I really am trying....

to finish my Downton Abbey coat. I have spent the last couple of days stitching the side seams and the sleeve seams using the mattress stitch which gives such a nice clean finish. You can hardly find the seam on the right hand side....but it's slow going. It takes time but it's worth it. I still need to set in the sleeves, and do a few rows of knitting around the neck edge before I can attach the collar. My plan is to have it finished by my next blog post. I did try it on and it actually fits well.

click on the images....

so close to finishing...not the true color here....too much light

Hope to get someone to take a picture of me wearing the coat when it's finished. It's a much deeper color as you know from previous posts. Just couldn't get the right lighting today.

I've done a bit more collage and doodle work inspired by Lisa Congdon's class on Creativebug.com.

cut up business cards and flyers, micron pen, black stitched french knots

The doll is finished and both dolls are now on their way to two sweet little girls. Hope they will enjoy them. They were such fun to make.

A while back I purchased several bags of Bucilla Needlepoint & Crewel Wool packets from the thrift store. I couldn't imagine why anyone would give such beautiful yarn away.....well when I started unraveling it, i understood. The moths had gotten to it but not all the packets were damaged so I've been unraveling and separating the 3 ply to one ply balls. I plan on crocheting small star shaped motifs and joining them together for a shawl or maybe a blanket. It will be a good 'take along' project to have in my purse.....so many pretty colors. I did make one motif but I need to try it with a larger crochet hook so the pattern will show up better.

100% wool in beautiful colors

Lots of other things going on but I will save them for next time.
Have a great weekend and stay safe if you are in the midst of snow and bad weather.

practice, practice, practice....

...that's what it takes to learn tambour embroidery. I've been practicing the chain stitch all week and then tried working with some beads. It is becoming more comfortable to handle the hook and thread. The next task is working with sequins....those slippery things that tend to stick together. It would be a bit easier if you could see what you are doing but the sequins/beads are worked from underneath the cloth so it's done by feel. The back of the cloth is the right side when working with the beads or sequins so if you want the chain stitch and the beads to be on the right side, you have to reverse the cloth when doing the beadwork. I don't imagine I'll be doing lots with the sequins but I still want to learn the process.

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the tools

just practicing

trying to work with a pattern....a bit messy....still need more practice

I did finish the doll I showed you last time. I decided not to stuff it.

made with cotton yarn

That's about all I did this week. We've been having some cold, wet days.....so trying to stay warm. I know it's a lot colder elsewhere so I will not complain about the cold. Wishing you all a magical New Year.

catching up....

I always take this time of year to catch up....finishing up some projects, starting some that have waited in the wings, new techniques I haven't had a chance to learn and some organizing. This doll pattern was brought to my attention months ago and I've wanted to try it. I'm using the Lion Brand bonbon cotton yarn that I have left over from some other project and I'm making a few changes to the design. The doll is not meant to be stuffed but I'm going to stuff it for a more substantial doll. It's almost finished. Still missing one leg and a little ruffled skirt and the hat. The pattern is on Ravelry.

click on the images...

a doll for a little girl

I talked about Tambour Stitching last time. I have been practicing every day for almost two weeks and I think I've finally mastered the chain stitch. It's the only stitch needed in tambour stitching but not one that's easy to master with the tambour hook.

the chain stitch on netting using the tambour hook

It was a matter of experimenting with different threads, different fabrics, and learning when to release tension on the hook and how to pull it through the fabric. The instructor (online class) says to use organza but i didn't have much luck with the organza.....lots of big holes and constantly snagging the fabric with the edge of the hook. Mary Corbet's video was a tremendous help. You can see it here. I'll go back to the organza once I've had more experience but the netting is actually what I prefer to make some pretty lace. I'm now ready to try the next step which is making the chain stitch while picking up a bead or sequin that will be pre-strung on the thread.

....and yes, I have made some progress on the Downton Abbey coat. The front and back have been blocked. It took a couple of days for the pieces to dry. Still have to block the sleeves and the collar and there is some more knitting to be done to join the shoulders to the back. I have to re-read those instructions.

back

front

 If you celebrate the holidays, hope it was fun and festive. The weather has been mild here except for yesterday morning. We went from 27 degrees F in the morning to 65F by afternoon. We are expecting some cold days this weekend, but our winters are very mild here so it probably will not last long. Stay warm and cozy and see you next time.