Embroidery Using Fabri-Solvy - A Cautionary Tale

I've always been a bit impatient when using windows or light boxes to trace embroidery patterns. When I chose the Santa Monica Pier pattern to stitch from Studio MME's new pattern book, I knew I would have trouble with all the straight lines. I've tried an iron-on transfer pencil before and the results weren't as accurate as I needed, then I remembered that I had already bought some Fabri-Solvy*. Here's how I used it to transfer my pattern, and the lessons I learned...

First I printed the pattern. The Fabri-Solvy went through my printer really easily.

I then cut down the sheet to fit on the hoop and tacked it to my cotton fabric. It is sticky so I might not have needed to do this.

While stitching, the Fabri-Solvy puckered a bit, I don't know if it wasn't stretched tight enough. There was some resistance, but no sticky needle problem that others have reported.

After finishing stitching, I trimmed the Fabri-Solvy back to near the stitches.

I then swished it around in warm water until it stopped being gloopy.

I left it to dry on a towel, then ironed it.

Once it was dry, I could see marks where the printer ink had run (down from the struts of the pier and around the windows - just about visible in the photo below). Originally I thought it was the DMC thread that had run, but I have since found another site where someone has mentioned a problem with the printer ink, so I'm assuming it was that. I was VERY annoyed (especially as it was destined for Megan's book), tried rinsing it again, no change. Grrrrrr. Next time I try this, I will print the pattern in a very light grey to prevent this. Some of my stitches now look a bit wobbly, I assume that's due to stitching through several layers then removing one. My stitches didn't look at all loose when I was making it, but I guess I will have to stitch tighter in the future when using Fabri-Solvy.

Would I use Fabri-Solvy* again? Yes, as it made transferring the pattern and keeping straight lines a doddle. I really really wish I'd tried a tiny sample first to work out the kinks though.

* Amazon affiliate link

West Coast Love Embroidery Book Review

A few month's ago, Megan from Studio MME asked for volunteers to help stitch patterns for her upcoming embroidery book based on the West Coast of the USA. I've always loved her patterns so jumped at the chance. The book has now been launched and looks GORGEOUS!

In Megan's own words: "West Coast Love lets West Coasters stitch up their local pride. From the Golden Gate Bridge to the Seattle Space Needle, this 100+ page digital pattern book gives you a tour of the seaside states. In addition to man-made landmarks, you can stitch up iconic birds, alternative state flags, and national park monuments. West Coast Love is the first pattern book by Megan Eckman, the designer behind Studio MME. Her patterns are simple to sew but intricate in their design, letting you curl up on the couch with a beer while you stitch something beautiful."

The book is beautifully laid out, with very clear patterns and a beginner-friendly stitch guide. It also includes extensive instructions on transferring the patterns to fabric and finishing the projects, which are shown as hoops and pennants. The patterns themselves look really impressive once stitched up, and I love the cute introductions to each section of the West Coast, and Megan's interpretations of the state flags, including a grizzly bear for California!

You can see the level of detail she has included here, for a hoop showing the Golden Gate bridge. It's really easy to see which stitches to use to get the same effect as the picture, and the suggested colours work really well.

I love the sketch-like effect of the grass and plants in the Hollywood sign pattern, it's really representative of Megan's style.

I was sent the Santa Monica Pier hoop to stitch. It was a new challenge for me as I haven't done much stitching involving straight lines, and there were lots of them in this pattern! I used Fabri-Solvy to transfer the pattern (not one of the transfer suggestions in the book) and had a few problems with it (more on that next week) but the pattern itself was really fun and easy to stitch.

I've never been to the West Coast (I've only been to New Orleans) but so many of the landmarks in these patterns were immediately recognisable. I've also only been on a Ferris Wheel once and I thought I was going to throw up every time it went over the top. I'm not great at fairground rides...

You can buy the book on Megan's site at: http://www.studiomme.com/shop.html. She has kindly provided a free pattern from the book for you to try, the stunning Stellar's Jay - download it here. I think this is my favourite pattern from the book, but the California bear flag and palm tree pennants aren't far behind.

Knitting And Stitching Show

Wow, this is a late review. I've been struggling with procrastination when it comes to writing and crafting, I guess the gloomy rainy weather isn't helping :(

This was the third year I've been to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace. This year I went on the Friday after the insane crush of last year, and it was much calmer. Apparently the Wednesday was even better. Somehow I only had time to see most of the exhibition and about half of the shopping stalls.

The Knitted Flower Pergola was the first exhibit in the foyer - I loved all the details like these budgies! It was a community knitting project to raise funds for Livability John Grooms Court, a home for disabled adults in Norwich.

Just like last year, I was drawn to Ann Small's exhibit. Her "A Walk On The Wild Side" collaboration with Sue Walton included several flying beasties which I wanted to take home. She uses potassium permangenate to colour her fabric rather than tea as it can be bleached back with lemon juice - I mostly remember potassium permangenate baths as a kid for my eczema so am glad there was a happier use for it.

Another highlight was Caren Garfen's exhibit  "She Was Cooking Something Up". This consisted of a stitched kitchen showing stats and messages about women's body image - it was pretty hard-hitting at times.

I spent quite some time in the felting exhibition (including laughing at the giant genitals of the "Lust" figure from the Seven Deadly Sins). One of my favourites was the teddy skull (Ursulus Teodorus Ruxpinus) by Stephanie Metz.

I'd seen pictures of the Hobbit knitting by Denise Salway ("The Knitting Witch") all over Instagram so ran around at the end trying to find it. Denise was really friendly and Smaug was so cute in his tiny knitted glory!

I think next time I'll try to go for a couple of days so I can do some classes, spend more time looking at the exhibits and do some leisurely shopping. I'll need to catch up on lots of my UFOs before then to make space in my craft room...

Donkeys!

On my recent trip to Somerset/Devon, I was determined to visit The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth. I have always loved donkeys, and despite living near-ish the New Forest I rarely get to see any. The Donkey Sanctuary has several centres in the UK and works worldwide to to help working donkeys and the people that rely on them, as well as arranging donkey-assisted therapy.

There are several walks around the Sidmouth centre, I obviously chose the shortest one with the most donkeys. We met several mules that were quite excited to see us (and tried to eat our shoes) and many, many donkeys in the fields, most of who ignored us but a few came up to nuzzle us.

This is Freddie from Ireland. He's 11 years old (most of the donkeys at the sanctuary are much older) and was one of the donkeys in the barn area who were interacting with the public. He was finding this bench very useful for awkward itches.

I had a lovely relaxing time strolling through the countryside stroking donkeys and can highly recommend a visit!

I've rounded up some cute donkey items from Etsy....

Isn't this needle felted donkey from Swan Quarter House Creations adorable? I love his little garland and his expression. You can keep up-to-date with Jodi's newest creations on her blog.

The donkeys in this print  from Cath Ward look very eager to meet people (or are trying to get food). Check out her other lovely watercolour prints and laser-cut wood animal charms, brooches and necklaces in her shop.

This cute donkey brooch is from Oneiroxora's shop where she sells gorgeous handmade jewellery. You can also follow her on Facebook.

Awww, look at Arthur's soulful face! You can make him using a pattern from Patchwork Moose (I'm also very tempted by Otis the bat). Find out more on her website and Facebook page.

If you want more fluffy cuteness, why not take a look at my alpaca visit from earlier this summer?

Alpacas Galore!

After my previous trip to the Petlake Alpacas open day, it was a no-brainer that I would go again this year, and drag friends along to revel in the fluffiness.

Like last year there were several baby alpacas to squee over, including several that were rolling down a tiny hillock. I walked an adult alpaca called Casper (first photo below) - he was quite fiesty and kept getting tangled up with the others being walked. The next person to walk him was a small child - by that point he'd had enough, started jumping around then escaped into the middle of the field.

(thanks to Anna Marie Haworth for the non-me photos in the collage).

Last year I bought a painting of a cow (below) by Lucy Tidbury. She was at the event again this year with some gorgeous paintings, but sadly I only had enough money on me for postcards.

In honour of the alpacas, I have rounded up some awesome alpaca crafts from Etsy!

This cute embroidery pattern is from Wild Olive's shop (she also does the seasonal stitching clubs that I have failed to keep up with, her latest club is a year-long 50 States quilt). Also check out her blog which has loads of tutorials and free patterns.

Lucy Ravenscar's adorable alpaca pattern makes me wish I could crochet properly. Check out her blog for more details on her patterns.

I love this linocut alpaca card by PrintsByLucyPerry. She also has a print of the same design.

You can now pretend to be an alpaca with this cute hat pattern from WestWightAlpacas! She also makes glass alpacas.

Knitting & Stitching Show 2013

Last Saturday I went to the Knitting & Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace. I saw some amazing exhibits, most of which I can't remember the creator or wasn't allowed to take photos. I loved Sally Spink's tiny insect knitted clothing and was very moved by Mary Fisher's Messages exhibition.

The Carnaby Street's Crazy Cab Cozy was awesome, I loved all the tiny details:

I especially liked the bird on the wing mirror. I had sparrows perching on my wing mirror most of the summer, occasionally looking in the mirror and pooping on my car.

I was also fascinated with Nicola Jarvis's exhibition inspired by William Morris, the bird below is from "Birds In The Strawberry Bed" by Nicola Jarvis and Michele Hill:

The show was crazily busy, I spent a lot of time being completely stuck in crowds, unable to move and panicking. I missed a huge amount of the retail stalls as there were so many people (which was probably good for my bank balance). I definitely won't visit again on a Saturday.

Luckily I had booked on a workshop with Sarah Corbett from the Craftivist Collective which prevented me having a full-scale meltdown. We made mini protest banners - I still need to find somewhere to hang mine (pic below) where it won't get ripped down/set fire to within 10 minutes. Check their website out, it is full of ideas to raise consciousness through crafting rather than more in-your-face activism.

 

Alexandra Palace itself is strangely grand yet run down. Lots of it seems boarded up but it has some beautiful features. This is the roof above the picnic area (something else that saved my sanity):

 



 

This is the outside view of the giant stained glass - it was far too busy inside to take a photo of the main side. I developed a slight obsession with the statue on the roof, it reminded me of the angels from Doctor Who. I expected it to come to life and start smiting people...

 



Shops I Love Part Two: FionaT

I have bought a ridiculous amount of stuff from Fiona T's Folksy shop over the last few years. She makes intricate machine embroidered items (often involving zombies and ninjas, but also occasionally birds and flowers) based on drawings by Little Black Heart (I also own a huge amount of stuff from her shop, she is awesome).

 

Most of my friends have received embroidered zombie bookmarks, and I have several of her zombie canvases:

 

 

Most recently, I bought Tammy, a zombie Halloween kitten.

Noddy does not want to be friends with Tammy...

It's worth keeping an eye on her Facebook page, as many of her items sell out almost as soon as they're put in the shop. Make sure you don't buy the things I want....

Shops I Love Part One: Esperanza Em

I love Esperanza Em's folksy shop (she also sells on eBay). I have quite a few of her Day of The Dead brooches and necklaces and am very tempted by her tiki and sea creature ranges.

Her blurb (coz she describes it better than I can in my office-induced foggy brain state):
"I mainly specialise in Mexican inspired hand crafted jewellery, including brooches and necklaces made from upcycled bottlecaps. Featured themes include Day Of The Dead, Frida Kahlo, Lucha Libre wrestling, nautical and Hawaiian tiki. I have a punk/DIY ethic and try to keep my prices low. My creations are made with love and I am pleased to be able to share them with people who will enjoy them."

This is the latest item I have from the shop (it is very me as much as I try to hide my gothy side). I also have several necklaces with the magic combination of skulls and glitter...

 

 

Em has also started doing bracelets, I love this one:

 



 

And there are also necklaces and brooches for ukulele fans!

 

 



Small Child Leggings

Laura from Craftstorming has just released her first PDF pattern under the name Titchy Threads:

It's the most comprehensive pattern I've ever seen, including lots of information on sewing with knits, step-by-step instructions with clear photos, and many hints and tips. The PDF includes several options for the leggings, including shorts and different waistbands and cuffs.

There are links to different versions Laura has made and a tutorial for branding your own elastic here. If I actually knew any small children, I would be buying zebra print elastic and making them several pairs.

The pattern is £6 from the Titchy Threads website.