Memory Thread

   

Go 3D with Color Infusions Memory Thread – Shape it. Tack it. You’re done.

Memory Thread is a soft fiber wrapped copper wire that you can use to embellish all types of needlework and craft projects. Memory Thread is colorfast, fade resistant and acid free. Memory Thread is available in 28 bright beautiful colors.

 

On the left side of the frame you will see the basic design which has been stitched on Aida cloth in half crass stitch using pearl cotton variation.

On the right side of the frame you see the same design, but it has been embellished with Memory thread.

Click here to watch video on How to use DMC Color Infusions Memory Thread!

Click here to Watch video on How to Make Loops, Curls & Twirls using DMC Memory Thread

Italian Quilting/ Trapunto

This month at KEG our project is about embellishing a tin or a box with Italian quilting or trapunto.

Historically trapunto was very popular in Europe. This is a traditional technique that has been around for hundreds of years. It was widely used for home furnishings and fashionable clothing, particularly among the aristocracy and royalty.

Trapunto also called stuffed and padded quilting, this technique adds dimension and texture to quilted items. It creates a high relief effect by outlining a specific decorative feature. The padding makes the area stand out. Traditionally trapunto was done by hand.

First, mark the area on the front of the quilt top. Baste an underlining on the back where the area will be padded. Hand stitch through the two layers inside the marked lines. On the back side trim away the excess fabric of the underlining.

Now make a small slit in the underlining. Stuff the area evenly through the slit. Avoid adding too much as this can make a pucker on the quilt top. Next, stitch the slit shut. When all the trapunto is complete, layer the quilt top, batting, and backing as you normally would.

Read more on Trapunto by hand….

Water Soluble Canvas

DMC’s Water Soluble Canvas is an innovative waste canvas that dissolves when soaked in warm water.

Now, you can easily cross-stitch on any fabric to enhance your home decor, fashion or baby project.
How to Use

Using DMC Water Soluble Canvas is easy – just 6 simple steps and you have a beautiful finished embroidered piece.

Materials Needed to Complete your Stitching:

• DMC Embroidery Floss
• DMC Tapestry Needle size 26
• DMC Embroidery Scissors
• DMC Soluble Canvas
• Embroidery Hoop

Put the Soluble Canvas on the fabric where you want to stitch, tack down with large stitches to hold into place.

Caution: Ensure the tacking line is larger than the design you will stitch inside.

Place the fabric and Soluble Canvas together in an embroidery hoop and cross stitch or embroider following the instructions on the cross stitch chart.

When the embroidery is finished, carefully cut and pull out the tacking stitches.

Put the stitched fabric in a bowl with a large volume of hot soapy water(between 104º F/40º C and 122º F/50º C). Let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes and stir it gently from time to time. The Soluble Canvas will melt and disappear! Rinse with plenty of hot water.

For drying, follow the care instructions of your garment.

You now have a unique piece that you personalized!

Made from revolutionary material that dissolves in warm water! Each package includes an 8.5″ x 8 piece of 14 – count canvas.

Click here to watch DMC video on project done with water soluble canvas.

KEG metting on 12th April: Italian Quilting / Trapunto

Dear Members,

 

Just a reminder that the next Kenya Embroiderers’ Guild Meeting will be on Thursday 12th April – the second Thursday of the month.  

We will be learning Trapunto (Italian Quilting).    Trapunto has all sorts of applications.   It is often used in Quilt making as well as being a basis for other embroidery techniques.  

As always the kits contain detailed instructions as well as the materials needed except for the tin and two needles – one a large eyed blunt ended tapestry needle for threading the special wool and a sharp needle for the running stitch.  The kits are either in silver or blue and have instructions for a simple or more complicated design.  

Gail has made a design that can cover the lid of a box or has given instructions for you to make your own box.  

I believe Mr. Price has some interesting cardboard boxes for which you could embellish the top and Nakumatt has stainless steel chapatti boxes which could also be used – and there will definitely be other places where you will find exactly the right box.     You may even have a box at home.

We are still trying to make our blog more interesting.   Please subscribe to get emails directly to your computer – the subscription is free. Please send us embroidery articles, techniques, website addresses you find useful even ones where you have found kits, embroidery supplies and related items.   Things useful to share with other embroiderers.

Hope to see you on the 12th. 

Now is the time for paying the subs which remain at 1,200/- per year with a 50/- charge for members (150/- for non members) per meeting which helps with the increasing costs of renting the room for the meeting.

Thanks,

KEG Committee

Stitch Play: Whipping Two Rows of Chain Stitch

Stitch Play: Whipping Two Rows of Chain Stitch

Whipping two adjacent rows of chain stitch produces a wide line with a rope-like centre. This is a fun technique for creating a textured line, and it only takes a little imagination to see how you can incorporate this into your surface embroidery.

Browsing through the Needle N’thread blog came across this interesting series of Stitch Play by Mary Corbet. She has come up with the ideas of combinations of textural stitches that can be used to give new and exciting look to the embroidery. She has demonstrated these techniques in detail, step by step and with pictures.

Some readers have commented that they have used this technique for textural motifs (like tree bark, cacti etc),  also in applique because of its 3D effect, some made handles for little baskets – or vines with appliqued leaves. This technique looks very interesting and easy. Try it ladies and give us your feedback….you might come up with something more exciting and exceptional.

Read in detail