Sew Many Threads to Follow, One Monthly Newsletter

The daffodils are blooming here in Maryland. This weekend, my family and I are celebrating the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We wish you a blessed Easter, too!

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April 10, 2009

Table of Contents

• Sewing Circle -- Silk Ribbon Storage
• To the Point -- Applique Technique
• Words of Wisdom
• Find of the Month -- Applique Tulip Pattern

Sewing Circle
If you do silk ribbon embroidery, you know that storing ribbon is a challenge. Not only can it become tangled, but improper storage can also add creases. Lisa came up with a brilliant silk ribbon storage technique using plastic bobbins and a piece of felt. Check out her blog for instructions and great photos.

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To the Point
Applique is a fast way to add large patches of color to your embroidery. Instead of using a fill stitch, you attach a piece of fabric. The fabric can be decorated on top with free motion embroidery or crewel stitches such as the chain stitch or French knots to add more details and dimension. Use floss or silk ribbon for the top decorations.

The applique technique was traditionally done by hand using the blanket stitch from crewel embroidery. You can also use free motion machine embroidery to accomplish the task. The goal is to cover all of the raw edges so that the added piece of fabric does not fray. Use a cotton or rayon thread, fine and in a matching color to hide the applique stitches.

Words of Wisdom
"Always do right. This will gratify some people, and astonish the rest." ~ Mark Twain

Find of the Month
The daffodils are blooming here now, but the tulips will open soon! Therefore I have an applique tulip pattern to share this month. It's a .pdf file. Use embroidery to secure the edges, then add decorative stitches for details like the leaf veins and flower petals. You can make more than one and arrange them in quilt blocks as illustrated. The pattern outline can be adapted for use with various methods of embroidery, such as crewel, redwork, blackwork, free motion, or punchneedle. Happy spring!

You're Invited: Please share your stitching stories, ideas, words of wisdom, find of the month, or questions. Just reply to this newsletter and tell me what you think! I'd love to hear from you.

The most interesting feedback will be shared in next month's issue!