2-4-6 Bargello

2-4-6 Bargello is the fourth in the series of instructions for Advanced Bargello Techniques and it is finally available on my website.

This technique teaches a way to create a unique, non-repetitive Bargello design without a pattern.  The picture shows the sampler project that is included.

2-4-6 can be used for just about any Bargello project, including 4-way, Rectangular 4-way, etc.  Even Mad Miters, if you're a little bit crazy!

The instructions include photos of different ways to use 2-4-6.

Remember, if you are using your phone to look at my website, you will need to scroll all the way down and click on "classic".

Slipped Strips

Slipped Strips is the 3rd in my series of Advanced Bargello Techniques.  The photos are some examples of Slipped Strips projects.  You can create unique designs by manipulating any Bargello pattern, using the pattern, canvas and threads of your choice.  

Instructions are now available on my website, on the Bargello 2 page.  Note that if you are using your phone, you may have to scroll to the bottom and select "Classic" to see the new pattern.  I haven't figured this out yet!!

Coming Attractions

This is a preview of a new Bargello technique.  I'm aiming for sometime in October for this to be available.  I have one more model to stitch and a pilot stitcher is working on another (and checking my work!).  Lots of fun coming right up!

TWO NEW DESIGNS

Spring Break

I have just added 2 new counted needlepoint designs to my website!
Spring Break is a pretty Spring-y design and a quick stitch.  Decorative stitches and overdyed thread make up this flexible design.  Glitter canvas or colored canvas equal no background to stitch! 
Approx. 5" square.  3 colorways.

The Gingham Frog and the Calico Caterpillar are really fun designs.  So cute for a child's room!  The Frog and the background of the Caterpillar are stitched in Mosaic Gingham.  Approx. 5.5" squares.

Gingham Frog & Calico Caterpillar

Red, White & Blue

Announcing a new design - Red, White & Blue.  

The pattern for this counted needlepoint design is now available on my website, on the Counted Needlepoint page, right after the Gardener's Alphabet.  I hope you'll check it out!

This is an Advanced Beginner design as it does use some decorative stitches.  However, the background can be left unstitched!  The model was stitched with pearl cotton on pale blue canvas.

J & M BARGELLO

Not quite a month ago, I realized I needed a special Xmas gift for a special couple that we care about.   In the past, I made them a box and when they were married I made a tray in the same colors as the box.  So I thought it would be a good time to make them a pillow in those same colors.  Of course it had to be Bargello if I was to get it done in time!  And it had to be an original design.  Yikes!

First I grabbed my file of Bargello Ideas and in a couple of days I had the design roughed out, canvas cut and some threads pulled.  Unfortunately, most of the thread is a nice wool tapestry thread that is no longer made. 

I just had the bare outlines worked out and set to stitching.  All went well until I got to the background.  I started with the parts in between the diamond shapes, using the Watercolours that I had used touches of already.  When I tried that for the interior background, it looked awful!!!!  Way too bright and in your face.

I spent several days trying to figure out a background, ripping out that interior at least 3 times, and finally settled on what you see.  Except I had not looked to see how much thread I had left.  I worked the top background, keeping track of my thread.  Oh boy, I discovered I only had enough to do the top and bottom sections.  Back to the yarn cupboard.  

I tried several things, including the browns (talk about bright!) and some other brands of thread (where did this blue come from anyway?!) and finally determined that I could do the diamond framework in a different shade in the same blue family, but would have to use something else for the fill.  Finally tried a darkish gray and decided it would have to do. 

In the end, I think it turned out pretty good.  I hope I can get a better picture when it comes back from the finisher.  Fortunately, my finisher is a good friend and she said she could get it back to me in time for Xmas.  Whew!!