Another year is passing. The last days of the year are dripping through my fingers, but I don't want to look back. I know what has happened. I was there, I witnessed all of it. And isn't that a blessing?!
Finally, this year, I found time to stitch this amazing set of necessities, and thought they would be better off gifted.
The French cross-stitch designs have become my week spot years ago. I started collecting them and store them in my craft room, never having the time to finish any. This year was blessed with inspiration, I discovered new things and techniques. The Japanese style of embroidery, stitching and quilting is still my priority, but I have always been sad that my passion for French embroidery has been put aside. At last, I was determined to finish one of my many projects and to gift it to a beautiful creator and designer, who has become a close friend, sharing her sewing illustrations that say a lot about her life, loved ones and creative personality.
Materials used:
"Zweigart" Belfast linen 32 count - for the cross-stitched design
"HAORI" yarn dyed fabric - as main fabric for the bag and bias tape
"Henry Glass" quilting cotton - for the 'collar' of the bag
DMC embroidery floss
fusible light weight batting
velvet ribbon
wooden spool for the pull
Techniques used:
"Les Brodeuses Parisiennes" - the cross-stitched design (*slightly adapted)
Cross-stitch
French knot
Back stitch
Machine sewing
Tassel making
Bias binding making
Hand-sewing (for the reverse side of the bias binding)
* I changed the last word in the message, that applies better for my friend, who doesn't work with cross stitches. Also, I gave the colour scheme a different look, so it matches better my idea of vintage look and the quilting cotton I have been using here.
These three elements are really important when we sew.
I interfaced the bag with light fusible batting for more structure and cosiness when in use and fully lined it with the spool quilt cotton, used for the 'collar'.
The pincushion, is filled with ground walnut shells, mixed with lavender from my summer garden. I made the tiny tassels (oh, what a challenge was to tie them well - my fingers felt so clumsy :)) using the same shade DMC floss, used for the cross-stitched design.
The scissors case was underlined with batting as well.
I find these tiny thimbles so festive! What a celebration of sewing!
I hope you are almost ready with your Christmas preparation and gifts. Canada Post is overwhelmed with packages and I am happy I sent mine early and everyone received them already. It is the anticipation of Christmas that is up for celebration - the impatient awaiting of the blessed event.
I truly hope you all have the creation of the season this year, that will always remind you of the good days you have had in the year of 2017.
Have a blessed Christmas, dear friends and happy holidays!
♥ Ivelina
