Hardanger - Balloons

I'm working on a new project.  It is also Hardanger and I call it 'Balloons'.

I got a few ideas when working on The Yellow Project (see previous posts) and wanted to try them out.

As the song goes, 'we've only just begun'. I'm at the beginning of this so stay tuned for updates!

The Yellow Project - completed

I finished the Yellow Project.  It took exactly two months.  I still can't get over the fact that I actually made this!  It is pretty amazing, I do say so myself.  Please view the short slideshow below to see this piece!  If you would like, click on the picture.  That opens another window.  In the upper left corner of the new window, you'll see 'full screen' or something like that.  Click on that to get an awesome show!



Of course, I'm already working on my next project called 'Balloons'....it's also Hardanger.  So...stay tuned!

New Post on The Camera Lenz

This is a test.  I just downloaded a different browser that should work better.  I take this 'test' opportunity to let you know that I posted a new slideshow on The Camera Lenz.  Check it out!

The Yellow Project Updated

Hardanger moves fast and I like that sometimes. I do understand why so much hardanger is done on light colored fabric with light colored thread...so you don't see all those little cut pieces. This piece is so unique. I just love the shape of it. Of course, I've got alot more to do so stay tuned!

The Yellow Project

Although the next post will show that I have been doing other things as well, I will show you my main project at the present time. I started it on December 15th. It's called The Yellow Project. I got the materials at the Messe in Wiesbaden in October. It wasn't a great show for handwork but I still managed to find the few stands that had something for me.

This piece is a Hardanger table runner. I am still working on the stitching and have a lot of the borders to do yet. It is a large piece and getting sort of difficult to photograph. I don't want to iron it until it is finished so the pictures show how wrinkled it is at this time.

I don't know if you can say I designed it because I've combined designs from two different sources (Award-Winning Designs in Hardanger Embroidery 2006 and Elegant Accents IV both from NordicNeedle) in addition to doing my own thing.

So, is it my own design? I don't know but I like it! The colors are all me. Of course I got the beautiful varigated yellow pearl cotton by Anchor that doesn't seem to be available in the States. I was worried that I was going to run out of it but I don't think I am. Thank goodness!

I am really into this project, as you can probably tell. I'll post more pictures as the work progresses.

Quilted Table Piece - first finish of 2012

It's not that I don't want to blog much anymore, it's that my browser is no longer supported by Blogger so it takes a long time and it is very frustrating! But I have been busy working on things. Below is a little table piece that I finished quilting. I started it a long time ago...I don't remember when. Yes, I guess it was an unfinished project. And I suspect that I never finished it because it isn't even. But, I finished it figuring that it can have something placed in the middle and so the imperfections won't be noticable!

I have to admit, as much as I like working on the sewing machine, I don't think I'll ever take the time to be really good at it. I enjoy it but my heart is really in handwork, I suppose.

I like this little imperfect piece, I have to say. It's something that I made and it's colorful and fun.

Yeah, okay, I could have ironed it!

Blackwork - Fighting To Keep It Together

I finished this blackwork piece just yesterday.

I love working with tiny beads and YLI thread.

My bead collection is expanding so I have the colors I wanted for this piece.

The title, 'Fighting to Keep It Together' as alot of meaning for me at this point in my life.

I will be starting my next project today. It is going to be a larger Hardanger piece. Merry Christmas to all!

Hardanger Creamer and Sugar Mat

I really liked this little hardanger kit! Even though I have been doing some hardanger work, I picked up quite alot and got to practice the technique.


The instructions were very easy to follow.


And as per the instructions, I went around the whole piece with small, close stitches on my sewing machine. This is to help the piece from becoming unraveled around the edges.


The kit is available from Nordic Needle and I do recommend this particular kit, hardanger and Nordic Needle!

I'm on my next piece...a blackwork piece that isn't black. I will, of course, be adding lots of little beads!

Special Project - 'Motorcycle Towel'

I haven't posted for awhile but I have been stitching. I designed and stitched a special project. A 'Motorcycle Towel'. I'm a big fan of 'bath sheets' and this thing is the largest I've ever seen!


As the name of this project indicates, the theme is 'Motorcycle'. But not just any motorcycle....the BMW R1200C...my hubby's love!


He loves to ride in the Alps and over the mountain passes.


He has also been known to feel the heat of the Arizona desert.


The R1200C model isn't made anymore but if you would see his, you would think that it's new.
I found just about the perfect color match but the stitching doesn't show the shine!


And yes, he is going to use the towel. If you ever receive handstitched towels or napkins or a tablecloth, please use them. I've made many towels and such things and given them as gifts. They normally end up laying in a drawer somewhere because my loved ones don't want to 'ruin' them...please USE them! Those kinds of presents are given so the person can enjoy them and they can't be enjoyed when they lay in a drawer, wrapped up in tissue paper.

So...I'm already onto the next project...I hope your projects are coming along nicely, too!

Cow Drive through the Austrian Town of Krimml

If you like this, you may enjoy more photos from our recent Austrian vacation. Please visit my other blog, The Camera Lenz, to view a newly posted slideshow.