Did I really Say That!

Well well well! once on a previous post on April 15th 2011 I wrote......."Plus, I want to say I did that! and not my machine ( anyway I don’t have one and probably never will)"... little did I know that in 18 months time I would be the proud owner of my very own embroidery machine. I could not wait to get started and well all I can say is that if my DH was not a computer whiz I would be sitting in a corner weeping. The machine comes programmed with many designs but it was the monograms I wanted and was not madly keen on the preprogrammed ones. So  I had to go find and buy some and download them in a Jef format and that's when all the trouble started for me, not only  do you have to download onto a usb key you then have to format them, resize, set the hoop size, and then add to your  card reader which then  goes into the machine, plus you also have to use a stabiliser for the backing and then technically your off. I am slowly getting the hang of it and have made a few bits and bobs and have already sold a cushion cover and lavender bag so that for me is very encouraging. I love using white and  Red as it gives it a fantastic vintage look especially using it on vintage linen. I will be doing a giveaway soon  and yes you guessed, it will be a monogrammed something but not sure yet what. But feel very justified in saying "I did that with lots of help from my DH". Happy New Year and must dash I have to go make a P.....

 

 

 

 

All is now ohhh "K"

You know when you get an idea in your head and then you just have to go for it. Well yesterday was just one of  these days. It all started when I received a custom order for monogrammed sachets for 3 bridesmaids. All was going well I did an "E" and then the "B" and the last one was a "K". Well it was to big so I started again and then it was to small, beginning to panic as I only had enough embroidery thread  of that particular colour for one more try. I decided to buy a set of transfer paper and copy a monogram out of my book, reduce the size, iron on the transfer and then embroider it, easy peasy.! NOT.   First off I have a laser printer and when I got home it just happened to notice that you need an ink jet printer. DH to the rescue and as he had to go into town anyway said he would buy a new cartridge for it and would scan the monogram and then I can get my order done and dusted. Ha if only, 2 hours later and DH was still trying to scale & transfer and well I got fed up so I  decided to go for freehand again, this time I got it right and was just finishing it off when DH who had meanwhile been persevering with the technical side handed me the transfer but full size.
I did not have the heart to tell him that I had redrawn the monogram and had almost completed it. To show my appreciation for all of his patience and efforts I decided to try the transfer on a bit of linen  it worked a treat and nowI have a cushion cover that I never knew I wanted !!!!  Well here it is and have to say I love it looks  quite vintagy don't you think?

I also never fully realised that it would leave an opaque plastic coating which renders it useless for embroidery so it never would have worked. Apart from that I have learnt something new and when the kids next come over I will get them to take a picture of whatever they fancy and transfer it on to a t-shirt for them. In fact Poppy is coming over Sat so will have a go then and let you see what picture she takes.Still on the subject of monograms  a few weeks ago on Pinterest I saw some embroidery loops, some with buttons which were very cute and  for nurseries animals and  balloons, as I just happened to have several embroidery hoops spare decided to try one with this lemon Monogram.

Vintage Linen Eyeglass Case - Tutorial

Where did this come from? Well, all because I lost my hard case for my glasses and for two days had my glasses stuck down my jumper or tangled in my hair and I had enough so decided to make my own. I did and of course wanted to show off how clever I am posted it on FB:))  I had a comment left suggesting I could perhaps add a cord so it could hang round your neck. Not sure if I fancied this idea as I have to say I really dislike these cords you get for hanging your glasses on. I know some people don’t seem to have a problem with them but I think they are really ugly and very annoying to wear, just my opinion of course!

I then received 3 mails asking for the instructions on how to make them, was I flattered yip I was indeed. So here is my version and hope if you do make one or several you will let me have a look.
So to get started you will need to find two pieces of material (Cotton or linen work great) I have used a tea stained vintage linen and a wadding for the lining. But you can decide whether you want it padded or not.

Cut two pieces 20cm x 18cm (8”x7”)

Now if you want to add a trim now the time to add it.(I used a scalloped edged ivory lace) place it on the right side of one piece of material that measures 18cm (7”) and add second piece on top same  size so both right sides are together.
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Stitch along this edge and then press flat, open  out and it should look like this and then top stitch along lace.

Now fold the long edges together making sure that your seam lines in the centre match, stitch and  press this seam open.

You should now have a tube, turn the side that you want to be on the inside of the case back over the other piece of material, (the wadding on this one will be on the inside) line up the seams and press.

Now stitch across the end and then do a zig zag or serge the edge to prevent fraying. Should look like this trim the ends as shown.

 

Now turn so the wadding is now on the inside and it should look like this. You should have a seam running down the back centre.

For this one I added a shell button and made a stem and a few French knots. But you can add whatever takes your fancy.

I also added a split ring either side of the case. I used a linen cord and attached it with a necklace crimp with loop to slip into the ring, now you can hang this round your neck.

Hope all that makes sense. Let me know if it doesn't. Below a few other I have made.

Monograms From Days Gone By

One of the oldest forms of identification in the world, and is still widely recognized and used today? The Monogram.

A monogram is a symbol that is created out of letters. This is deemed as a very personal item as the monograms are usually the initials of the person who owns the item.


I love them and I only ever succeeded to do one successful monogram and it took me roughly about 17 hours as I unpicked, redid, unpicked again till my fingers screamed at me to stop. I fully intend to do another but have no idea when and hope my eyes last out long enough to create another. A professional could have done it in half the time I am sure.

 
Today’s technology allows you to create monograms on a machine but for me,  although very clever  it doesn’t sit right with me, although a friend of mine has created some beautiful pieces so perhaps I have the wrong attidute. I guess I am a romantic and when I think of the young victorian girls sitting for hours creating works of art that we can still enjoy today and for many years to come I hope. Plus, I want to say I did that! and not my machine ( anyway I don’t have one and probably never will)


So when I see vintage monogrammed sheets at vide greniers and brocantes, and I can afford them I have to have. Thought I would let you see just  a few of mine. !

The book above has some fabulous examples and shows you all the stitches so perhaps before my dotage I will get down to trying again.