Vintage Linens and ASG

Some years ago, when I had released the first in the series of Vintage Linens, I had full intentions of following it up with consecutive designs. However, I never got around to finishing the many designs that were in the second part of the series. When I finally did open up the files, I was amazed at the number of designs, and decided to do some editing.

One of my favorite techniques is to create the cutwork edge. The original designs that I had created were embroidery only designs. To have a challenge, I decided to try my hand at creating the cutwork edge using the various motifs. Not the most easiest of things to do, but as I never say no….I decided to go at it. My first test was to create a georgette handkerchief using one corner design. It certainly was a success and I was hooked.

When using a cutwork edge that has a multitude of edges, one has to be extremely careful in digitizing. Some of you may remember the ripple effect that I have mentioned in the past. This occurs when the top stitches are not in tune with the underlay, and the result is a rolling edge when the water soluble stabilizer is removed. In a straight or semi straight edge, the digitizer can control and avoid this effect. However, when several edge shapes are introduced, then the digitizer has to be extremely careful that everything lays perfectly flat upon the removal of the water soluble stabilizer. Added to my concern was the fact that I had different type of stitches for the edge. The florals had a satin edge but the scallops in between the flowers were a divided satin edge.

A dear friends’ daughter recently married and I had promised a bed room set to her. While testing the Vintage Linens II designs, I decided that they would be perfect to use for not just the bed sheets but also for the quilt. I absolutely loved the effect of the bed sheet set. Using my technique of stitching out the designs on chiffon, I attached it to a satin ribbon and then to the pillow cases and the bed sheet. The tedious task of opening the pillow case hem and the bed sheet hem was avoided completely. I’m still working on the quilt, however.

The collection is indeed finished, with two sections: cutwork and embroidery. I am in the process of testing, however. As for its release…hopefully by next month.

Notions: American Sewing Guild:

Yours truly has an article published in the American Sewing Guild magazine, Notions. I have to admit that I had completely forgotten about the article until I started receiving emails from friends. My thanks to dear friends, Carolyn and Evanlee for sharing their pictures with me for the article and to the wonderful staff at Notions and ASG. For those who don’t know it, ASG is a wonderful organization and continues to promote sewing. For more information, do visit the ASG website, it has so much to offer: http://www.asg.org 

Whether you are into sewing or not, it is a great organization and a wonderful place to share all kinds of techniques, whether they be sewing, or machine embroidery. Let’s face it…embroidery is closely connected to sewing and even if it is via machine, it is a form of continuation of the needle and thread. Local guilds can be found anywhere and if there isn’t one in your area, you can form a guild.