- November 28, 2010
- 4 Comments
Redwork embroidery, popular during the Victorian era, was always stitched in Turkey Red floss. Redwork has been a passion of mine off and on for many years. As a newlywed, I fell in love with the sweet little designs—almost always flowers, animals, or children. Over the years I’ve made several Redwork quilts, and I’d like to share a few of the ones still in my possession.
The first quilt shown above was made in 1986 and often covered my son’s bed when he was little. We had such fun finding the pictures together and talking about them. One square even shows our three dogs at the time—Trapper, Woody, and Sugar—along with a few of their “favorite things.” Writing about it now makes me a little teary; so many sweet memories are stitched into that quilt. My son, now 27, still says he loves it.
Below is a quilt in progress, started years ago and still only half-quilted. One day I’ll finish it, but I have to be in the mood to quilt—you know how that is. I love the little girl holding her dollies, the crying baby, and the bird lady…too cute! In the close-up shots you can see that, after the squares are sewn together and before it’s quilted, I use a herringbone stitch along the seams. Most of the embroidery stitches are stem and outline stitch, with a little chain stitch and a few French knots sprinkled in. I always use the highest-quality 100% natural muslin, and I buy my floss in bulk—DMC #304, Turkey Red of course!
Below is a baby quilt I made and never gifted! Yet.
BTW, this is a great travel project; a dozen squares, an embroidery hoop, a few needles and a half dozen skeins of floss and you are ready to go with a very light-weight project.
I love this square where "grandma" is at her dressing table! |
- November 16, 2010
- 13 Comments
If you read this blog often, you know I knit lots of white and shades of white and have shared most of them with you. Here are some I haven't shared on my blog, all in a whiter shade of pale.
Below is Martha by Kim Hargreaves, knit in discontinued Rowan 4-Ply Cotton. This pattern was very popular when it came out and I still love it. The next is another Kim Hargreaves called Red Cross. It's made from Rowan Polar, is warm and snuggly, but quite a bit hairy and linty. I think it's also a discontinued yarn. The fabulous buttons are bakelite from my grandmother's robe.
Below is a cardigan design by Debbie Bliss. The ribs turn into cables, very cute. It's made with Baby Cashmerino and is super soft.
I just got back from a great week in Florida. I took several projects that needed finishing, and as soon as I get some pictures, I'll share them. And thank you Florida for having the most beautiful fall weather while we were vacationing.
- November 16, 2010
- 2 Comments