One thread of floss over one thread of ground (linen) is really small. I had thought to be able to stitch quickly--it will take longer than I thought to finish even one panel. But the results will be worth it. Hints: make sure tapestry needle is of a similar size to thread--too large a needle will result in distorting the linen.
I have used pins to mark every ten threads 126 stitches high. There are 10 threads surrounding each panel on the top and bottom and outer sides and 20 threads between each panel. I have used a pulled thread at the top to mark what may be a cutting line. Once the panels are stitched, I can use the top section above the pulled thread to stitch the smaller inner pieces of embroidery.
I have also hand-overcast the edges of the linen to keep it from fraying. I will not be using a hoop and will roll the linen over my needleroll to keep creases from marring my work.
Prior to beginning to stitch on my SALexandre stitcher's wallet/housewife, I am preparing my thread by winding my skein of DMC#99 variegated floss around a yardstick. This divides the floss from light to dark. I will cut the 36 inch lengths into 18 inch lengths and put them into 2 floss bags marked light to medium and medium to dark. Then no matter where I am within the design when I run out of thread, I can select the appropriate intensity of floss to begin stitching right where I left off with no wasting of thread. This technique of preparing variegated thread is found in Variegated Samplers, Leaflet #1617, a Craftways publication, edited by Karen Strauss.
Shepherd's Bush Amaranth, a lovely little sampler I've had in my stash and have been working on, off and on, since 1989 is finally finished. Originally I had planned to have it framed to hang in my bedroom, but it has now become a lovely extra needleroll. Because there might be stuffing popping out of the interlacing row, I lined the back of the row with some mauve polished cotton. It really makes the intricacies of the insertion standout. Again this needleroll was finished using these instructions.
Even though this SAL has closed, the originator has left the information and pictures of the beautiful work done by those in the SAL (stitch-a-long). I will be using 28ct Cashel linen in white and DMC #99 variegated thread in mauve. This project takes its inspiration from the hussif or housewife 18thC ladies carried in their pockets to be ready for any eventuality--they are calling it a stitcher's wallet. * You might ask why I would choose to use white: 1) money constraints--I have to use what is already in my stash [the rose linen of my needleroll will be used for the inside--so this tool will be doubly useful; 2) I will use the edge of the embroidery at the fold so soiling will be minimal; and 3) it will be in my needlebox, bourse or pocket with not in use, so it should stay clean. And as all stitchers know, NEVER touch your threads or fabrics until your hands are clean, and no hand lotion, unless specifically designed not to stain.
Shepherd's Bush Antique Hearts Needleroll finished, at last. I must have misjudged my placement for starting the roll, as I did not have enough fabric to do a proper roll/fold to complete my top hem. I used the finishing techniques here. I like the color of this roll, but as I plan to do another SAL with Litla Skvís using And Many More Needlebook by Just Nan, I want to do another needleroll using Shepherd's Bush Amaranth, so the backgrounds will match.
Two more rows done, but I have discovered that I'm going to have to buy some sort of magnifying/light device. These old eyes are getting dim and seeing holes in the cloth, let alone the right holes is getting difficult. Somewhere in all my past moves, I have lost the beads and little metal heart that were supposed to embellish this needleroll--so stitches will have to do. I'm anxious to see how Litla Skvís is coming along. Her stitching has been an inspiration to me. Her crosses are all in the «right» direction, mine are all skewobbly--I think it is time to find some abcs and 123s on how to actually cross-stitch properly. Until next week.
Linda Björk Eiríksdóttir from Litla Skvís in Reykjavík, Iceland, and I have challenged each other to finish some jointly held items in our needlework stash. First up is «Antique Hearts» Needleroll by Shepherd's Bush.
