I've started some new projects today. One is Heart and Hand from Willow Hill Samplings and the others are some Christmas designs from Lizzie Kate.
I debated awhile on the choices of fabrics and finally decided to use a 32ct Belgium linen on the Lizzie Kate designs and a 28ct DMC linen on the Heart and Hand project. This is my first time stitching on linen fabrics (can you believe that?!) and so far the DMC one gave me no trouble but the Belgium linen was a bit of a challenge. I realized that the weaves of this fabric is kind of uneven so it is harder for me to find the right spot to stitch in. It takes a while to get use to, but I do like it with all the floss colors I chose.
As for the Hear and Hand design, I used the recommended flosses. This is also my first time using hand dyed floss and I'm not sure if I know how to handle it right. Can anyone tell me if I can wash the stitched piece after I finish? I'm worried that the colors will run since hand dyed flosses are usually not colorfast... If I can't wash it, can I at least iron it to get the wrinkles out? I really don't want to ruin it after all the hard work.....
Nevertheless, hand dyed threads do have their charm, and I look forward to see how it will turn out when I am done~
Hi Theresa,
ReplyDeleteonce you work with linen, you will fall in love with it. 28 count is a great start, but 32 is not hard. Its once you use 40 count and up that things get blinding! :)Looking foward to seeing your work.
Oh I forgot!
ReplyDeleteTry a small piece of fabric with a few stitches of the threads and wash it , you should get an answer on the colorfastness.
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ReplyDeleteThank you Michelle,
ReplyDeletethat is a great idea, can't believe I didn't think of it..... :-)
Hi Theresa, I have just found your blog and it is really lovely. I love what you have stitched and as has been said above you will really love stitching on linen and evenweave. There is a difference between them - linen has thick and thin strands whereas evenweave is exactly what it says. It very rarely comes in counts higher than 32 and is just lovely to stitch on. Have fun because it really is and the linen you have your threads on above looks just gorgeous. If you want any more information on linen and evenweave just email me and I will be happy to tell you what I know. Lots of love Patti xxx
ReplyDeletehi theresa. keep up the good work! i love your blog. regarding washing your work, here is a cautionary tale: i completed a beautiful kitchen theme sampler for my mother last year, using all weeks dye works threads on overdyed soft yellow 32 count linen. I have a small book on caring for embroidery and carefully read the section on cleaning finished linens. boy. the directions were correct and did a lovely job, all except for the RED weeks dye works threads, which made the red shades in one apple and one strawberry bleed outwards to the size of a silver dollar. oh my. i was so distraught. i figured it was ruined. BUT, it wasn't. i took a gamble, sprayed Oxi-Clean spray on the affected area, scrubbed around the threads, and after rinsing, scrubbing and spraying over several days (yes, days...) it finally came out. oh what relief. now it's framed and hanging in my mother's kitchen. =)
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