Mabel's WIPs -- thread now retired

[Mabel Figworthy]

maggs, although the ladies on my stitching course are also doing hardanger, they aren't cutting yet -- these are little ones I did myself as Christmas cards for the 10 ladies in the stitching group I go to myself. They were admiring one of the madonnas and joked that the forst ten would be for them; I thought that was taking things a bit too far but instead (and without telling them yet) I did these tiny hardangers for them.

Karen, #5 and #8 perle on 22ct hardanger fabric is more or less the "standard" combination and on the whole I've had no problems with it, except perhaps when there was a lot of contrast between fabric and thread (e.g. white on black, or dark blue on cream). Could it be that you are pulling the stitches a bit too tight? If you try to keep the tension a bit looser the threads may sit more plumply on the fabric.

Coverage is definitely good on 25ct, and on both fabrics 1 strand of Caron Watercolours (instead of #5) and Wildflowers (or Impressions) instead of #8 look lovely too.

I'm still working on that experiment with lots of different fabric/thread combinations, you can see the first few (with comments) in my Hardanger thread.

[karen4bells]

Thanks Mabel--I wondered if it was just due to the colors--I'm using red on white so that likely is part of it--think my tension is about where it should be--may need to loosen it up just a bit--will keep experimenting and I'll try on some other counts of evenweave too--and definitely will go read your Hardanger thread a bit more closely too. I may just have to go find some Caron watercolor threads on ebay

Edited--my brain hasn't had quite enough caffeine yet today--I've not yet tried the #5 perle--it's the #8 that I've used and not had great coverage with--will have to experiment with the #5 later today--at least my local JoAnn's carries a good amount of them!! in lovely shades too

[Rose]

Wow Mabel what a wonderful group of cards those are going to make. You are a very talented stitcher.

[pamelam]

Beautiful work!

[Mabel Figworthy]

it's the #8 that I've used and not had great coverage with

Yes, that would make sense -- I've got a kit which uses #8 for the Kloster blocks and satin stitch on 25ct and it really only works because it's white on white, I would never use it in colour on white. In fact the little rose square I did recently uses #5 on 28ct, and although it's a bit bulky the coverage is lovely (though I've also used#8 on 28ct, blue on white and that worked OK, bit thinner than I'd like ideally but everything covered). Good luck with your experiments!

[Nachstenliebe]

They are looking wonderful! I love the group photo of the Madonnas.. so unique and yet with a common goal that binds them all together
Faith

[XandraS]

The hardangers and madonnas look amazing together, well done

[dollystitcher]

What an amazing array of work, well done Mabel

[Serinde]

Very impressive, Mabel. All the recipients are going to be chuffed to bits.

[Jamielea]

I love all your work Mabel! Very beautiful

[Cecilia]

All I can say is, WOW! i love your work Mabel.

[mig-3]

Wow. Very impressive all together.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Thanks all !

Yesterday I spent every available moment stitching, and went to bed far too late, but here's where I am with the bookmarks -- one finished (you knew that one already), one with all the words done, and one with the words nearly done:



We had Church Lunch today and I was steward so we've only just got back, but most of the rest of today will be spent getting as far as these as possible! I did, in a last-minute decision, decide to completely change the colours on one of them though...

[Ceitidh]

These look lovely !

[Fljotsdale]

Varying the colours will do a lot to make them more personal to the recipients. Good thought, Mabel!

[Rose]

Good work Mabel they are really coming along well!!!!!

[K1nS]

[Like_Fine_VVine]

Very nice as always!

[Nachstenliebe]

Wonderful work... your friends will love them
Faith

[maggs]

Thats quick work Mabel, nearly there.