Learning so much

"Thank God for my Stitching". 

I was trying to work out how long ago it was when I decided drop canvas work?  Then I located my old diary and it was 1979.  (That also was a pretty bad year with my baby son being so ill).  I wrote that;

"this is just mindless stitching, no creating in it".

Now I have to admit this was back before the internet.  The only references were books and some magazines, both rare and expensive.  We didn't have access to any of the stitching coming out of the USA, with the exception of the McCall's books and magazines.(I still have some from the 1960's)  Those magazines were my window into all kinds of stitching.  I would save to buy them and when they brought out a needlework book I paid it off on the Lay-By scheme and I still have it.

  I had seen stitching in the U.K. and Europe when I lived there but really the only thing available were Semco kits, all stitched in tent stitch and very old fashioned.

My book cover is now on the blocking board.  (That Paton's thread lost some of it's dye.)  I'm hoping it's appearance will improve after this but if it doesn't I don't care I have just enjoyed learning to stitch again.  But when I got it pinned out it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

(The problem with using left over thread is that there is not enough of them in any colour to stitch a large section!)

I have really enjoyed learning the canvas work stitches  and I know there are more for me to try.   I used that Paton's thread around each section.  I had the most of that.  No wonder there was so much.  The previous owner gave it away!

Things I have learnt by doing this are;

• That the stitching draws the canvas in slightly.  (I measured up my book cover but I will have to add a few more rows on the back cover before I block it.)
• Never use old wool thread.  I can add bulk to old cotton thread by washing it but I don't think I would attempt that with woollen thread.
• Not all threads are created equal.  ( I will not use Paton's wool again.)
• If you have a break from stitching sew a few rows on some old canvas to get that even stitch again.
• Something seems to happen to my needles. (The fairies steal them!)
• This is a whole new area of stitching for me to explore.
• That there is a whole world of free software on line to design my own pieces. 

 

So now I will return to the piece that started this journey.  Stitching this will be a breeze!

(Famous last words!)

Comments

[Queenie Patch]

You are a great ambassador for canvas work.

[Carolyn Foley]

Thank you.

[Rachel]

I hope it will indeed be a breeze! But yes, not all wool is created equal..