Sunday 13 October 2013

Sunday Stitchalong Fun

Another Sunday and I've made it on time this week my friends! I hope you've been enjoying your stitchings and whatever else you've been busy with this week. 

Just a reminder before we go any further - if you haven't already put your name in for the little cardigan giveaway (my previous post), and you have a little girl in your life who would enjoy wearing this, then you have until next Sunday before the names go in the hat. Good luck!

And while we are on the subject of giveaways, you might like to check out Cheryl - you probably already know the lovely Cheryl anyway - and you'll find she is giving away two beautiful books at the end of the month. I wish you good luck here too, even though I kinda have my eye on the Hip Crochet publication!

Well as far as stitching goes, I have definitely kept things simple this week and started on the first of a few placemats that I've been planning to get to. Aimee Ray's 'Doodle Stitching Embroidery and Beyond' is where the inspiration and pattern came from for this, and I used cotton duck and three strands of DMC cotton floss. I might add at this point that no pressing or cleaning up has yet been done on this week's work, and you can tell! I'll show it again when it's all 'polished up'! 


(Gosh, doesn't the light affect the colour - these pics are all of the one mat and taken at the same time!)

Sashiko, just in case you're not familiar with it (which I wasn't, until I found this lovely book),  is an ancient form of stitching from Japan and was originally used to repair tears or worn parts on fabric. 
Nowadays it's often used for lovely designs which are sometimes complex and sometimes simple but usually geometric styled and stitched in white thread on indigo fabric - but hey, let's break a few rules and add a wee bit of colour!

 Sashiko designs are usually done with Running Stitch, using a longer needle so you can do several stitches at once, if preferred, and without a hoop so you can really get stuck into it. Although I have started this project with Aimee's pattern representing the movement of water on a pond, I am planning to go a bit more geometric with the next mat - experimentation should be fun!

Stitching with Running Stitch really took me back to school when I was around the age of ten or eleven - oh dear, that is a loooooong time ago - and I find my memory quite strong in that area. I really did enjoy sewing class and my lovely teacher, and those stitches had to be even and straight!

Also this week saw me doing a bit more RedWork - on snowflakes - now have you ever seen red snowflakes? Never mind, they are very effective I think, and this pattern also came from Aimee's book - same one:


With Christmas coming up this could become a little gift for someone, when I make a final decision about what it's going to be - I will show this at a later date! This design was also done on cotton duck using three strands of cotton floss. Stitches are: back; straight; satin; lazy daisy, and French knots.

And so my friends, that's my Stitchalong with Chrissie and friends for this week and I'm looking forward to seeing your lovely pieces. Till next time, do take care and I wish you all happy times!

Joy xo

48 comments:

  1. Joy your post is filled with beautiful makes and it was so interesting to learn about sashiko stirrings, thank you. I think it's always a great deal more exciting to do your own variation and a bit of colour is good for the soul. I absolutely love your red snowflakes and I'm sure it will make a fabulous gift for Christmas. Well done on some very beautiful stitching you've dine such a lovely job. Thank you also for your sweet comments at mine and I'm so pleased to hear that you've tried the cake and that you like it. Enjoy every crumb. Enjoy your week and happy stitching. Much love xoxo

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    1. Sashiko is very interesting isn't it - and so easy and relaxing, especially after the snowflakes! I'm looking forward to working out some designs for the remainder of the placemats, yes, a good challenge is good for the brain cells!
      I'm also looking forward to your post to see your latest - thanks so much Hannapat for your lovely message of encouragement. Much love to you too, Joy xoxo

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  2. I love the running stitch make soft lines on the dark blue material. I love the gentle curves to this, really like water!
    Great work on the red snowflakes too. You're having lots of fun!

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    1. Hello Sandra - yes, there's something about those curves and I am impressed with how well they work in that relatively small area - Aimee designs some lovely patterns.
      Many thanks Sandra, I always enjoy your messages.
      Joy x

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  3. I love the embroiderys you have started, i like them so much x

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    1. Thank you Joy - I really am enjoying them and with Christmas coming up I'm keeping gifts in mind too! Lovely, as always, to hear from you.
      Joy xo

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  4. You've tried the sashiko! I've had my eye on that project in the book for a while, so nice to see it done 'outside' the book photos! It looks sublime, very soothing to see and no doubt make...and the snowflakes are very jolly indeed! Beautiful post as always, Chrissie x

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    1. Working the Sashiko is just as you said Chrissie - very soothing - I am thoroughly enjoying the 'easy peasiness' of it! I also enjoyed the snowflakes but had to hang the magnifying glass around my neck for some of the stitches - must have been overtired, but certainly not blind!!! I did so enjoy your trip to the 'fair' - what great fun. Thanks for sharing it! Joy xo

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  5. Dear Joy
    These are lovely! I feel another book purchase coming on (I ordered the Little Sew and Sew one last week!) Really beautiful embroidery. I can see the red snowflakes on some white felt too and they would make lovely Christmas decorations for the tree or strung together on some festive bunting...here I go again, more projects I would love to do! Thank you so much for sharing (and for inspiring me).
    Have a lovely week.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Hi Ellie - you will enjoy your new book, I'm sure of it and I hope it doesn't take too long to reach you! The red on white felt would be quite stunning I think Ellie - so many wonderful things to make and do, the sky's the limit - or is it time that's the limiter! I'm so glad you feel inspired Ellie - go for it and enjoy! Thanks for your lovely message, and all the best, Joy x

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  6. Red snowflakes!! I think they are gorgeous! It surely will make a lovely gift. I have fallen behind on all of my little stitching because I have so many little projects in the works I am not sure what to finish first. I've pushed them all aside until I figure it out. Now I am off to check out what sounds like two wonderful giveaways!
    Happy Sunday!
    Hugs, Shari

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    1. Hello Shari - ah, all the many projects that we have either started or want to start but don't know which way to turn, that sounds a bit like me; I just can't get around to everything I want to do and make! All the best with the giveaways lovely!
      Warm hugs, Joy x

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  7. Hello Joy, beautiful stitching and I love the fabric. Thank you for explaining sashiko, simple stitches and desigs that look stunning. I love the red snowflakes against a white background. I love the idea of a fleece scarf.
    luv
    irene
    xxxx

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    1. Thank you Irene - Sashiko is ever so nice as well as effective, I'm glad you like it too. I think the fleece scarf looks quite stunning, red on white and easy enough to do too. Give it a go!
      Hugs,
      Joy xo

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  8. Joy, love your stitching today and thanks you for your very informative post.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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    1. Meredith, always lovely to see you here - thanks for your sweet message and have a good week!
      Warm hugs,
      Joy x

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  9. Ha! That's a bit of a twist Joy, red on white snowflakes instead of the more traditional white on red. I can't believe how speedily Christmas is hurtling towards us :)

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    1. Thanks for popping in Grace - yes, Christmas will be here before we know it - it just does that! Joy x

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  10. A lovely post, Joy - a feast for the eyes and the soul! Your stitching is so pretty and neat, what beautiful gifts you're making.
    Have a happy new week ahead,
    hugs xx

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    1. Thanks Gilly, your lovely messages are always so welcome - I hope your week is a happy one too!
      Hugs, joy xo

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  11. Joy, you have been making some beautiful things this week. It makes my heart glad just seeing them. Thank you so much for the kind comment you left on my last post. xxx
    Clare x

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    1. Hi Clare, I'm happy you've been able to visit again and enjoyed my little stitchies - take good care of yourself!
      Hugs, Joy x

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  12. Some more lovely work Joy. I like the red work snowflakes really lend themselves to that don't they? Great to check in with you. Thanks for always visiting me. Jo x

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    1. Hi Jo, I've been missing you - I am quite attracted to the redwork and find it a pleasant change, glad you like it! I always enjoy visiting you and your fab and varied work!
      Hugs, Joy x

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  13. Dearest Joy I always look forward to reading your blog and wonder in amazement at your gorgeous work - you are one talented lady. I love the red and white - my favourite colours and the blue work is divine - every time I read your blog Joy I want to start to embroider and one day I will! Have a wonderful week - you are such a favourite lady of mine. Big hugs
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. Dear Dorothy, thanks for being here again and leaving such a lovely message, I really appreciate your kind words. You have a wonderful week too, and try to not work too hard!
      Hugs, Joy xoxo

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  14. You have been busy and I love your blue mat with the running stitch - beautiful work x

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    1. Thanks so much Hawthorn - have yourself a lovely week!
      Joy x

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  15. Joy your stitching is beautiful...I really like your festive stitching especially.
    Marianne x

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    1. Hi Marianne, and thanks so much! The festive season will be upon us and over before we have time to draw breath - every year I think there's plenty time and every year it seems to do the same thing - whooosh! Don't you think it's a bit crazy?
      I'm enjoying seeing your lovely crochet Marianne!
      Hugs, Joy xo

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  16. How lovely, Joy something different for me, it's ages since I did any embroidery, yes I can remember the lessons at school too, I remember making a peg bag and having to embroider it with straight stitches and a gingham skirt, seems like a whole life time ago haha. I love what you have done so far it looks really effective and so pretty, the red snowflakes are great too, I love a bit of colour. :)

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    1. Haha Linda, I remember the gingham skirt too and a tie-round-the-waist bag to hold the wool whilst knitting on the go - mine had a lady in a crinoline dress and bonnet - with a parasol - standing beside a little garden fountain! Such impressive years for those snippets to still be so clear, don't you think? Thanks so much for your lovely message! Hugs, Joy x

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  17. Hello Joy.
    Hope your well?
    Some super stitching has been going on I love the Sashiko stitching is lovely has a great flow to it. My favourite has to be those lovely red snowflakes there so pretty! and will look lovely on all manner of things.
    Really lovely Joy and neat as always xx

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  18. Hiya FB, I'm happy to see you again! I'm well at the moment and thanks so much for asking; how about you? I am enjoying the Sashiko FB, I think it's the flow about it that brings on the slightly meditative state, or should I say 'vegetative' state!!!! Haha!!
    Glad you like the little snowflakes - a lot could be done with them - in time!
    I hope you're week goes well for you.
    Warm hugs, Joy xo

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  19. Although I have never tried to do it, I love the look of Sashiko stitching, and I enjoy seeing what you are doing with it as well as your red stitch work, Joy! I am single crocheting chain one-ing as fast as possible trying to finish the cocoon blanket for my newest Grand before she is born :)
    Gracie xx

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    1. Hello Gracie - Sashiko is so simple and such fun, I hope you decide to give it a try sometime. I'm looking forward to seeing the little cocoon for your little Grandie - it'll be beautiful I know! Lovely to hear from you again, and thanks so much!
      Hugs, Joy xo

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  20. These doodle stitches are so creative. You really are going great guns with your stitching. As always looking forward to seeing what you will make with it. Again no stitching for me this week.:-(

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    1. I'm really enjoying the variety of stitchings Leeanne - being part of the stitchalong has been a great incentive for me and I'm learning a lot. I also want to crochet and knit though and it's difficult to fit everything in, as no doubt you are well aware in your own busy life. So now I have quite a few pieces stitched and they will all need to become something .. watch this space! What are you busy with this week?
      Thanks so much for taking time to come visit!
      Hugs, Joy xo

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  21. Joy, I love your red snowflakes! they look amazing :o) hope you are well, sam xx

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    1. Hiya Sam - lovely to hear from you again and I'm happy you like the snowflakes, they are rather fun. Thanks for asking, I am well and feeling heaps better with a bit of long overdue sunshine too!
      Hugs, Joy xo

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  22. Hi Joy, I loved my needlework class at school! I can remember clearly making an apron(with snoopy on it!) a shirt, a needle work bag and my absolute favourite was a square piece of embroidery where we changed the stiches as we went around! I like the running stitch you have made and as place mats, they will be fab! Heather x

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    1. Hi Heather, lovely to hear of your school stitching memories - those were good days, weren't they! I'm making progress with the place mats but am now getting a bit edgy at the thought of all that stitching being covered with (perhaps hot) plates!
      I hope your week is going well and everything settling into place.
      Hugs, Joy xo

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  23. Sweet Joy...You are one busy lady!!! You put me to shame with all the projects you get going and finish! I love your stitchy placements! The flow of your embroidered design is so pleasing. Those will certainly make your kitchen table happy and all who sit at it! ... And, your red embroidered snowflakes are just gorgeous! Whatever you create with that piece will be darling! xoxo Paulette

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  24. Hello again Paulette and yes, I have been busy and it's wonderfully relaxing doing these little stitchy pieces but then I have to work out what to make with them!!! But I am getting there and once on a roll I expect to get a few projects totally completed - hopefully!
    I am so loving your gorgeous little pins, sweet P, and your collaboration with Vicki and friends has produced such beauty for such a worthwhile cause - I am amazed!
    Happy days and warm hugs, Joy xo

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  25. Hello JOY.. Happy Friday... Wow I am a wee bit behind catching up with everyone... Love you Sashiko stitching.. I have never tried it but your looks very pretty.. I also LOVED those Red Snowflakes... I also have stitched them in blue...Have a lovely weekend.. Hugs Judy

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  26. Hello Judy, lovely to hear from you again! You have good happy reasons to be a wee bit behind with catching up; I so enjoyed seeing your pics and hearing about your exciting trip!
    I'm glad you like my latest stitchings - Sashiko is so easy and relaxing, I hope you can find time to give it a try sometime. I rather fancy the snowflakes in blue - blue goes along with cold and frosty doesn't it!
    Have a great weekend Judy! Warn hugs, Joy xo

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  27. Gorgeous stitching and those snowflakes are stunning. Deb xxx

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    1. Thanks so much Deb, thanks for dropping by, lovely to see you!
      Joy x

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