When I haven't used a crafty skill for a while I like to take it for a test ride to get back in the groove of things. With embroidery this is easily done; unlike knitting, needles are inexpensive. Embroidery thread and hoops are cheap as well, and any scrap of cotton will do to practice stitches.
I like to use Marie-Noelle Bayard's Embroidery Techniques & Patterns as a reference when I'm working on my stitches. She has created an ingenius Appendix that gives you a snap shot of all the stitches that she shows you how to do in the book. Brilliant!
Over the last few days I have been testing out new stitches, as well as a few that I needed to brush up on.
I had a difficult time keeping Long and Short Stitch even but I like the multi hued green look. Star Stitch gave me fast, easy, and pleasing results! I'll probably put stars on all my embroidery for a little punch :)
For whatever reason, Lazy Daisy does not come easy to me. I totally understand it, I just can't make it look as good as the picture. Heart french knots! These used to scare me, but once I got them down, I love doing them! Really need to practice Bullion Stitch more. It's all neat and knobby but I ran out of thread and wanted to try Russian Stitch a little more.
Blanket Stitch is a stitch that I remember using in Jr. High for a Home Ec project. We made hot pads shaped like pea pods. Yes, my Mom still has it!
The dole drums of winter are a perfect time to brush up on neglected crafty skills! What will you do today?
~xoxo J.M.Riley
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