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January 10, 2008

Table of Contents

• Sewing Circle -- Planning and Starting a New Project
• To the Point -- Blocking a Finished Piece Worked in Crewel Wool
• Words of Wisdom
• Find of the Month -- Crewel Embroidery Designs

Sewing Circle
Do your New Year's resolutions include starting some new embroidery projects? Start the year off right and plan for success by planning out your project before you start stitching. Choose the right pattern based on your skill level and how much time you want to invest. Will the colors complement the room where you intend to display the finished piece? (If not and it's a pattern you're dieing to do, you can plan to give it as a gift.) There are so many things to think about! Check out this list to make sure all of the points are covered.

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To the Point
Sarah in Maine recently asked how to block a hand embroidered crewel bell pull done in wool thread. Here's what I told her:

Wool takes a little more effort since you want to avoid felting. Felting is caused by sudden heat or agitation (rubbing). The bell pull shouldn't need blocking unless it has gotten out of shape or has some prominent wrinkles. If it does, you can block it by sandwiching it between two handkerchiefs and sitting a heavy book on top for awhile. If that's not enough and you are sure the threads are colorfast, after all of the stitching is done, carefully dunk it in lukewarm water then lay it out on a board so it stays in shape as it air dries. I wouldn't try this unless I was *very* sure about the threads not bleeding. Also, the "let-it-dry" technique works better when there are no large areas of unworked cotton that might tend to wrinkle, but if large enough to iron without touching the embroidery threads, those areas can be ironed. Linen is not as wrinkle prone.

Words of Wisdom
A man with one watch knows what time it is. A man with two watches is never sure.

Find of the Month
This month, Mary recommended a coloring website for crewel embroidery designs. She says the patterns are great for backgrounds and general design inspiration. If you explore the website, you'll find lots of patterns suitable for embroidery, especially under the textile section. I can imagine adding a pocket to a pair of jeans or tote bag. I would stitch the design to cover the piece of fabric before I cut it to shape and sewed it on. Please share photos of the ideas for uses that you come up with!

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!