more lace work...

I was gifted 2 very old images that were just begging to be altered in some way. After a bit of research, I learned that these were images of lithographs done in the 1960s and 70s. I was unable to identify the artist. I added bits of lace and hand embroidery here and there and did some line work in the background with a black Sharpie.

click on the images for close-ups.

some tatting and french knots on the cuff, hanky lace edged one side of the collar, brown lacing with some metal beads and line work on the background

cuffs and bottom edge embroidered and lace added to top corner; line work on the background

Karen's lace class has just ended but I'm still working on several pieces I started. Here is one of the pieces I worked on this week. My sister had given me some of her unfinished cross stitch pieces, several years ago, and I've been incorporating small sections into art work. Hope to make several more of these lace pieces with the cut up cross stitch bits and then stitch them all together to make a large cloth.

incorporating cross stitch with lace work

completed most of the hand stitching on this section.

Karen Ruane has announced Simply Stitch 5 that will begin September 8th, so if you're interested in being a fly on her wall, check it out here.

There's lots more to show you but I'll save it for next week. Have a great weekend.

I think I like it....

that is, working with the 9" circular needle. It's difficult until you get to about 1½" to 2" in and then it gets easier. I'd say it's a bit slower than working with double points because you have to stop occasionally to move the stitches around but I have much more control with the circular and I will persevere.

click on the images for close-ups...

knitting a sock on a 9" circular needle

The lace piece I showed you last week has been made into a little pouch (5" x 6") to hold the samples I'm making in Karen's current lace class. There are 2 finished samples and I'm working on a 3rd that I hope to show you next time.

silk and lace pouch holding samples

sample 1...lace, vintage cloth, paper

sample 2...scraps of lace, vintage cloth, paper...embellished with hand stitch

close-up showing wrapped threads, blanket stitch, bullion knots, etc.

close-up....love making those eyelets.

I think I enjoy working on these little lace samples more than anything else. It's a great way to use up small scraps that I can't bear to throw away.

Hope you're all having a good weekend.

Just a note to say that I don't participate in Google+, so I do not respond to those requests that I've been getting. There are too many other things to keep track of so until I'm forced to, I will not be using it. Thanks for understanding and for wanting me in your group.

embedded in class work....

Concentrating on the family album I've been working on in Karen Ruane's Alchemy class and the new class that just started....Lace, Paper, Cloth and Stitch.

click on the images for close-ups.

family pictures embellished with stitch and the 59th Street bridge. it all happened in New York City

silk, cotton, chenille, paper, rope, lace with free motion embroidery and hand stitch

I ordered some 9" circular needles and am anxious to try them in making a pair of socks. I do not like working with double points. Hoping this will be a good alternative. I'll let you know how it goes.

Stay cool, or warm, depending on where you are and have a great week.

and the winner is.....

Margaret (in England) .....congratulations to Margaret. I have already e-mailed her and as soon as I receive her address, I will post the package. Thanks to all who participated. Watch for future giveaways. I love doing them once in a while.

I don't really have anything special to show you this week. I am in the middle of so many different projects but nothing you haven't already seen.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.