Elemental Stitches

A Different Kind of Embroidery Book

Recently I have been looking for something more engaging then "how to" embroidery books.  Something that gives me something for my mind to chew on.  I did some research and came up with a prospective book list.  Does anyone want to read with me?

Embroidering Lives: Women's Work and Skill in the Lucknow Embroidery Industry

Stitching rites : Colcha embroidery along the northern Rio Grande

The Shishu Ladies of Hilo: Japanese Embroidery in Hawai'i

Findings: The Material Culture of Needlework and Sewing

The Bayeux Tapestry: The Life Story of a Masterpiece

Embroidered Textiles: A World Guide to Traditional Patterns

I recommend looking for these books in your local library.  Some of them are expensive.
Enjoy reading!

Trees Canvas Embroidery Project

Here are the first pictures of my new project.  It doesn't have a better name then Trees thus far so if you can think of a good one please leave it in the comments for me!

I used an old circular stretched canvas that has been laying around the craft area for a year, then painted it with watered down acrylics after drawing in a scene.  The painting in the background will need some touch up when the embroidery is finished.  Do you see the fingerprints on the left side?  I also want to even the color out a little, I like the blotchiness of it, but I want it to look a little more natural like light clouds.

The greenery needs to be filled out as well.  I am not sure I like how I am doing the greenery, but it will work.  Its not feasible to take the stitches out of the canvas because there are noticeable holes left over, so be careful that you are sure of what you want before you start stitching.

These photos are available on flickr in large scale if you would like to see them close up.  Hope you enjoy these! 

Embroidery Blogs List

Hi everyone!  I have updated my sidebar on my blog with all of the embroidery blogs I could find.  Please check them out for some amazing inspiration.  If you have a blog that is not on the list leave it in the comments and I will add you in!

Tea Towel Tour 4 Finished

I have finally finished the last towel/apron for the Tea Towel Tour!  This last design fits into the 50s theme of the towel.

I drew a blank on what to do for this towel because everything seemed to be covered.  I really wish I had taken a photo of the whole thing because this apron was really cool!  There was some awesome techniques!  If you would like to look at the gallery for the Tea Towel Tour 4 you can find it here.

Onto my next project.  No pictures yet but I will tell you that its nothing like what I have attempted before.  First, I am stitching on stretched canvas.  I drew a pattern on it and painted the background with acrylics and now I am stitching in the details.  So far I am in love with how its coming out.  My fingers hurt really bad though!  I think I need to figure out some sort of thimble arrangement.  Photos to come soon!

Also, I have already begun my Christmas gift planning.  There is a lot of stitching to be done!

Celebrations

Whew!  What a weekend!  We had a fabulous time trick or treating and decorating our Dia de Los Muertos altar.

Making the sugar skulls was very easy.  We bought a kit and made about 20!  We had many friends to help us decorate them so it was a big celebration.

The altar turned out to be the most beautiful on yet!