Hardanger Center Square

Good Morning!  It's been a bit since I've posted.  I've been a busy stitching bee working on my project from Giuliana's latest book.  It is a bit more complicated than I originally thought it was going to be, but I think that's because I do not have much experience with Hardanger.  I have managed to get the center square completed though.  It certainly has a lot of detail and utilizes a plethora of stitches and techniques.  In fact, just the center of this project would make a lovely Hardanger doily.

I am currently working on the smaller squares that surround the center, and each of these 4 squares would also make lovely and elegant smaller projects.  I do have to admit, that I made a bit of a boo boo already.  When I read the instructions for the piece, it said that it was made on a piece of linen that was 70 x 70 cm.  I assumed that this was the size that my linen should be cut.  However, after looking through the diagrams and instructions, I now believe that the finished piece is 70 x 70 cm.  So, I am not going to be able to finish this project as presented in the book.  My piece will be smaller, and the border will be a bit different.  At first, I was a bit upset about this, but after some planning, I have figured out a way to keep a lot of the major components of the original piece in my smaller version.  This has taught me a lesson - always quadruple check the directions before cutting your materials! lol

I have some photos of the center square.  I am using DMC Retors D' Alsace in sizes 8 and 12 (I absolutely ADORE this thread) on 28 count Graziano linen.

I am currently working on the third smaller square and will make sure to snap some photos of them to share when they are completed.

Since the weather is unseasonably warm, and the sun is shining, I think I am going to take a bit of a break from my embroidery project, and crochet some flowers.  Irish Crochet Lab owner and instructor, Larisa, is sharing a new project that she is working on, and has invited her students to join her.  I am very excited for this, as it has been awhile since I have crocheted. . . I don't want to get "rusty", so this small project is the perfect break from my Hardanger project.  What are your plans for today?  Whatever they may be,  I hope you all have a wonderful day and until next time. . . 

Happy Stitches!

Reticello Roses

Happy 2018!  I hope everyone had a safe and happy New Year's.  I haven't made any new resolutions, but I have resolved to keep doing what I am already doing as to stay happy and healthy.

So far in the new year, I have finished a small Reticello Embroidery project, started a big Hardanger project, and spent some times painting threads.  I must admit, I have become a bit addicted to hand painting my own threads.  lol  I have experimented on a variety of threads in a variety of colors and color schemes.  I won't show photos of all the threads I have dyed, but I took a few photos of some of my favorites.  It is actually easier, (and more fun) than I thought it would be, plus it is going to save me quite a bit of money, and time for the threads that I have to order from Italy.  Every time I order a new thread, especially one not available here in the States, I am so tempted to order almost every color it comes in. lol  And then there are the lovely threads that don't come in colors, but only white and ecru.  Now I can have any thread I choose, in any color I choose.  So many possibilities. . . 

Speaking of color, I finished a Reticello Roses place mat inspired by Giuliana Buonpadre's book Hebarium.  The roses in the book were made using size 80 Cordonnet, but since I did not at the time possess all of the colors, I used DMC coton a broder instead.  I used a variety of violets and plums, as well as greens.  I had a grand old time sifting through my broder collection and selecting colors.

I chose similar colors to those used in the book.  I may decide to make a matching place mat to this piece, and if I do, I am going to experiment using different colors. . . perhaps some reds and burgundy.

I used Sotema 20L linen (38 count), which I must say is my favorite linen at the moment.  I have some Sotema 60 count linen that I am itching to try, but I am saving that for Hedebo and Cutwork projects.

Making the Reticello windows for the roses, confused me for a bit, I must admit.  I have been so used to making plain square reticello windows, that I lost my place for a good ten minutes before it started to make sense again.  lol  Luckily, I didn't cut any wrong threads or over pull any before I found my way again.

I used DMC coton a broder N. 25 in white for the square stitches and whip stiches, and N.30 for the bars.  The roses were not difficult to make, though tedious, with the color changes.  Again I thank my experience with Aemilia Ars for the ease I had in making and shaping the flowers and leaves.  I also decided to add two small reticello butterflies on either side of the Roses' window.   I really like how this turned out.  I was a little afraid that the coton a broder 25 would be too thick to fit in the small windows, but it came out fine I think.

As luck would have it, the day that I finished this, my goodies from Italy arrived.  I had ordered linen and threads for a Hardanger project feautured in Giuliana's latest book.  Of course, I was excited, and couldn't wait to start it.  I've been flipping through the book just itching to make something beautiful from it's pages for over a month.  lol  I started the project yesterday, and have also got to try out a new thread. . . Retors d' Alsace by DMC.  At first glance, it looks like DMC pearl cotton, but a closer inspection will reveal that the twist is tighter.  The thread is also a bit heavier and silkier than pearl cotton, and I will say it works up a lot nicer. . . at least for embroidery.  I have yet to try crocheting with it, but that is next on my list.

Before I get back to my project, I will share a few photos of my hand painted threads:

The threads on the left  are Special Dentelles by DMC, and the plum one on the right is pearl cotton 12, also DMC.

The green and violet skein is DMC pearl cotton 12, and the others are DMC coton a broder sizes 25 and 30.

I have LOTS more that I have done, but these are my favorites for now.  Sometime in the near future, I will write a post, explaining my method, and feature more photos of the threads that I have painted.

Also, since my latest project is probably going to take awhile to finish, I will post updates on it's progress.  I hope you all enjoy your day and come back soon!  Until next time. . . 

 Happy Stitches!