Sunday, June 14, 2015

Sunday Stitch: Merida, Segment 1

Happy Sunday everyone!

Today we embark on the wonderful adventure of stitching the first in the Mucha Princesses Series, which are the patterns that were designed by Ashley and are now for sale over at MakeitPink on Etsy. The patterns are sold individually or as a set.  These are complicated patterns and not for the feint of heart.  Guaranteed to test your skill level!  There are only a limited number being sold and once they are sold out, there will be no more,  PLEASE, pick your princess!

The original artist, Hannah Alexander, has given permission for Ashley to create patterns from three of her princess, and I'm starting with Merida.  If you look through Hannah's gallery, you'll actually start wishing she would allow more to be made into patterns, but as this is a test run....you know how this could or could not work out (I'm hoping for good things...her art is beautiful).

Every Sunday I will endeavor to stitch a bit and explain some of the potential hazards of this pattern as we go along.  I suppose hazards might be a bit too strong of a word, but for a novice stitcher it could be....and hopefully by sharing what I've done along the way, this pattern and the others, will make more sense and help you have a brilliant stitching experience. (I already am and I've barely begun)

Seriously, the pure joy of taking on such a project....I have no words!  I have TW (Teresa Wentzler) to thank for teaching me different ways to read a pattern and how to make those stitches work. Wonder if she ever thinks that after all these years she's STILL teaching people new things?  I hope she pats herself on the back daily for her achievements.

Now, back to Merida!

First thing, and always, the most important thing: Always read the directions. (Yes, I have reason to stress this one rule and that is for a different blog post)  Ashley did provide excellent instruction, but kept it simple.  Even still, read them carefully.  Make sure you follow the instructions.  If you do not understand something or have questions, don't hesitate to ask!  Ashley is always available to answer questions about a project.

Example:  Me: "I think I'll use a 28 count evenweave"
                 Ashley: "If you do that then your beads won't lay properly and could create gaps where there shouldn't be any"

Well now, guess I need to get some 18 ct as the pattern states first thing!  So I chose some 36 ct White/Silver Evenweave fabric.   (For the beginner:  A higher count on fabric divided by 2 will get you where you need to be.  28 ct is 14 ct if you stitch over two.  This only works on fabrics OTHER THAN Aida.)  I deliberately purchased a 35" x 36"  piece as the other pieces I found were too small. This is a 9.5 x 22 3/8 sized pattern and we still need that extra 3" all the way around.  

My next struggle was with which needle would work the best with this fabric?

I know there are flat rate sizes of needles to be used for sizes of fabric, but I have found that it doesn't always work that way for me.

Issues of shredding floss, holes too big or too small, there's a list that I'm confident everyone has experienced when trying to follow the "rules" of needle and fabric.

I started out with a John James size 5 embroidery needle (stuck myself twice in the thumb) and made my first two rows of stitches.  36 ct fabric is SMALL, so it made sense to try that needle out first.  The stitches are a little sloppy for my taste, but we are testing a needle here, so it's fine.  Then I changed out with a John James Tapestry Petite needle size 26.  Imagine my surprise when things just flowed!

You are now wondering why I keep mentioning John James.  I'm a serious fan of this brand of needle.  The eyes never shred my floss, I have yet to snap one in half and they don't bend like the cheapo kit provided needles do, nor do they rust or lose their shiny shine.

Finally, we get going.  Next step is to figure out how to make those little stitches on the fabric that are on the pattern.  Over 1 is the answer.

I have gently circled the over one stitches that might cause the most confusion on the pattern.

Don't be afraid to stitch these little guys!  There is back stitching involved that will prove to you that this over one stitching was worth it and does not look "dumb".  It will blend so nicely with the back stitching later you will laugh with crazy glee!

I am aware the first segment is a bit windy, but with any project, getting started is a process all by itself.

Now that we have things moving right along, the following Sunday blog posts shouldn't be as long...unless we learn something new!  My plan for now is to stitch up Merida's hair.  Ashley wanted to see the hair, so Ashley will get to see the hair.  It is my complete pleasure to oblige. 

Segment two will discuss the easy to read pattern and whatever else pops up while stitching.

Until next time.....Keep on Stitchin'

12 comments:

  1. Great start :) I think I'm going to need to pick up some of those needles if they work so well.

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    1. They really are extremely wonderful and so smooth to work with! for the TW 12 Days I've used the embroidery needle for the one over one and it slides through like hot knife through butter :D

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  2. I too love the John James needles, but couldn't possible tell you what all brands I have. Merida is going to be gorgeous, She keeps tempting me.

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    1. In all honesty, it isn't as large at it appears and could very well be an upstairs project. There are only a few sections that require exquisite concentration, but overall there are large areas where it's just solid stitching of one color or blended :D

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    2. Good to know, maybe I will slot it in for after the Eeyore pillow, which I have yet to make a pattern for.

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    3. Now that you are mostly organized you should get crackin' lady!! ha ha!

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  3. I can't wait to see more of this. I really want the patterns but would like to see how it will come out first.

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    1. Your wish is being granted as we speak! I really love this first one and think I'll probably just continue each one until I have all three done as my "Sunday Stitch"...of course keeping my hands off this project during the rest of the week might be difficult ha ha!

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  4. It looks great so far :). I love these patterns but they're a bit expensive for me at the moment. I have a different Merida I'm starting soon hopefully.

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    1. Yes, but actually if you look at it from a different perspective, comparing it to a HAED or a Dimensions Kit...these are cheaper :D When you start your Merida PLEASE share, I'd love to see what yours looks like from a different patterned point of view...there are so many and all are lovely!

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  5. This start looks so lovely...so very lovely...I can't wait to get and start my own one :) Not sure which princess to go with first, but you're very much tempting me for it to be Merida as well :D

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    1. Thank you! I'd like to see Belle started next....so if you were to start one could it be her? PLEEAASSEEE??? :D

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