Where it all started

I have written a couple of times lately about my interest in creating free form embroidery projects, and in particular, my enjoyment in making these in miniature.

I realise, when looking through items in my stash that this type of work has appealed to me for a long time, it has just taken me quite some time to get around to doing it for myself.

The first time I did anything like this was for a crazy quilt retreat I attended in Australia.

All participants were asked to make their own name badge with a crazy quilt theme - well I may not have done any crazy quilting, but I did do the embellishment part.

The badge looks a bit marked and aged by now but still a happy momento of the occasion and a seed interest for me in miniature free form embroidery.

More Free Form Embroidery

My latest favourite thing to do is to make these little blocks of free form embroidery.

The other day we had our quilting group, Sweet Peas, here and my intention was to make a quilt block. When I discovered that I did not have enough of the necessary fabric it seemed a much easier thing to do to make one of these.

The background lavender silk is approximately 5 x 3 inches. I backed it with fusible webbing and quilters muslin.

I found a strip of hand dyed lace that I had been carrying around in my stash for years and used that for the foundation. I then got out my silk ribbon scraps and threads and with a bit of stitching, mainly french knots and a few silk flowers my little picture was complete. Did not take too long at all really.

These finished blocks can be incorporated into crazy quilting, could be an embellishment for a handbag or framed for enjoyment.

A lot of fun and achievable. I am really enjoying making them.

What's A Girl To Do?

It all started with a sample of floral lace I had been given.

I had no use for it as it was so I cut out the flowers and laid them out on some blue fabric and then started stitching around them.

Nothing complex, mostly french knots in perle cotton in a myriad of colours.

I added some silk ribbon fargo roses and used up some scrappy pieces of silk ribbon by tacking along one edge and then pulling the tacking until the ribbon ruched into a little flower.

I add some bridal lace in the top left hand corner as an extra but it could easily be removed if I did not want it there anymore.

The background fabric is light blue quilting cotton and the piece is backed with lightweight wadding and quilters muslin. It measures approximately 23 x 29 cm (9.5 x 11.5 inches).

Now that I am about done, I am not sure what to do with it. It was just something I had in my work basket to work at in the evenings when I did not have anything else around and fancied doing a bit of stitching.














I did think it could be used for the front of a handbag or framed and put on the wall, or I could put it on my Trade Me auctions and try and sell it.















As a follower, what do you think I should do with it?

The follower with the best idea will receive a set of my pansy silk prints:-
















I look forward to hearing your ideas.