Embroidered Blossom Tree - The Finale!

 

Hello everyone and welcome to the big Finale of our Stitch by Stitch Mini Sew Along of the Embroidered Blossom Tree!

So far we have practiced our stitches, hooped up our fabric and begun to create our ttree.  You should by now have your Tree Base stitched in your chosen method (see here for options)

Now I had planned to show you my completed Embroideries, but due to a few personal issues (a car driving into our parked car and driving off to name one) I am a little delayed, but the fun thing with projects like this is there is no rush, it's all about slow stitching and enjoying the process.

I finished my Tree base, using the Long and Short stitch and chose darker shade so brown than my original, but I am super happy how it has turned out.  The process of adding stitches in this way I find quite therapeutic, not having to worry about following lines and just letting the stitches take the lead creating the detail and texture.

How is yours looking?  I'd love to see, so please tag me @michellecorbindesign on Instagram and use the hashtag #stitchbystitchsewalong

Now it's time to turn to finishing your Tree, by using your chosen colour (I chose pink) and filling in as much or as little blossom using French Knots as you like.

I personally like quite a lot, but it's your tree and you get to decide.  You might even decide to stitch on some beads instead or as well as sewing French Knots - it's really up to you!

If you haven't purchased your kit or pdf, you can buy them here:  The kit  or PDF

This is mine so far

I still need to add more blossom - how much?  I'm not sure, but I will keep going until I am happy.

Once your Tree is complete it's time to frame it.  If you can still see your traced lines you will need to remove them according to instructions.  I used a Frixion Pen very faintly and therefore I cannot see them as whilst I stitched I ensured that I covered them.  If you can still see yours though a light blast with a hairdryer should remove them if you are careful.

Ensure your fabric is nice and taught in your hoop and Trim around the excess fabric leaving an inch or two around.  Do a running stitch around this fabric to gather it up and secure it on the reverse of the hoop.  Place on the piece of circular felt (in your kit) and either stitch or glue it in place.  I like to stitch, but you could use hot glue if you prefer.  Add a ribbon to the hoop for hanging and Tadaaa!  It's all finished!

I'll be sure to post photos of mine when they are both finished on Social Media so I encourage you to do the same too.  (don't forget to use the hashtag)

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for sewing the Blossom Tree with me.  I hope you enjoyed it and I can't wait to see how yours turned out.

Much Love and Happy Stitching

Michelle xx

 

Let's Stitch our Tree - Week 2!!

 

Hello beautiful people - Happy Monday!

Welcome to week 2 of our Mini Stitch by Stitch Sew Along.

If you are just joining us, click on the bold letters above and it will take you to the first Blog in this Series, where I tell you all about it!

So this week. we are begining to stitch our Tree

As I explained last week, you have 4 options in which you can choose to stitch your Tree Base.

(see here)

I decided to do 2 examples, which are perfect to show you options.  Below, I have chosen the slow stitching method, which is explained in your instructions, so this one will be purely Hand Embroidery.  I have however deviated from the pattern outline a little and added my own branches and move a few - because, well I could - and you can too!

I'm still stitching my outline at the moment and next I will be stitching the long and short stitches, varying my colour shades to add the depth and texture to the Tree Trunk and Branches.  To see this in progress, keep an eye on my Instagram as I will be sharing some photos and videos there.

For the next Tree Example, I chose to be more creative, starting by painting the fabric first - the background and the Tree.  (I've used a heavier canvas fabric this time and I will show more next week) 

I have started to fill in the details of the Tree Base, using Free-Motion Machine Embroidery, I wanted to add more depth and texture, to show you a different element to that can be produced by design, therefore showing you how you can add more interest to the basic pattern enabling you to be as creative as you like.  There will be more progress on my Instagram this week.

I'm going to still use French Knots for the Blossom, as I really love sewing French Knots.

That's all for this week lovely people, I have shown you my progress, now show me yours.  Use the hashtag #stitchbystitchsewalong when you post on Social Media and don't forget to tag me @michellecorbindesign and I will check back here next week with our 3rd and Final Week.

Now 'sew' forth and create Happy Stitches!!

Michelle xx

Blossom Tree Mini Sew Along - Week One!!

 

Hello and Happy Monday to you!  Welcome to week one of our Mini Sew Along!

This week, we are going to begin with the basics, so if you haven't yet received your kit, have a good read through and if you have any supplies to hand, please feel free to join in and practice with us.

Not yet bought a kit or PDF Pattern?  

That's ok, you can buy the kit here

or the PDF Pattern here

and you can join in with the Sew Along at any time you wish.

We're going to start with the stitches.  Full details are in the instructions of how to create each stitch.  There are just 3 to master

In your kit you will find a small piece of linen with faint pencil lines on it.  If you don't have the kit, just choose a small piece of fabric from your stash - linen/cotton/calico will work best.

Cut off a piece of Embroidery Thread (Tip of finger to inside elbow length is recommended) Divide the thread into 3 strands and thread your needle.

Following your Instructions guide, practice your backstitch working along one of the pencil lines as shown here:

Now let's turn our attention to the Long and Short Stitch.  Follow your instructions to create your stitches, ensure each stitch is of different lengths in order to create a bark like effect as shown here:

*Note - each stitch should butt neatly to the one next to it to ensure you fill in the area.

It's now time to tackle the the French Knot.  Again use your instructions for guidance and follow along one of the lines on your practice piece.  You can vary the sizes by wrapping the thread more than 3 times, but do no more than 5.  I deally you want to wrap 2 - 3 times as shown in this photo:

Wrap thread round needle 3 times

Wrap thread round needle 2 times

Once you feel confident with the stitches we can turn our attention to preparing your fabric.  (If you are struggling with any of the stitches, don't worry, either practice some more, or see below for alternatives)

Taking your main piece of Linen/Cotton fabric, press it well - you may need to dampen it or add steam to press flat and reduce creasing.  Your iron should be med-hot, but do test it first on your fabric.

Next we need to take our template as we are now going to trace the outline onto the Linen/Cotton.  Follow your instructions how to do this, using a light box or a window.  Then place your fabric into your hoop and ensure the fabric is taught.

Your hoop is now ready for you to backstitch your outline and fill in with the long and short stitch.  Ensure you vary your threads as you go to add depth and texture.  Have fun and use your own artistic licence for this.

Alternative

As an alternative you could Applique your Tree Base.  In your kit you will have a piece of brown fabric and some fusible web.  Following the instructions, trace your tree outline, and bond it to the brown fabric.  Then cut it out and bond to your cotton/linen.  You can then stitch in either one of the methods below - practice on scrap first to ensure you are confident.

Hand Applique (beginner)

Use a Stabbing or running stitch  

Machine Applique (beginner to more confidedent)

With normal presser foot follow the outline with a straight stitch, being careful not to distort the points

(white thread used for you to see it)

Free-Motion Embroidery (advanced)

Drop your feed dogs, put on your darning foot or similar.  move your fabric so that the needle draws lines around the edges of the tree.  Get creative and move the fabric up and down to add thread lines for detail and perhaps swirl at the end of a branch to add more details.

Once you have practiced your techniques and you feel more confident, begin stitching your tree outline and don't forget to post your progess on social media with the hashtag #stitchbystitchsewalong

And don't forget to buy your kit or pdf pattern

Thank you so much for your enthusiasm with this and I can't wait to see your progress. 

I'll see you back here next Monday xx

Happy Stitching

Michelle xx

Introducing My New Embroidery Kit - The Blossom Tree plus a Sew Along!!

Hello again - long time no write!  I hope that you are safe and well and having a year full of creativity and wellbeing, despite all the other goings on in the World.

Today, I would like to introduce you to my new Embroidered Blossom Tree Kit

It's been a long time coming as I had planned 3 years ago that Embroidery and Sewing Kits would be available, but I only managed the Ballerina available Here due to the fact that we moved house and lots of things were put aside including this Blossom Tree, which I am now - finally- pleased to announce that it is available Here

A little about the Kit

Your kit will include a 12" square of Linen or Cotton, an embroidery Needle, 8" Hoop and 4 DMC Threads for you to Hand Embroider your Tree.

Also included will be some brown Fabric and Bonding fabric to enable you to have the option of Appliqueing the Tree itself, using either Free Motion Embroidery or a small zigzag with your sewing machine.

Your kit will also include a handmade drawstring bag which you can use to store your work in progress project in to keep it clean and keep everything together.

In addition to the instructions, I am inviting you to join me here in a Stitch by Stitch Mini Sew Along.  

It will be a 3 week programme and each week I will share different information or steps to help you create your Blossom Tree, plus ideas on how you can make the tree your own.

The Sew Along will take place here on my Blog and will begin Next Monday 12th July 2021, but of course you can join in whenever you want to - there are no rules, well, other than to have fun!

The Schedule

The Sew Along as I said will begin here on my Blog on Monday 12th July and here's what you will need to do to prepare:

First of all you will need to purchase either the Kit - Available Here and they will be posted out to you as soon as possible, or you can purchase the PDF Pattern, which is Available Here and you will have immediate access, but you will have to source your own fabrics and notions yourself - perfect if you live outside of the UK

So, with all of that said, I will also be posting on INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK and I would love for you to do so too by using the hashtag #stitchbystitchsewalong so that we can see our progress.

I can't wait to see yours, so let's get Stitching!

Much Love

Michelle xx

Wedding Fever

It's been a little while, since I last wrote.  But it has been a hive of activity though, with the School Holidays, and sewing on evenings - there has been no rest for the wicked, but it has been such fun.

Wedding Season, has been in full swing, and I have enjoyed creating some beautiful Bespoke Commissions, as gifts for the Bride and Groom on their Wedding Day.

 These, Handmade Personalised Wedding Hearts, have been created with a mix of Hand and Free-Motion Embroidery.

I love the colour choices, and the little bit of sparkle from the diamante.

See more hearts here

Introducing the New Horseshoe Design

I am super proud as to how this has turned out.  The brief was from the Brides Mum; a heart or a horseshoe, for a little Flower Girl to give to her Mummy on her Wedding Morning.  

Isn't that just a lovely thought?

I doodled a few sketches and came up with this Horseshoe/Heart combination.  It is very unique and can be adapted to suit any theme.  The colour scheme, you may notice, is the same as the heart above right.  This is because they were made to match.

On first completion

All finished and ready to gift

The beautiful Bride Sophie, holding both of her gifts

Next, was a slightly unusual brief for a Wedding Heart.

Apparently the Bride really loves Foxes and the Groom loves his many Trainers!!

So this commission was based with this in mind.  The Fox, Trainer and all of the wording has been Hand Embroidered, based on the colour scheme of the Wedding.

The Heart was slightly larger than usual, as Rebecca, has a collection of Hanging Hearts, and my customer wanted this one to stand out more.

Well I'm sure it does!

It was such a lovely piece to make

Also, my 7 year old daughter's teacher of this last year, and the teacher the year before, were getting married through the summer.  She loved both of them and loved being in their classes, and so wanted to make something for them.

She decided that as they were marrying in Italy, that she would draw a picture for them, and then asked if I would make it into a collage for them - how could I refuse?

She printed off the Castle that they were to be married in - in Italy - she then drew it alongside her teachers within a heart.  We chose the fabrics together and whilst I set to work sewing, she painted the frame to the colour she wanted.

Some beautiful Handmade Keepsakes to treasure, I hope you agree

Thank you for reading, I'd love to hear your comments
Find me on Facebook

Happy Stitching xx

Keepsake Bunnies

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Creating Keepsake Bunnies, is something I enjoy doing very much.  I love the whole process from start to finish.

Sisterly Love
Both hold special memories

 Being ask to create something from some outfits and blankets, that hold special memories in the owners heart, is always an honour, and to be trusted with these special garments was just that.

A Flower Girl Dress worn by big sister to mums wedding
A dress big sister bought for little sister
Little sisters Baby Blanket

See how these Little Bunny Keepakes Began

The Process:

A sketch and a plan for layout and design

Next comes the details.  Carefully unpicking the details from the garments, placing and cutting the pattern, then adding the embroidery and appliqué.

Keepsake Bunnies are then born

Nicole's was predominantly made from her beloved Baby Blanket
Details were picked out and appliquéd to the body and ears
A little part of the dress big sister bought her, was used on the ears
Hand embroidered details were added for those finishing touches

True memories wrapped up in a Button Jointed Bunny xx 

Chloe's was created, using her Flower Girl Dress form the '90s
Picking out the details, so it still looked like the dress.
Lace overlay some of the fabric for more interest.
Parts of the dress she bought for her little sister was added for interest, details and of course memories.
A little part of Nicole's blanket was added for the ears, as a special touch.

True memories wrapped up in on Original Keepsake Bunny xx



See how I create another Original Keepsake Bunny here

From every cut and stitch, each one is carefully tailored to suit the client's needs. 

Michelle Corbin Design - Find me on Facebook
Maker of all things to treasure, from Keepsakes to Soft Furnishings

Thank You for reading
Happy Stitching
Michelle xx

*Little Bunny Keepsakes, are 'sit on the shelf' items and are not suitable as toys, due to the fabric and small parts used.  They should not be left with a child under the age of 14.  They are a Collectable, potential Heirloom, which should bring lots of your love and memories to life*

A Coffee Break with Imogen Allen

Bespoke Sewing.......................exquisite hand-finished keepsake gifts and home furnishings

Imogen Allen Designs

Is the creation of the lovely talented Imogen from Burntwood.  The wife of a Farmer and Mother of 2 boys and a little girl.

Imogen creates a range of designs a range of designs, which feature the most stunning and unique hand embroidery techniques.  She makes a number of different textile designs, and her designs have evolved recently.

Imogen is incredibly talented and is here to tell us a little more about how 

Imogen Allen Designs began:

How did Imogen Allen Designs begin?

My family circumstances had changed and I had moved counties as well, so going back to sewing initially started as a hobby.  I began making different keepsakes for friends and family and so decided to establish Imogen Allen Designs and began to promote my designs.

The main inspiration behind using the personalised embroidery was that when I was small, I could never find anything with the name Imogen on it!  When I was young it was a very unusual name although it has become popular in recent times. With this thought in mind and knowing that a lot of children these days have unusual names, or they are spelt differently, I felt the need to bring something to customers so that they could have names they wanted on my products. However, to bring it in the form of a keepsake was really important. I wanted to create something that can be gifted, personalised and treasured forever. My first delve into this resulted into hanging hearts for Christmas trees. They were a little smaller than the current hearts but the idea was to create something that could be brought out each year and used again and again. That design just grew from there over the last couple of years.

A Selection of Imogens beautiful makes

Talk us through a typical day in the life of Imogen Allen

I possibly don’t have a typical day! The good and the bad about working from home is that two days are never the same. However, three mornings a week are dedicated time for business and I slot my working time in some afternoon and mainly evenings, depending on what the rest of the family are up to! I shall be working more in the daytime in a year or so as my youngest child will start school.

What keeps you inspired every day?

Lots of things inspire me. My friends, my family, beautiful pieces of craft and artwork that I see, stories I read about others and their lives, hopes and struggles. My passion of 1970s patterns is one of my real loves! When I see retro patterns and designs, that really is the thing that makes me 

go oooh and ahhh! I love the boldness and brightness of the retro patterns of the 1970s and the colours are so invigorating! I grew up as a child in the 1970s and I remember our house being full of bright colours, orange on the walls up the stairs, green in a another room, big swirly patterned wallpaper and fabulous crockery! One or two particular patterns stick in my mind. Particularly the Arabesque design on Denby crockery. We had the set at home and I recently required my own set much to the amusement of my mum who remembers it as quite a grotesque pattern and a fabulous coffee pot that looked good but never kept the coffee hot! Other patterns such as the Meakin Inca design created by Jessie Tate and used in the JG Meakin range in 1970 which features the fabulous mandale style that I am also very drawn to. This certainly influenced my drawing Floral Luna. I love to recreate the feel of those patterns and that shows particularly in my Retro Therapy artwork. This piece was a step away from my sewing as I really wanted to bring to life the colours and patterns that really appeal to me. It is such a niche market and would love to be able to broaden the appeal of my designs to others who are like minded!

Denby Arabesque

Imogens love for patterns is evident in this 
Flora Luna she created earlier this year.  

Surprisingly, her school Art Teacher told her she had no talent!!

I think we can officially disagree, don't you?

Due to personal problems, Imogen took a couple of months off work, and whilst she was absent, she created this:

Retro Therapy

Thankfully Imogen has been back for a few months now, sharing her new and amazing designs with us.

imogenallendesigns.co.uk

Where do see your future and Imogen Allen Designs heading?

I would love my business to grow to be more self supporting financially and for my textile and embroidery work to be easily recognisable as mine!  I also hope to develop my artwork side and continue to challenge myself using different techniques and trying new things in design.

Do you have an inspirational word of advice for small businesses starting out?

I think my tip would be to be prepared to work hard, connect with others and share information and support each other. Make sure you do your research and always try to learn as much as you can on your journey. There are so many areas where you can get help and support to run a business. The more you put in the more you get out and finally….make sure you always treat others as you wish to be treated!

Now some fun:

What is your favourite colour?

Oh has to be turquoise and grey!

If you had to choose, which would you pick? Fabric/Buttons/Ribbons

Fabric, fabric, fabric!!

Finally, tell us a joke? 

Oh I am so rubbish at jokes but here’s one….”What do you call a man with mud on his head?” “Peat” lol 

I had the pleasure of meeting Imogen last year, read here 

A Day of Sewing with Imogen and Jane

Imogen currently has a 'Giveaway' running on her Facebook Page, Click here  to enter Facebook Giveaway

 Thank you so much Imogen for taking the time to share your world with us, it was lovely and inspirational!

To find out more about the beautiful work Imogen does, follow her on Facebook, Twitter and imogenallendesigns.co.uk

Michelle Corbin Design

 And this is me, maker of all things to treasure, from Keepsake items, to Soft Furnishings

Thank you for reading

Happy Stitching

Michelle xx