Hand embroidering - And the process of learning it ...

I am still in the process of embroidering, while I`m trying to teach myself new techniques. I think it`s great fun to learn something new, although I sometimes find it a bit daunting and know it can be a huge challenge as well. Cross stitching is one of the easiest techniques I have used for several years, which I have become very fond of. I have tried other techniques with mixed results, but the answer is probably just a question of practice. Go ahead and try and try until you get it right. Have patience.

First attempt - not bad but the padding/filling should be more evenly done...

Second attempt - now I start to get a hang of it.

At least I understand what went wrong and how to improve. And I have more confidence ! At the moment I am embroidering a ring pillow for a Dutch woman, she is getting married in July. I am embroidering their initials. I will of course show you when the pillow is completely finished. 

All photos © Aina - Modern Country

- Here I have tried out a new technique called white on white / Whitework. I did not dare to make a complicated monogram to begin with, so the first experiments were executed using a simple font. And this is how it looked like after a couple of attempts using padded satin stitches.  For the outline of the letter I have used outline stiches. They kind of "twist together" and make a smoother looking "rope", but you can also use backstitches or split stiches. It does not really matter which one you use. The center of the letter lines are filled up with long stitches, they give a "thickness" to the embroidery and make it stand out. Basic embroidery stitches learned via Needle n` Thread.com

 The reason of my desire to master this technique is simply because I have been so Inspired by all the beautiful antique hand embroidered Linen napkins I have collected over the years. Most of them bought at markets in France and in The Netherlands. 

 

- Image below, shot last spring. Lovely scented apple three flowers on top of an antique linen napkin. 

 Photo © Aina - Modern Country

A year ago I bought a book written by the talented French artist and writer Agnes Delage-Calvet, and I immediately wrote an article about it. (you can read it here). Agnes responded in return and sent me an enthusiastic, warm and friendly mail and also helped me get started with white on white embroidery, which is a big part of the book Broderie à l'ancienne. There has been a painstaking process, and my patience has been properly tested. But I am pretty happy with how my skills are developing. Slowly but surely I will get there.... Agnes, Thank you for everything, you know I adore your work !

 





 * For Inspiration, check out Agnes Delage-Calvet Homepage,

also her  long list of magnificent books about needlework. Available at Amazon.

- Another talented artist that has taught me a lot about various needlework techniques is the amazing talented Mary corbet, who writes Needle n` Thread. She has been so helpful. If I`m stuck with a problem I just browse her pages and I always find plenty of Ideas how to solve it or how to continue my work. Here she has made a simple guideline how to start hand embroidering monograms on Linen guest towels.

  

 For those who love sewing and needlework, I can recommend these books also.

Wishing you a good start to the week !

~ Aina ~