Fabric Flower Fun!

I found a Fabric Flower Tutorial that I loved and decided to make some! I liked the look of the double flowers in this flower tutorial in a smaller fashion but prefer the method of petal mading in this flower tutorial. The bottom layer has 6 petals, and the top layer has 3 petals with a button or bead in the middle! Then I either sewed a loop of fabric or elastic onto the back, but pretty much anything can be attached to the back to use them in tons of ways!

To make the different sizes I just used different round objects to create the circles the same way you'd make different size yo-yo's.

The smaller flowers I used a spool of thread for the circle.

This is a small one with elastic on the back that I slipped onto my new puppy Ginger's tiny collar.

This bigger flower I used a 1/3 Cup measuring cup for the circle it has a fabric loop on the back and I slipped it onto my pink pearls for a pendent.

Here's another on my dog Madie's collar it also has elastic on the back. She didn't like the bigger flowers so I made a small one using a spool of thread for the circles so that she barely notices it on her collar.
I also made one for Bekah in a blue floral fabric with a big blue bead in the center and made it a headband by attaching a large elastic loop custom fit for her head.

Cream Tea Cozy Finished!!!

I finally finished the finishing touches to my Cream Tea Cozy and sewed it up!

A Sweet Ballerina CQ Heart: Finish

I've finished my work on the Sweet Ballerina Heart! Now all that is left is to frame it!
I added light blue bugle beads to the seam treatment on the left, and I added a Silk Ribbon Embroidery Motif that I created using sweetheart roses, french knot loop flowers, ribbon stitch leaves, and pink Swarovski crystals.
Then I made the heart into an applique (here is a link to how I did that) and I added a couple of bits of lace on opposite edges!

Monogram Tote Bag: K

We have another birthday in our Small Group so I created another monogrammed tote bag this time with a 'K'!

Krystal loves green so I cut out the 'K' in green with polka dots fabric and then cut another fabric around that sort of like a matting. Then I sewed it onto the tote using a zig-zag stitch. Then I added a piece of hand dyed cheese cloth and a purple yo-yo with green sequin stars in the center. Then I cut a strip of the cheese cloth and a strip of purple organza and tied a bow to the handle!

French Knot Loop Flower

Here is a video for the French Knot Loop flower in Silk Ribbon Embroidery.
Enjoy!
Here is a link to the video on YouTube:
French Knot Loop Flower in SRE

FAQ: Silk Ribbon Embroidery

• What does SRE stand for? ~ Silk Ribbon Embroidery
  

• Do you have Tutorials for SRE? ~ Yes, here is the link: Silk Ribbon Embroidery Tutorial Archive

• Where can I find SRE patterns? ~ Honey Bee's Silk Ribbon Embroidery Patterns these are my very own creations for you to use. Please give me credit for the pattern and do not sell the pattern or use commercially, Thank You. You can also search online for SRE patterns or use vintage patterns by interpreting the pattern for SRE (example - flower circles could be spiderweb roses, small flowers could be sweetheart roses or knot flowers, leaves could be interpreted in lazy daisy stitch or ribbon stitch instead).
  

• What SRE books do you recommend? ~ Here is a link to some of my favorite embroidery books including SRE: My Favorite Embroidery Books

• Do you need special fabric for Silk Ribbon Embroidery? ~ No you don't need special fabric for silk ribbon embroidery. A good rule of thumb for choosing fabric to work on is any fabric that your needle (usually size 22 chenille for 4mm silk ribbon) can pass through you can use.

• I'm having trouble pulling my needle through the fabric, what's wrong? ~ Make sure you are using the correct size needle, size 22 chenille for 4mm silk ribbon and larger or smaller if using 7mm or 2mm silk ribbon. ~ If it's just being a little tough try using some little round rubber needle grabbers that you can get in the quilting section. ~ Another thing to check is sometimes when doing a knot you can tighten too much and it makes it hard to pull through, remember to loosely tighten so it's tightened just enough to look right but not too loose that it falls out. ~ One last thing is make sure you are using silk ribbon and not polyester ribbon it makes a huge difference, polyester is too heavy and thick.

• How do long or short do you leave your beginning and ending tails in the back and how to you secure them? ~ You only need to leave the tails long enough to secure it either with another needle and thread or by piercing it as you work. Here are some links that show those methods: Getting Started in Silk Ribbon Embroidery (Includes How to Iron, Thread Needle, Knot/No Knot) Straight Stitch/Padded Straight Stitch (Includes Piercing the Tail)

• Do I end off or drag the ribbon to the next working spot? Example - If making leaves on either side of a rose, do you tie off each separately or drag the ribbon across the back? ~ In this case the leaves are probably very close together and you can just drag the ribbon to the next leaf spot. Usually if the length between stitches is above an inch it's better to end it off and start fresh at the next spot and coming back later with another needle and thread to secure the tail. It also depends on the stitch if it's easily snagged as well, if it is then it's better to be safe and take another needle and thread and secure the tail in the back instead of dragging.

• Where can I find/buy Silk Ribbon? ~ Silk Ribbon can be hard to find you can look for it in any craft store but you may need to visit a specialty needlework store, or buy online. I usually find that the best prices and easiest access is Online. I have a few links to Online Shops that sell silk ribbon Here. Don't compromise and just get polyester ribbon it has a completely different thickness and feel to it. Once you use actual silk ribbon the difference between it and polyester ribbon is like night and day! Do some research and find a sale or good deal for silk ribbon online you'll have a much better time doing SRE if you have the right tools. Brands that I've used and consider good quality are: River Silks, YLI, RibbonSmyth, ThreadArt, Bucilla. (No affiliation, just have used their products for myself and liked them)
  

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***I'll update the FAQ's as I receive more questions, feel free to ask me and I'll do my best to answer.

A Sweet Ballerina CQ Heart: Progress

I've been working and working and working and so far here is what I've done!
I added a bow to her costume and some netting to her bodice along with a rose done with a bead in the center and straight stitches around it in a similar fashion as a bullion rose is made.

I wanted to mimic the lace crossing on the ballet slippers so I used a metallic silver thread!
I also created a bullion rose motif with little daisies and forget-me-nots!

I stitched in the ballet slippers with satin stitch and straight stitches. Of course every ballerina needs music to dance too so I created a musical note seam treatment using straight stitches and lazy daisy's for the round parts of the notes. I also did a little bullion knot rose bud with stem stitch stem and lazy daisy leaves.
I also added a little braid that used the same colors as I'm using on the little pink fabric seam!

A Sweet Ballerina CQ Heart for a Sweet Ballerina!

The other day Rebekah was visiting and saw hanging on my wall a CQ heart and she exclaimed that she loved it and asked if I would make her one! LOL Granted she is 5 years old (about to be 6 soon) but she is also my friend! ;) Another amazing thing about Rebekah is even though she is still a little girl she already appreciates embroidery and crazy quilting! I have a video of her when she was 3 years old enjoying a block and she still enjoys seeing what I'm working on and what her Mom is working on too!

Rebekah by the way is a ballerina and I've even gotten to take her to dance class before and she always loves the ballerina figurines they have in a case there. She also loves blue! So I searched through my image collections and found this pretty blue ballerina and printed her onto fabric and pieced up this heart. The fabrics are really difficult to capture the true colors, I feel that the print and the rose print fabric are accurate, but the green print is a bit too bright in this photo and the blue Dupioni silk looks a bit darker then in person as well in the top photo. In the photo below I feel shows more of the softness of the colors better and the blue Dupioni silk. It's a very soft sweet block and I hope I can eventually capture an accurate photo.

Lillian's Hankie Block: Finished

I've been working on Lillian's Hankie Block for a few weeks and it's finally finished! Now I'll be looking for a frame to do it justice! If you'd like to see everything closer click on the photos.
I added bead work to the hankies, on the purple flowers I added green beads to the centers and on the blue flower hankies I added pink seed beads to polka dot it and I removed the pearls I had added previously.
I created SRE motifs on either side on the doilies using the sweetheart rose (pink), fly stitch fern (light green), some ribbon stitch flowers (dark blue), beads for sparkle, pearls, and I tried a new stitch a loop with a knot that turned into a wisteria flower using different amount of wraps french knots (light blue).
I also embellished the silkie by adding loops and ribbon stitches for the bows on the ladies. I also added some beads to the lilac in one of the ladies hair, and appliqued some lace for her shawl as well!

Monogram Tote Bag

Every year I like to create a gift for our small group girls that is something they all get yet I can personalize it to each one as well. So here is another Monogrammed Tote! This girl is a new girl who I've only met a few times so as I was putting it together I was trusting that the Lord was helping me create something that she would love.
What I did was go through my fonts in Word and picked the one I liked best, printed it out, then traced it onto the black and pink polka dot fabric, and cut it out. Then I appliqued it using my sewing machine with a zig-zag stitch made of small stitches because I wanted to fray the edge. It's not perfectly done, but that adds to the edgy-yet-pretty style I wanted.
I used some white vintage ruffle lace to tie onto the handle and also a little piece patched onto the 'C'. Then I attatched a flip-flop charm, and a mother of pearl carved bird nesting at the top!

I hope Correna loves it, and that it helps her feel welcomed as a part of our small group!

Lillian's Hankie Block: Progress

I don't usually keep track of how many hours it takes me to finish a piece so I'm trying to diligently keep track of time as I work on this block! So far I've spent 5 hours on it.

I added pearls to the blue and pink hankies!

I also added onto the seam treatment around the silkie. I used pastel pink TESS Sleave Silk thread in lazy daisy stitch with 2 small straight stitches on either side! Then I used a small bugle bead in pastel blue at the top of each scallop.

I think the seam treatment gives the silkie a pretty frame!

At the top I created a running stitch flight path in 1 strand of variegated floss. A butterfly in variegated 4mm silk ribbon using two lazy daisy stitches and two ribbon stitches with a couple of straight stitches in the floss for antenna.

For a touch of color in the lace around the silkie, no beads or stitches looked right there so what I did was create "shadow work" by using the blue 4mm silk ribbon in one large straight stitch beneath the tip of the lace and then tacking it down from the top of the lace. What it creates is just a hint of color through the lace!

Lillian's Hankie Block: Beginning Work

I've finally picked up Lillian's Hankie block and started working on it! First I've had it hanging near my work space for about 6 months, here is a link to when it first arrived. I always gave it a little thought every time I saw it, as to how I was going to embellish it and didn't really feel confident to start work until I had a solid idea to work around. I did need to back it with some muslin because it was very light and almost sheer. Then I talked about it with a dear friend (Wendy) who also crazy quilts, I think that was the most valuable tool to get me started! Bouncing ideas and talking about the feel of the block and what I could do or why I wouldn't want to do certain things was the most helpful thing I could do! A lot of people do SRE over the top of prints to make them 3D but I felt that would ruin the whole aim which is showing off the hankies, so I decided that I'll do little touches to the prints to bring the eye to them but not cover over them. Also anything really large, bulky or motif like is out of the question and would just take over the block, so I started thinking...How am I going to embellish it? I came to the conclusion that the block is pretty much perfect as is, so all it needs is little touches to make things pop, which is a lot different than most blocks which are usually blank canvases! The blocks really do "tell you what they want" in a sense, and all it takes is some deductive reasoning! LOL Anyway this block wants to be very dainty, not over done, just enhancing it's natural beauty!

The first idea that came to me was the birds nest, Lillian really loved the idea of finding a nest during a walk. At first I pulled a few threads to mix together but as I started stitching it in, using a stem stitch and a metallic thread it seemed perfect just like that. I added some tiny size 15 blue seed beads for little eggs. The next idea was the scallops around the print and I made them using a small button and traced half of it repeatedly and worked it in stem stitch using 1 strand of light green YLI silk floss. I plan to embellish the scallops further later on. Then I had the idea to add light green size 15 seed beads along the 2 long sides and all the green really pulls out the embroidered flowers which were originally on the hankie edge.

It's really hard to capture what the eye sees in photos, and even though these photos look really well the block and work looks even better in person.
I had an idea to tack the hankies with the pink flowers with three straight stitches in a green to match the leaves and a size 15 bead that matches the flower color perfectly. One at the tip of the corner and 2 more in dips on the sides.

Tatted Snowflake: Ornament 3

I tatted up another snowflake from the book Festive Snowflakes and Ornaments for Needle and Shuttle Tatters. This one is #3 on page 6, it's also 1 shuttle design which is pretty much the same pattern as #13 except that the threads aren't joined. I really love both variations! I tatted it up in DMC Cebelia thread size 30 in Snow White. The negative space on each is really pretty to me!
To get the thread spaces more even what I did was use the method of putting 2 dots on my finger in the recommended measurement, so I didn't have to get out a measuring tool for every one.

Tatted Snowflake: Ornament 2

I tatted up another snowflake from the book Festive Snowflakes and Ornaments for Needle and Shuttle Tatters. This one is #13 on page 19, it's a 1 shuttle design that I absolutely love! It's so cute! I tatted it up in DMC Cebelia thread size 30 in Snow White. I was originally thinking of doing lots of different patterns but I love this one so much I might tat up a few!

Tatted Snowflake: Ornament 1

Wanting some more tatting on my tree I got the book Festive Snowflakes and Ornaments for Needle and Shuttle Tatters and I marked out a few that I want to make, the first one is #7 on page 12! I tatted it up in DMC Cebelia thread size 30 in Snow White. I worked the pattern with 2 shuttles instead of the original 1 shuttle + ball and doing SLT, it looks a little different because of that but I still love it!
I'd like to have a good tree full of tatted snowflakes for next year so if anyone knows of any nice small 1 round snowflake patterns with pointy tips please share the link!

Craft Room Update

I got this lighter looking embroidered curtain at WalMart I think it works better than the old one, though I do need to get a second one to fit the window better. We just got a skylight to put into my craft room too!!!

Pink Block Framed Dec. 2009

Back in 2008 I had finished a 6 inch pink block (Pink Block) and thought I would turn it into a purse and had gotten to this semi-finished stage just waiting to be sewn up...well it sat...and sat...and then we moved...and fixed up our guest bathroom (still in progress need to update with newer photos) I'm making a white tatted edging towel for the bathroom...and as I was thinking of how to decorate said bathroom more and I remembered my pink and white block!!! I grabbed one of my ready-made-art "frames" that I bought at a discount store gutted the art, painted the frame white with spray paint, created a matting with pink fabric, and voila a pink and white art piece!!! It took almost 2 years but now I can say it's a completely finished piece! Yay!

Sweet Dreams Pillowcase Set

I finally finished one of the Sweet Dreams pillowcases, I don't know when I'll work on the other, they are a ton of work just one of the large letters would be enough as a monogram but 2 + more letters for the words is a ton! LOL I started using a hoop to help it not pucker as I fill in the letters with stem stitch using 2 strands black floss.

Sweet Dreams Pillowcase Set

Well I'm half way done with one pillowcase in the set!!! LOL I'm not going to get both done in time to send them together but I'm gonna try getting at least one done. So one can go for a birthday gift and the other as a Christmas gift! LOL
OH and since I was getting puckering with my spring hoop I switched to a tighter hoop and that seems to help it.

Decorated Gift Bag

I created this gift bag to put the 3 red and white lady ornaments into for the exchange!
What I did was get a plain gold and silver gift bag and printed out a scene of ladies fashions and glued that to the bag. Then I glued lace to the top and bottom edges, and embellished the print with glitter, feathers, etc. I wanted to do this special bag so that whoever would pick the bag already loving it, will probably also love the contents! LOL
Click on the photo to see the details a bit better.

Even more lady ornaments!

I've really been enjoying myself making these ornaments! I really love the cream and red ladies I think she is also going on my own tree this year! LOL

I made a set of three red, white, with silver ladies for the gift exchange. I figured those colors are more typical of most tree decors. I'm also embellishing a gift bag to put them in I'll share that with you all when it is finished!

Sweet Dreams Pillowcase Set

I'm creating a gift set of pillowcases and I wanted it to be elegant but I couldn't find any patterns anywhere that made me happy! So what I did was go into a program and type "Sweet Dreams" and when through different fonts till I found one I liked! The one I choose was 'Parchment' I thought it kind of looked like a princess story book font so I changed the size until just right and printed it out. Then I flipped the paper over, set it on a light box and used a black Sulky Iron-On Transfer Pen to make it able to iron transfer to my pillowcases. I wasn't sure if the font would work because the swirls you see went thick and thin but the pen made it all the same thickness, even so it worked and looks good. I had bought the set of pillowcases from WalMart they are the Egyptian cotton ones I think 400 count anyway they had the nice piping around the edge of the case. I washed them in hot water and dried them on the hottest setting to preshrink before working on them.
I chose to use black thread because it had such a crisp elegant feel to it on the white fabric, and it has such a story book look too! I love them so much I'm wishing the set was for me! LOL

My Craft Room is coming together!

I thought you all would like a peek at how my craft room is coming together! I'm so happy about it!

When you come in the door there is a open closet that I'm using for storage with my fabric drawers I think I need another tier of the wire shelves though! LOL I enjoy seeing the colors of the fabric through the shelves kind of rainbow like and fun! The ironing board is only there for now but I like to fold it up when I'm not using it.

Next to the closet is a bookcase that I'm putting all my craft books in I still need to sort through them by category. Also I've put my bins and bead trays there too.

Then I have my desk with the computer I'd like to get another one for the opposite wall as well but haven't had a chance yet. I got this desk at Target on clearance and put crystal knobs on it. I also got a poster of ladies having tea that for now I've just pinned up until I find a frame.

I put the 2 large desks along the window wall for now I'd like to have more efficient table space but for now this is the best I can do, it kind of bothers me that the corners aren't utilized very good right now but in time I'll figure something out! LOL The window treatment I just stuck up for now I'd like to put the prettier red curtains I have with a more lacy sheer up soon, but for now it helps make the room feel pretty for me. I love my glass jars with lace, floss and ribbon spools!

This is the wall opposite the desk that I'd like to have another desk at. I think I'd put the sewing machine set up there. I put a cork board up to hold projects on so they don't disappear under things! LOL
I'd like to put floating shelves up around too. I'd also like one of those word plaques that says "Create" or "Inspire" I'm keeping an eye out! I'm really loving this space now that I know I enjoy a window and some pretty decor around me when I work as well as function, I'm feeling good about this room! I can create in here, and leave my mess too! LOL

Another Monogrammed Tote

My fellow small group leader Terri is also having her birthday this month so I thought I'd surprise her and make a tote for her too!

I used a dark aqua Dupioni silk for the "T" and hand appliqued it on.

Then I hand sewed 3 different sized yo-yo's in aqua and yellow with buttons in green, yellow, and aqua. I tied a yellow organza ribbon in a bow on one of the handles. I hope she loves her tote too.

Applique Monogram Tote bag

I started a new gift for my small group girls birthdays this year, last year was a tatted heart necklace and this year will be monogrammed tote bags! I got a set of ocean blue totes that are the perfect size and I'll personalize each one as their birthdays come! The first one is Amanda!

I used Word to get a large letter in a font that I think she will enjoy and printed it out. I then cut out the "A" and traced it onto fabric. Amanda loves green and things that are unique. I cut around the "A" leaving fabric to needle turn the applique on.

Here is the finished applique, I hand sewed it into place. It was a little tricky, but I think it turned out well.

Then I cut out some different sized circles and created yo-yos, trying to be random but with unity (LOL is that a contradiction? LOL) and placed buttons on top of them, all of which is hand sewn into place. Anyway I hope she loves it!