Crochet Rose Applique

Good Morning!  I have completed a lovely crochet project.  The idea belongs to Larisa Chilton of Irish Crochet Lab.  She designed it as a project at the request of the Prescensia Thread Company.  It was so lovely that I had to follow along, and she was, as always, so very generous and shared her patterns with those of us who have purchased her video tutorials.  I believe some of the patterns are available in her patterns shop, but I strongly encourage purchasing her video tutorials. . . these lessons and the information and instruction are priceless.

I used DMC Pearl Cotton 8 for the motifs with hook size .75 and .90 mm.  I wanted to use Prescensia Finca Pearl Cotton, but I didn't have any colors that I felt would look good as roses.  I did use Finca Pearl Cotton size 16 for the netting, with a size .40mm crochet hook.  I love this size thread. . . it is perfect for making background nettings for Irish Crochet.  For the backing material I am going to use a Cotton Sateen in a creamish color.  I still have to get to Hobby Lobby or JoAnn Fabrics to pick up an embroidery hoop frame.  I, of course, have embroidery hoops in different sizes, but no embroidery hoop frames.  I have seen them while shopping for other needlework goods, but haven't had a use for one until now. lol   I will probably pick up a few since they are inexpensive, and can be used for a variety of things.  I will make another post when I have fully completed the project, but I wanted to share some photos of the finished lace:

I do feel as if the motifs could have been centered a bit more, but all in all I am very pleased with how it turned out.  It is going to make a beautiful piece for my living room wall.  It reminds me a bit of Beauty and the Beast because of the magic rose that is a part of the story.

The leaves, large rose and rose buds are all original patterns by Larisa.  They are elegant and can be used for a variety of projects.  I thoroughly enjoyed making this piece.  Perhaps I will make it again, but as a bag or purse. . . if I do, I want to use Prescensia Pearl Cotton, which means I will have to put in an order from them soon.  I'm running low on some of my favorite colors by them.

I have also been working a bit on a Reticello piece.  I would say I am about seventy percent done.  I have a couple of photos of this piece in progress:

After I finish this piece,  I would like to use crochet for another project.  It may take me awhile to finish because of my wrist and joint issues.  This rose project took longer than I would have liked because I had to take constant breaks so as not to overwork or stress my wrists and hands. . . still it was totally worth it.  I would like to make a mixed fiber art piece. . . perhaps some crochet, needle lace, and of course, embroidery.  I have also been researching Boutis quilting, and am very intrigued by the technique.  I would like to make a small sample Boutis piece to see if it would be something that I would enjoy.

Well, I hope you enjoyed the photos and are making beautiful pieces of your own. . . Have a great day and until next time. . . 

Happy Stitches!

Hardanger Squares

Good Morning, stitching friends!  I am happy to announce that I have successfully completed the 4 hardanger squares.  I am, however, having difficulty designing a border that is satisfactory.  As I mentioned in my last post, I cut my linen a bit too small for the project as it is designed in the book's instructions.  I have drawn out a few different borders that would fit my piece, but I do not like any of them very much. . . it could be because I had my heart set on making it to look like the book's.  I am on the verge of giving in, and just cutting the 4 squares, and larger centerpiece, and having 5 very nice smaller pieces, and a lesson well learned. (always quadruple check the instructions!!)  I am going to hold off for another week, however, to see if something else will come to me, or will learn to like the designs that I have already come up with. *sigh*

I did take some quick snapshots of the the four smaller squares.  They are very lovely, and showcase many different embroidery techniques and stitches.  If I do decide to make them into standalone pieces, perhaps I will begin this project again, making sure that my linen is cut large enough to accommodate the piece in it's entirety.  In the meantime, I have been doing a bit of crochet.  I had to take a few months off because of wrist and joint issues.  Irish Crochet requires very tight tension and stitches, and also add to that the constant twisting of the wrists, and strange angles, especially when making background netting, and it got to the point where I could barely hold a crochet hook without wincing.  I think it is advisable to take a break from your craft of choice, or every once in awhile to avoid this, and I will certainly keep this mind for the future.  Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures of crochet to share, but I should soon.  I am following a project designed and made by the very talented owner and instructor of Irish Crochet Lab, and it is a beauty.

Before I get back to brainstorming, here are the photos of the completed Hardanger squares:

As you can tell from the photos that I have posted of what I did manage to get done of this project, it is very detailed and beautiful.  Even if I do manage to come up with a border that I like for this current Hardanger project, I am fairly certain that I will still remake this piece as it is detailed in the book.

Well, it is back to thinking and stitching for me!  I hope you are all using your creativity and making something that makes you smile.  Until next time. . . 

Happy Stitches!