Analiese-continuing the journey

Re-creating heirlooms on the embroidery machine, Analiese is the most delicate of embroidery collections. Its designs capture miniature cutwork windows, dainty tatting, fragile tiny flowers and the meandering vines that in the past were stitched by hand and today we stitch just as lovingly by machine. Such was the passionate ideology behind the designs when Carolyn and I first started working on them.

With the plan in hand, I knew that the edges could not have any satin stitches as satin tends to become heavy and the look is not dainty at all. For that a simple cross over stitch was created so when it repeats onto itself, it is not heavy yet it is strong enough to withstand time. The little tatted picots were all manually digitized as it was imperative that they don’t have too much weight otherwise they wouldn’t blend with the edge.  The handkerchief above and the old fashion bonnet on the left show a fine example of what I mean. The tiny spokes coming off the picots were the final touch giving the hand look to the edging, achieved completely by manually placing each stitch with the faintest of  breathing space for a single thread criss-crossed onto itself.  For those who digitize, you will understand that the need of breathing space has to be given for the width of the actual thread, otherwise you end up with a stiff glob which can break needles and cause all sorts of mischief and grief.

Another aspect to consider while digitizing these designs was that they should be able to become one with light weight cotton fabrics.   Batiste, lawn, light weight damask and cottons were tested over and over to see if the result would be soft and delicate. My preferred fabric somehow these days has become lawn. The fabric is made of cotton combed yarns, giving it a silky effect. As a child growing up in Pakistan, all my summer outfits were made with lawn, printed or plain. As it is cotton, it breathes well yet doesn’t wrinkle easily. The best place to purchase it online is at Dharma Trading. I checked and they mostly carry it in white but as the fabric is cotton, it can easily be dyed to the preferred color. It is absolutely lovely for handkerchiefs, blouses, dresses, christening gowns and any number of heirloom garments or home decor items. Not only that, it is extremely affordable, how can you beat that?

Over the years, one of my passions has been to collect embroidered ribbons and in my birth country, where everything is hand made, I saved a few hand embroidered treasures. Embroidered ribbons cost quite a penny and while creating Analiese, the idea hit me and I decided to try it out. See for yourself…the ribbon is about 2″ wide, stitched out on lightweight crepe. This was a test and now I’m encouraged to create ribbons (any width can be made) out of silks and satins to match whatever I may be creating.  Panels of fabric can also be made in the same manner and used to decorate items which are not easily hooped or embroidered, like thick plush towels. The method is really very simple and easy, cutwork edge on both sides!

The designs in the collection, Analiese, were carefully thought out to resemble European textured hand embroideries, with a bit of stump work in the teeny tiny florets. These florets have a very tiny blank center, perfect for placement of  heat set Swarovski crystals!  I haven’t checked the size of the crystal yet and will share the size as soon as I find out for myself. I thought the bottom of the baby t-shirt needed some uplifting and the little scalloped tatted edging gives it an adorable look. For the bling, I will use the crystals in each of the tiny florets.

Another aspect that I wanted to try out with the designs was to create quilt blocks. Quilting is fast becoming popular again and allows the embroiderer’s personal imagination and creativity to shine through.

I wanted to share something special with all my friends. Over the past few months, I have shared my dear husband’s fight with cancer. Today, the MRI showed no progression and spread of the cancer, and with a light head and a grateful heart, I wanted to share the good news. I am grateful for all the kind words and the prayers in lovely emails. Thank you so much. Hugs to all, and oh…Analiese will be released at the upcoming ASG Convention , that starts on Thursday, in Atlanta, GA. If you are attending, be sure to stop by Carolyn‘s booth to say hello and look at all the lovely patterns and designs that she will be showcasing. If you are there, give a hug from me to her. Happy day…love to all.