French-knot detail

French-knots are perfect for tiny details.

This silk-print lady was wearing a cap or hair ornament so

to make it detailed I stitched tiny french-knots

in a fine wool thread.

Happy knotting

Phillipa

Do you Have a Board?

A very handy item to have.

Years ago I had this made and it has seen many many projects.

The odd shape is because originally it was nailed to the side of an old desk that I used as a sewing table.

An old blanket glued to a piece of plywood.

Just the right size for a quilt block and the iron.

For when I use the stitch n flip method for crazy quilt blocks.

Its also a good firm surface for heat transferring embroidery patterns.As I find the ironing board too soft.

I would thoroughly recommend getting your own.

Stitching Always

Phillipa

Splitting the Thread

Tip:

When you need to split a thread from 6 strands to 3.

Start in the middle.

I find this is the easiest way.

I cut my threads about 18" long, then gently tease apart the threads at about the middle and slowly pull apart.

It will twist and turn as you go. If it stops parting then hold the closest end with your teeth to put some tension on and continue to pull apart.

Then hold each section up by one end and it will untwist as you run your fingers down the thread.

This is the method I use. Hope this little tip is helpful

Happy Splitting and Untwisting

Phillipa

Wrapping your hoops.

Nooo. I havnt lost my mind. well not all of it anyway.

Just a tip for the beginner embroiderers.

I wrap the inside ring of all my embroidery hoops, as this helps to give better grip and less marking of your fabric.

Hoops can be used au-natural but I would recommend wrapping after  you've made sure that the hoops are lovely and smooth.If you feel any rough areas, a light sand with sandpaper (fine Grade) or even an emery board will do the trick.

Wrap with a bias cut tape and stitch the end  to keep it tidy.

Each of the above hoops has been wrapped with different tapes as Ive bought them at different times.

The brown is bias binding. The white is a cotton tape and the black is a tape for hat making.

Hope this helps

for Happy stitching

Phillipa