Thursday, January 5, 2012

TAST, Week One - Fly Stitch

This is the first week of TAST (Take A Stitch Tuesday).

For TAST I decided to create tags out of Aida Cloth. These are roughly 6" x 10". My hope in participating in this year-long project is to explore (my new word) new stitches and to discover new ways of using those stitches I'm already somewhat familiar with. I will retain the tags as an easy reference as I work on future projects.



I am familiar with this stitch and really enjoyed taking the time to play with it. Ideas just flowed. You should be able to click on the image to enlarge it. I tried different weights of thread for my stitches. Most of it is embroidery floss, either two or three strands. The golden yellow and pastel threads are #5 pearl cotton. The light blue near the top, right is 4mm silk ribbon and the bottom right 'Y' is done with beads. I have made a color copy of this page to note the materials, thread count, and, if needed, directions for creating the stitch. I can also easily attach an additional swatch of any fabric on back of the tag if I want to try more stitches or different surfaces, or if I need more space to explore some more.


I am particularly happy with the dragonflies I created using two fly stitches in opposite directions and the happy accidental pattern to the right of the stitch name and at the top left of the tag. I am a bit disappointed in the stars I attempted, but have not given up on them yet.


The link to find out about TAST is on my sidebar. There are over 500 participants from all over the world. Sharon B has done a phenomenal job organizing the entire project as well as creator and administrator of the Stitchin Fingers site (link to that also on my sidebar), classes, tutorials, and many other stitch-related things, not to mention she is an amazing stitch artist herself. Where does she find the time? I am also a part of Tuesday Stitchers which you can find by clicking here. By visiting all three of these links you will see some beautiful and some interesting projects being produced.



Above is a bag of floss I purchased at a garage sale. It appears someone was frustrated with knots, missing dye numbers, tangled threads and colors with less than a couple feet left. They must have thrown them in a bag and set them out. You know I can't pass up a deal like that and that pretty much explains why I will be using mostly embroidery floss! Waste not - want not.


12 comments:

jenclair said...

The tags are such a great way to record your stitches! Also, the tip about making a color copy and keeping your notes is a great way to quickly reference any questions you may have later!

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Gosh, the tags are an excellent idea. I especially like the violet flowers at the top.

NickiLee said...

Oh Connie - what a fabulous idea to do your stitches on tags! I love the idea!

Anonymous said...

wonderful idea .all the best!

bluemuf said...

Very Nice, I love the tag idea

Mosaic Magpie said...

Connie the tag is perfect! I love all the different variations of the fly stitch!
Deb

Rose Mary said...

Loved your tag idea, and you did a great job displaying the fly stitch.

Arlene Delloro said...

I love your idea with the tags! They can be placed on a ring and be a wonderful resource in the future. I wish I had waited to see some of these wonderful ideas before deciding that I would use a small 9 block crazy quilt as my "sampler."

Suztats said...

Connie, love your fly stitch variations, and I'm drooling over your bag o' floss!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Tags are a simply inspired idea - when you're done they will make a perfect reference 'book'. Love it!!

Barbara C said...

I was wondering how big these were, and now I know. I think these tags will be a great resource to you. Blessings from stitchers past will come to you for using that bag of odds and ends floss. What a treasure nest.

Manda Garner said...

thanks for sharing I'm new to embroidery and never would have thoght to use fly stitch in some of these ways. Guess I got a long way too go!