Wednesday, January 27, 2010

It is Done, Really, Really Done



This is one of my UFO’s from October 2009 - the Welcome Flag Holder and the February - Theme Penny Rug - designed by Starry Pines Pattern company.


I am taking the class at Bearpaws and Hollyhocks. We met in October for a kick off party and learning the techniques needed to make the Welcome Flag Holder. I promptly took it home after class and did not touch it until our January meeting. (Well, I was stuck on the floss and which technique I was going to use to embroider.) The cast iron stand was included in the cost of the class. I was determined to take the class just to get the stand.



Check out that stand. This picture is of the finished Welcome Flag Holder. It seemed as though I was never going to get it finished. There seemed to be never ending backings and velcro circle to create plus a sleeve to hang the flag with. There is a lot of subtle embroidery on the front and I choose to blanket stitch the piece together instead of binding it.





This is a picture of my finished February - theme Penny Rug.


Even though we all received the same kit, we have the permission of the instructor to create away. My work is pretty much following the pattern, however, I changed the background to a wool, and I think I am the only one who is using Gentle Arts Floss and Wool Floss. Both are wonderful to handle and give back so much to my work. The variegations are engaging and create a vintage type effect.



Another thing I learned from Gretchen, is how to use the Calico Braided Rug needle by Piecemaker. Again, using it made my embroidery and needle work go so smooth. I never want to be without those needles when I am working with wool.




After I get my mess cleaned up I need to get working on my next project - UFO- and you know I have a lot to choose from.


I wish you the same feeling of accomplishment that I have this evening.


Thank you for stopping by.

3 comments:

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

That sign and stand are too cool! I love them.

Heckety said...

That stand is ace- bit like the old London gas lamps you occasionally see! I sure see why you did the class for it! Its a neat idea too to have the middle of the flag removable for the months, and I like February.

I like variegated threads too, I usually use DMC embroidery in different numbers of strands according to the project, but in November I bought a reel of YLI Machine Quilting thread to use in my handquilting. It works beautifully and the gradual colour changes of colour are very attractive but it was shockingly expensive I thought- 9euro...($12.50) so I'm being VERY thrifty with it. I sure wouldn't use it for the machine where there's so much more wastage, at that price.

Anonymous said...

I have to say LOVE YOUR FEB penny rug!! It is just darling!!!