Dino Dots Cap

May and I've finished the first of my girls Christmas ornaments.  This part of the Cozy Caps range by A Collection of Designs.

I used different threads than suggested but for the most part used the stitches suggested.

 This is the cap prior to finishing.

Although I am not a great fan of ultra suede that was the only green that I had that fit the bill

First I roughly cut a piece larger than needed.

Place backing fabric right side to rigth side with the piece of  needlework.

Here you can see I have started to stitch around the cap.  As I am intending to line this the bottom will remain open.

The sewing thread is a hand quilting thread and I use a back stitch.

This step may also be done by machine but I wanted to show that anyone  can do this even if they don't own a sewing machine.

Before I get to the make a simple tassel using some of the threads used in the stitching.

If one is not using cording around the ornament then this would also be the time to insert a hanging loop.

The tassel in place

Then finish stitching around the ornament.  Remember to leave the bottom open.

Trim away any excess fabric and canvas

Snip into any curves being very careful not to cut the ornament.

Turn the piece out.

Yeh now the ornament is beginning to take shape.

Finger press the bottom hems inwards.

Select your lining fabric.  I chose to go a bit funky.

Carefully draw around the edge of the ornament.

This will be your stitch line.

Again this step can be done by machine.  I did it with a simple running stitch.

Again finger press the bottom hem.

Here the lining is inserted wrong side to wrong side and pined in place.

 If using cording leave a gap at the both side seams as this is where you tuck in the ends.

Now I use a ladder stitch to attach the lining.

Insert one end of the cording in the gap left

Using a stabbing stitch attach the cording.  Burying the the cording so it is unseen. 

Unless you have being doing fine hand sewing for many years use a matching thread.

I attached the cord around half the bottom then went up the side, made the hanging loop, down the other side and finally complete the bottom.

Easter decorations for Louise and my Girls.

One of the groups I'm in kindly passed on this link www.redroofpatterns.com This is a wonderful resource for wool artists.  Whilst visiting I found a solution to my Easter gift/decoration for my friend Louise, not only that but it was so cute I had to make two.  The original is by The Adventures of Bluegirlsxo.

Here are my versions.

 I thought the bunnies might like some chocolate carrots. 

This is the egg for Louise using a floral trim from Sue Spargo.  Rick rac stitched down with variegated DMC Pearl and then french knot flower buds in Petite Velvet.  The bobble trim is again from Sue.

Several weeks ago I won a scrap bag of threads from Krenik, if you ever see these at a show I recommend getting one.  The stems use threads from this bag.  Leaves are done an Needle Necessities floss with a bit of Krenik in the center of the Bullion leaves.

The pink flowers are punched out wool scraps.  The orange/pink buds are stitched with Sea Grass which is one of my favorite threads.

Normally I have real trouble with faces but these just knew that chocolate was involved so worked with the first attempt.  The eyes are bullions done in Krenik to give a little twinkle to these carrot loving bunnies.

Another Finish

Well here goes I finished Amanda's ornanment before Christmas. I'm pleased with how this turned out using threads from my stash.

Finished Product

About time I posted the finished ornanment for Fiona, Amanda's is no more as I didn't like the stitching so I've stitched her another piece that is at the finishing stage in my basement. Currently working on an Lanarte piece that I got as a birthday present to match another piece. However confession time I got it over 12 years ago! I'll take a picture later.

Almost there

At the scary stage where I start the finishing and of course I cannot find my plastic canvas that I normally use so this time I will use mat board.

Love how the memory thread works, it is wonderful to use. However I thought it would be a bit thick for the chevons so decided to do stem stitch around them. Before doing that I was not too happy with them but now that the edges have been smoothed I don't think they look too bad.

Worked hard last night and I think I am now happy with the results. I have just put a bit of nail polish on the ends of DMC memory thread read to try couching around one of the tear drops.