Collar Necklace in Miniature Crochet

Good Morning!  I just wanted to make a quick morning post and share my latest completed project.  It is a collar necklace from Lunarheavenly's first book.  I used DMC Cordonnet Special size 80 in ecru with a .5mm hook for the crochet flowers.  I used Rit Liquid Dye to paint my flowers, and for the jewelry findings, I used antique brass cable chain and findings, and a 6mm freshwater pearl.  I am happy with the results and a wonderful time was had creating it.

There are many types of different projects in lunarheavenly's first book and I am looking forward to creating more of them.  I put in a few online orders and am waiting to receive various items needed to complete certain projects.  I also ordered some Jacquard Dyna Flow Textile paints, as well as some ink that can be used to paint fiber art.  In her book, lunarheavenly does use ink to paint her creations, and I can not wait to receive my goodies so I can try out some new painting techniques.

I recently ordered lunarheavenly's second book which is chock full of adorable little critters created using a combination of embroidery and painted crochet.  At the moment I am working on a little critter. . . I won't tell you which one yet.  lol  I will wait until it is completed.  In her second book, she also uses different size threads.  The sizes she uses are crochet cotton size 80, 100, 120 and 160.  I can easily find size 80 and 100, but I have yet to come across size 120 and 160.  Instead I am using thread for lace making which comes in a variety of sizes.  It is quite a challenge crocheting with thread that is thinner than all purpose sewing thread, but the results are adorable!

Well, I better get going.  We have two little baby Pekin ducks arriving today that are barely a couple of days old.  They will need a lot of special care and attention, and there are still some things that I have to do to prepare for their arrival.  I hope you all have a wonderful and inspired day!  Til next time.  . . 

Happy Stitches!

Kitchen Curtain in Reticello Lace Embroidery

Good Afternoon!  It took many hours of work, quite a bit of thread, and more than a few needles, but I have completed my kitchen valance, and the hard work was certainly worth it because I LOVE it!  It really brightens up the window, and there is an indescribable sense of pride and accomplishment whenever I look at my kitchen window.

For this project, I used Sotema 20L linen in cream, and DMC coton a broder in sizes 25, 30 and 35.  I also used a bit of DMC Floche size 16 for the satin stitches.  I did not follow a set pattern but rather took bits and pieces from my collection of books by Giuliana Buonpadre, and also some ideas from different embroidered curtains I saw online.  Since I decided on an elaborate border, I kept the rest of the curtain pretty simple.  I added a butterfly swirl trail using satin stitches, buillion stitches, and back stitches, and also added some satin stitch designs above the reticello embroidery.  I also placed some smaller reticello crosses and a square in the center of the valance.  I reinforced all the edges of the curtain with first a satin stitch using DMC embroidery floss (one strand), and then using white cotton sewing thread, I machine sewed very small straight stitches over the satin stitches. . . this was quite difficult.  lol  The sides were pretty simple, but the constant turning and the corners on the Reticello edge really took some time.  I did manage to complete it neatly, and then finally, using coton a broder #25, I buttonholed all along the edge.

Of course, the valance was not yet completed.  I had to trim all of the excess fabric from around the buttonhole stitches very, very carefully so as not to accidentally cut any of the needlework.  I have a special pair of embroidery scissors that I use ONLY for this purpose.  It keeps the blades sharp and clean.  I soaked my piece overnight in water and gentle detergent, then this morning I rinsed it alternating very hot and very cold water, and inspected it to make sure it was 100% clean.  I used a towel to roll the curtain up in and remove the excess water.  It did not take very long to dry, and then I ironed and steamed it. . . and then steamed it and ironed it.  It was a very satisfying moment when I put my many hours of hard work on the curtain rod and hung it on my kitchen window.

I then proceeded to take a plethora of photos. lol  Many of which I will now share with you.

The Reticello Embroidered edging took the most amount of time to complete of course.  I used the many windows to use a variety of filling stitches, while still trying to keep a sense of uniformity to the piece.

I used filling stitches that I had used on the rest of the border to complete the center diamond.

I added small windows of Reticello Embroidery in between the decorative satin stitches.

The buttercream color of the linen really brightens up the kitchen window.

I love the look of the lace on the window so much, I'm already planning on making more embroidered curtains for my living room windows.

After completing this lengthy embroidery project, I am going to take a break from embroidery and work a bit on crochet.  I recently ordered Lunarheavenly's 2nd book, as well as some new paint brushes, and threads.  Her second book is filled with adorable animals of all types. . . there are also a couple of projects that I have been wanting to complete from her first book.

Well, I hear my crochet hook and threads calling me. . . I hope you are all having a wonderful inspired day!  Until next time. . . 

Happy Stitches!