Because my supervisor is...AWESOME, I asked for a personal day off after I finished my one truly important responsibility yesterday (Friday) I ran away from work and came home to my beautiful NCC and stitched up some stuff for FNSI.
It was a really big day! As you know, Wendy B over at Sugarlane Quilts his hosting what she calls B.O.F. (Block of the Fortnight), and when the first block came out I stitched that one up not as well as I would have liked. Don't get me wrong, it is ADORABLE! But I had run out of ink for my printer and had to tip my monitor over so I could trace the pattern from the PDF. Having never done this sort of thing before it was scary and exciting all at once.
After I had finished this blog I had some thinking time in between blocks and so ventured forth to Joann's to see what I could see and learn some things if it were possible. I ended up finding some embroidery fabric even though I was after more of the "hanky" fabric (which I use more than one would think and not for embroidery), and then I turned around and there were these inexpensive little packets of patterns that can be ironed on or traced (your choice I suppose).
I figured I would finally print out the PDF's for my BOF block "Friends" and re-do it on this fabric. Besides, it is such a fun stitch up that stitching it again is not a hardship whatsoever.
As you can see they came out beautifully...and yes I was able to print out the PDF's and use my lightbox (as per directions) to trace out the pattern.
I like the colors the pattern called for, but since I have found, bobbinated and organized all of my floss...you guessed it...I HAD to use my Variations. Changing the 322 and using 4025 was AWESOME, I love the way the color changes add to the fun of the letters.
I've seen a few other's blocks and absolutely LOVE how everyone is doing theirs...just like cross stitch, the pattern may be the exact same, but personal preferences make it different and unique. The second best part is how quickly these stitch up...almost like INSTANT gratification. My favorite part is finishing the stitching and then taking the block to the water to get the water erasable pen ink off for the big reveal on what your finished block really looks like (a quick toweling off and dry iron and there it is!).
Now that I have two blocks done, I'm going to start playing with fabrics (I need to get to know my fabric stash anyway and that is another blog story) to see what I'd like to use for the border and binding.
Happiness really describes how I feel about these blocks but the waiting a fortnight for the next one is a wee bit o' torture since I want to do them all right now :-D
Until next time...Keep on Stitchin'!
Those are so cute, I haven't done embroidery like that since I was a teen, it was part of a class I took in high school. You are making me want to try it again
ReplyDeleteYou really should! They really do stitch up quick and like I said...INSTANT gratification :D
DeleteBeautiful blocks! I am having a frustrating time hooking up a new wifi printer! Almost there after having to borrow a cable that no longer gets packed in with printers lol.
ReplyDeleteDarn printers! I was reduced to printing the PDF's at work! Why don't the proper cables get packed with the printers now? That seems silly of the manufacturer (I'm being nice and using my "good" words ha ha)
DeleteI remember being able to finish off early from work - such a bonus especially when you achieve something so pretty.
ReplyDeleteFortunately I have quite a bit of leave time accrued so it's all paid time off which goes nicely with stitching up something pretty :D I'd like to retire but sadly I need my paychecks!
DeleteI used to work flexi time too. But we used our early Friday's to go to the pub!
ReplyDeleteYour embroidery is lovely. I really like the DMC variegateds, they are as nice as any of the more expensive ones. Especially the 4000 series.
Thank you! I'm enjoying the 4000 series as well :D
DeleteOoh how pretty - I need to get those blocks printed off ASAP!
ReplyDeleteyes ma'am! They are wonderful to stitch up!
DeleteLovely :) Barb.
ReplyDeleteThat's really pretty :) I don't know a lot about embroidery so my mind just keeps going '300 count fabric, that would make one heck of a tiny cross stitch' :D
ReplyDeleteEven I couldn't do cross stitch on 300 count and I'd have to use a size 4 thread or sewing thread to make it happen if I did try hahaha! The great thing about these blocks is that we all know how to backstitch and lazy daisy, so doing the back stitch here is easy, and the chain stitch is just a running lazy daisy sort of :D
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