Sneak Peak: Prototypes For New Embroidery Notebook Kits

I have some new ideas for pocket notebooks that I'm trying out. My process usually works out where I try out several ideas and then pick the best. For this prototype, I print out the design on paper, tape in place, and then poke holes with a needle (it's kind of hard on my fingers, but its worth it). After the holes are made, I stitch it up, which is by far my favorite part. I love the satisfaction of seeing a design come to life. 

Embroidery Tutorial: French Knot

Start off by coming up through the fabric.

Hold the needle with your dominant hand. Wrap the thread around the needle 2-3 times depending on how big you want the knot.
Now, go back down the same hole you came out.
Push the knot all the way down your needle so it is touching the fabric. Take your time and gently nudge the needle through. You can keep the knot stable with a finger nail as you pull the rest of the tail through. That's all there is to it!

I love this example of what can be created with french knots from Incy Wincy Stitches.

Embroidery Tutorial: Lazy Daisy

The lazy daisy embroidery stitch is especially helpful for flower petals and makes up the little blooms in my 2012 tea towel kit. Let me walk you through the basics of this fun, little stitch.

Come up and then immediately down a few millimeters away. Pointing your needle in the direction you want to make the petal, bring your needle back out about 1/4 inch away from the first hole, but don't pull the needle through.
With your needle in this position, wrap the tail (the thread coming out of the very first hole) around the needle. You can start to see the petal forming.
Pull your needle through, keeping the thread tight. Important note: pull your thread away from the tip of the petal like in the picture below.
Next, is a tiny stitch used to secure the petal in place. Bring your needle down just on the other side of the petal.
This is a finished lazy daisy stitch. Sometimes the petals will need some styling. Poke and pull at them with your needle to get the desired fullness and shape. Repeat several more times to create a full flower.
I hope you enjoyed this quick tutorial and find some useful applications for the lazy daisy. Happy stitching!

-Laura

How to Frame Fabric or Needlepoint on Canvas Stretchers

Canvas Stretchers work nicely for finishing a fabric art piece. You could use this method for finishing a needle work piece, framing an old tee-shirt with cool artwork, or a cute piece of vintage fabric. This method also allows you to undo everything if you decide to do something else with the piece later down the road. I happened to have these stretchers lying around, so it seemed like the perfect way for me to finish my DIY Crewel Embroidery Kit from Tako Fibers.

You will need:

• Canvas Stretchers

• Heavy Duty Thread (I used 6 strand embroidery floss)

• Scissors

• Needle

• Patience
Get your fabric into place and then cut excess fabric from around the edges. You can also cut the corners off so there isn't as much bulk in the corner area, but I was scared to do this so I left it as is.
Use your needle and thread to start stretching the fabric. Start in the middle and work your way to the outside. Check every so often to see how its going and adjust as necessary.
After my first attempt, I noticed a lot of puckering around the fox's neck, so I decided to do a second pass. Check out the white thread below to see what I'm talking about.
Notice how the puckering is mostly gone after going back and adding more support to that area.
Now Mr. Party Fox is ready to grace my wall.