My Finished Upcycled Embroidery Frame

I make my own accessories because I've never been able to find tools that are right for me on the high street or online. This is my latest experiment. Only time will tell if I find it more comfortable to use than the original wooden clamp frame...

The final stage was to choose a cover for the padded frame. 

I was going to use a fabric that I have in my stash. It has little houses and black cats on it. I think it would make a pretty cover. I also have enough for a matching bag to store the frame and my work in, but I decided to do something completely different.

I adopted a more personal handmade approach. I chose two Donna Kooler designs called 'Birds' and 'Squirrel' and stitched them up really quickly on 18ct aida. Then, I simply back stitched the long edge to make a tube and inserted the frame.  

The hardest part was deciding where to 'position' the embroidery on the frame. 

I didn't want it where I will attach the 'small' to the frame for stitching, so the top and the bottom of the frame was out. Also, I didn't want the embroidery where I hold the frame. 

I worked out where it was most comfortable to hold the frame and put the embroidery higher on that side and lower on the other. 

I love the two little designs and I'm pleased with the 'look and feel' of the finished embroidery frame. 

Hummingbird Afghan

I'm sad to say that I've made very little progress on my Afghan. It has been on the stand a month today and I only have a few lines to show for it.

I am using my floor standing embroidery frame because of the weight and the size of the fabric and I am just not finding it comfortable to stitch. I must do better or it will never be finished!

Finished!

Must See RSN Sampler Exhibition in London

There is an exhibition of samplers dating from 1731 to current day in London. Places must be pre-booked in advance. 

Check out the Royal School of Needlework site for more information.

Dates: 20 January 2014 to 22 July 2014

Venue: Hampton Court Palace

Cost: £16

Reminder to Self!

I've just unpicked a cross stitch owl on my current project. I followed the pattern accurately and used the recommended colours but I just didn't like the finished result! You'd think I'd have learnt by now! 

It got me thinking about some rules to ensure that I don't waste any more time unpicking my stitching. No stitching effort should ever be wasted! 

Rule 1: Choose the pattern carefully

There is nothing worse than spending hours stitching something to find out that you dislike the result. If you have doubts about a pattern or a colour scheme - don't sew it! Go with your gut! 

The chances are that if you have doubts going in, you won't like the end result.

Rule 2: Choose the right material 

You've chosen the pattern and accepted (or tweaked the colour scheme to your liking). How do you choose the right material? 

Consider what are you making and your ability level. Are you going to sew on paper, plastic, aida, linen or other? Which do you prefer? What does the designer recommend? What 'look' are you after? 

Many cross stitch books helpfully show the same pattern on linen and aida, making the choice much easier. 

If you are trying a material for the first time, choose a small design!

Rule 3: Count everything at least twice!

Most patterns mark the centre so that you can easily count out from the middle to the end of the stitching.  

Find the centre of the material. The easiest way to do this, unless you are using paper, is to fold the material in half and then into quarters. Finger press the folds and then when you unfold the material you'll see the centre. 

Count once, insert pin to mark the last stitch in the pattern in all directions. Then, count again!

Make sure that the pattern comfortably fits on your material - don't forget to leave enough fabric around the pattern to permit edging and finishing. 

Rule 4: Preparation is everything

Stop the edges of linen and aida from fraying by blanket stitching. It is a bit of a chore but it ensures a good strong edge that can withstand handling and washing. 

I always use a cotton that is the same colour as the fabric  and blanket stitch over two squares rather than one. It is almost invisible when done. 

Make sure that you have the coloured threads that you need and the right size needle. Get your threads organised and ready on numbered bobbins or a thread organiser. This is especially important if you are using a number of similar shades or creating colours by using different coloured threads together. 

One of the easiest and quickest ways to create a thread organiser is to take a strip of card and make holes in the card, one hole for each colour. Put the thread through the hole and draw the symbol for that colour next to the hole. Errors are now much less likely! 

If, like me, you prefer to use a frame, attach your material to your frame.

Start from the centre and work outwards. 

Don't start your sewing with a knot. Master the loop start. There are plenty of great video tutorials out there!  

Rule 5: Don't allow stitching to become a chore

The moment that you begin to make more errors than correct stitches or you find yourself getting annoyed with threads that keep knotting, take a break! 

Stitching should be enjoyable and not a chore! 

Finished!

How I Upcycled An Old Embroidery Frame

I find it more comfortable to stitch with a frame but I just don't find handheld frames comfortable to use so I decided to try a padded frame. 

I first saw a padded frame listed in the 'materials' section of a cross stitching pattern book.  You can buy them but I just couldn't justify the cost given my existing large collection of frames so I decided to make one. 

I am hoping that it will be more comfortable to hold when stitching 'smalls' that are too tiny for my usual frames. 

I took the outer ring from an old round embroidery frame and padded it. 

The thing with 'making it up as you go along' is that it sometimes doesn't work! Initially I made a slip case, inserted the ring and attempted to stuff it. Sadly, I ended up with a lumpy mess! 

My next attempt was more successful. I used batting. I wasn't sure how thick I wanted the padding and so I chose a medium thickness. I decided I could always add more if the padding wasn't thick enough to hold it comfortably.  

To measure the fabric and the batting for the circular frame I simply wrapped a piece of string around the outer edge of the circle. I allowed a little extra for sewing (sides and join) and cut the fabric four times the width of the ring. I then simply folded it over and pinned it around the ring. 

I chose to sew it in place rather than glue it. 

I am really pleased with the result. My first impression is that it is really comfortable to hold. 

The next stage is to put the outer cover on it.