Life continues to be exciting here in CH, so I was dead tired last night and ignored Cha for the easy stitching to be had on the new iPhone case I'm creating. I've almost finished the grid that is the first step in SharonG's brocade variation stitch.
I'm using one ply of JL Walsh silk/wool (it comes in a strand that breaks down into five plies). I'm stitching one side of the case at a time. In the photo above you see two skulls floating on top of the background pattern and that I have started a border at the top. The black thread is Silk Lame Braid which I love/hate. The effect is lovely but I find I have to use short lengths as this thread unwinds as it goes in and out of holes. I'm going to switch to a size 20 needle the next time I work on this project as I think it might protect the thread better than my current size 22.
Which reminds me--you probably will want to take a look at Gay Ann Rogers' latest technique tips on her website. Gay Ann is a counted canvaswork teacher who creates beautiful, feminine designs, particularly samplers and "smalls" which are the little scissor and needle cases that needleworkers love. This time her tips are all about thread tension. It is a Must Read for anyone who wants to improve their stitching. If you have never visited GAR's website before, have fun exploring.
http://www.gayannrogers.com/site_2/Techniques_13.html
Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow
