I did it! Last night I finished the drawn thread work for the tablecloth for my Portuguese whitework book. What a feeling of accomplishment! One only slightly dampened by the fact that I now have about a million and one bullion knots ahead of me…
The drawn thread work base just by itself looks gorgeous – really elegant. However, I know that with the bullion embroidery and eyelets on the drawn thread work squares, it will look even more gorgeous.
The fabric I am using for this project is 20L linen from Portugal, sent to me by a lovely Portuguese friend. All pressed and ironed, it looks so good! It irons up really well (no stubborn creases), and makes a very pleasing result.
My *aim* (and that means it may not happen!) is to have a corner of the surface embroidery on the tablecloth completed in time for the Sydney Craft and Quilt Fair from 22nd-26th June. I’ll be exhibiting on stand K39, and will have a range of embroidery on display to inspire you, including some of the Portuguese whitework. Of course, I’ll also have my books, kits and embroidery supplies for sale!
My colleagues (Janie of Janie Hubble Designs and Belinda of Cassis Craft) and I will be demonstrating various craft techniques throughout the day, depending on our specialties. Of course, my demonstrations will be embroidery techniques! I will also be running a Craft Circle each day from 1:30-2:30pm on Basic Embroidery for Left-Handers. Prebooking for the Craft Circle is required at stand K39. The class is free, but $5 payment for kit cost is required when you book in.
Now, hopefully I’ll get the chance to start the surface work on the tablecloth today. In amongst cooking a huge amount of Ethiopian food today (for a special Ethiopian night tonight), maybe I’ll get my hands clean enough and find the time to get on with my whitework! Must remember that turmeric and berbere spice mix don’t go well with white thread and fabric…
White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.
Tumeric and whitework – I can’t imagine! Maybe get some thin plastic gloves (box of 50) from the chemist when you are chopping/adding the tumeric or other things that may lead to staining later on?
I hope you get your corner finished in time for the exhibition!
I sat down with my stitch dictionaries yesterday….and found the answer I needed in your’s and nowhere else. I’ll mention it in my blog entry. 🙂
Be well, and don’t die from Bullions!
Yvette, I am looking forward to your finished table cloth and Portuguese Embroidery Book , will we be fortunate enough to see a picture? I love the way that you do bullions so I know you will breeze through them.
Will you be stocking the Portuguese linen in the future as it sounds wonderful?
Enjoy your special Ethiopian night.
Yikes, turmeric is a terrifyingly good dye! I hope you manage to keep it clear of your linen..