Friday 2 December 2011

Being Creative

Hello everyone, I hope you've all had a wonderful week and are ready to enjoy a relaxing weekend. More on my weekend later.
First up, I got time this week to finally have a play on my new sewing machine. I was successful in setting up the machine on my first try, so that was a bonus. Then I started stitching, and that didn't go too . . .
Here is my first attempt, and yes, it has three holes for stuffing, whoops . . .

I'm in two minds whether to rescue this design and sew it again, or keep it as is as a memento of my first stitching on my own machine. We'll have to wait and see.
I was not deterred and picked up another design and tried again. This time it went much better. I am a big believer in making mistakes in order to learn and I think that's very true in stitching. So, here's my second attempt, a lovely plump pillow!


There's a pin at the top because I am in desperate need of advice - how do I sew the final seam shut? Any hints and tips would be very much appreciated from this novice stitcher.
I'm hoping to get some time next week to finish one of my Lizzie Kate pieces, but I want to wait until I'll got a good chunk of time because I don't want to rush them. I'm determined to get them finished as pillows before Christmas though!
In other stitchy news, I've got a new start to share. I've started County Cottage Designs, Gingerbread House and I'm loving it! Haven't got too far along yet, but I really love the pink colours in the middle of the house. I'm hoping to get this one finished and in a frame before Christmas too.


Lawrie is coming down tomorrow for a visit and on Sunday, we're heading to the Vintage Market. I went last month it was on and found this beauty . . .

I'm using it as a shopping basket at the moment, but when I head home for the holidays, I'm going to put all my stitched Christmas decorations in it to put in my room. How very festive!
Hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend,

 

12 comments:

Mouse said...

hellloo :) well done on using the machine ... to close up the seam use a ladder stitch (google it to find instructions if not will email you diagrams :) it makes the closure invisible :)
love that basket .... well done on the gingerbread cottage too :) love mouse xxxx

Sarah said...

Congrats on using the machine! I love that hedgehog, such a cute design. Margaret Sherry? I agree with mouse that a ladder stitch is the best way, you'll find it gets more invisible the more you do it, even if it's not the first time. This link has a good tutorial in the context of cross stitch http://focusonfinishing.blogspot.com/2010/12/pin-pillow-tutorial-2.html. Good luck! Looking forward to seeing the progress on gingerbread cottage :)

staci said...

That basket is lovely find! Sounds like you already have some happy uses for it!

lesli said...

I actually really love your first attempt. Keeping it as a momento is a really cute idea!!

Your second attempt is so cute! That fabby on the back is so bright and cheerful! Here's a link to some ideas on how to close the stuffing opening...and put a cord around the pillow:
http://lynnscrossstitchtutorials.blogspot.com/2011/09/halloween-pillow.html

Have fun at the vintage market...I hope you get some great finds!!

-lesli

The Inspired Stitcher said...

I think you are doing great for your first attempts! I love them. Your baske is awesome too. What a great find. You know, you could use it for your stitching basket after the holidays too! Can't wait to watch the house being "built." Have a great weekend!

dixiesamplar said...

Never fear Becka...you are doing a fabulous job with the new sewing machine! I, too, have been looking for a really good "invisible" stitch to finish my pillows, so I was very happy to see the links others have provided you...I will be trying them out myself, LOL!

Love your basket...it will be a very festive way to arrive home for the holidays!

Lesleyanne said...

I love your finishes. Great new start. I would put my wips in your basket. I have always wanted one of those. Daffycat post a link to a youtube ladder stitch tutorial, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHWD1qjNrqs&feature=related. I hope this helps. There is also a whipstitch which is not invisible as I haven't quite managed the ladder stitch yet.

Deborah said...

Glad that you mastered the machine! Have fun at the market.

valerie said...

Cute finishes Becka! I see you got links already for the ladder stitch so those should help you!

Carol said...

You'll see improvement with each ornament you sew, Bekca--you're off to a great start :)

Hope you found some more goodies at the Vintage Market on Sunday!!

Catherine said...

Your first attempts look good - you'll get better and it will get easier each time. I love the idea of keeping your first piece as is!
Fantastic basket!! Hope you find more great goodies!

Dani - tkdchick said...

Your first attempts with the sewing machine are quite good. You may be able to hide the lumps and bumps on your Lizzie Kate with a good trim or rushed ribbon!