Monday 30 May 2011

Seeing the light......

at the end of this particular row of flowers.......


I'm busy with the butterflies right now and making good speed.    But I think that'll change soon... when I tackle all the satin stitching! 

The main reason I've speeded up is..... I'm back stabbing!!    I always was happiest stabbing my needle through fabric.... enjoying the little popping sound it made.... until I got the idea into my head that stabbing was not the 'right' way to backstitch. 

All the books picture the stitch being made in one smooth move.  Ah Ha.... my stitches were bound to be better if I followed their instruction.    Tilly does her backstitches like that and they are perfect.  Heck... if I just stopped stabbing..... I could be as good as Tilly!   Sounds reasonable..... right?

Wrong!!!    What I discovered is that the only person I can be like is ME!!   I struggled with stitching by the book.    I just couldn't get my stitches anywhere near even.  It was one stitch forward three back for me.
So now I've reverted to type.....  and I'm such a Happy Stabber.


Madeline is a little closer to completion after the weekend too.....



Outer bag is sewn.  Handles are made.  Zip pocket is ready to stitch together and add to lining.  All that's left is to make up the lining and sort out the binding round the top!

If only I did one project at a time I'd be taking my new bag on an outing by now.

Look what arrived on Saturday......



all I can say is..... it's gorgeous!!   Of course now I'm finding it hard to resist starting yet another new project.  Fancy a bet on how long I last out!

Just had some fun watching this girly take a dust bath right outside the kitchen window......


Think I prefer hot water and lots of bubbles.

Till next time....

Josie X


8 comments:

Diana and LaDonna said...

I think your stitches look fine! That is such a sweet project! Very cheerful!

LaDonna

Anonymous said...

I don't think I want to start that beautiful row of flowers.... what if I don't get it finished?! ;) I guess I have to start one day!! I second the bubbles and hot water bath over the dust bath. Wouldn't be that nice really!!

rosie said...

There is nothing wrong with your beautiful stitching... you just keep going the way you are...I think you just solved the problem of UFO'S - don't buy any more books!! Wouldn't be as much fun though.....

Kaye R said...

The bag looks The Best. My hand is also up as a "Happy Stabber" also. My Mum laughs at the way I crochet but it works for me and the end result is good - thats all that matters. Again - love your bag.

Wendy said...

Your Vignette stitching is beautiful Josie and you're almost finished! I love your bag and I know what you meant about all these patterns ... how do we resist?!

Anonymous said...

Madeline is looking so great! and I bet you only last another day before you get toadstool mad....I'm heading that way. Have a great day, Josie...from one stabber to another. I can't do it by the book either.

Anonymous said...

Your stitches are perfectly beautiful ;-)!
I'm a stabber too!

Nicky said...

Vignette is looking lovely Josie. I'm with you on the 'back-stabbing', it's so much easier to keep a nice tension, and it's so difficult to use that running type motion going working in a small hoop. What's the first Cotton Floss project going to be?