Size: 3.5″ W x 3.75″ H (handle not extended)
Stitches: Running, Detached Chain, French Knot, Cross and Half Cross
Materials: cotton embroidery floss, linen
Status: Sold!

I did this little bag AGES ago for Take a Stitch Tuesday, but just remembered I hadn’t posted it. Actually it was my last TAST piece — I’ve really been slacking on the embroidery front lately. I started with the cross stitch/half cross borders, which I think were the TAST stitch of the week, when I did this piece. The yellow and blue reminded me of Pennsylvania Dutch art and so I decided to do something really simple and evocative of that style. I did the centerpiece free hand and I’m shocked that I managed to make it that balanced. The handled is a hand braided cord of the red, yellow, and blue from the main design. It’s slightly larger than the other bags I’ve done, but still very petite in size.

Since my focus was on simplicity and balance as I made the bag, I decided to turn it into a mini-ritual kit for just that purpose.

Technorati Tags: cross stitch, half cross, Pennsylvania dutch, ritual kit, simplicity, simplify, embroidery, fiber art

Size: 2×3″
Stitches: Algerian Eyelet, Detached Chain, French Knot, Running
Materials: verigated silk floss, linen, ribbon
Status: Sold!

This design was inspired by the TAST stitch of the week last week — the Algerian Eyelet. I started with the 1/2 eyelets in the corners and then the large on in the center. I did the accents in detached chain stitch, as it was a TAST stitch a couple of weeks ago that I missed. French knots are always good for a little fill accent. I loved playing with the subtle change in tone of the varigated floss with the flowing running stitch patterns, which I created organically as I went. The handle is a pretty piece of ribbon that had been on a gift I received.

I was feeling a bit sad when I worked on this, which is probably why I gravitated towards the watery colors.

Technorati Tags: recycled, ribbon, running stitch, algerian eyelet, french knot, detached chain, embroidery, fiber art, textile art, needlework

Size: 2.5 x3.0″
Stitches: Satin, Running, Chevron, Stem
Materials: Linen, Cotton Floss, Vintage Cotton Floss, Metallic Floss, Linen Floss
Status: Private Collection

The second in my on-going series of tiny bags. This design based on an Art Nouveau book plate. I really liked the overall shape of this bag, it has more depth to it than the Valentine’s Pouch. The cord is a braid of the metallic floss from the border and the vintage floss of the dress.

It’s perfect for herbs, crystals, cellphones, iPods, or other small objects — or all on its own. The image makes it look a little duller than it is.

I did the border in Chevron stitch,as it was the “Take a Stitch Tuesday” stitch of the week.

Technorati Tags: tast, chevron stitch, mojo bag, abundance, embroidery, fiber art, textile art, needlework

Size: 2″ x 3″ (approx)
Stitches: back stitch, running stitch, couched lattice stitch
Materials: vintage tatting cotton, DMC cotton floss, linen
Status: Sold!

Just a little trifle, but having fun is good! I was feeling the need to bring a little more joy into my life and so I decided to make something sweet and simple. I really enjoyed this because I went from concept to completion in one night. I think this took a total of about 3.5 hours, including sketching and final finishing. Lattice couched heart with back stitch outline and running stitch swirls and spirals on linen. The red heart is done in vintage tatting cotton and the pink is DMC cotton floss.

Technorati Tags: valentine, crafts, embroidery, gifts, lattice couching, back stitch, heart