQR4_h1poYlLYg_Ku3cHLHWyQOGitBChHCihy3IBuAeYjijurO4vSA/w640-h368/IMG_4513%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Four Seasons in a Row' - Work in Progress</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: darkslategrey;">It then occurred to me,
that it seemed appropriate to try and finish a piece I in my mind I refer to as:
‘Four Seasons in a row’ - a line of grapevines, through the seasons. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: darkslategrey;"><a href="https://us14.campaign-archive.com/?u=9587fd80f97b2f6036c24cef5&id=4f24943943" target="_blank">Looking back</a>, it turns out
it is almost a year since I last worked on it and picking it back up was more
difficult than I had expected. For the first time ever, I looked at one of my
own pieces and had really no idea where I was at, or more importantly what the
plan was… <br />
My written notes that were ‘floating about’ in the basket with the threads were very,
very space to say the least, but surely I would have started writing the
instructions in more detail…?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: darkslategrey;">Checking the computer… No,
not really. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHc9hc9LvbIwGZRWQLSDjXcrSIyc7bHvdlan_SrJYsK0Zlm5VKckfpXI9dgZNd3m4XdCyt1J5EWQUsE03f0pdqPlbN0eG4baFxcPHrBWjKBF7FHxHZWmlq6nDtX5TTCQrOh8NqlkhcKRryRduLvXG6u5A2lYQXNpJopezZ_lzbqFWuAGS2swFObsXIA/s1772/IMG_4518%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1329" data-original-width="1772" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHc9hc9LvbIwGZRWQLSDjXcrSIyc7bHvdlan_SrJYsK0Zlm5VKckfpXI9dgZNd3m4XdCyt1J5EWQUsE03f0pdqPlbN0eG4baFxcPHrBWjKBF7FHxHZWmlq6nDtX5TTCQrOh8NqlkhcKRryRduLvXG6u5A2lYQXNpJopezZ_lzbqFWuAGS2swFObsXIA/w400-h300/IMG_4518%20copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Four Seasons in a Row' - detail</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: darkslategrey;">So I just looked at it for
a few days, wondering how I would get back to it. In the end, I decided the
best thing to do was to sit down and just stitch. So I did. Strangely, once I had
needle and thread in hand, the plans for the design slowly came back to me as I
placed one stitch after the other. Before I knew it, I had finished the Summer
vine. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_j-Q1ZcFW6vdPBtlPymtRdir0oFQ4mOOT90NeiWut6cwojwez5I5iRVyc0ZyQ0Asa36RtDEUzl0WYQas67Q-djXhWgf2Kqkzd9h-SIpXRWLxur3Rae1QBMwMcx4Dx4gQBlhCObbwmDQWYNBQai2QXX7mDd3Z2kzFq1A6dAz6nWw_G1wCCsn_NnGT-A/s2362/IMG_4531%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2362" data-original-width="2362" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_j-Q1ZcFW6vdPBtlPymtRdir0oFQ4mOOT90NeiWut6cwojwez5I5iRVyc0ZyQ0Asa36RtDEUzl0WYQas67Q-djXhWgf2Kqkzd9h-SIpXRWLxur3Rae1QBMwMcx4Dx4gQBlhCObbwmDQWYNBQai2QXX7mDd3Z2kzFq1A6dAz6nWw_G1wCCsn_NnGT-A/w400-h400/IMG_4531%20copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Four Seasons in a Row' - detail, summer vine</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: darkslategrey; font-size: 12pt;">It has often occurred to
me, that sometimes memories and knowledge is our hands as much as in our heads
when it comes to creating.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBgscSzjUHbGGE8gcEW84CGadG7WsV5y_YALRjmuLF9q0g2z25B1wtaP3cVEevBS6M8445KkgCGKl1L-LZh2XsiyMD38IUXKys0ED0ozSYHS9mPUGMEMjfKFmfldoVocNYwNQu3QSi03KocHAFdozEQMa4a3owv7coUTGVuCtf6KsRIBib9DH1KFdOg/s2240/IMG_4533%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="2240" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBgscSzjUHbGGE8gcEW84CGadG7WsV5y_YALRjmuLF9q0g2z25B1wtaP3cVEevBS6M8445KkgCGKl1L-LZh2XsiyMD38IUXKys0ED0ozSYHS9mPUGMEMjfKFmfldoVocNYwNQu3QSi03KocHAFdozEQMa4a3owv7coUTGVuCtf6KsRIBib9DH1KFdOg/w640-h352/IMG_4533%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Four Seasons in a Row' - work in progress</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: darkslategrey; font-size: 12pt;">This week, I would like to
finish the branches and leaves of the autumn vine. The glorious colours of the autumn
leaves are so wonderful and since all the leaves in the design are embroidered
in exactly the same way using only fly stitch (I have deliberately not counted
how many there are) it will be a real treat to stitch them in fabulous shades
of yellow and burnt orange.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: darkslategrey; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-Y0FQeZCdYxyQ1YvYxo7AQegGZIDtm0E6wzHeU4LS9VzNVEu52HOwluSBRbJfQazjHP4HX5wP_yza1yTDZW8BFFnnX3zriWCoIWFzNnF0ZwVDecCmUEfoHfmnAfZi-XD9sVtiCf_KQcELwGz496gRo8JALFEVTk42afqZp0IGZp6nQ9IXRb5JevTiA/s4284/autumn%20colour%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="4284" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-Y0FQeZCdYxyQ1YvYxo7AQegGZIDtm0E6wzHeU4LS9VzNVEu52HOwluSBRbJfQazjHP4HX5wP_yza1yTDZW8BFFnnX3zriWCoIWFzNnF0ZwVDecCmUEfoHfmnAfZi-XD9sVtiCf_KQcELwGz496gRo8JALFEVTk42afqZp0IGZp6nQ9IXRb5JevTiA/w400-h238/autumn%20colour%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: darkslategrey; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: darkslategrey; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: darkslategrey; font-size: 16px;">.. and I am </span><span style="color: darkslategrey; font-size: 16px;">picking up my </span><b style="color: darkslategrey; font-size: 16px;">Classes and Courses</b><span style="color: darkslategrey; font-size: 16px;">.</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisL68-5VPXMO_EZvDJhCsHIIzxcugNGaWCYIKWKRm0cxK_bKzeyLH5U8oXsYbwewRGOUu_cRdrbbhjIvFLNaJFRh3jhPqQknOZxrkCQPArbRu1eamFpOe6s-OxmKLDQewQC_AEpGuZUz5gunnwMTl96rdpnh4atG2AQ2uq4VL91m25GkFFRvcP-ce5iQ/s1280/4b17ef57-4ea2-4a1e-ac09-4099b4a40ff4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisL68-5VPXMO_EZvDJhCsHIIzxcugNGaWCYIKWKRm0cxK_bKzeyLH5U8oXsYbwewRGOUu_cRdrbbhjIvFLNaJFRh3jhPqQknOZxrkCQPArbRu1eamFpOe6s-OxmKLDQewQC_AEpGuZUz5gunnwMTl96rdpnh4atG2AQ2uq4VL91m25GkFFRvcP-ce5iQ/w400-h225/4b17ef57-4ea2-4a1e-ac09-4099b4a40ff4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.the-alpine-experience.com/" target="_blank">The Alpine Experience, Les Carroz, France</a></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: darkslategrey;">I have only recently confirmed my
first course in what feels like ages. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: darkslategrey;">I am so excited to be heading back to
teach a five day course at <a href="http://www.the-alpine-experience.com/" target="_blank">The Alpine Experience</a> in France, 2<sup>nd</sup> – 9<sup>th</sup>, August 2023. </span></span><span style="color: darkslategrey; font-size: 16px;">It couldn't be off to a better start. </span><span style="color: darkslategrey;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This is such an amazing venue!
Beautiful location, fabulous accommodation and the kindest and most </span>organized<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> hosts.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: darkslategrey;"><a href="http://www.the-alpine-experience.com/the-alpine-experience-classes/embroidery-anna-scott/" target="_blank"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1176" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBxzwx1GJ9MJ5EiiWVyCV4-a0LvkVcMWkCy7glA8jHewllBbTM3qpMwbU7pt4tDWD-YDBu9sw6yldIPl-JLW_ZYlwtb0z8OIvF6Ilis2VliZPzuS9bs7x-_Mq7brV0H6ffpfKacuFutuY6TzFDCp3Bj-PxaScuUeY99vCtHrZIefAWh6BWn3satljYg/w400-h275/IMG_5015_Copy.jpg" width="400" /></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teaching at the Alpine Experience 2018</td></tr></tbody></table></span><span style="color: darkslategrey; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have not yet decided on
a class project, but it is likely to be something with a bit of sparkle. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Of
course as always, with the luxury of five full days of embroidering together,
you are welcome to choose from any of my designs. Bookings have just opened so if
you would like to secure a spot, you can do so here: <a href="http://www.the-alpine-experience.com/the-alpine-experience-classes/embroidery-anna-scott/" target="_blank">August 2023 embroidery course</a>.</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKfIrdFVWo1vmOigh4rkQ_bq8--0bReYlwmo8XLyF3OG3IK3Cj07bXrXUEn25vI5HJ7ZahrhnIuatJsWknCmOQ9A3Jq121cFomLA7Zup-r60TfVytwI0JOtR3dPzU4VM_uKDqA8fKA-yv-vbxQfDN4AMThdmLoSF3oyozGyEREM6lH7-iqGqpfMlsOw/s2362/IMG_4462%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2362" data-original-width="2362" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKfIrdFVWo1vmOigh4rkQ_bq8--0bReYlwmo8XLyF3OG3IK3Cj07bXrXUEn25vI5HJ7ZahrhnIuatJsWknCmOQ9A3Jq121cFomLA7Zup-r60TfVytwI0JOtR3dPzU4VM_uKDqA8fKA-yv-vbxQfDN4AMThdmLoSF3oyozGyEREM6lH7-iqGqpfMlsOw/s320/IMG_4462%20copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: darkslategrey;">Before I leave you and get back to my stitching - Just a last little <b>Housekeeping </b>note;<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: darkslategrey;">I know some of you may
have received this and my last update twice. That would be because you subscribe both the
<a href="https://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> and the <a href="https://us14.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=9587fd80f97b2f6036c24cef5&id=9e742a66a4" target="_blank">Newsletter Mailing list</a>. Please don’t unsubscribe the Newsletter! <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: darkslategrey;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have sent this and the
previous update out in both places so that nobody would miss out, but I will
be retiring (or moving) the </span><a href="https://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/" style="font-size: 12pt;">blog</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. The reason is longwinded, so I won’t bore you
with that. For now, to make things a little more simple for myself, I will only
be using the </span><a href="https://us14.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=9587fd80f97b2f6036c24cef5&id=9e742a66a4" style="font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">Newsletter Mailing list</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. If you are already signed up, nothing will
change, but if you are only following along on the blog, you might like to change
to the email news, so you can continue to get my (</span>irregular<span style="font-size: 12pt;">) news and updates.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: darkslategrey;">I hope you you have a lovely weekend. Look after yourself and those around you.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: darkslategrey;">Best Stitches,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: darkslategrey;">Anna XX</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><p></p></div>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-41017095516126479492022-06-30T15:04:00.002+09:302022-06-30T20:26:21.591+09:30Dear Everyone<p><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: medium;">I am still here...</span></p><p>I know it has been a very long time. That was certainly not the plan all!! I haven't touched a needle in almost 6 months. My embroidery has been quiet - my needles have been idle. No new kits or projects. No news or emails. No teaching or classes and for a few weeks the online shops were temporarily closed. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuuJZgPVuil4M3C2femcuoC4JMdaQ2WtIvYUYPJeluzdAe5NDNCuY-1gZGTDGfPCmUs8RoRUwbHcPzhQ5H-GvvokuVq0LXEKgsfiXSqIUSxHso7cpNLr9wPjQc_xFlyY1eErL3OU_JdABLiv74gzhZQCRUudOJONJ-2edSlg1Js5Bbk-2xBxk0Qz6Lw/s3024/IMG_3071.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2351" data-original-width="3024" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuuJZgPVuil4M3C2femcuoC4JMdaQ2WtIvYUYPJeluzdAe5NDNCuY-1gZGTDGfPCmUs8RoRUwbHcPzhQ5H-GvvokuVq0LXEKgsfiXSqIUSxHso7cpNLr9wPjQc_xFlyY1eErL3OU_JdABLiv74gzhZQCRUudOJONJ-2edSlg1Js5Bbk-2xBxk0Qz6Lw/w400-h311/IMG_3071.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />It has long been my intension to write, to let you know what was happening. Why I was not sharing any embroidery news. If you have followed along for a little while, you would know that I don't often share much about what happens in my world outside my embroidery. That is not because I don't want to, I guess it is just how this blog has evolved and the embroidery is what is important in this space. Many of you have supported my stitching adventures for a very long time, and I want you to know how much I appreciate that support. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGjkXPqvI9koAtWDwyyFeGae0pY3sWMes9FdcEjcanxlKTM9XBG5C7ra5es5Vj1jrncf1pnU_JXnjuu9QLmzlidag0m3FJXM_s51tYGTI-Gs3VT7jH4AHWw577ovBvT1llGhhwgyGOkksC9SMqCQO525pW_QWViP036sdDuZovEwm5Yw5A3ribGhU0Q/s4288/P1010055.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGjkXPqvI9koAtWDwyyFeGae0pY3sWMes9FdcEjcanxlKTM9XBG5C7ra5es5Vj1jrncf1pnU_JXnjuu9QLmzlidag0m3FJXM_s51tYGTI-Gs3VT7jH4AHWw577ovBvT1llGhhwgyGOkksC9SMqCQO525pW_QWViP036sdDuZovEwm5Yw5A3ribGhU0Q/w640-h480/P1010055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My winter garden putting on a show.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Life happens. And with that also loss. A few weeks ago I lost my Love, my husband, Adrian. He had beaten cancer almost five years ago and was so close to being in the clear. He was fit and healthy and there was absolutely no signs or reasons for us to worry... then came January 2022. It reared it's ugly head, suddenly, out of the blue and with a vengeance. It took only 5 months - possibly the longest and hardest, and at the same time quickest 5 months of my life - and then he was gone. It was a shock to all of us just how quickly it consumed him.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dXlIybW1F5Joi2OWHPHJWuRkx2ljQDSZ5TjoHLlVkTsP6kDnzBqbrUJ_CcP8m-6cuv_ZdJPLCAXBZo6_gsBIiFS7VcyrF0o7l6EFjm2WyaGZVEr_dZ1QefM1-jZ_Fg9Q9PzxypJUNChIVZNq-ngFDZHWWwi7RiZj8n_QZNY3QIVAlqwdmnqmwrScGg/s2953/housey.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2014" data-original-width="2953" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dXlIybW1F5Joi2OWHPHJWuRkx2ljQDSZ5TjoHLlVkTsP6kDnzBqbrUJ_CcP8m-6cuv_ZdJPLCAXBZo6_gsBIiFS7VcyrF0o7l6EFjm2WyaGZVEr_dZ1QefM1-jZ_Fg9Q9PzxypJUNChIVZNq-ngFDZHWWwi7RiZj8n_QZNY3QIVAlqwdmnqmwrScGg/w640-h435/housey.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Beautiful home that Adrian built for us.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>As well as all the practical stuff that comes with loosing a loved one, I have to sell our property. That is another big thing. We have lived here for close to 20 years, built the vineyard up from almost nothing - Adrian built the house. We thought, and hoped, he had more time, and set to work on getting the property ready for sale together, but we just didn't quite get there. So I am busy packing, sorting and cleaning.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionLwRG0UTcWUuLVZT6UiOkjxGaSFmBermHC4sj9FPhm01R8ssiJEtw0ajbQKV_07saJ41dUMjhfI2I-SMuK691UecqMa2TdwnidzBusGgabpzwkvaIk-YQXnS9GMiLZy5NQJTZaINSAjhuFTTjnyLaKxpz1cVNFzUegcLGyNGEMabpaEaPq8QSDfK6A/s4020/view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1656" data-original-width="4020" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionLwRG0UTcWUuLVZT6UiOkjxGaSFmBermHC4sj9FPhm01R8ssiJEtw0ajbQKV_07saJ41dUMjhfI2I-SMuK691UecqMa2TdwnidzBusGgabpzwkvaIk-YQXnS9GMiLZy5NQJTZaINSAjhuFTTjnyLaKxpz1cVNFzUegcLGyNGEMabpaEaPq8QSDfK6A/w640-h264/view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our amazing view - one I will most certainly miss.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Family and friends, and in particular our sons, Esben and Lucas, have been, and still are an amazing help and support through all of this. There are so many jobs to be done around the property, most of which were completely Adrian's domain. I helped, but he was the driver and I have no idea how a lot of things work and am having to learn quite a few new 'farm-girl' duties. Every time we solve a new puzzle, like pumping water around (we are not on mains water and collect it in big tanks) or getting the slasher hooked up to the tractor and working, it is a little win. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmvKNXvM0mm1qowS8PVYWbd8eAgS_KR9Lj-Pt4gFVEL7k4jGaE1qrjMJya53oeb1qe71rmtYVXQS-jFkjwzyqqkXHYEnvmG0ZLTd1wyeiTMgM9WIE-zJa0j3tY4C0D-1b7UTQf11Yr3po1ky7qsvzzWXp7ZlZWxfuH6kr0QqoErXMV0pSGKL9KQSTDg/s3284/Tilly%20on%20the%20bike.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2463" data-original-width="3284" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmvKNXvM0mm1qowS8PVYWbd8eAgS_KR9Lj-Pt4gFVEL7k4jGaE1qrjMJya53oeb1qe71rmtYVXQS-jFkjwzyqqkXHYEnvmG0ZLTd1wyeiTMgM9WIE-zJa0j3tY4C0D-1b7UTQf11Yr3po1ky7qsvzzWXp7ZlZWxfuH6kr0QqoErXMV0pSGKL9KQSTDg/w400-h300/Tilly%20on%20the%20bike.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am afraid Tilly knows how to ride the mowers, bikes and tractors - I don't.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>And then ~ In the middle of all the sadness and chaos ~ I became a grandma. Baby Oliver arrived just over a week after his Pa died. I like to think their souls hung out for a bit somewhere. He is the sweetest wee thing. You forget just how tiny they are at first. Like a little fragile baby bird.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvcqxjJtzb54CStLo5izFPQ9CC2e_jr4YQUu186_FNcKRPR9ls7KJgp7iThdnlIQm3PwTUXaU_mzwINvf62yEn0FvupTdxguc3sPDU6d33KLUam9NqjoDnXcvJaELO0LXyUCSAGX4V8XJ61_ejJgv7JwHwJJgJXEIEWIWyvD3la0clb5C2QLkHUgCvg/s3159/IMG_7291.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3159" data-original-width="2953" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvcqxjJtzb54CStLo5izFPQ9CC2e_jr4YQUu186_FNcKRPR9ls7KJgp7iThdnlIQm3PwTUXaU_mzwINvf62yEn0FvupTdxguc3sPDU6d33KLUam9NqjoDnXcvJaELO0LXyUCSAGX4V8XJ61_ejJgv7JwHwJJgJXEIEWIWyvD3la0clb5C2QLkHUgCvg/w374-h400/IMG_7291.jpg" width="374" /></a></div><p>I am slowly finding my balance, finding my new feet, some kind of new normal. There is a million things, I have to do, decisions I have to make and things I have to deal with - I have lists everywhere. It is not all things I want to be doing or have to think about, but in some strange way it works - it means I have to get up each morning and get things done each day. It keeps my mind distracted from the gaping hole of what was....</p><p>I am not entirely sure what will happen next. I am slowly getting back to my embroidery. For now though, it is mostly just restocking kits and getting back to teaching my regular class. It feels nice to be doing something familiar. I am not sure how much actual stitching I will be able to do until I am settled somewhere. I am lucky to have a place I can stay while I am finding a new house to call home. It is small and most of my embroidery stuff is packed away, so being super creative might be tricky - but then again, one never knows...</p><p>I will keep you posted. </p><p>Hugs Anna X </p>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-68418190377470530312021-11-27T10:08:00.001+10:302021-11-27T10:08:20.876+10:30Tulips & Forget-me-nots<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CbklJCOXgCg/YaBCzCtSeII/AAAAAAAAHmc/YYECa0iO1v4l5Y_G1tAllGtbX8IzfMHFACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4076%2Bcopy_WM.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tulips & Forget-me-nots" border="0" data-original-height="1323" data-original-width="2048" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CbklJCOXgCg/YaBCzCtSeII/AAAAAAAAHmc/YYECa0iO1v4l5Y_G1tAllGtbX8IzfMHFACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h414/IMG_4076%2Bcopy_WM.jpg" title="Tulips & Forget-me-nots" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tulips & Forget-me-nots<br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">It is finished!</span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AB8cOldGR9o/YaBEVVHcWvI/AAAAAAAAHms/LAB9NMmkk1gskCJ_afvp77uGB1IsKBlkACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3996%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tulips & Forget-me-nots, detail" border="0" data-original-height="1483" data-original-width="2048" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AB8cOldGR9o/YaBEVVHcWvI/AAAAAAAAHms/LAB9NMmkk1gskCJ_afvp77uGB1IsKBlkACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h290/IMG_3996%2Bcopy.jpg" title="Tulips & Forget-me-nots, detail" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>When I embroidered the first tulip, I was briefly worried that I may have misjudged just how bright the coral reds for the flowers were... were they going to be too 'in your face'? </div><div>The darker outline toned it down a little bit, so I decided to push on and stitched a couple more.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h65Qv2PhOSo/YaBF1WJFYuI/AAAAAAAAHm8/nh-qnAGeeLg6BnCrfiSAGIebZ_aHEiNoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4011%2Bcopy_WM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tulips & Forget-me-nots, detail" border="0" data-original-height="1545" data-original-width="2048" height="482" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h65Qv2PhOSo/YaBF1WJFYuI/AAAAAAAAHm8/nh-qnAGeeLg6BnCrfiSAGIebZ_aHEiNoQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h482/IMG_4011%2Bcopy_WM.jpg" title="Tulips & Forget-me-nots, detail" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>I am glad I did. Cheerful red tulips.</div><div>They are embroidered in long & short stitch with four shades coral red, two of them being from the new colours released by Appltons yarn (681 and 982), rich watermelon red tones which I have been really looking forward to finding a use for. To define the petals, I outlined them in stem stitch with a slightly darker red.</div><div><br /></div><div>I did learn the hard way that I should have left the bright red tulips to the very last. Although I was super careful, I got tiny red fibers stuck in other colours and because they are so bright, they stood out like a sore toe and I had to carefully pick them out with fine tweezers.</div><div><br /></div><div>The forget-me-nots are stitched in a very pale lilac. They were lovely and quick to do which made a nice change after all the more time consuming flowers and leaves. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0LtXSTQiRCY/YaBHAGEXDfI/AAAAAAAAHnE/4C_dt2NwSf0HGEP7N8lBVNqb66IwdhUxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4060_copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1220" data-original-width="2048" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0LtXSTQiRCY/YaBHAGEXDfI/AAAAAAAAHnE/4C_dt2NwSf0HGEP7N8lBVNqb66IwdhUxwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h239/IMG_4060_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>With the flowers all completed the only thing left was the border below the flowers. I tried a couple of options for the line of dots and ended up with these. Blanket stitch around the edge and a circular Rhodes stitch in the center. <div><br /></div><div><h2 style="text-align: center;">~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ </h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Rhodes Stitch</span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Rhodes stitch is mostly (to my knowledge) used in counted work. When stitched in a circle, it is a fabulous stitch for small, raised dots, especially when using wool, and is much quicker to do than padded satin stitch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8qTrqJnrcQ/YaFsesnK5kI/AAAAAAAAHoI/E9fdEqxtH_Ufv-WEYoKpDKE7l2ZY0n1OACLcBGAsYHQ/s3086/1-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="3086" height="170" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8qTrqJnrcQ/YaFsesnK5kI/AAAAAAAAHoI/E9fdEqxtH_Ufv-WEYoKpDKE7l2ZY0n1OACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h170/1-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>1)</b> Place a straight stitch across the circle from <b>A</b> to <b>B</b> for the first stitch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bring the thread to the front to the <u>left of </u><b>A </b>and take the needle to the back to the <u>left of</u> <b>B</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>2) </b>Pull the thread through. The stitch will cross the first stitch at the center of the dot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bring the thread to the front to the left of the previous stitch and take the needle to the back on the other side of the dot, to the left of the previous stitch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>3) </b>Continue to stitch around the circle in a counter clockwise direction so all the stitches cross in the center. Keep the stitches close together on the outline.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>4) </b>Continue until the circle is filled. The last stitch will fall next to the first stitch.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><h2>~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ </h2></div><div style="text-align: center;">From this...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3hDV43jl9c/YaBJIMlPBWI/AAAAAAAAHnM/jS_lIXOJN9A6jnBpgPXQC3x5YmGHtEppwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3884%2B1%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tulips & Forget-me-nots embroidery design" border="0" data-original-height="1617" data-original-width="2048" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3hDV43jl9c/YaBJIMlPBWI/AAAAAAAAHnM/jS_lIXOJN9A6jnBpgPXQC3x5YmGHtEppwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h316/IMG_3884%2B1%2Bcopy.jpg" title="Tulips & Forget-me-nots" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">...to this.</div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6_lZkvDNrQ/YaBLrfvKwvI/AAAAAAAAHnc/D_RNi2UkdOEYblX4znym4RYZ48WQaF7DgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4069%2Bcopy_WM.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tulips & Forget-me-nots" border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2048" height="392" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6_lZkvDNrQ/YaBLrfvKwvI/AAAAAAAAHnc/D_RNi2UkdOEYblX4znym4RYZ48WQaF7DgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h392/IMG_4069%2Bcopy_WM.jpg" title="Tulips & Forget-me-nots" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tulips & Forget-me-nots</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>It is happy and cheerful, structured but slightly wild and I couldn't be happier with the result. </div><div>It reminds me of my mum. She used to let her forget-me-nots self-seed everywhere and what I didn't realise before I started this embroidery was that this is exactly how my mum's tulip beds looked in spring. Isn't if funny how memories like that creep into the things we create?</div><div><br /></div><div>I took the embroidery off the frame this morning. It was so tightly stretched but will still need to be blocked before I make it into something. I would like to make some kind of case to hold my (very messy) pile of knitting needles, but looking at it now, I think it might be too big for that so now I am not sure what to make of it. Any suggestions?</div><div><br /></div><div>...and Yes, it will be a kit, but..</div><div><br /></div><div>I need you to please be patient. It will be a little while. This design is going to be part of a bigger project I am working on - I will tell you more about that later. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you have a lovely weekend and perhaps even find time to pick up your needle or something else you enjoy.</div><div>Best Stitches,</div><div>Anna X</div><div><br /></div>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-47171469639793395832021-11-12T12:42:00.002+10:302021-11-12T12:42:38.149+10:30May's Tulips<p style="text-align: center;">Where do you get your inspiration? </p><p style="text-align: left;">This is a question, I often get asked. There is no single or easy answer. I find inspiration in lots of places and I think that, more often than not, INSPIRATION is a combination of ideas and impressions. Sometimes it is instant and sometimes I am not even aware the inspiration is there, it is just vague, intangible ideas that simmer, bubble and brew away in the back of my mind until one day...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8sxYUxjFCw/YYDI5frSffI/AAAAAAAAHig/6Dm3thEretsYwHqdrCWdOCls_6LUG-g9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1136/Embroidery%2Bpanel%2BMay%2BMorris%252C%2B1890s..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="912" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8sxYUxjFCw/YYDI5frSffI/AAAAAAAAHig/6Dm3thEretsYwHqdrCWdOCls_6LUG-g9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w514-h640/Embroidery%2Bpanel%2BMay%2BMorris%252C%2B1890s..jpg" width="514" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Segoe UI, sans-serif" style="color: #111111;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Embroidery panel designed my May Morris, 1890s. <br /><a href="http://www.cheltenhammuseum.org.uk/" target="_blank">Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum</a></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I have had this picture of embroidered tulips in my stash of inspiration photos for ages. From the moment I first saw it I fell in love with the colours and the beautiful flow of the overall pattern; the way the tulips and other foliage intertwine. Tulips are so often depicted in a very orderly, upright way - almost like toy soldiers on parade, but here they meander gracefully and slightly wild to fill a surface. Looking at it, I knew it was 'Morris' but other than that, I had no details until only recently, I came across this little snippet: </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>"<span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; text-align: center;">Embroidery panel (probably intended to be a fire screen) designed by May Morris, 1890s. As head of the Embroidery section at Morris & Co, May worked with a team of embroiderers. One of its most skilled embroiderers, she designed pieces like this, and designed and embroidered large, elaborate special commissions | Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum"</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">A few weeks ago, when I was flicking through one of my favorite books: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/May-Morris-Arts-Crafts-Designer/dp/0500480214" target="_blank">May Morris Arts & Crafts Designer</a> </b>I spotted a small(ish) picture of yet another tulip embroidery. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cyL_JLEBg9Q/YY2-m5ejWNI/AAAAAAAAHk4/rc60IjhfgQYgTnYA57kx96pPmpgMXfs1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cyL_JLEBg9Q/YY2-m5ejWNI/AAAAAAAAHk4/rc60IjhfgQYgTnYA57kx96pPmpgMXfs1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3977.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This time it wasn't the colours that caught my eye, but the slightly unruly row of tulips on a background of flowing acanthus leaves. <div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1364286/tulip-embroidered-runner-elsie-couper/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1115" data-original-width="2822" height="253" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75iU2tS37IU/YYpClyDfSCI/AAAAAAAAHks/820B7S0imxARsm8jYkV5nofK_xF0lHyBACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h253/Tulip%2BTable%2Brunner%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1364286/tulip-embroidered-runner-elsie-couper/" target="_blank"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">TULIP</span></b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> – (also ‘Tulip and Acanthus) Embroidered
sideboard Runner (166cm x 32cm wide). Design by May Morris (1890) V&A </span></a></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">It remembered the more vibrant coral reds, greens and blues in my 'old favorite' and started sketching right away. Sometimes the drawing can take some time but this new design 'Tulips & Forget-me-nots' quickly fell into place. Now I just have to finish stitching it, to see if it works out how I imagine.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0XMNdTV0Xcs/YY3A2ie_aTI/AAAAAAAAHlE/UgqXee48jDI_BQRhl-bCnSV6kR2B5vwhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3971%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0XMNdTV0Xcs/YY3A2ie_aTI/AAAAAAAAHlE/UgqXee48jDI_BQRhl-bCnSV6kR2B5vwhwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h512/IMG_3971%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I was on such a 'roll' that after embroidering the tulip leaves, I started the forget-me-nots right away and completely forgot to take a photo of the tulip leaves on their own.</div><div>All the forget-me-not leaves are stitched in the same way - blanket stitch using 5 slightly different shades of misty blues. </div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4g-4g908YU/YY3A2ichZ2I/AAAAAAAAHlA/jIPkLFqAn2kVJb22QzX1XL4ahS_hVqIjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2362/IMG_3970%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="2362" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4g-4g908YU/YY3A2ichZ2I/AAAAAAAAHlA/jIPkLFqAn2kVJb22QzX1XL4ahS_hVqIjwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h268/IMG_3970%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>'Tulips & Forget-me-nots' </b>work in progress</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>I do like blanket stitch leaves, but I do confess that I after finishing all 52 of them, I am looking forward to something else. The forget-me-nots should be pretty quick to do and then - pretty, coral red tulips. I am really looking forward to embroidering them next week.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is not the first time I have been inspired by May's Tulips. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/product/silk-embroidery-kit-may/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="1181" height="313" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8UIezlwpRDw/YY3C94VFUDI/AAAAAAAAHlM/Z-ocyRpBcYoV_0fJTY7wFXrs6JoKRaQ-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h313/May_HERO-auto_SML_WM.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/product/silk-embroidery-kit-may/" target="_blank"><b>'May'</b> silk embroidery</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Some years ago, I created this piece <a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/product/silk-embroidery-kit-may/" target="_blank"><b>MAY </b></a>for a silk shading class. Although the design is a lot more structured than the crewel embroidery piece I am working on now, I think you can still see the similarities. </div><div><br /></div><div>I only have <a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/product/silk-embroidery-kit-may/" target="_blank">One <b>Kit</b> left for <b>MAY</b></a>. The fabric this was stitched on (a mid-weight linen/cotton blend) is no longer available and I haven't found a good substitute. But I do have the pattern available as an instant download both via the <b><a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/studio-shop/" target="_blank">STUDIO Shop</a></b> and the <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/FineStitchStudio" target="_blank">ETSY Store</a>. </b>The original design was embroidered using Au ver Soie stranded silk but I have included a conversion to DMC stranded cotton in the pattern since stranded cotton is much easier (and cheaper) to come by. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you all have a lovely weekend. I am working (not embroidery related) most of it, but fingers crossed, I will be back stitching my tulips early next week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Best Stitches,</div><div>Anna X</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9b2tbVoWzQ/YY3IujhznPI/AAAAAAAAHlk/tdWYfCnQvfwSCJoryKw6fwLNjut1TQpCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1860/S1_May_Cover_download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="MAY silk embroidery by Anna Scott" border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="1859" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9b2tbVoWzQ/YY3IujhznPI/AAAAAAAAHlk/tdWYfCnQvfwSCJoryKw6fwLNjut1TQpCwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h320/S1_May_Cover_download.jpg" title="MAY silk embroidery by Anna Scott" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: large;">'MAY'</b><br style="font-size: large;" /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Silk shading pattern</span><br /><span><a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/product/may-thread-painting-pattern-download/" target="_blank">STUDIO SHOP</a> | <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/510238469/pdf-download-may-silk-embroidery-pattern" target="_blank">ETSY</a></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-37297293900848013492021-11-03T17:04:00.001+10:302021-11-03T17:25:38.019+10:30Hello Again<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>How have you all been? It is such an unusual world we are all still navigating and I do hope you and your loved ones are all safe and well.<p></p><p>When I decided to
take a break from the blog 6 months ago, I wasn’t sure if I would return to
this little space. My thinking at the time was that I would probably just share
quick little updates on other social media, but - it is not the same is it? And to be honest, I am no good at it and don’t really like it. It turns out I miss the somewhat slower pace of taking notes of what I am working on
and ponder in writing what is happening in my stitching world.</p><p>Apart from not being able to travel anywhere, things in my little world are largely unchanged. I am well and have been keeping quietly somewhat busy. I am not going to bore you with a recount of what I have been doing but just dive in...</p><p style="text-align: center;">~ O ~ O ~ O ~ O ~</p><p class="MsoNormal">So what am I up to? I am stitching tulips. </p><p class="MsoNormal">I love tulips. I think they are my favorite flowers - my favorite spring flowers anyway. So although they have now finished their spring show in my garden, I am prolonging the season on my embroidery frame.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkTN-FznVmM/YYIYrliEJZI/AAAAAAAAHio/T5N42IRStUQqp7JXR7j41o2Xi8UPzCzfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3884%2B1%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1617" data-original-width="2048" height="506" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkTN-FznVmM/YYIYrliEJZI/AAAAAAAAHio/T5N42IRStUQqp7JXR7j41o2Xi8UPzCzfgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h506/IMG_3884%2B1%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>'Tulips & Forget-me-nots" </b><br />Colour sketch for crewel embroidery</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><u5:p style="text-align: center;">The actual embroidery design is larger than the coloured drawing in the picture. You can just see the the line drawing poking out behind colour drawing at the top. </u5:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u5:p style="text-align: center;">The colours for this piece are in three classic colour groups: (coral) Reds for the tulips, Green for the tulip leaves and Blues for the forget-me-nots and background foliage. </u5:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="text-align: center;">I don't often make a colour drawing before I start stitching, but this time I felt like sketching up a rough indication of how the colours would be used to make sure it worked and it is so much quicker to colour in a small drawing than a big. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNr5d0rTN6c/YYIcKRUxkeI/AAAAAAAAHi4/PgK0lz5pOOoz2CJux30vk0WN2bpeMLH8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3894%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="2048" height="418" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNr5d0rTN6c/YYIcKRUxkeI/AAAAAAAAHi4/PgK0lz5pOOoz2CJux30vk0WN2bpeMLH8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h418/IMG_3894%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: center;">In the past I have often used a lot of different stitches for my crewel embroidery but for this design the selection of stitches will be rather limited in comparison. All the tulip stems and leaves will be embroidered entirely in stem stitch. I started by outlining all the leaves in the same colour, then filling them in with slightly different shades of green. </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u5:p style="text-align: center;"></u5:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fYfYdtwuUs/YYIaTJeV30I/AAAAAAAAHiw/bXbyfkoLKCs3P3jaBS14r5IgaIxIxWhsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2500/IMG_3893%2B1%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="2500" height="270" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fYfYdtwuUs/YYIaTJeV30I/AAAAAAAAHiw/bXbyfkoLKCs3P3jaBS14r5IgaIxIxWhsQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h270/IMG_3893%2B1%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The plan was to complete all the tulip leaves before moving on, but as you can see, I couldn't quite wait to see how the blues would look behind the green. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u5:p style="text-align: center;"></u5:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I love how closely worked rows of stem stitch end up looking almost woven on top of the fabric. Because the stitching is so dense and firm, it also makes it very durable for items that are destined to be used. You can see in the picture just how close the rows of stem stitch are.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bn9zjgJcCAw/YYIe-Fkd2_I/AAAAAAAAHjI/hpEz_TSRfMsF1oDxSrb7FPWXmk4kJ0yawCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3902%2Bcopy.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bn9zjgJcCAw/YYIe-Fkd2_I/AAAAAAAAHjI/hpEz_TSRfMsF1oDxSrb7FPWXmk4kJ0yawCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_3902%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: center;">I was a little uncertain when I started how many shades of green I would need to fill the tulip leaves. The movement and stitch direction in each leaf creates movement within the pattern and I was concerned that too many shades of green could possibly make the design look too 'busy'.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="text-align: center;">After a few more leaves using just two different greens, I decided it needed one more colour to add a bit more variation. I used one of my favorite yellow-greens; Appltons 251 - it almost looks a bit acidic when it is on the rack in the shop, but ones it is in amongst other greens, it is prefect for adding a little 'pop'.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="text-align: center;">Besides; the beauty of embroidery is that if it doesn't work, it is easy to unpick it and try something different. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rv_Vv9C-O7A/YYIdxEGgpjI/AAAAAAAAHjA/y4_-jntXqqElOEg34i-H_S-L3ecXefZaACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3911%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rv_Vv9C-O7A/YYIdxEGgpjI/AAAAAAAAHjA/y4_-jntXqqElOEg34i-H_S-L3ecXefZaACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_3911%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This green may not be a go-to colour for healthy looking leaves, but I am glad I decided to include it. I think it gives the grassy greens a nice little lift. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As much as I enjoy stem stitch, I am happy the leaves are now almost all done. It will be nice to do something different LOL. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Next up is the background foliage of forget-me-nots. I will show you the progress shortly. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Best Stitches,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Anna X</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">PS - while I have been away, Blogger did make some changes that meant posts were no longer delivered to emails. I have found a different way to deliver your email using Follow-it. It shouldn't make any difference at your end but please <a href="mailto:annascottembroidery@bigpond.com" target="_blank">Email Me</a> if you have any trouble. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/product/flowers-for-ellaine-crewel-work-kit/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="800" height="272" src="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Flowers-for-Ellaine_Web-copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: large;">'Flowers for Ellaine'</b><br style="font-size: large;" /><span style="font-size: large;">Crewel embroidery kit</span><br style="font-size: large;" /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/product/flowers-for-ellaine-crewel-work-kit/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">STUDIO SHOP</a> | <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/1075675362/flowers-for-ellaine-crewel-work-kit?ref=shop_home_feat_3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ETSY</a></span><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/product/crewel-work-kit-meadow-bloom-wool/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/P1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>'Meadow Bloom'</b><br />Crewel embroidery kit<br /><a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/product/crewel-work-kit-meadow-bloom-wool/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">STUDIO SHOP</a> | <a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/product/flowers-for-ellaine-crewel-work-kit/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ETSY</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-83315845950476819352021-05-10T16:48:00.003+09:302021-05-10T16:48:18.646+09:30Time for a Break<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">I am taking a little break from the blog.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></i></span></h2><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yuvLGyjZ_Lo/YJiiF1p-PWI/AAAAAAAAHQQ/CVt_8D2gj0cwIkohNlpBPM-2jrRgEcsjACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3070%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="2048" height="416" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yuvLGyjZ_Lo/YJiiF1p-PWI/AAAAAAAAHQQ/CVt_8D2gj0cwIkohNlpBPM-2jrRgEcsjACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h416/IMG_3070%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Hello Friends,</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Today is just a quick little note to let you all know, I am taking a break from the blog.</span> </p><p>I have been sharing my embroidery and little bits of what I get up to when I don't stitch here for quite a while now - and it has been fabulous. I truly enjoy sharing my stitching journey and pass on things I have learned or discovered with you all and appreciate your support and friendship. </p><p>So why am I taking a break? </p><div style="text-align: left;">There are some technical stuff that I won't bore you with. </div><div style="text-align: left;">More importantly, I am having less and less time to embroider, be creative and do other things. I have a list 'as long as my arm' in my head of designs bursting to be created, but my needles are for the most part sitting idle. <br />Putting a blog post together takes time. I am hoping that I can free up a bit of precious time and get back to what it is really all about for me: Creating & Stitching. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlvAKP7sJok/YJirL_2Jj4I/AAAAAAAAHQk/atjJbT0E4qEElTNO19rWV2YEpTbbW7ZcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_3056%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1233" data-original-width="1772" height="279" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlvAKP7sJok/YJirL_2Jj4I/AAAAAAAAHQk/atjJbT0E4qEElTNO19rWV2YEpTbbW7ZcQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h279/IMG_3056%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></i></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">But this is not a goodbye</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></i></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The blog and all the posts will still be here and I will still be here - just more quietly. The links to all the <a href="https://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/p/lacing-for-framing.html" target="_blank"><b>How-To & Tutorials</b></a> I have posted over the years will still be here. <br />I am sure there will be more I want to share with you in the future and I will post them here as well - after all, they have a perfectly good home here, so I have set up a New Page with all the links so they are easier to find. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia; font-weight: normal;">So what happens now?</span></i> </h2><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I will still be sharing 'snippets' of what I doing on<b> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/annascottembroidery/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/annascottembroideryanddesign" target="_blank"><b>Facebook</b></a> and I hope to see you there. <br />I will also be using the <a href="https://us14.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=9587fd80f97b2f6036c24cef5&id=9e742a66a4 " target="_blank"><b>Newsletter</b></a> more to keep in touch and let you know what I am up to in more detail. I know many of you already receive the Newsletters, but if you don't and you would like to stay in touch, you can <b><a href="http://eepurl.com/cmKU39" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Join Here</span></a> </b>and continue to receive regular-ish updates in your inbox.</div><p style="text-align: left;">I hope, you will continue to join me and my stitching meanderings (until I come back). </p><p style="text-align: left;">Best Stitches Always,</p><p style="text-align: left;">Anna XXX</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://eepurl.com/cmKU39" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="3536" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0M4_-e1YNic/YJjb4Q2-ULI/AAAAAAAAHRE/opM5Bwqige0tO5deBCJyuMNOmbU_-pJdwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h160/Subscriber%2Bbottom%2Bbanner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-11643011830083053982021-04-25T15:26:00.002+09:302021-04-25T15:26:47.421+09:30Out & Back from the Outback<p>The studio has been quiet for the past two weeks while Adrian & I went on a driving trip to the bush, so there is nothing 'stitchy' in this post.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jKCW5E6SdRQ/YITqlL5NPqI/AAAAAAAAHNw/QeEB66ntew0-J65iA5zmm4EE1gZ2suqxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s3465/IMG_2598_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="3465" height="168" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jKCW5E6SdRQ/YITqlL5NPqI/AAAAAAAAHNw/QeEB66ntew0-J65iA5zmm4EE1gZ2suqxQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h168/IMG_2598_copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The original plan had been a trip to Perth but because the summer season has been mild, the grape harvest was late, so we didn't get away early enough. Just as well, since we would have got caught up in a snap lock-down. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Instead we went to some truly remote places in South Australia. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-Iqdvyzw-8/YITrEfZGl7I/AAAAAAAAHN4/2hZwO4dGokQ7r8yaw2_AyET08KZn7UJLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2551.copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-Iqdvyzw-8/YITrEfZGl7I/AAAAAAAAHN4/2hZwO4dGokQ7r8yaw2_AyET08KZn7UJLgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2551.copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We travel 'lightly' with the work ute getting converted to a camper with a rooftop tent. It may not be everyone's 'cup of tea' but I like it (as long as it is not too cold). </div><div>We started off in the Gawler Ranges, easing ourselves into camping mode by staying in a visitor cabin on a friends sheep station for a couple of nights. The distances and space out there will never stop to amaze me. Kolendo station where we stayed covers a little more than 870km/square (approx 540 miles/square) south east of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Gairdner" target="_blank">Lake Gairdner</a> - a large salt lake. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ae4La2wwDC0/YITr0Q6JvJI/AAAAAAAAHOI/WCAw8cVQ84QomUOjjWNR1eufknUS9DF7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2584_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ae4La2wwDC0/YITr0Q6JvJI/AAAAAAAAHOI/WCAw8cVQ84QomUOjjWNR1eufknUS9DF7gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2584_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We spent a good day, exploring the station, climbing Mount Kolendo before heading out to the lake. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were so lucky with the weather that day. It had been cool and overcast all morning and the moment we got to the lake the sun came out and the lake looked like a blanket of ice in the middle of the bush.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGNUSRa5lGg/YITre3-dRAI/AAAAAAAAHOA/HjbpgUBMgDcIjZQjrZIztLyTAd_YbbXWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2953/IMG_2577.copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="2953" height="166" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGNUSRa5lGg/YITre3-dRAI/AAAAAAAAHOA/HjbpgUBMgDcIjZQjrZIztLyTAd_YbbXWQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h166/IMG_2577.copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It is massive! The little person to the right is me. Walking on this stuff is an odd feeling. It crunches like when you walk on ice, but at the same time is a little spongy and of course not slippery at all. <br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We then headed into the <a href="https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/goodliving/posts/2015/10/gawler-ranges-national-park" target="_blank">Gawler Ranges National Park</a> for a couple of days. More beautiful vastness, more walking, more spectacular views and incredible rocks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVtCRq33WLE/YIT2T3NrVdI/AAAAAAAAHOo/4j6WSD4Tr6YQ7mHqC9exLUhFsk-GoGbOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2891%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVtCRq33WLE/YIT2T3NrVdI/AAAAAAAAHOo/4j6WSD4Tr6YQ7mHqC9exLUhFsk-GoGbOgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2891%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JmW4aHo0Y4/YIT2QDAomJI/AAAAAAAAHOg/Mj9fTkUDLU8a5qP6vF6HqYuKQPZ27_KEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2612%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JmW4aHo0Y4/YIT2QDAomJI/AAAAAAAAHOg/Mj9fTkUDLU8a5qP6vF6HqYuKQPZ27_KEwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2612%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q01OyamqtPk/YIT2UCp_MkI/AAAAAAAAHOs/-KAkY5AvEVgUy6B1j6H_aFTLwEjJSlY7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2895%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q01OyamqtPk/YIT2UCp_MkI/AAAAAAAAHOs/-KAkY5AvEVgUy6B1j6H_aFTLwEjJSlY7gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2895%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We seem to always climb up on everything LOL. Even when we go for a walk along a gorge we somehow end up on the top of the mountain - but those views... It makes it so worth it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oChamYWnUoY/YIT2QHE3JHI/AAAAAAAAHOc/liPrua5OT_EivfT5_EzdyRBD1xfpqnWrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2607%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oChamYWnUoY/YIT2QHE3JHI/AAAAAAAAHOc/liPrua5OT_EivfT5_EzdyRBD1xfpqnWrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2607%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was basic living out there. The weather was stunning but even though the days are warm(ish) as soon as the sun sets it gets chilly so it was a good excuse to get a fire going in the evenings.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xid8sAffdFY/YIT2PlZiEQI/AAAAAAAAHOY/qevRm3c1WmQp7qszRKVDVwIXysK1xgrLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2624%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xid8sAffdFY/YIT2PlZiEQI/AAAAAAAAHOY/qevRm3c1WmQp7qszRKVDVwIXysK1xgrLQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2624%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The weather was still sunny and mild so after nearly a week in the bush we decided a few days on the coast might be nice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJWDTC__GyU/YIT6uTGSEcI/AAAAAAAAHPE/mFMvYk39zn4CDM5uA18VB6rqvudjx78cwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2906%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJWDTC__GyU/YIT6uTGSEcI/AAAAAAAAHPE/mFMvYk39zn4CDM5uA18VB6rqvudjx78cwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2906%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Southern Ocean was on its best behavior - strange to think next stop south of here is Antarctica...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTqJpsq02EY/YIT6kZERhZI/AAAAAAAAHPA/9qu7l3g3q_sK1uEL2Ob_-_X2Sc6DV0F7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2662%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTqJpsq02EY/YIT6kZERhZI/AAAAAAAAHPA/9qu7l3g3q_sK1uEL2Ob_-_X2Sc6DV0F7gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2662%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The wind off the water was pretty icy so we found a sheltered bay to camp, fish and relax for a bit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We really had not planned a great deal before leaving. The only thing that we (Adrian) really wanted to do was to drive <a href="https://blog.campermate.com.au/getaway-guides/sa/googs-track/" target="_blank">Goog's Track</a>. I didn't know anything about this track, other than it is a 4WD track through the desert. A somewhat challenging and bumpy ride, you might say. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNF0r11FZBk/YIT8_ZB4pZI/AAAAAAAAHPQ/1-bQD3v9kuIXTHOHCGuNRIROvbNhZc4xwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2694%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNF0r11FZBk/YIT8_ZB4pZI/AAAAAAAAHPQ/1-bQD3v9kuIXTHOHCGuNRIROvbNhZc4xwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_2694%2Bcopy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now I know, Goog's Track is 154km (96 miles) of sand track, through an arid semi desert landscape, crossing 360 sand dunes on the way. It is a pretty special place, empty and full of life at the same time (if that makes sense). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnFYtdQusz4/YIT_GNrrT9I/AAAAAAAAHPY/n-u_yGHLc3IXoDpwweZZ1St25ZGp0bmWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2679%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnFYtdQusz4/YIT_GNrrT9I/AAAAAAAAHPY/n-u_yGHLc3IXoDpwweZZ1St25ZGp0bmWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2679%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div>Along the way are some rather incredible landmarks. Goog's Lake, another salt lake, where we saw plenty of bird life but were surprised by the number of different animal prints in the sand and on the lake. And in one spot a large slab of flat granite rises out of the sand in the middle of nowhere and forms a watering hole for native wildlife. </div><div><br /></div></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3ft8oNd1J8/YIT_GaBCONI/AAAAAAAAHPc/3uUc1E-fgRQ8L9ckR4ZmFwIbu7JRUXTOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2695%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3ft8oNd1J8/YIT_GaBCONI/AAAAAAAAHPc/3uUc1E-fgRQ8L9ckR4ZmFwIbu7JRUXTOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2695%2Bcopy.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p><span style="text-align: left;">No, I did not do any of the driving - only posing for the photographer LOL.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">We have seen some incredible places in the last few weeks and been to places not many people get to go. I am so grateful to have experienced it and spent time in this vast wilderness.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now it is 'back to normal' (whatever that means).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was meant to fly to Perth on Tuesday. I was so excited to be heading out to teach, but sadly we have had to cancel the trip due to lock-down. It will be rescheduled but right now, I am just really disappointed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So what's next? I have a few ideas floating around, so hopefully I will have some embroidery to share with you all shortly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Until then, stay well, stay safe and look after yourselves and each other.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Best Stitches,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Anna X</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-28915556024604160182021-04-09T16:59:00.006+09:302021-04-09T16:59:49.408+09:30Leaf Sampler - Part 3, Fishbone stitch<p>The third little leaf of my leaf sampler is ready and after having played with the 'How to', I stitched put them all together on a little tree, but more about that at the end of this post.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4TpQLdEAXzY/YG_z6QO5XcI/AAAAAAAAHLs/OmSjZEMQYksMKzReg9jFPRINVqDy3bbyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/IMG_2777%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="2000" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4TpQLdEAXzY/YG_z6QO5XcI/AAAAAAAAHLs/OmSjZEMQYksMKzReg9jFPRINVqDy3bbyQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h296/IMG_2777%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">~ ~ ~ Basic Fishbone Stitch ~ ~ ~ </span></h3><p>This last leaf is stitched using Fishbone Stitch. Unlike the previous two, <a href="https://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2021/03/leaves.html" target="_blank">Fly Stitch</a> and <a href="https://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2021/03/leaf-sampler-part-2-cretan-stitch-leaves.html" target="_blank">Cretan Stitch</a>, Fishbone stitch doesn't make a strongly defined center vein. It looks more like satin stitch but slightly raised or embossed down the middle because the stitches overlap.</p><p>As with Cretan Stitch, Fishbone stitch is usually illustrated worked over four parallel lines and forms a decorative but not very leaf-looking filling.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bq8QXtTxDn0/YG_0GK_1a-I/AAAAAAAAHLw/YWxxcdWFFoYDogLCmJ_lCnMmNKfvyNzpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2362/Fishbone%2B1-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="2362" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bq8QXtTxDn0/YG_0GK_1a-I/AAAAAAAAHLw/YWxxcdWFFoYDogLCmJ_lCnMmNKfvyNzpwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h296/Fishbone%2B1-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>1)</b> Bring the thread to the front at A on one of the middle lines. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Take the needle to the back at B, on the outline furthest away from A. (The thread should cross the other middle line for the stitch to work).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Emerge at C on the opposite outline. A long stitch will from across the full width of the shape on the wrong side.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>2) </b>Take the needle to the back at D on the middle line furthest away from C, crossing over the first stitch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Emerge at E on the other middle line, directly below A.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>3) </b>The first stitch forms kind of an uneven cross.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FD-Z4amahdE/YG_0GWiOhGI/AAAAAAAAHL0/5SrPXQ6nd7QCLUU08hpcilhw2Ep0Ved3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2362/Fishbone%2B4%2B-%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="2362" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FD-Z4amahdE/YG_0GWiOhGI/AAAAAAAAHL0/5SrPXQ6nd7QCLUU08hpcilhw2Ep0Ved3ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h260/Fishbone%2B4%2B-%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><div><b><br /></b></div>4) </b>Repeat step 1: Take the needle to the back at F, on the outline directly below B. Make sure the spacing is the same as A-E in step 2.<div>Emerge at G, on the opposite outline, directly below C and parallel with F.<div><b>5) </b>Repeat step 2: Matching the spacing of the stitches, take the needle to the back at H, crossing to the middle line directly below D.</div><div>Emerge at I on the other middle line, directly below E. </div><div><b>6) </b>Continue to repeat these steps down the shape, keeping the stitches evenly spaced.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Closed fishbone stitch </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nT_9siWIMR8/YG_3WP7viSI/AAAAAAAAHME/tsL2cI6WZ4I1ZHPQ-xcURGCkbxrbaM6VACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Fishbone%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1597" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nT_9siWIMR8/YG_3WP7viSI/AAAAAAAAHME/tsL2cI6WZ4I1ZHPQ-xcURGCkbxrbaM6VACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Fishbone%2B7.jpg" /></a></div><div><b>7) </b>When you place the stitches close together, fishbone stitch will cover the shape. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>HINT</b> Remember when you stitch in a hoop, the needle should be taken through the fabric in a stabbing motion, not in and out in one go as in the pictures - I only do that to make it more clear how the points relate to one another.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">~ ~ ~ Fishbone Stitch Leaf ~ ~ ~</span></h3></div><div><br /></div><div>When using fishbone stitch to fill a leaf, I don't mark double lines for the center vein. Instead, I place the stitches down the center, crossing under the marked line. This also makes it easier to use the stitch if you are following a pattern as most designs only have the single center line marked.</div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdD4GVwyfr4/YG_5nJvXndI/AAAAAAAAHMY/xhAMo7Gy5msQSVH-hg9tJKbPyZYFKk3egCLcBGAsYHQ/s2362/Leaf%2B1%2B-%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="2362" height="280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdD4GVwyfr4/YG_5nJvXndI/AAAAAAAAHMY/xhAMo7Gy5msQSVH-hg9tJKbPyZYFKk3egCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h280/Leaf%2B1%2B-%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>1) </b>Start with a straight stitch at the tip. I prefer to stitch from the tip (A) of the leaf to the top of the center vein (B).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bring the thread to the front at C, on the outline and closely against the center stitch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Crossing the center stitch, take the needle to the back at D and emerge at E. D and E are level with B.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>2) </b>Crossing the center stitch, take the needle to the back at F on the opposite outline closely against the middle stitch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>3) </b>Continue down the leaf, taking the needle from outline to outline at the top and under the center line down the middle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iPPnft7Rtlw/YG_3aIl0A_I/AAAAAAAAHMM/3gI-pomU-UIYwjXTy-Y5CP5NASgHTnNZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Leaf%2B4-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="2048" height="255" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iPPnft7Rtlw/YG_3aIl0A_I/AAAAAAAAHMM/3gI-pomU-UIYwjXTy-Y5CP5NASgHTnNZgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h255/Leaf%2B4-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b>4) </b>Make sure you keep the stitches close together to cover the shape. I find that to maintain the stitch direction, I place the stitches closer together on the outline and ever so slightly spaced down the middle.</div><div><b>5) </b>Depending on shape of your leaf and the angle of your stitches, you may need one or two straight stitches at the bottom to finish it nicely. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLPcuPpZ4zY/YG_7vHQJwGI/AAAAAAAAHMg/78eHCT-eBUYAGeVp3WJHEeYjXkl-zc24wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_2828%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1185" data-original-width="1772" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLPcuPpZ4zY/YG_7vHQJwGI/AAAAAAAAHMg/78eHCT-eBUYAGeVp3WJHEeYjXkl-zc24wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2828%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did try to fill my leaf with an open Fishbone stitch (right). I am not so sure about that version, but it would make a lovely pinecone if it was stitched in brown.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qM8Sq3jXNI8/YG_7vOK1fqI/AAAAAAAAHMk/wVY6kQuKkLMoL4nB0oDJ3kFlYS8JrhAiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2829%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1581" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qM8Sq3jXNI8/YG_7vOK1fqI/AAAAAAAAHMk/wVY6kQuKkLMoL4nB0oDJ3kFlYS8JrhAiACLcBGAsYHQ/w309-h400/IMG_2829%2Bcopy.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><br /><div>The difference between the three leaf stitches is subtle, but enough to add a bit of variation. What I like about all three is that they are so easily interchanged, so I drew up another little tree, one with more leaves than the previous.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7y3-SsY-klc/YG_8rx9h3MI/AAAAAAAAHMw/pfn35UiCmKMrcyUA10Yo-XNZjDfTSwsCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_2776%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1772" data-original-width="1772" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7y3-SsY-klc/YG_8rx9h3MI/AAAAAAAAHMw/pfn35UiCmKMrcyUA10Yo-XNZjDfTSwsCwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_2776%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is only small and even though it is 'just a sampler' I thought I would put it to some use. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have a small magnifying lamp. I rarely use the magnifier but the led light is good especially when I take photos while I work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am always worried that I will leave it in a spot where the magnifier will get light through it and cause a fire (it happens - so be careful where you leave your lamps or make sure you cover them).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdQvSEDAsdE/YG_8zPskaZI/AAAAAAAAHM0/IIKl6h9QA3wH3LQLqxrNna4pN6lPWNm0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_2783%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1607" data-original-width="1772" height="363" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdQvSEDAsdE/YG_8zPskaZI/AAAAAAAAHM0/IIKl6h9QA3wH3LQLqxrNna4pN6lPWNm0ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h363/IMG_2783%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>With that in mind, I decided the little tree would make a pretty magnifier cover so rummaged through my stash and found a nice cotton print to match for the back.<div>I made a (very quick and very rough) template for the shape by just drawing halfway around the magnifier and then cut both pieces to make a sleeve/pocket.</div><div>After sewing the pieces together, I folded the hem in to make a channel for elastic. Only to discover I am out of elastic..! For now it has a drawstring to stop the pocket sleeve from slipping off. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dh5416bLmog/YG_8yyL4zqI/AAAAAAAAHM4/UMN9NfGSjSAeFYGOV7zbsPhWBdJjHBAjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2794%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dh5416bLmog/YG_8yyL4zqI/AAAAAAAAHM4/UMN9NfGSjSAeFYGOV7zbsPhWBdJjHBAjwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_2794%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you are all keeping well, and if you are in the northern hemisphere that spring is starting to brighten your days. We are heading into autumn in Adelaide and the late summer weather has been spectacular. Even so, it doesn't matter how long I have lived in Australia, I will never get used to not having spring bulbs starting to flower in the garden over Easter. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>While I write this, Adrian has been getting the truck ready and we are heading off on another road trip for a break. We did have plans, then they changed and they may well change again. That is what I like about road trips - you never quite know where they lead you. One thing is sure; we will be heading bush so there will have no internet (distractions) for at least a few days. </div><div><br /></div><div>Take care of your selves and each other. </div><div>Stay safe & Keep on stitching.</div><div>Hugs,</div><div>Anna X</div><div><br /></div></div>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-8193163581085815772021-04-01T18:41:00.000+10:302021-04-01T18:41:25.138+10:30Pillow with Braided Cord Trim<p style="text-align: center;">It is done.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I have made the crewel embroidery into a pillow </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1v-LSqaMLeQ/YGVsK0x7wfI/AAAAAAAAHKQ/hjkkOfVX5LkafJObvv2Rfio2xEbV34IvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1496/IMG_2700%2BWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="1496" height="570" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1v-LSqaMLeQ/YGVsK0x7wfI/AAAAAAAAHKQ/hjkkOfVX5LkafJObvv2Rfio2xEbV34IvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h570/IMG_2700%2BWEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now that it is done, I wonder just why it took me so long.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I knew, I wanted the pillow edges somehow and had thought about using my <a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Simple-Edge-Pillow-Pattern.pdf" target="_blank">Simple Edge Pillow pattern</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Scarlet-Glory-pillow_sml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="800" height="375" src="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Scarlet-Glory-pillow_sml.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Simple-Edge-Pillow-Pattern.pdf" target="_blank">Simple Edge Pillow</a> made with <br /><a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/product/scarlet-glory-crewel-work-kit/" target="_blank">SCARLET GLORY</a> Crewel Work<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This pattern forms a narrow, flanged edge that can then be decorated with stitching. I have used it for several of my crewel work pillows, like <b><a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/product/scarlet-glory-crewel-work-kit/" target="_blank">Scarlet Glory</a>, </b>but I felt the <b>Reflections </b>design needed something a little more substantial and decorative - some kind of decorative braid.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had a (very half-hearted) look around for a suitable braid, but finding something the complimented the embroidery would not be easy, so I decided to make my own using the same yarns as I had used for the embroidery. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRRvs7yU1Sc/YGV4EX7tZvI/AAAAAAAAHKo/Ci5lrEaVbaUMccJA8n5A6bNZ1IszIjwBACLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_E2613%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmdsjDRMwWk/YGV4EGEFXbI/AAAAAAAAHKk/UQoKJGOpJFIyEDi-a4DpXsbg7hi7uZAzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_E2612%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="1772" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmdsjDRMwWk/YGV4EGEFXbI/AAAAAAAAHKk/UQoKJGOpJFIyEDi-a4DpXsbg7hi7uZAzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_E2612%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I figured that making one long braid would be near impossible, so I started by cutting bundles of yarn to make four braids - one of each side of the pillow. I blended two tones of yarn for each bundle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="1772" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRRvs7yU1Sc/YGV4EX7tZvI/AAAAAAAAHKo/Ci5lrEaVbaUMccJA8n5A6bNZ1IszIjwBACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_E2613%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even though I know, braids take up quite a bit of yarn, it still caught me by surprise just how much yarn I needed to make the braids long and thick enough. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBxTwXc4GvU/YGV4Dms-x0I/AAAAAAAAHKg/PIF6Oa9Y01IqqjnIi0gh3Il8sLs-cbzPACLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_2692%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1772" data-original-width="1772" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBxTwXc4GvU/YGV4Dms-x0I/AAAAAAAAHKg/PIF6Oa9Y01IqqjnIi0gh3Il8sLs-cbzPACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2692%2Bcopy.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Making the four braids used up very close to 6 full skeins of yarn, one of each colour used. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lN_S9xtEAo4/YGV4DQk3vjI/AAAAAAAAHKc/SLn_WTTjP50m2KLOsE7pdHZfeBiim1EjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_2690%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1772" data-original-width="1772" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lN_S9xtEAo4/YGV4DQk3vjI/AAAAAAAAHKc/SLn_WTTjP50m2KLOsE7pdHZfeBiim1EjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2690%2Bcopy.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here you can see the braids laid out around the embroidery. The colours work, and the thickness is ok, but what to do about those knotted corners?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxQnoem-TN0/YGV4DbNNaQI/AAAAAAAAHKY/OLMOFaF9T987Amzn0GbkwvLdK0NKpOH1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_2712%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1419" data-original-width="1772" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxQnoem-TN0/YGV4DbNNaQI/AAAAAAAAHKY/OLMOFaF9T987Amzn0GbkwvLdK0NKpOH1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2712%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After sewing the pillow, I hand stitched the braids to the pillow so they lay flat over the seams. I then untied the knots before securely winding and stitching the ends at the corners. Then I trimmed them and fluffed them up - a bit like a pompom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6V-seDfvYgY/YGV616EJdpI/AAAAAAAAHK8/zIfVBiggBQgog1YvYMaaJ-T6mPS1DGjowCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2703%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1938" data-original-width="2048" height="379" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6V-seDfvYgY/YGV616EJdpI/AAAAAAAAHK8/zIfVBiggBQgog1YvYMaaJ-T6mPS1DGjowCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h379/IMG_2703%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have mentioned before, that I really don't like the 'making up' part of an embroidery project. Having said that, once it is done, it really is very satisfying.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In between grape harvest, work and pillow making, I have finally also managed to get the <a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/product/crewel-work-kit-reflections/" target="_blank">REFLECTIONS KIT</a> for this design ready. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To everyone who have been asking and waiting for it - I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your patience - Thank you!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Without you, I would not be doing what I do so I want to do something a little bit special for you in return. Please use the <b>coupon code</b> <span style="color: #cc0000;">REFLECTIONS</span> at the checkout to get 10% OFF your <a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/product/crewel-work-kit-reflections/" target="_blank">Reflections Crewel Work kit</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The kit is will also very soon be in the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/FineStitchStudio?ref=seller-platform-mcnav" target="_blank">Etsy Shop</a> for those of you you who prefer to shop there. The same coupon code works there also. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For me. We harvested our last lot of grapes today, so I am going to just catch my breath for a day or two; catch up with our boys, and (because we are lucky to be able to) maybe relax for a day with extended family. Then, I am about to start something new.... </div><div><br /></div>To those of you who celebrate: I wish you a lovely Easter.<div>To those who don't: I hope you have a wonderful weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div>Best Stitches,</div><div>Anna XX<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p></div>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-47120953285267868692021-03-22T16:18:00.004+10:302021-03-22T16:48:47.535+10:30Leaf Sampler - Part 2, Cretan Stitch leaves<p>With March being harvest time for wine grapes - when the grapes are ready, they are ready. The grapes don't wait and neither does the winery it is all hands on deck to get the vineyard ready and picked as quickly as we can. </p><p>With that all over and done with (apart from a tiny parcel of late ripening fruit) I was finally able to get back to my leaves. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_UN64xSmJaA/YFgW-2RaF3I/AAAAAAAAHFg/PAs7_7WYn1kVZBCWKNOz8hzBJicw7NdVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1735/IMG_1225%2Bcopy2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="1735" height="368" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_UN64xSmJaA/YFgW-2RaF3I/AAAAAAAAHFg/PAs7_7WYn1kVZBCWKNOz8hzBJicw7NdVQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h368/IMG_1225%2Bcopy2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cretan Stitch used for the sepals.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>This next leaf stitch is using Cretan Stitch. Cretan Stitch is quite possibly my favorite stitch to use for small and long, slender leaves. I will choose this version over the more commonly <a href="https://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2021/03/leaves.html" target="_blank">Fly stitch</a> because I just love the 'plait' that forms along the center vein of the shape</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">~ ~ ~ ~ <span style="font-weight: normal;"> Basic Cretan Stitch </span> ~ ~ ~ ~ </h3><p>When you look up Cretan stitch in most Stitch book or online (there is a fine <a href="https://www.embroidery.rocksea.org/stitch/cretan-stitch/cretan-stitch/" target="_blank">picture tutorial here</a> ), it is usually demonstrated, stitched over four parallel line and looks nothing like a filling stitch. To me, it looks more like a staggered feather stitch.</p><p>Cretan stitch is always shown as an open stitch placed over four parallel lines. The outer lines mark the outer edges and the two lines in between, mark the cross over points along the length. Be aware, that when Cretan stitch is worked this way, it will not cover your marked lines, so use a marker that can be removed.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TuSrPkVQeuY/YFgaJW_8QJI/AAAAAAAAHFo/PpQYOeMwky03V2mjbngXk46XCtGzASMnACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/1-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TuSrPkVQeuY/YFgaJW_8QJI/AAAAAAAAHFo/PpQYOeMwky03V2mjbngXk46XCtGzASMnACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/1-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>1) </b>Bring the thread to the front at A, on the left outline. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Take the needle to the back at B, on the middle line furthest away from A. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Emerge at C, on the middle line closest to A, making sure the working thread is under the needle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>2) </b>Pull the thread to. Take the needle to the back at D on the right outline.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>With the thread below the needle, e</span>merge at E, on the right middle line (directly below B).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c__TWFtt6Fg/YFgWsZfsjdI/AAAAAAAAHFU/gvEWsAPRuwgPOExyHYnlK3Zy8dTrxYBnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/3-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1453" data-original-width="2048" height="284" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c__TWFtt6Fg/YFgWsZfsjdI/AAAAAAAAHFU/gvEWsAPRuwgPOExyHYnlK3Zy8dTrxYBnQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h284/3-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>3) </b>Pull the thread through.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>4) </b>Keeping the thread to the left and below the needle, take the needle to the back on the left line at F (directly below A).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>Emerge on the left middle line, at G (directly below C) making sure the thread is under the needle tip.</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c__TWFtt6Fg/YFgWsZfsjdI/AAAAAAAAHFU/gvEWsAPRuwgPOExyHYnlK3Zy8dTrxYBnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/3-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1517" data-original-width="2048" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--E_JvUP7o6w/YFgWsfYR86I/AAAAAAAAHFQ/ZWb2L1qTi2oUL8kLaflAV8-ruKG6u1jvQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h296/5-6.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>5) </b>Continue to repeat steps 2 - 4 down the shape. As you can see, this forms a pretty, staggered line stitch with a kind of zig-zag down the middle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b>6) </b>When the stitches are placed a little closer together it begins to look a little more like a filling stitch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Remember that if you are stitching in a hoop, you should be using the needle in a stabbing motion, rather than sliding it through the fabric as in the pictures. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Mary Corbet has a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3S2HLfq15r0" target="_blank">YouTube tutorial here</a> that shows you the needle movement when stitching in a hoop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><h3>~ ~ ~ ~ <span style="font-weight: normal;"> Cretan Stitch Leaf </span> ~ ~ ~ ~ </h3></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BY2PLjbtXpE/YFgdmhccERI/AAAAAAAAHF8/kj9DDa1vOzAjWPdF0yDrq-6bxt4a3hmTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/LEAF%2B7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1401" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BY2PLjbtXpE/YFgdmhccERI/AAAAAAAAHF8/kj9DDa1vOzAjWPdF0yDrq-6bxt4a3hmTgCLcBGAsYHQ/w137-h200/LEAF%2B7.jpg" width="137" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To use Cretan stitch for filling leaves, I place the very close together and the cross-over along the middle only just straddle the marked center vein. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">To get a nice sharp tip, </span>I start my Cretan stitch leaves in the same way as my <a href="https://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2021/03/leaves.html" target="_blank">Fly Stitch Leaves</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmMJu8ieM-M/YFgdlCwZIZI/AAAAAAAAHFw/vvBBJQX1FIslaqm45UYRf1lKGmAm3TUAACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/LEAF%2B1-2.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1325" data-original-width="2048" height="259" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmMJu8ieM-M/YFgdlCwZIZI/AAAAAAAAHFw/vvBBJQX1FIslaqm45UYRf1lKGmAm3TUAACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h259/LEAF%2B1-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>1) </b>Start with a straight stitch from the tip of the leaf to the top of the center vein.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2)<span> </span></b>Bring the needle to the front on one side of the straight stitch. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Take the needle to the back on the other side and bring it to the front on the center vein, through <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>the same hole as the straight stitch.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1oirubhN1g/YFgdlT29Y_I/AAAAAAAAHF4/fZGDvL2DSBoT03mX8J2N9MCN8jAxueAkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/LEAF%2B3-4.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1569" data-original-width="2048" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1oirubhN1g/YFgdlT29Y_I/AAAAAAAAHF4/fZGDvL2DSBoT03mX8J2N9MCN8jAxueAkQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h306/LEAF%2B3-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>3) </b>Move the thread to the left. Take the needle to the back on the left outline close against the<span> p</span>revious stitch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Emerge to the left of the center line, close against the previous stitch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The thread should be under the needle tip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>4) </b>Pull the thread through.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-RId9_9K0Q/YFgdlaw20TI/AAAAAAAAHF0/nGPudJs0t98rLcYlo0YROCzQ3XokzsrcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/LEAF%2B5-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="2048" height="255" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-RId9_9K0Q/YFgdlaw20TI/AAAAAAAAHF0/nGPudJs0t98rLcYlo0YROCzQ3XokzsrcgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h255/LEAF%2B5-6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>5) </b>Move the thread to the right. Take the needle to the back on the right outline close against the previous stitch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Emerge to the right of the center line, close against the previous stitch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The thread should be under the needle tip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>6) </b>Pull the thread through.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvPgA8jBBJY/YFgfJf_LVWI/AAAAAAAAHGQ/itNKLv5bSMc8UACO9P9alhDjoCCxjihngCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/leaf%2B7-8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="2048" height="274" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvPgA8jBBJY/YFgfJf_LVWI/AAAAAAAAHGQ/itNKLv5bSMc8UACO9P9alhDjoCCxjihngCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h274/leaf%2B7-8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>6) </b>Continue to repeat steps 3-6 down the shape, placing each stitch closely against the previous so you get the good coverage of the shape.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>7) </b>As you move down the leaf, the stitch crossing the center vein will begin to form a plait.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMKXtliZiI0/YFgfRVdVNUI/AAAAAAAAHGU/QnQ2c4L6ZyAF2PDKU4YQvsJhM0Tfb2njACLcBGAsYHQ/s1043/Fly%2B%2526%2BCretan%2Bleaf.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1043" height="254" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMKXtliZiI0/YFgfRVdVNUI/AAAAAAAAHGU/QnQ2c4L6ZyAF2PDKU4YQvsJhM0Tfb2njACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h254/Fly%2B%2526%2BCretan%2Bleaf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">When you see the Fly Stitch Leaf (left) next to the Cretan Stitch leaf (right), you can see the difference. As I said at the start, what I really like about the Cretan Stitch is the lovely plait that forms down the middle. Aside from that, I find, once you get the hang of it, it is slightly quicker to stitch - but who is in a hurry?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>~ ~ ~ ~ <span style="font-weight: normal;"> Cretan Stitch Leaf </span> ~ ~ ~ ~ </div><div>VARIATION</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I thought, I would have a try using a more open version of Cretan Stitch to fill a leaf. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-scXZN3UYRhg/YFgoS2U9n2I/AAAAAAAAHGw/0PWSOgSGB-kKOrg4myZEh56Ldia3FskSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1932/Leaf%2B-%2Bopen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1219" data-original-width="1932" height="253" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-scXZN3UYRhg/YFgoS2U9n2I/AAAAAAAAHGw/0PWSOgSGB-kKOrg4myZEh56Ldia3FskSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h253/Leaf%2B-%2Bopen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As I mentioned earlier, this stitch does not cover a line, so I had to draw my little leaf differently with no apparent center vein. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I then worked the Cretan Stitch open, as it is normally shown in most stitch books. As you can see it does not cover the lines, so it will need an outline to look really nice. And although I replaced the center line with a double line, the lines are still visible under the stitches.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If I was to use this on a project, I probably wouldn't mark those lines at all, but 'wing' the placement. I do quite like the effect so who knows, you may very well see this version of the Cretan Stitch Leaf in a future project. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TRb_rhiJsE/YFgqHgcqTsI/AAAAAAAAHG8/VJIAxU2lSu0LzOPdW9kDJ2g8Lu4-qofcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_2507%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="1772" height="324" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TRb_rhiJsE/YFgqHgcqTsI/AAAAAAAAHG8/VJIAxU2lSu0LzOPdW9kDJ2g8Lu4-qofcgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h324/IMG_2507%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have been stitching these leaves on a little tree. Since my last post, I started again after adding a few more leaves around the main tree so that I can include some of the stitch variations. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVpoc1bhyD8/YFgqNlpPQEI/AAAAAAAAHHA/_Ape6lZAYbgUEgTB-7QMb6LLvu9Y4clbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s783/drawing-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVpoc1bhyD8/YFgqNlpPQEI/AAAAAAAAHHA/_Ape6lZAYbgUEgTB-7QMb6LLvu9Y4clbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/drawing-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have placed this <a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Wee-Tree-Leaf-Sampler.pdf" target="_blank">FREE Pattern HERE</a> - and I will be adding to it as we finish the last leaves. But it is there, if any of you would like to play along with me. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Until next time.. Have a lovely week everyone.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Anna X</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">. </div></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p></p>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-45551571234469471552021-03-09T10:49:00.005+10:302021-05-01T00:03:18.994+09:30Leaf Sampler - Part 1, Fly Stitch<p>I am still here...</p><p>...and I haven't forgotten you, nor the leaves I promised to show you 'next week'. </p><p>I guess that sometimes life just has different plans but I feel terribly guilty that 'next week' has turned into a month! In fact, I had to check my previous blog post to remember exactly what it was I had intended to show you.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FuZ5cv0M9qk/YEW1IkCe5sI/AAAAAAAAHCQ/TurdZ72B7bAqufsBZnm4Y-Mixzf7J3MugCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_2507%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="1772" height="324" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FuZ5cv0M9qk/YEW1IkCe5sI/AAAAAAAAHCQ/TurdZ72B7bAqufsBZnm4Y-Mixzf7J3MugCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h324/IMG_2507%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Wee Tree Leaf Sampler <br /></b>Fly Stitch; Cretan Stitch and Fishbone Stitch.<br /><a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/free-patterns/" target="_blank">FREE Pattern Download</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;">I had promised: '...<span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 12.1px;">three different stitches for the small leaves (not counting satin stitch) so next week I will show you those three stitches and how they compare and can so easily be interchanged.'</span></p><p style="text-align: left;">Fly stitch; Cretan stitch and Fishbone stitch.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I piled all three into one blogpost, but it ended up going on Foreveeeeerrrrrr....</p><p style="text-align: left;">So I have decided to divide it into three posts, one for each stitch. That way it will also be much easier to find later on if you want to search back to it.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>~ ~ ~ ~ BASIC FLY STITCH </b>~ ~ ~ ~ </p><p style="text-align: left;">Fly stitch is a stand alone stitch. Each stitch is completed before you move on to the next. It could be called 'Y' or 'V' stitch as the shape of the stitch, resembles those two letters.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8FBDFnPzbfY/YEW31ywjpSI/AAAAAAAAHCk/uqzfesOIawc_RUQmDcWm1HgzQ595c4fBACLcBGAsYHQ/s2549/IMG_2508%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="2549" height="183" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8FBDFnPzbfY/YEW31ywjpSI/AAAAAAAAHCk/uqzfesOIawc_RUQmDcWm1HgzQ595c4fBACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h183/IMG_2508%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>1) Bring the thread to the front at A. Take the needle to the back at B and emerge at C. <div>C is midway between and below A and B. Make sure the thread is below the needle tip.</div><div><br /></div><div>2) Take the needle to the back at D, directly below C. </div><div>I refer to this stitch as the 'anchoring stitch' as it secures and completes the fly stitch. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--o7sCF1Q1As/YEW42ZLJ0yI/AAAAAAAAHCs/BAlEMJ2DHO4HIFv0XPfJWMrBS4kWSOVowCLcBGAsYHQ/s1181/IMG_2511%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="1181" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--o7sCF1Q1As/YEW42ZLJ0yI/AAAAAAAAHCs/BAlEMJ2DHO4HIFv0XPfJWMrBS4kWSOVowCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2511%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The appearance of fly stitches can be varied by the length of the anchoring stitch and how deep or shallow the 'V' shaped part of the stitch is. To fill leaves, it is most common to use the version at the bottom in the picture above, where the anchoring stitch only just covers the thread.</div><div><br /></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>~ ~ ~ ~ FLY STITCH LEAVES </b>~ ~ ~ ~ </p><p>Fly stitch is possibly one of the most commonly used stitches for filling small to medium leaves. It is relatively quick and forms a nice center vein down the leaf as you stitch. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3pr9m6nZnbg/YEXByh1bS_I/AAAAAAAAHDE/ctkpJlQqA10jDhtfFpjrviMezH2sZ5HXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2512%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3pr9m6nZnbg/YEXByh1bS_I/AAAAAAAAHDE/ctkpJlQqA10jDhtfFpjrviMezH2sZ5HXgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h240/IMG_2512%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1) <span> </span>I always start my leaves with at straight stitch at the tip. This gives the finished leaf a nice sharp point. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Work the straight stitch from the tip of the leaf to the top of the center vein.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2) <span> </span>The first fly stitch is placed closely around the straight stitch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bring the thread to the front on one side, near the tip (A) and take the need to the back on the other side (B).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTfsgl_r8n4/YEXBy2BG5SI/AAAAAAAAHDI/qN4stVKqeL42TZE6fjzjRGkLUM5UHk6EgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2876/IMG_2516%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="2876" height="244" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTfsgl_r8n4/YEXBy2BG5SI/AAAAAAAAHDI/qN4stVKqeL42TZE6fjzjRGkLUM5UHk6EgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h244/IMG_2516%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3) <span> </span>Bring the needle to the front on the center vein, at the base of the straight stitch (C). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The needle should be through the same hole as the straight stitch and inside the thread loop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4) <span> </span>Pull the thread through so the loop sits snug around the thread. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Take the needle to the back, just below the loop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5) <span> </span>The anchoring stitch should just cover thread.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JzKu6e-ve64/YEXD30nXgVI/AAAAAAAAHDU/qzoCFgLeasQgHXdJWfD-RAfhxuSepuoKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2523%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="2048" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JzKu6e-ve64/YEXD30nXgVI/AAAAAAAAHDU/qzoCFgLeasQgHXdJWfD-RAfhxuSepuoKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h288/IMG_2523%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6 & 7) <span> Repeat steps 3 and 4, stitching through the marked outline for the leaf. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>Make sure the stitch is snug around the first fly stitch.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DavyjthBNMc/YEYKZdOAH3I/AAAAAAAAHDk/7quTRG310yEVBy8J70uKGV_uT7xOMCQHACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2525%2Bcopy%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="2048" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DavyjthBNMc/YEYKZdOAH3I/AAAAAAAAHDk/7quTRG310yEVBy8J70uKGV_uT7xOMCQHACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h246/IMG_2525%2Bcopy%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8 & 9) Continue down the leaf in this way. After a few stitches, you will see the anchoring stitches begin to form a center vein. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>~ ~ ~ ~ Fly Stitch Leaf ~ ~ ~ ~ </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">TIPS & TRICKS</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As with most stitches, a few little tricks can often make all the difference to the finished result.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xKwglWmCmzg/YEYNcRXp3sI/AAAAAAAAHDs/AkhWD764qxIwQK7bWVSnsS99NhkNs2G9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2526%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1272" data-original-width="2048" height="249" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xKwglWmCmzg/YEYNcRXp3sI/AAAAAAAAHDs/AkhWD764qxIwQK7bWVSnsS99NhkNs2G9wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h249/IMG_2526%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tip #1: <span> Keep your stitches nice and close along the sides. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>One of the most common problems with fly stitch leaves, is </span>angle of the fly stitches becoming more and more 'flat' as you near the base of the leaf as shown in the picture(s) above . This happens, when the stitches are not placed close enough along the outer edges of the leaf. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>I use the tip of my needle to feel that I am touching the previous stitch, before pushing the needle through.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bcsEdiLgzx0/YEYOHsuAP_I/AAAAAAAAHD0/GaAjVWfQd30W8aiJ9kAZ_iF2LcP2t1XfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1874/IMG_2531%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1308" data-original-width="1874" height="279" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bcsEdiLgzx0/YEYOHsuAP_I/AAAAAAAAHD0/GaAjVWfQd30W8aiJ9kAZ_iF2LcP2t1XfQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h279/IMG_2531%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tip #2: Lay your stitches. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To lay my stitches into the right position, I start by pulling the thread straight up, away from the fabric (pic 1).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once the thread loop is snug against the thread, I lay it down in the direction towards the base of the leaf. The movement help place the fly stitch nice and evenly flat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AsrtCyc87w/YEYPOcvGJzI/AAAAAAAAHD8/4g5EfTgYl183pDuoy5pFpz9TvdGLAoSVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2534%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1565" data-original-width="2048" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AsrtCyc87w/YEYPOcvGJzI/AAAAAAAAHD8/4g5EfTgYl183pDuoy5pFpz9TvdGLAoSVgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h306/IMG_2534%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tip #3: Finish with straight stitches.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At times the fly stitches will not match the shape of the leaf at the base. Rather than trying to make them fit, use a few straight stitches to fill any extra bits of the leaf.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>~ ~ ~ ~ Fly Stitch Leaf ~ ~ ~ ~ </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">VARIATIONS</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I couldn't help but have a play with the standard fly stitch leaf.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><b>Variation 1</b></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-geSJAm_K6Nk/YEYYCTC7cTI/AAAAAAAAHEI/G0yT5xkzJyshW5iNwpwtOuIir-TvxgZfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2596/IMG_2539%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="2596" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-geSJAm_K6Nk/YEYYCTC7cTI/AAAAAAAAHEI/G0yT5xkzJyshW5iNwpwtOuIir-TvxgZfgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h298/IMG_2539%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div><span>1) <span> </span>If you make the anchoring stitches just a little longer, the fly stitches will be slightly spaces. It gives a nice, more open appearance to the leaf. </span></div><div>2) <span> </span>You could leave the edges open, which does look quite feathery. If you do so, you will need to remember to mark the leaf with a pen that can be erased.</div><div>3)<span> I outlined my leaf with stem stitch (I think it looks a little too heavy).</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Variation 2</b></u></div><div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6DTEjC-GeUM/YEYYCqGWjaI/AAAAAAAAHEM/s_kQMRTvsFs74ih385W57g-CUuQX3AGEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2540/IMG_2540%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="2540" height="312" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6DTEjC-GeUM/YEYYCqGWjaI/AAAAAAAAHEM/s_kQMRTvsFs74ih385W57g-CUuQX3AGEgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h312/IMG_2540%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>1)<span> For this one, I started with a spaced fly stitch in the same way as Variation 1.</span></div><div>2)<span> Use a second thread (I changed colour to get a stripy effect) and place a straight stitch into each of the spaces. It is easiest to work these stitches from the outline into the centre vein to avoid accidentally splitting the previous stitches.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0HDu20lISQ/YEYYCatXysI/AAAAAAAAHEE/GlXZdOzf7ismhv1xPnRoGLdwK4EaS3TggCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2546%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="2048" height="333" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0HDu20lISQ/YEYYCatXysI/AAAAAAAAHEE/GlXZdOzf7ismhv1xPnRoGLdwK4EaS3TggCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h333/IMG_2546%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are the tree side by side; the Standard Fly Stitch Leaf; an Open Fly Stitch Leaf and a Stripy Fly Stitch Leaf. I am sure, there are other variations to the Fly Stitch Leaf theme. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next up is one of my very favorite leaves: Creatan stitch:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div></div>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-62435440277683448512021-02-05T14:33:00.001+10:302021-02-05T14:33:19.965+10:30Crewel Work Reflections<p> I wanted to finish my crewel embroidery inspired by William Morris within a week since my last post (<a href="https://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2021/01/picking-up-where-i-left-off.html" target="_blank">3 weeks ago</a>) and I did - Well almost....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NXesjRMktJs/YBy2GulgJPI/AAAAAAAAG9A/3J1IFSt4IMcshFwCi9ZnYf8XXrTqHw0bgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2099%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1696" data-original-width="2048" height="331" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NXesjRMktJs/YBy2GulgJPI/AAAAAAAAG9A/3J1IFSt4IMcshFwCi9ZnYf8XXrTqHw0bgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h331/IMG_2099%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I had a couple of really good stitching sessions before it again came to a grinding halt. Can you spot that is missing in the picture above?<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkKy_G1Hj4Y/YBy2G2aRCYI/AAAAAAAAG9I/iKdrljuJQZQQ9O-JTMwVihlBJb7XwuC2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_E2083%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1975" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkKy_G1Hj4Y/YBy2G2aRCYI/AAAAAAAAG9I/iKdrljuJQZQQ9O-JTMwVihlBJb7XwuC2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_E2083%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>First; I had quickly completed the three leaves above the main fruit (artichoke, perhaps?) which I stitched in satin stitch with with stem stitch veins.</div><div>All I then had left to embroider were the two flower sprays on either side.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6OAFNek_zY/YBy2GxGwroI/AAAAAAAAG9E/w34Miy6dpEsPQFMh9UjGt4xfpjhebyZogCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_E2086%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1548" data-original-width="1772" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6OAFNek_zY/YBy2GxGwroI/AAAAAAAAG9E/w34Miy6dpEsPQFMh9UjGt4xfpjhebyZogCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_E2086%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>While working on the piece, I had been really unsure about which colours to use for these. When it came to finally stitching them, it suddenly just fell in to place and I used the run of greys with just a little bit of blue-grey accent. </div><div>So far to good, I was on a real roll - the end was in sight. Until....</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVz4nwhQ0rk/YBy76D-nuYI/AAAAAAAAG9w/TmFmskUw2aYWbJQOz2l0LPUkxrhdLKAfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_E2098%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1772" data-original-width="1531" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVz4nwhQ0rk/YBy76D-nuYI/AAAAAAAAG9w/TmFmskUw2aYWbJQOz2l0LPUkxrhdLKAfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_E2098%2Bcopy.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">... I had just three... Just three tiny little petals to go.. and I ran out of that one shade!!! </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>Now you would think that with a stash the size of the stash I tend to have, I would have a skein 'floating' around somewhere, wouldn't you? But no. Isn't it always the way? So irritating.</div><div><br /></div><div>I couldn't get to the shop for a couple of days and when I did - shock, horror - they too were out of stock of that one colour. Sigh! </div><div>A few days later on my way to work, I finally managed to get (the last in stock) colour I needed and finally, finally the piece is finished. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5c4gtqK4S0/YBy4kEP1VMI/AAAAAAAAG9o/xqiTZLf05C09yF0pFX9Oku3haEQlcEnWACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2162%2BWM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="'Reflections' crewel embroidery by Anna Scott" border="0" data-original-height="2029" data-original-width="2048" height="634" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5c4gtqK4S0/YBy4kEP1VMI/AAAAAAAAG9o/xqiTZLf05C09yF0pFX9Oku3haEQlcEnWACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h634/IMG_2162%2BWM.jpg" title="'Reflections' by Anna Scott Embroidery" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;">REFLECTIONS <br />by Anna Scott</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am so happy to have it finished. I was curious (and perhaps even a bit apprehensive) about the colour palette of grey and gold when I started, since it is not colours I have 'played' with before. It has been really interesting working with these shades. At times I was worried the greys would be too bland and drab or the golden yellows too brassy and 'in your face. In the end, I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have even managed to name the piece ~ REFLECTIONS. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I have mentioned before, finding a title I am happy with for my pieces is sometimes a bit of struggle and this one was rather tricky. For some reason, I had in my head that I wanted a single word title.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was thinking about how this design is inspired by William Morris designs and if I could somehow tribute it to Morris. I try not to copy, but there is no way of denying the influence of his design in this piece - a 'Reflection' of my appreciation of his work. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And when I stitch, I think and ponder - my mind goes wandering. While stitching this, there was another Reflection; My thoughts often wandered to a friend of mine, who is dealing with some pretty nasty health issues. A Morris devotee, her love, knowledge and enthusiasm for anything 'Morris' is contagious. I feel this design also is a 'Reflection' of her influence of my appreciation of Morris' work. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I still need to make the panel up and yes, it will be another pillow - although it would make a spectacular large tote bag or chair seat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have started working on instructions and ordered everything I need to make kits for you, so hopefully I will be able to have it in the shop within too long. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the meantime...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Partway through this project, I mentioned doing a little tutorial for how I stitch Cretan stitch leaves. I never got around to it (sorry) but I have been thinking:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In this project, I have used three different stitches for the small leaves (not counting satin stitch) so next week I will show you those three stitches and how they compare and can so easily be interchanged. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay Tuned...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a fabulous weekend. Stay safe & Keep stitching</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anna X</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-27357515841104211422021-01-18T16:13:00.000+10:302021-01-18T16:13:22.314+10:30Picking up where I left off<p style="text-align: center;">I find it hard to believe it is almost a month since I last posted anything! </p><p style="text-align: center;">A bit late, but Happy New Year everyone!</p><p style="text-align: left;">I hope you have arrived well and safe in 2021. I feel quite certain, that I am not the only one, happy to get to the end of 2020 and looking towards the new year with quiet optimism. Sure, it is not going to be quick or easy, but I do think the worse is behind us. Besides, I think if 2020 has taught us anything, it is that we are all a lot better at dealing with change than we were just a short 12 months ago. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5QlCQrLyAss/YAUbqToHJkI/AAAAAAAAG7c/iTseipzKQ9AfZphCPeiiKFXHrVQSvCwHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1959%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1772" data-original-width="1772" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5QlCQrLyAss/YAUbqToHJkI/AAAAAAAAG7c/iTseipzKQ9AfZphCPeiiKFXHrVQSvCwHQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_1959%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had be best intentions to finish my crewel project before the end of the year. You may remember, I finished the lower section midway through December and I felt it would be really nice to able to start the new year without anything left over from 2020. I did try hard to complete the top half of the design between Christmas and New Year but didn't quite make it. </div><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSqGQ0PoO28/YAUcQkPP6KI/AAAAAAAAG7o/de6MKNVga-Uo3QCOz8RaQiwL7o3JgK7nwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Tilly%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSqGQ0PoO28/YAUcQkPP6KI/AAAAAAAAG7o/de6MKNVga-Uo3QCOz8RaQiwL7o3JgK7nwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Tilly%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbike.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tilly is happy to lend a paw around the place. Especially if it involves chasing sticks or getting a ride on the quad looking for rabbits. </td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>We left for the family beach house straight after and I haven't picked up my needle again until last week. The beach house, is the only place Adrian and I go and do absolutely nothing. It was wonderful and much needed. No chores, no computer, I (almost) didn't checked emails and hardly opened my phone for almost a week. Bliss! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tC3oOrN-QkE/YAUehL-s5MI/AAAAAAAAG74/cQQH8Z1t68ISAey_HDjb1mS-AWrihiKfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Wedding%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1399" data-original-width="2048" height="274" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tC3oOrN-QkE/YAUehL-s5MI/AAAAAAAAG74/cQQH8Z1t68ISAey_HDjb1mS-AWrihiKfQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h274/Wedding%2Bcollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Back home, this time of year is busy in the vineyard and in the garden and, oh we had a wedding last week. Our eldest son and his sweet girlfriend got married on Saturday - YEAH! It was a gorgeous wedding, I didn't know he was such a sweet, romantic softie!! Of course, they both looked beautiful, the ceremony was so touching, the venue fabulous and the party that followed simply so much fun. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDmmUj3N8dw/YAUfOLuCxdI/AAAAAAAAG8A/QKl5rwgKM8sZPQjQKuE523gUeCAOX3fAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1960_copu_WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2012" data-original-width="2048" height="393" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WDmmUj3N8dw/YAUfOLuCxdI/AAAAAAAAG8A/QKl5rwgKM8sZPQjQKuE523gUeCAOX3fAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h393/IMG_1960_copu_WM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>With all the festivities behind us, I think it is time for me to seriously get on with things.. first thing being finishing the crewel project. It has now been on my frame for much longer than I like so my goal for this week is to finish. As you can see, all I have left to do the three leaves above the main flower (or pomegranate perhaps?) and smaller flowers on either side. How hard can it be!? Let's see how I go! </p><p>Have a wonderful week everyone! Stay well, Stay safe & Keep stitching,</p><p>Anna XX</p><p><br /></p>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-68653911276979393982020-12-24T15:36:00.000+10:302020-12-24T15:36:43.726+10:30Good health & happiness <p></p><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">I wish you all a </span></i></h2><h1 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Safe and Happy Christmas!</span></i></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awLELza24uw/X-QcMSLqLnI/AAAAAAAAG6A/zTSAsrYi7ZIbxdwfDrl7hTDM0co15CJvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s772/Christmas%2B2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="772" height="516" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awLELza24uw/X-QcMSLqLnI/AAAAAAAAG6A/zTSAsrYi7ZIbxdwfDrl7hTDM0co15CJvwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h516/Christmas%2B2020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tonight our little family will be enjoying Christmas Ever together. Just Adrian & I, our boys and partners. It is small. It is (relatively) quiet. It is special and I am grateful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~ ~ ~ </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wish you all a Happy & Joyful Festive Season in whichever shape and form it may be. Look after yourselves and your loved ones, even if that means being apart for a bit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have lived a long, long way away from my maternal family for more than half of my life. I still miss being with them this time of year - it doesn't get any easier. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To everyone who are unable to spend the festive season with their loved ones, perhaps for the first time, I know how tricky it can be and I hope you can find alternative ways to stay connected and together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Warm Wishes,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anna XX</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-57057721040051306572020-12-14T17:16:00.000+10:302020-12-14T17:16:13.993+10:30 Now where was I...???? <p>I never intended to have a break from this project, but it has been a couple of months or more since I last worked on it.</p><p>I do remember, I had a very clear idea how I was going to stitch the remaining elements in this design - trouble is, I don't remember what those great plans were.... ups!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ8Ltp5NfgE/X9cE9Ep0EHI/AAAAAAAAG4s/lXia_7iMlg0KL-xM4qUXVkZoJN2Hs42pgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1861%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1777" data-original-width="2048" height="348" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ8Ltp5NfgE/X9cE9Ep0EHI/AAAAAAAAG4s/lXia_7iMlg0KL-xM4qUXVkZoJN2Hs42pgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h348/IMG_1861%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I rarely tend to make notes or stitch plans in advance, but this time I really wish I had! Luckily, I had at least marked out some little details on the next elements, before the project was suddenly side-lined.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4S1hhx0XiE/X9cIA6pU9OI/AAAAAAAAG48/XRos49IqS34weQZubb0aoPIE8U7a0wL0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1864%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1626" data-original-width="1772" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4S1hhx0XiE/X9cIA6pU9OI/AAAAAAAAG48/XRos49IqS34weQZubb0aoPIE8U7a0wL0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1864%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After scratching my head for a little while, I remembered...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grVZmeYcpgo/X9cIA5F8BNI/AAAAAAAAG44/UZ3iXHlScSA7eJqlysAIxCCLYWy11iyLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1872%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="1772" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grVZmeYcpgo/X9cIA5F8BNI/AAAAAAAAG44/UZ3iXHlScSA7eJqlysAIxCCLYWy11iyLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1872%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The plan was to fill the group of leaves with fly stitch, shading from the blue-grey at the lowest points through the three shades of green. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It feels really good to be back working on this project. With this section finished, the lower half of the design is complete.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-klHsC-sGCjs/X9cIAzaxDaI/AAAAAAAAG40/0bprtq681moVpK_lBte3jE3CjIyDnSUbACLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1871%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1649" data-original-width="1772" height="373" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-klHsC-sGCjs/X9cIAzaxDaI/AAAAAAAAG40/0bprtq681moVpK_lBte3jE3CjIyDnSUbACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h373/IMG_1871%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Now I will turn it 'on it's head' and start working on the elements at the top (easier than reaching all the way across). Now I just need to remember what the plan for those were....?<div><br /></div><div>Have a lovely week everyone. </div><div>Anna X<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-8387709881265026702020-12-08T16:29:00.000+10:302020-12-08T16:29:04.995+10:30It's a Juggle<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> He is finished.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dSNGUCRvWBQ/X88Rb36k7mI/AAAAAAAAG34/IXpC3dfDc-QOs-bhdq0tyVJ9FueuW3F4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1854_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1772" data-original-width="1772" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dSNGUCRvWBQ/X88Rb36k7mI/AAAAAAAAG34/IXpC3dfDc-QOs-bhdq0tyVJ9FueuW3F4QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_1854_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">It has taken me ages, with so many other projects in between, but he is finally done.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The bead buttons and belt. Then the hair and the jester's crown. For the crown, I had to turn him on his head and stitched the longest needlewoven picots and added bells (gold beads) at the tips.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0oJo9VuLtXY/X88SVT8OSLI/AAAAAAAAG4I/1li9nGXFJ8cU6DtJ_gpsGcRYKx-ghpbsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1942/IMG_1849%2B1%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1942" data-original-width="1772" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0oJo9VuLtXY/X88SVT8OSLI/AAAAAAAAG4I/1li9nGXFJ8cU6DtJ_gpsGcRYKx-ghpbsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1849%2B1%2Bcopy.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">He wears shiny golden slippers on his feet - Perfect for skipping along the path.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1a8pEquRN9E/X88SzBoD04I/AAAAAAAAG4Q/ECH2eOE8qIMPzkuiuyJQ19JgQtoKa1jagCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1856%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1235" data-original-width="1772" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1a8pEquRN9E/X88SzBoD04I/AAAAAAAAG4Q/ECH2eOE8qIMPzkuiuyJQ19JgQtoKa1jagCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1856%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">He looks pretty pleased with his final outfit, don't you think?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HRiEf-kzgxg/X88R_JEEnzI/AAAAAAAAG4A/0ylAJJSUtsEVYez0p89E9XhfAwoHOVQdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1852%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1772" data-original-width="1772" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HRiEf-kzgxg/X88R_JEEnzI/AAAAAAAAG4A/0ylAJJSUtsEVYez0p89E9XhfAwoHOVQdgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_1852%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">So now, he is ready to head to framer so I can have him ready for where he is going next. I think, I can safely tell you. I decided a little while back that wanted to give him to my eldest son and my very soon to be daughter-in-law when they tie the knot. (as so many other weddings it was postponed, so my other finishing job was to change the date on it. - They better not change it again). </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YA_grV9Nj6s/X88UWkdxLlI/AAAAAAAAG4Y/9CKsXo7XdXgacR9Say7n0YmjPM61JI80gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1860%2Bcopy_WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1510" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YA_grV9Nj6s/X88UWkdxLlI/AAAAAAAAG4Y/9CKsXo7XdXgacR9Say7n0YmjPM61JI80gCLcBGAsYHQ/w472-h640/IMG_1860%2Bcopy_WM.jpg" width="472" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope they will like it.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I have called this piece 'It's a Juggle' - that is life, isn't it? </p><p style="text-align: center;">The trick is to remember to pick up the balls when we drop them. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Have a great week everyone, and thank you for stopping by.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Best Stitches,</p><p style="text-align: left;">Anna X</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-54773468691740711872020-12-02T18:14:00.006+10:302020-12-02T20:40:52.699+10:30Change of plans<p style="text-align: left;">Things this week didn't quite go to plan. I kept meaning to get back to the juggler, but there were always other little (and bigger) jobs that I just had to deal with first - before I knew it, another week had passed by.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I did finish something else though. Remember the Little Mermaid? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW8vxWffHB8/X8c3y-DDKXI/AAAAAAAAG10/Ghh7cnDd4q46Pri11W_7zUulXzbNAZlRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P6230383%2BWM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Little Mermaid, Goldwork embroidery" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2029" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW8vxWffHB8/X8c3y-DDKXI/AAAAAAAAG10/Ghh7cnDd4q46Pri11W_7zUulXzbNAZlRwCLcBGAsYHQ/w396-h400/P6230383%2BWM.jpg" title="The Little Mermaid by Anna Scott" width="396" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">She has been pinned to pin board for months. I enjoyed looking at it there, but it did need to finished off properly. </p><p style="text-align: left;">So during the week, I dusted off my sewing machine and finally got around to turning her into a little pillow. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lx05rhn-zTg/X8c4ZHwag3I/AAAAAAAAG18/zN1ZV7lytI4K9613hKLoLck3OjhbR1GcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1768%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lx05rhn-zTg/X8c4ZHwag3I/AAAAAAAAG18/zN1ZV7lytI4K9613hKLoLck3OjhbR1GcQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_1768%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I deliberately kept it pretty simple using a natural coloured linen for the back and piping. </p><p style="text-align: center;">It looks rather nice on our sofa.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmUL1-P5ytI/X8c43MwSxeI/AAAAAAAAG2E/K0V_6LU2hWo7EgyZC2T0qtxyvFHShU93QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2012" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmUL1-P5ytI/X8c43MwSxeI/AAAAAAAAG2E/K0V_6LU2hWo7EgyZC2T0qtxyvFHShU93QCLcBGAsYHQ/w393-h400/IMG_1760.jpg" width="393" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But it is not staying there. I can't tell you where it is going.. you know - just in case.</div><p style="text-align: center;">~ ~ ~ </p><p style="text-align: left;">I have had another 'little' side project on the go for some time now and it is almost finished.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Qnjf5GE47c/X8c_-KCBYLI/AAAAAAAAG20/F-T1u5PFBgoWOhEQlyAtWpQAEMmchtUCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1837%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Qnjf5GE47c/X8c_-KCBYLI/AAAAAAAAG20/F-T1u5PFBgoWOhEQlyAtWpQAEMmchtUCwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_1837%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Another thing on my pinboard above my desk is this quote:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>"We don't stop playing because we grow old;</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>We grow old because we stop playing" </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- George Bernard Shaw</div><p style="text-align: left;">You see, when I don't stitch, or am at work, or tinker in my garden, or tend my veggie patch or help with what needs to be done in the vineyard... I play. </p><p style="text-align: left;">It all started a few years ago, when I needed a serious distraction. So I built myself a dolls house. It is just a small house. It has a toyshop on the bottom floor, a living room above and a student lodger living in the attic room. You can see my Toy House <a href="https://wheresmallthingslive.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> here.</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv_ZNGaLieQ/X8dAPTcG9LI/AAAAAAAAG3E/col4_HmLVGEIQi5urClFEy-R1w3QZlUkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1488" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv_ZNGaLieQ/X8dAPTcG9LI/AAAAAAAAG3E/col4_HmLVGEIQi5urClFEy-R1w3QZlUkwCLcBGAsYHQ/w290-h400/IMG_1840.jpg" width="290" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">The picture of is of a little rug I have been stitching for the apartment above the shop. And yes, it is cross stitch - Tiny cross stitch. There is no exact thread count because I am stitching onto calico! I had a piece in my stash with a weave that resembles Aida cloth. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I had found this picture of an antique rug online. I really liked it and used that as the basic idea. It is not an exact match, but close. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ceX6w9EskyE/X8dAEgHOctI/AAAAAAAAG24/KFK-MOVBcfYLCbnYIUS673J2OXk-0Ta5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s768/Antique%2BBergama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ceX6w9EskyE/X8dAEgHOctI/AAAAAAAAG24/KFK-MOVBcfYLCbnYIUS673J2OXk-0Ta5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Antique%2BBergama.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't do any cross stitch in 'real life' (full size), but I have been having fun tinkering with this on-and-off. Mind you, I must admit that with just one last border to finish, I am looking forward to having it finished. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fmqUgw_4uCU/X8c_HKsXpwI/AAAAAAAAG2s/XlOpioi9h9gqIFbtC321KRgxeg2MysR9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fmqUgw_4uCU/X8c_HKsXpwI/AAAAAAAAG2s/XlOpioi9h9gqIFbtC321KRgxeg2MysR9gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_1835.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Next week is definitely back to the Juggler - He too needs to be finished!</p><p style="text-align: left;">If you are starting something, finished something or steadily beavering away in the middle of something - I hope you have an enjoyable week doing what you enjoy.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Stay Safe & Keep Stitching,</p><p style="text-align: left;">Anna X</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-52320167530354383672020-11-20T18:39:00.007+10:302020-11-20T18:39:54.254+10:30It's a Wrap<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ever since wrapping all the wee <a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/product/happy-holly/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Happy Holly</span></b></a> and <a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/product/merry-mistletoe/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Merry Mistletoe</span></b></a> berries for the New Christmas Ornaments, I have been looking forward to wrapping more beads for something entirely different. Guess what these are for?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04PEsh4CxEc/X7dhnKpv0XI/AAAAAAAAGww/liOZeBOjKNQqarU82Ats7TJsr_12xac0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1818" data-original-width="2048" height="355" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04PEsh4CxEc/X7dhnKpv0XI/AAAAAAAAGww/liOZeBOjKNQqarU82Ats7TJsr_12xac0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h355/IMG_1740.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I mentioned in the last post, wrapping beads it slightly fiddly but oh, so satisfying and fun. So with all my silk threads happily spread all over my desk, I had a lovely time playing with bright, cheerful colours and making striped beads. I used variegated silk for some, plain for others and carefully made the red and pink ball by wrapping the bead in alternating bands of colour. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JIGYx9pi40k/X7dhv3EwJgI/AAAAAAAAGw0/UyGULHgYJSIPxVfkna61CvsN5xF4Z4ieACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1710" data-original-width="2048" height="334" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JIGYx9pi40k/X7dhv3EwJgI/AAAAAAAAGw0/UyGULHgYJSIPxVfkna61CvsN5xF4Z4ieACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h334/IMG_1741.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This time, I wrapped over wooden beads in two different sizes, 6mm (1/4") and 8mm (5/16"). The photo with the beads next to my embroidery scissors give a bit on an idea of the size. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And this is where they are going...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IAvyeATaeL4/X7diAuoq3oI/AAAAAAAAGw8/FGrr1huuhQUal6lDYfSOR2FxiKMzhvNAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IAvyeATaeL4/X7diAuoq3oI/AAAAAAAAGw8/FGrr1huuhQUal6lDYfSOR2FxiKMzhvNAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_1744.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As much, as I am itching to get back to my <a href="https://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2020/10/some-crewel-progress.html" target="_blank">crewel embroidery</a>, I do need to finish this project first. I don't have much to do: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. The juggler needs a hat. My initial idea didn't work out and I haven't attempted anything since. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. His coat needs a belt of some sort and depending on how the hat, hair and ears work out, I think his coat might need some kind of collar - oh, and of course </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. Buttons. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then the balls can be attached and he is finished. So, really - there is not much left for me to do. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have been having the most gorgeous spring weather the last few days, so my mornings have been spent in the garden. Tomorrow will be hot and windy though, so I will be putting all the little bits and pieces for the New Kits into bags. It is always a nice feeling when they are all packaged up and looking lovely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay Safe & Keep Stitching,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anna X</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-27512500808342837922020-11-16T16:43:00.005+10:302020-11-16T16:43:44.288+10:30Wearing many hats<p>It has been (much) longer than intended and I think I have worn every single one of my many hats since I last showed you what I was up to.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Now where was I? ... oh, Yes</p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I stitched the second decoration with a sprig of Holly in addition to the Mistletoe, I showed you </span><a href="Mistletoe & Holly" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">last</a><span style="text-align: left;">.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-W7AshsKkg/X6zZ--wI9nI/AAAAAAAAGu8/tXZ_GEkq03Q5o1Hf5V-xR9VG20XG2OFqACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1631.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-W7AshsKkg/X6zZ--wI9nI/AAAAAAAAGu8/tXZ_GEkq03Q5o1Hf5V-xR9VG20XG2OFqACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_1631.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><p style="text-align: center;">... and now have: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Happy Holly & Merry Mistletoe</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uGDTMFgwFs4/X7IRVLtaDOI/AAAAAAAAGvY/RdnKk5RqCKcGzY1L946vOz1VKTEF4V6bgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1202/Holly_Web_WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="1202" height="395" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uGDTMFgwFs4/X7IRVLtaDOI/AAAAAAAAGvY/RdnKk5RqCKcGzY1L946vOz1VKTEF4V6bgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h395/Holly_Web_WM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8qcatTk26aU/X7IRX4PjRgI/AAAAAAAAGvc/5ljMlHRUomorwjqgbbl_xYpqnmvjmo-FQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/Mistletoe_Web%2BWM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8qcatTk26aU/X7IRX4PjRgI/AAAAAAAAGvc/5ljMlHRUomorwjqgbbl_xYpqnmvjmo-FQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/Mistletoe_Web%2BWM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">After finishing my little Christmas decorations. I was so busy to start work on the kits, I completely forgot to show you the finished decorations. Sorry.</div><p style="text-align: left;">It is hard from the pictures to tell, but these ornaments are only small, just under 7cm (2 3/4") - the size of a medium size bauble, I guess. The pair of embroidery scissors might give you a bit of an idea.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LsjP2Wf8Hgs/X6zZ8rRfIBI/AAAAAAAAGu0/uAmbmxMlJsgp50tGgO0QtizHZnIO59kLACLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/IMG_1619%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1500" height="330" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LsjP2Wf8Hgs/X6zZ8rRfIBI/AAAAAAAAGu0/uAmbmxMlJsgp50tGgO0QtizHZnIO59kLACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h330/IMG_1619%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">As you may know, I usually like to 'play' with lots of different stitches. This time though, I wanted to keep it a bit more simple, so I have embroidered each using mostly very basic embroidery stitches and only simple raised embroidery techniques. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Both decorations are embroidered very similarly with <a href="https://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2014/03/detached-leaf-soft-edges.html" target="_blank">Wired Leaves</a> added for dimension. I have also used the same colour scheme, only of course the Holly has cheery red berries and the Mistletoe glistening white berries. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DoKU6mo7amk/X7IQXByXBYI/AAAAAAAAGvQ/kowKVXqPEdwpL_V7Qb3WdMc-eslmXIqTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1630%2Bcopy_WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="2048" height="291" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DoKU6mo7amk/X7IQXByXBYI/AAAAAAAAGvQ/kowKVXqPEdwpL_V7Qb3WdMc-eslmXIqTgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h291/IMG_1630%2Bcopy_WM.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">The berries are made by wrapping beads with silk thread - they are fun but a tad fiddely to make. You can find a picture step-by-step of how to make Wrapped Bead Berries <a href="https://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2014/04/wrapped-bead-berry.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </p><p style="text-align: left;">As soon as I had put down my needle after finishing the decorations, I took off my 'Embroidery hat' and started working on all the other little bits and pieces that needs to be done to make the projects available as kits for you to make your own. Although I have now done this many times, I am always taken by surprise just how many 'loose ends' needs to be tied before it all comes together. This is a time when I wear my 'Writers-hat', my 'Graphics-hat' and my (not-so-well-fitting) 'Photography-hat'. I am always relieved when I can put those hats back on their hooks LOL.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ </b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;">Midway though that part of 'the production', I dusted of my 'teaching-hat' (YEAH!) and headed to Canberra for quick weekend workshop. It was <u>wonderful</u>! </p><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/HERO_sml2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="800" height="384" src="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/HERO_sml2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over the Pond, <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Silk embroidery, 19cm (7 1/2”) in diameter.</span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="text-align: left;">The group at the Embroiderers' Guild of the ACT had invited me to guide them through <a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/product/over-the-pond/" target="_blank">OVER THE POND</a>. I designed this project particularly to practice long & short stitch (soft shading) and satin stitch. For that I have put together a step-by-step explanation on Long & Short Stitch. You can <a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Long-short-stitch_Step-By_Step.pdf" target="_blank">Download it Here</a> if you like. </p><p style="text-align: left;">It was a lovely couple of days and at the end we had room full of happily hovering dragonflies. Still more to come, but everyone is well underway. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6cE_UQi-pw/X7IRrSGw5aI/AAAAAAAAGvo/DdGbBdroD-4LLFlPah6Oj4epHLpn9lbdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Over%2Bthe%2BPond%2Bclass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1671" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6cE_UQi-pw/X7IRrSGw5aI/AAAAAAAAGvo/DdGbBdroD-4LLFlPah6Oj4epHLpn9lbdQCLcBGAsYHQ/w326-h400/Over%2Bthe%2BPond%2Bclass.jpg" width="326" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">I cannot tell you how nice it was to 'get back out there'. - Thank you so much Ladies for the invitation and for making me feel so welcome and at home !</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ </b></span></p><div style="text-align: center;">Back home & Back to the kits.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5vjJmvHtik/X7IUuhANEbI/AAAAAAAAGvw/Ifv2LiPbSPwqIrWQn3Mn9dIKy-QQZ1i1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1731%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1702" data-original-width="2048" height="333" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5vjJmvHtik/X7IUuhANEbI/AAAAAAAAGvw/Ifv2LiPbSPwqIrWQn3Mn9dIKy-QQZ1i1wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h333/IMG_1731%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Most of the silks arrived from France in just under 3 weeks, which is amazing considering post is still unpredictable and often taking longer than usual. SO I have put on my 'Packing hat' and we are starting to put the kits together - yeah. </div><p style="text-align: left;">It now feels like it is Christmas 'in a minute' and Oh, how I wish it has struck earlier and I had made these kit 2 months ago! It frustrates me to no end that the likelihood of getting kits shipped overseas and stitched in time for (this) Christmas, is not very, very poor - I guess the only good thing is - it will be Christmas again next year. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you are all keeping safe and well in this strange and somewhat unpredictable time we live in. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Look after your selves and each other.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Best Stitches,</p><div style="text-align: center;">Anna X </div></div>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-71729000985162975072020-10-19T16:45:00.003+10:302020-10-19T16:45:37.658+10:30Mistletoe & Holly <p>I wish, I had thought of this earlier...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FqtIEe2dqSY/X40jyMpbtVI/AAAAAAAAGsg/-_TO2-CRUs05JDKefAFb_WFDNYwLfnJ8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1554%2528copy%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1772" data-original-width="1772" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FqtIEe2dqSY/X40jyMpbtVI/AAAAAAAAGsg/-_TO2-CRUs05JDKefAFb_WFDNYwLfnJ8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_1554%2528copy%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>A few weeks ago I saw this beautiful Liberty Christmas print. The pattern of Mistletoe & Holly is just so pretty and the colours are so 'my favorite' - I couldn't help but buy a piece. <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLzJwRNheQU/X40jx6nQqcI/AAAAAAAAGsc/pPvz6Na795sAfhNtw5w5yy9ZF381N5QKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1551%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1772" height="258" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLzJwRNheQU/X40jx6nQqcI/AAAAAAAAGsc/pPvz6Na795sAfhNtw5w5yy9ZF381N5QKQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h258/IMG_1551%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>It was not part of my plan to stitch any Christmas projects this year, and I really, really want to finish my Crewel embroidery, but Christmas is 'in a minute, so here I go...<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-437xuvWhtXw/X40jy1hpOEI/AAAAAAAAGsk/qR0rrEfFsd8eFkEStIhq2EkNgSuP09FRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s3024/IMG_1559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-437xuvWhtXw/X40jy1hpOEI/AAAAAAAAGsk/qR0rrEfFsd8eFkEStIhq2EkNgSuP09FRwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_1559.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am going to make a pair of ornaments in raised embroidery. One will have a Mistletoe and the other a sprig of Holly. They are only small so (in theory) they shouldn't take too long to stitch and make. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Above are the detached leaves for the Mistletoe. For these wee leaves, I have wired the edges because I didn't want a defined centre vein.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am using shades of soft blue-grey Au ver a Soie stranded silk and a tiny touches of fine silver metallic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FfaYbi67mIo/X40n1SxvgBI/AAAAAAAAGs0/RJ1EFIqr4tE0xlmbG57J5AoqnYdg1jymQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1592%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1473" data-original-width="1772" height="333" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FfaYbi67mIo/X40n1SxvgBI/AAAAAAAAGs0/RJ1EFIqr4tE0xlmbG57J5AoqnYdg1jymQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h333/IMG_1592%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Holly leaves are slightly larger. For these, I have wired the center vein - it would be way too difficult (read: near impossible) to get points on the edges of the leaves if I had to shape a wire along it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had taken step-by-step photos on my phone (the camera died and I haven't bought a new one yet) with the plan of showing you how I did them. Sadly the photos are not all that good so I don't want to use them here. I did put them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/annascottembroideryanddesign/posts/3392070994195622" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGePb0lnvfU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">Instagram</a> with a brief description, so you can see them there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_K1AV7NEWWU/X40r25e3y-I/AAAAAAAAGtI/S_eyIlPddawqx3Y6orntiiE2QaAp_GxiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1611%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1772" height="279" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_K1AV7NEWWU/X40r25e3y-I/AAAAAAAAGtI/S_eyIlPddawqx3Y6orntiiE2QaAp_GxiQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h279/IMG_1611%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I finished the main embroidery for the mistletoe today. As I said, it is only small - 6.5cm (2 1/2") in diameter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcnI4yVYKzo/X40rpfYW8dI/AAAAAAAAGtE/eE-xerBvYyoa5ZN5RRaZXF1m_3_9gfVIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1612%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1772" data-original-width="1772" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcnI4yVYKzo/X40rpfYW8dI/AAAAAAAAGtE/eE-xerBvYyoa5ZN5RRaZXF1m_3_9gfVIQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_1612%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It is stitched on a very pale blue-grey silk, but for a bit of extra sparkle I have sprinkled tiny silver cross stitches over the back ground.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTdQREBoIvM/X40rpIFX2iI/AAAAAAAAGs8/tVgXaF5snxIErZasLpwUBwV6EJT5wE_NACLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1614%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1394" data-original-width="1772" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTdQREBoIvM/X40rpIFX2iI/AAAAAAAAGs8/tVgXaF5snxIErZasLpwUBwV6EJT5wE_NACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h315/IMG_1614%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are the detached leaves next to the main piece. Now I need to decide how to make the berries.. pearl or silk-wrapped beads....?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vrvgvq-vJT0/X40tWzwLXEI/AAAAAAAAGtY/45AetaYjtkYXLhrAIbBpWE-4a7YVL2ibgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1772" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vrvgvq-vJT0/X40tWzwLXEI/AAAAAAAAGtY/45AetaYjtkYXLhrAIbBpWE-4a7YVL2ibgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h398/IMG_1607.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On our morning walks, Tilly and I often meet a little koala - I have named him Karl. Most days, he will be sleeping in a tree but today we met him 'between trees'. They really are funny things, koalas. He wasn't too fussed at all by Tilly, as long as she wasn't too bouncy (which is really, really, really hard for a Kelpie). She even sat still for along enough for me to snap a quick pic. He even let her come close enough for a little sniff. She would never hurt him, but she did want to play and if you have ever seen the claws on a koala, you will know that they can be an almighty weapon if they need to be. In the end, Karl was not one bit interested in playing chase and went up his tree. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you are all keeping safe and well wherever you are. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Best Stitches,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anna X</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-36159404513435395092020-10-10T15:31:00.000+10:302020-10-10T15:31:54.767+10:30Sometimes things happens in Threes<p> I left you last time with a promise of some exciting news - There are three bits of news really.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZZh9k9Vco4/X4EJivlqKaI/AAAAAAAAGrc/G0dhADzLOKUMep_x_iapO2c748k0l5PpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/P3010386%2Bpick-up%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1991" data-original-width="2000" height="399" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZZh9k9Vco4/X4EJivlqKaI/AAAAAAAAGrc/G0dhADzLOKUMep_x_iapO2c748k0l5PpwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h399/P3010386%2Bpick-up%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b>First bit of News</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">(exciting for me) is that I have a sparkly <a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/" target="_blank">NEW WEBSITE</a>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="2211" height="60" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDCZw8XPF6I/X4EN6akni4I/AAAAAAAAGrk/Za11S00SQCobgb0bAeBgTBjaZKt9HoVnQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h60/AS%2BFFS%2BBanner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It wasn't my intention to re-do the website. It was kind of like when you decide to paint the bedrooms and end up renovating the entire house! My new home doesn't look so very different, more like a 'tidy-up', except one thing: I now have a my own <a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/studio-shop/" target="_blank">STUDIO SHOP</a>. </p><p>I have been wanting to add my shop to my website for some time, but I kept putting it in the 'too hard basket'. When I finally made the decision to 'bite the bullet', my idea was just to open a shop on my exciting site. After chatting to my <a href="https://thewebnerd.com.au/" target="_blank">WebNerd</a> - it made sense to start again (something I really, really, really didn't want to do because I knew it would be a big job) and I found myself redoing the whole kit and caboodle. Boy, am I glad to now hang my 'webmaster' hat on the hook for awhile.</p><p>I have had plenty of moments over the past few month, asking myself, WHY? Why did I embark on this massive task?</p><p></p><ol><li>I have always wanted my shop to be on my website. When I started making my embroidery kits available, it all seemed a little scary, so I opened my shop on Etsy where all the tech stuff is taken care off. It worked and I didn't have to worry about it, but...</li><li>My little shop on Etsy is great BUT (sadly) since I first opened my 'doors' Etsy has made changes and bit by bit increased what they charge for their services (services shop owners have no control over). Don't get me wrong, I do like Etsy and I do browse and shop there, but it has become a very expensive way to run a shop. </li></ol><p></p><p>So, here I am, at the other side of a big 'make over' - I know full well, I could not have done any of it without all of you! Without the amazing support from all of you, I would not be doing what I do! I feel so privileged and grateful, so..</p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"> THANK YOU! </span></h3><div style="text-align: center;">Since I can't Thank You with a grand opening serving champagne and canapes, I want to WELCOME you to my new space with a special Thank You of <b><span style="color: #990000;">10% off</span></b> when you order from the <a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/studio-shop/" target="_blank">New Studio Shop</a>. All you need to do, is use the <span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>Coupon Code:</b> </span><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">WELCOME</span> </b>at the check out (it doesn't expire).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7wpODMsuNo/X4E8GNxX_yI/AAAAAAAAGr8/9m4d_3PCfuoUuoXFOdFhUjd88_k3B-n6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s3276/Banner_back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="204" data-original-width="3276" height="40" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7wpODMsuNo/X4E8GNxX_yI/AAAAAAAAGr8/9m4d_3PCfuoUuoXFOdFhUjd88_k3B-n6gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h40/Banner_back.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Second (and third) bit of News</span></b></h3><div style="text-align: center;">You may have wondered what Mother Hen at the start of the post has got to do with the Studio Shop! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3sPUDAd0AY/X4E0e7Wku5I/AAAAAAAAGrw/Igzp1dX_T7E_TmmqSP-ZA84IkihrujUhACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1887" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3sPUDAd0AY/X4E0e7Wku5I/AAAAAAAAGrw/Igzp1dX_T7E_TmmqSP-ZA84IkihrujUhACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1232.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The kits are (finally) available - Hurray!!!</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Both the kit for <a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/product/mother-hen-periwinkle/" target="_blank">Mother Hen & Periwinkle</a> and the smaller <a href="https://annascottembroidery.com.au/product/mother-hen-periwinkle/" target="_blank">Mother Hen Needle Book</a> have been SO long in the making and I appreciate the patience of those of you who have been asking for them.</div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBT1pZhtTtE/X4E0cZBSkkI/AAAAAAAAGrs/f-YV_D17PH0yz2LoJfXK6onezjqLpyNBACLcBGAsYHQ/s2761/Mother%2BHen%2Bx%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="2761" height="264" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBT1pZhtTtE/X4E0cZBSkkI/AAAAAAAAGrs/f-YV_D17PH0yz2LoJfXK6onezjqLpyNBACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h264/Mother%2BHen%2Bx%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Today is the first day (apart from my break) in a very long time, where I have the satisfying feeling of having finished something. It's a nice feeling. The nice feeling of having finished and the even nicer feeling to knowing I can now get on with some of the embroidery projects that have been on the 'back burner'. </p><p>For know, I am going to enjoy the weekend. I hope you do too. </p><p>Best Stitches,</p><p>Anna X</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-23278390215084750282020-10-05T17:14:00.007+10:302020-10-05T17:14:53.490+10:30Some Crewel progress<p> I have made a bit of progress on my (still to be names...) Morris inspired crewel piece. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIulr5M3mYE/X3q7MX-5L4I/AAAAAAAAGqg/0Cbj8L7b_scdhqQ_sGELXEUWjt4HNcpBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1092/IMG_1535%2Bcopy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="883" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIulr5M3mYE/X3q7MX-5L4I/AAAAAAAAGqg/0Cbj8L7b_scdhqQ_sGELXEUWjt4HNcpBwCLcBGAsYHQ/w324-h400/IMG_1535%2Bcopy3.jpg" width="324" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">In fact looking back at </span><a href="https://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2020/08/changing-projects.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">the last post</a><span style="text-align: left;"> I shared with you, I have made more progress than I thought. First I stitched the mirrored set of daisies and those 'knotty' fruit (I think, I will decide they are persimmons) to complete all the elements across the middle of the design.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Bf8QggEQmA/X3q4AV180lI/AAAAAAAAGp8/ew74jnhtUTwC9FbXu2o-5x1n3e73_WPrACLcBGAsYHQ/s1921/IMG_1217%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1921" data-original-width="1772" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Bf8QggEQmA/X3q4AV180lI/AAAAAAAAGp8/ew74jnhtUTwC9FbXu2o-5x1n3e73_WPrACLcBGAsYHQ/w369-h400/IMG_1217%2Bcopy.jpg" width="369" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I am itching the embroidery the large artichoke shape at the top, but decided to finish the lower half of the design first. Next up was the lower leaves and flower buds.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GATox0zjpzo/X3q4AEeu0TI/AAAAAAAAGp4/XSUnTGua7m4aVXCOan1Y7Z4JsMDjQnMLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1525%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1655" data-original-width="1772" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GATox0zjpzo/X3q4AEeu0TI/AAAAAAAAGp4/XSUnTGua7m4aVXCOan1Y7Z4JsMDjQnMLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1525%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I stitched the leaves in chain stitch, grading the rows through the grey shades. I am still surprised how 'colour full' grey can be. I wanted these leaves not to be too heavy looking, so rather than filling them with solid stitching, I added some simple veins and little detached chain leaves. </div><div>I was being good this time, stitching both leaves before moving on to the next.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWJnVCSNs7U/X3q6nlq385I/AAAAAAAAGqY/oqvkysdwL38vzrFpdxaSuH0-YytlGrODQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1528%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="1772" height="386" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWJnVCSNs7U/X3q6nlq385I/AAAAAAAAGqY/oqvkysdwL38vzrFpdxaSuH0-YytlGrODQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h386/IMG_1528%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I find that when embroidering mirror image designs, I always get a better result when I stitch both sides roughly at the same time... if I (as I would like) move on to something else and then come back to it days or weeks later - I am less likely to get the pair looking the same. </div><div>Even so, the veins on my two leaves are slightly denser on one leaf than the other.. I will wait and see if I re-stitch it or not.</div><div>I haven't yet finished the lower pair of flower buds. I has hoped to finish them over the weekend, but you know what it is like... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The centre stamen is satin stitch and I will be putting more stitching over the top. The petals are embroidered in burden stitch. I know many stitchers don't like this stitch much and, I guess, it does take a little bit of practice. I rather like the texture and shading you can create with this stitch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHXEbDfMzf8/X3q8o4eLh8I/AAAAAAAAGqo/5WYndQiMTWUrbqgo5MU-Jiw4tNe06Oa1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHXEbDfMzf8/X3q8o4eLh8I/AAAAAAAAGqo/5WYndQiMTWUrbqgo5MU-Jiw4tNe06Oa1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1531.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The stitch starts with straight foundation stitch across the shape you want to cover..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IEyTLzwCJ10/X3q-nNBCySI/AAAAAAAAGqw/ik0aEatYHqomoW-SZLEhhkxse4FuX5eygCLcBGAsYHQ/s974/24.rgb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="974" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IEyTLzwCJ10/X3q-nNBCySI/AAAAAAAAGqw/ik0aEatYHqomoW-SZLEhhkxse4FuX5eygCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/24.rgb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then you place straight stitches across one foundation stitch, keeping them closely against the foundation stitches on either side and spacing them slightly apart. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ebjhg0AMMLw/X3q-nAZIRwI/AAAAAAAAGq0/7fNlLlApkQgALa5R1a5_o4BCLqNenXBWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1019/25.rgb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1019" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ebjhg0AMMLw/X3q-nAZIRwI/AAAAAAAAGq0/7fNlLlApkQgALa5R1a5_o4BCLqNenXBWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/25.rgb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When you do the next and following rows, the stitches slot into the gaps of the previous. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Burden stitch forms a brick-like texture that I rather like. You can vary the look and texture of the stitch, depending on the spacing of the foundation stitches and how closely you pack the stitches over the top. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I like leaving it a little bit open so that the foundation stitches underneath shows through...</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Um_GQ2Px3q8/X3q4BC-rJuI/AAAAAAAAGqE/Psoj50sergAzfkv5IF8aE9sX-IJ9pwcWACLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1537%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1696" data-original-width="1772" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Um_GQ2Px3q8/X3q4BC-rJuI/AAAAAAAAGqE/Psoj50sergAzfkv5IF8aE9sX-IJ9pwcWACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1537%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To finish off the petals, I have neatened the edges with stem stitch. Next up is finishing the centre stamen... hopefully tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dPHV-l4nuOw/X3rATPNCLoI/AAAAAAAAGrA/R75qwD8KeWwmYJrvEV1y5HY7JpFv2MDbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1535%2Bcopy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="1772" height="446" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dPHV-l4nuOw/X3rATPNCLoI/AAAAAAAAGrA/R75qwD8KeWwmYJrvEV1y5HY7JpFv2MDbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h446/IMG_1535%2Bcopy2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really, really hope to have more show next week along with some exciting news - something that has been taking up a lot of my (stitching) time the past few months.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until then, take care of your self and your loved ones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay safe & Keep stitching,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anna X</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-59399403574709836242020-09-23T15:48:00.002+09:302020-09-23T15:48:55.595+09:30Back from the outback<p> oh what a great break!</p><p>We saw some incredible places and had an amazing time - I don't think I realized just how much I needed to get away until now that I am back. We have stacks and stacks of photos, and before getting back down to embroidery business, I really want to share just a few snapshots of what we got up while on the road for the past 3 weeks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kte0DAUNzJs/X2rJpchV1II/AAAAAAAAGnA/p203B84Dk-AdpGLC6rnd2GdBKQHpQtGQACLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1298_copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1329" data-original-width="1772" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kte0DAUNzJs/X2rJpchV1II/AAAAAAAAGnA/p203B84Dk-AdpGLC6rnd2GdBKQHpQtGQACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_1298_copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We drove... A LOT. Well, I didn't drive.. Adrian likes driving, while I am more than content to just sit back and enjoy the ride 😀</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TM4ZMjgNuHI/X2rRPYjL2TI/AAAAAAAAGnQ/lLwsmRkCJ9YfaE3Ei8AvWvlaXpuWH5fxACLcBGAsYHQ/s1058/map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1058" height="280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TM4ZMjgNuHI/X2rRPYjL2TI/AAAAAAAAGnQ/lLwsmRkCJ9YfaE3Ei8AvWvlaXpuWH5fxACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h280/map.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The 'main drag' up the centre is long (<u>very long),</u> flat and very straight. We joked that we could probably just tie the steering wheel in place and both take nap. The aim was to just 'leg it' the 2700km (1678 miles) from Adelaide to Katherine in just a couple of days, which we almost managed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As soon as we reached the 'Top End' we slowed down...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qWhMGVlRL8/X2rTg3aMcvI/AAAAAAAAGng/aYSSiTFC1fQ8NBUetCNeV7TUWrGNgxlGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1373_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1329" data-original-width="1772" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qWhMGVlRL8/X2rTg3aMcvI/AAAAAAAAGng/aYSSiTFC1fQ8NBUetCNeV7TUWrGNgxlGQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_1373_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have lost count of how many waterfalls we visited (not all flowing this time of year) and how many rockpools we swam in. LOTS - for well more than a week we went on a rockpool crawl, moving from one amazing spot to the next every day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dOJnvay8YHs/X2rR3-6q7MI/AAAAAAAAGnY/W4C8cOkOggItXO62bEm0zp0KdE9yQ9VKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1772/IMG_1346%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1772" height="204" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dOJnvay8YHs/X2rR3-6q7MI/AAAAAAAAGnY/W4C8cOkOggItXO62bEm0zp0KdE9yQ9VKQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h204/IMG_1346%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The water in the rockpools was a clear as can be, with fish swimming around you and nibbling at your toes. In one pool, we had company of a small water monitor. She? looks massive in the photo, but really was only about 50cm (20") long.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXb74uVz7IU/X2rafRRqegI/AAAAAAAAGoA/diwfshkc-Tcy8iNMaCFWVSYG2w91USGeACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/IMG_1333copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1262" data-original-width="2000" height="253" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXb74uVz7IU/X2rafRRqegI/AAAAAAAAGoA/diwfshkc-Tcy8iNMaCFWVSYG2w91USGeACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h253/IMG_1333copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was too hot for long hikes, but between swimming in those incredible natural pools, we did quite a few really beautiful walks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The landscape is vast (enormously vast). I know that for some people the vastness makes them uncomfortable. I LOVE it. There is something so special about being out in the middle our 'nowhere' feeling very, very small and insignificant that for me, puts everything into perspective.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtT2jWAh5FU/X2rVc_Y4bEI/AAAAAAAAGns/TsBZoXgX6AcSuO1FXI9BxaOTuMR_DjXQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1360_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtT2jWAh5FU/X2rVc_Y4bEI/AAAAAAAAGns/TsBZoXgX6AcSuO1FXI9BxaOTuMR_DjXQwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_1360_copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eng_0rR-iBw/X2raGLi4yGI/AAAAAAAAGn4/HLqmeakIvmA2NAaVtVOg73GfGpb5nhH8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1457copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eng_0rR-iBw/X2raGLi4yGI/AAAAAAAAGn4/HLqmeakIvmA2NAaVtVOg73GfGpb5nhH8ACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_1457copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Apart from Jim Jim Falls, which was the most spectacular rockpool of them all, there was less swimming once we got to <a href="https://parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/" target="_blank">Kakadu National Park</a>. Partly because there is less rockpools but mostly because where there is water there is crocodiles. Big ones!</div><div>The landscape, with majestic rock formations and ancient rock art was breathtaking.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hv5dAta_kYI/X2rag8A2CqI/AAAAAAAAGoQ/s7JALpybNNkVw74ePh1zBaeJcf0jpQk7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/IMG_1427copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hv5dAta_kYI/X2rag8A2CqI/AAAAAAAAGoQ/s7JALpybNNkVw74ePh1zBaeJcf0jpQk7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_1427copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Nothing here is subtle. Everything is big. The land is vast. The heat is hot. The sun is fierce (and so are the mosquitos). The water is murky and full of crocodiles. The rock is as old and solid, as old and solid can be, and makes you feel like a little insignificant ant (well, ants are important but you get the picture).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhUyqx-H_O8/X2rgEDWWH_I/AAAAAAAAGpM/B-Fl7VCSLHoIiQP5y5TchNmi-pRU3TNIACLcBGAsYHQ/s2719/IMG_1420copy%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="2719" height="272" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhUyqx-H_O8/X2rgEDWWH_I/AAAAAAAAGpM/B-Fl7VCSLHoIiQP5y5TchNmi-pRU3TNIACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h272/IMG_1420copy%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have seen plenty of pictures of Aboriginal Rock Art, but standing in front of a rockface filled with paintings, some of which are dating back more than 20,000 years, is truly humbling. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YO8BJyXtNng/X2rahwiMQTI/AAAAAAAAGoc/nuSGZ3fldv0cZECpNulc7LKZ8DNaBH8kACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/IMG_1506copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YO8BJyXtNng/X2rahwiMQTI/AAAAAAAAGoc/nuSGZ3fldv0cZECpNulc7LKZ8DNaBH8kACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1506copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I never stops to amaze me, just how much wildlife there is in these arid areas. In Kakadu, the birdlife is abundant especially along the rivers. We were lucky to see dancing brolga, kites, sea eagles, numerous types of ducks and geese, king fishers and kookaburras, Jaribu storks and egrets.. the list goes on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dl62U7QvOLY/X2rcJ30HB9I/AAAAAAAAGo8/WJEO4lXlrSUQckYWoNKW-vCXEEQYkOAKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2658/IMG_E1377copy%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="2658" height="284" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dl62U7QvOLY/X2rcJ30HB9I/AAAAAAAAGo8/WJEO4lXlrSUQckYWoNKW-vCXEEQYkOAKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h284/IMG_E1377copy%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>A family of blue-winged kookaburra hung around our camp one day. They can't 'laugh' like their southern cousins here, but they are ever so colorful. This guy was so tame, just short of eating from our hands. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9Qdg6yk9JM/X2rdxPiEekI/AAAAAAAAGpE/Lvpdr6TcvykP7mbWSB2xBqLEM0w93Vf9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1508copy%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1294" data-original-width="2048" height="405" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9Qdg6yk9JM/X2rdxPiEekI/AAAAAAAAGpE/Lvpdr6TcvykP7mbWSB2xBqLEM0w93Vf9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h405/IMG_1508copy%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had more close encounters a the Territory Wildlife Park just south of Darwin. I never knew there was such a thing as freshwater sting rays and hand feeding these creatures was fabulous. The highlight though was to meet Quirky the Northern Quoll (sorry about the fuzzy photo, but these guys are NEVER still). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So many adventures in such a short time... Did I stitch?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Wj6zuGGc0E/X2rmu0366GI/AAAAAAAAGpU/kA0ZjPYXbpsYL2Bmu4uMQVtTG47mpVfYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/IMG_1495%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Wj6zuGGc0E/X2rmu0366GI/AAAAAAAAGpU/kA0ZjPYXbpsYL2Bmu4uMQVtTG47mpVfYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_1495%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>...not much. I had roughed up a piece of 'doodle stitching' as I often do when I am away but I didn't get far. Never mind.. I guess, we will just have to go on another trip so I can work on it...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you have all been keeping well and safe, despite crazy weather around the place and the never ending turmoil of the pandemic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay safe & keep stitching,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anna xx<br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7119166177210424241.post-72125585915692715852020-08-22T17:07:00.005+09:302020-08-22T17:15:05.367+09:30Time Out...<p></p><div style="text-align: center;">... just a little, quick note to let you know that I am having a wee break to recharge the batteries.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCsoby4o1z0/X0DHT7NJ_lI/AAAAAAAAGlw/KNW7zuuc_h88O15S8L5XdFbSKk32UIzHACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/evening%2Bsun.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1516" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCsoby4o1z0/X0DHT7NJ_lI/AAAAAAAAGlw/KNW7zuuc_h88O15S8L5XdFbSKk32UIzHACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/evening%2Bsun.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know many think of Australia as hot and full of red dust.. well, there is some of that around, but where we live the winter is cold. I don't like cold, so we are heading north for some warmer weather and a different view for a bit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/FineStitchStudio" target="_blank">THE SHOP</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">will be closed from Wednesday, 26 August. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Please make sure you get your order in before that if you need anything to keep your hands busy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't think, I will be posting while I am away, but I will be in touch as soon as I am back on deck. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take care every one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stay Safe & Keep Stitching</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anna XOX </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1VAGpZCjGgA/X0DHzrKR_YI/AAAAAAAAGl4/aG6AD6pXEBQQ08bsCrrN_nesBDJrYXNDACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P6240192.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1VAGpZCjGgA/X0DHzrKR_YI/AAAAAAAAGl4/aG6AD6pXEBQQ08bsCrrN_nesBDJrYXNDACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/P6240192.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Anna http://www.blogger.com/profile/02942756202056729563noreply@blogger.com3