Sunday, November 13, 2011

Stitches & Swirls...

Hello, the Papertrey Ink girls are showcasing a new stamp set today called Stitches & Swirls!

As a quilter, I was inspired by this set to "stamp and stitch", so I chose a few of the images, stamped them with Pure Poppy ink and stitched away with red thread. This stamp set reminded me of Redwork! Have you heard of Redwork?
Redwork is an older form of embroidery which uses red floss to trace simple line drawings. Muslin squares were sold with the patterns marked for a penny each. These then could be used as quilt blocks with sashing added around the borders. Redwork was also used to embellish tea towels, aprons, pillow covers, splashers and other Victorian decorations, and were usually done in animal themes, children's themes, nature and kitchen themes.

First, I stamped the image on white cardstock. My needle is threaded with 2 stands of red thread and tied in a knot at the end. I didn't poke a hole at EVERY stitch on the stamped image, because the stitches are super small and it would have taken me forever to do all of those. So I poked a hole about every other stitch. When doing sharp turns, you'll have to poke holes more often and make the stitches smaller. Here is a shot in progress:

Now I'll admit, this technique is time consuming! But something you can do while watching TV or listening to music! Wouldn't a set of these cards be a nice gift? You could also do this on fabric and frame it, or make these into a pillow or quilt. The possibilities are really endless!

When I run out of thread, I tape the end to the back and start with another piece of floss right where I left off. You'll end up with messy threads inside like this. I just cut another piece of white cardstock and adhered it to the inside cover to hide the stitching...

I was afraid to stamp a sentiment DIRECTLY onto my card - after all that time I spent stitching! I didn't want to mess up with the stamping and have to start completely over. So I stamped some sentiments from a new set called Willow onto a strip of white cardstock and attached it to my card.
I love Redwork...I actually bought 2 pillows for my daughter's bed a long time ago that have Redwork on them!
Stitched card set:
Stamps: Stitches & Swirls, Willow
Ink: Pure Poppy, Smokey Shadow
Paper: white cardstock
Dies: none
Other: red thread, Melissa Frances pearls.
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If you'd like to try this technique in a smaller scale, pick a smaller floral image from the set like I did here and give it a whirl...
This is stamped onto a deep purple cardstock and stitched with white floss. I left the center flower not stitched, I only stitched the inside of the flower petals and the leaves.



Good Heavens card:
Stamps: Stitches & Glory Be
Ink: Fresh Snow, True Black
Paper: Nantucket by Pink Paislee, purple cardstock by PTI
Dies: Pinking Shears Border Die
Other: ribbon by Papertrey Ink, chipboard by Studio Calico, pin by LYB, 
lace unknown, resin flower unknown, Melissa Frances pearl.
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Thank you for visiting me today! Stitches & Swirls will be available on the 15th at Papertrey Ink. Please visit the other girls to see what they've made with this stamp set also!

30 comments:

Melissa said...

Sooooo very, very lovely Danielle! I adore these beautiful creations of yours.
Melis

Helen L said...

Danielle, those cards are to DIE for!!! I love quilting and stitching also, and this set looks so fun and I love the ideas to gave for the use of this set. I can see it stamped in Fabrico ink or Stayz On ink on muslin and then stitched: too fun!! I love what you do: you are certainly a talented artist and I love visiting your blog!! Hugs:-)

Luv 2 Create said...

Love that you have actually embroidered this set. Beautifully done.
Marcie

June K. said...

Very lovely work. I love that you showed us the back. I'll have to google Redwork.

Anabelle O'Malley said...

Dani, these are fabulous!!! You're right - they would be a fabulous gift!

Holly Saveur said...

GORGEOUS!Loved to quilt too for about 20 years but now cardmaking takes up all my time..LOVE quilt themed cards!

jan metcalf said...

Another lovely look or style for this new stamp set!

BeverlyBL said...

What a wonderful job you did on both creations. Thanks too for the quick little background on redwork. I enjoyed that.

wendy said...

WHOW...great stitching job...makes a gorgeous card!

Unknown said...

wow, these are so fabulous!!!

Cristina said...

I adore this! Imagine actually doing it on a tea towel or doing a whole fabric calendar with the stitched images. Aaaah! Danielle! I think you've just made me want this set!

Pam Young said...

You are truly amazing!! Thanks for the inspiration to try the impossible. I can't sew a button on but you make this look so easy. Beautiful!!

Anonymous said...

So So sweet!! I love the stiching :-)It brings depth into the card :-)

Cindy Tobey said...

Lovely work Danielle! Love that stitching!

StephH said...

Your redwork is very attractive. Love the idea of using white fabric and framing your work. Seeing what you've done with these just may have tipped me over the edge toward this set coming to my house!

Queen Mary said...

Gorgeous! Love the redwork - I sew and quilt. Beautiful, I was hoping someone would do this!

Maria Asmus said...

Haven´t been here in a while, I missed sooo many great cards and layouts!! But I just have to say that you are still doing such an awesome job on all your projects!! Everything is so beautiful and precious, I just love it!! :)

Elizabeth said...

These are amazing and you make it look like anyone could do something like this!!!!!
e.

kksb said...

Lovely work!

Pegg S said...

Gorgeous! I love this stitching look. This set looks perfect to try out this technique!!

Sharon Huffman said...

I love the stitching! I'll have to try that soon!

marilyn said...

absolutely stunning! can't wait to get this stamp set home!

Kristen said...

Such a pretty way to highlight the stamp set. I have handsewn cards before and swore never again but you may have just tempted me!

Rachel said...

absolutely beautiful!!!

Vicki said...

Love the red work. Great effect.

Larissa Heskett said...

THANKS for sharing!! I LOVE the stitching!! Have a FABULOUS WEEK!! =)

Conniecrafter said...

I love stitching and both projects are just gorgeous!

Unknown said...

How you can stitching on the paper cards and very neatly ,this is truly art work with the lovely combination!!!!!
Transparent business cards
Pvc cards

eileen hull said...

Love it all but especially the redwork cards Danielle! Beautiful...

Maryana Volkova said...

Wonderful palette combination!