Every now and then, I go on a stitching tear. And I’m on one again these days.
Many years ago, I bought a kit I saw in a Purl Soho newsletter (I think). It was immediately appealing to me . . . a simple Swedish design printed on high quality linen — and it came with some lovely linen embroidery thread. The kit was a collaboration with Studio Flax, a UK company with really gorgeous designs and kits and materials. (My kit is called “Tulipwood” and it’s still available on the Purl Soho site. It is actually one of a series of Swedish designs, all printed on linen with linen thread, and also in partnership with Studio Flax.)
Anyway. I was charmed. I purchased the kit. And there it sat for several years.
A couple of weeks ago, I pulled the whole thing out and decided to give it a try. Looking at the directions, I noticed that they were . . . scant. Nice photos. They indicate which colors to use where. They list the stitches they used . . . in a sentence. But they don’t indicate where they used which stitches.* I also noted that the linen embroidery floss, although it was packaged in such a lovely way and was truly beautiful to behold, felt . . . well. Kinda nasty. (Linen is Like That. It only softens with wear and with use, over time.)
I also could see that, upon closer inspection, I was uninspired by the color choices.
But I decided to carry on and give the whole thing a try — using the linen thread and figuring out the stitches on my own.
Which didn’t last long at all. I just don’t have patience to work with that linen thread! (Although I’m sure it would be absolutely beautiful if one DOES have the patience, it is quite nasty to stitch with.) (I am not good with tangles.) (Linen thread? Nothing but tangles.)
So on to Plan B! I got out my (substantial) collection of Perle Cotton thread, chose my color palette, and stuck the directions in the recycling bin. (And relegated that linen thread to my “fodder” collection.)
I am, as you might have foreseen, going my own way with this one!
=======
* Note: While poking around on the Purl Soho website, I discovered that you can download the stitch guides for each of the Swedish embroidery panels. This is not indicated in the print directions, but the full charts do exist. (I opted to let that go, already committed to doing it my way.)
=======
How about you? What are you working on this week?
That is good to know about linen thread because I saw a lot of it in Scotland but didn’t buy any. I too have some embroidery projects that feel like they skimped on the instructions so I need to do more sitting and pondering. I also feel that a stitching season is beginning here too. I have started with a new Boro inspired journal cover.
That is a lovely piece and I’m glad you ditched the linen thread. The Perle Cotton in your cool green lunchbox looks so much nicer!
You are WELL on your way! And it’s gorgeous! And any of your readers know you do NOT need any such ‘guide.’ Ha.
Purl Soho is one of my favorites. It was the first site that really hooked me years ago, and though I don’t frequent it as much as I used to, I think I get a little oxytocin hit…that blissed out-ness…when its page loads.
(I, too, think the colors in your little green lunchbox are WAY more appealing. Yours have so much more perk than theirs. And Spring is all about Perk!!)
Thanks for the description of the linen thread. I thought to myself ‘ooh linen thread’ and then changed to ‘skip linen thread’.
That would be so frustrating. I’m glad you persisted and you’ve found a way to make it work for you. I predict it will be better than the original instructions!
I agree with you about linin thread…I think it is awful to work with! I like what you have stitched so far!
I’ve put all my projects aside to work on a special one. My niece is finishing up seminary in the Lutheran Church and will be ordained in a few months. She has asked me to make her stole that she will wear at her ordination. I made her baptismal gown when she was a baby and have a piece of that fabric left that I will incorporated into her stole. I have the design all sketched out and once I get some needed supplies, I will be ready to start working on it.
Oh yes…linen thread. I like it…but only for hem stitching or the like. Your Perle cottons are gorgeous Kym and they will be a perfect substitute. I’ve been itching to do embroidery again (as opposed to cross stitch). Stay tuned!!
Well, good for you for finding your own path. That linen thread sounds downright nasty. I’m sure it’s beautiful but at least with a linen yarn, it can be washed and will become softer. I’ve been stitching and quilting on the moon phases table runner. It does seem like warmer weather lends itself to stitching projects.
Really that is what crafting is all about. Unless you need something to fit, you can pretty much go your own way. If the results make you happy, you did it right. If not …………..you can always start over again.
Love it!! I’m so glad you’re doing your own thing with this piece!
I am working on a pile of long ago started socks that have been sitting in my closet. Now I think I’m going down the embroidery rabbit hole. Ha ha!
I have never worked with linen thread, but knowing how the fabric behaves, I do not think I would like it much. I like your thread choice much better, and I’m sure you’ll make something beautiful, whether or not you use the stitches you’re “supposed” to. More playing!
Bet of luck! Sounds like you are deep into making lemonade out of those lemons!
I love your swap in… so so much! (and a huge YES to listening to your inner voice for what to do with your stitching!!)