Saturday, June 11, 2011

Silks and 40 Count Linen

I see why everyone raves about silks.  They are the sofest, silkiest, most dreamiest threads to work with!! I decided that I needed to take a break from outlining my Tanglewood branches and beading Debi's Roses to start working on The Queen's Sampler by Plum Street Samplers.  I couldn't believe how luxurious the silks are to work with.  They almost never get tangled and glide into the fabric with ease.  The linen I'm using for the sampler is on eensy weensy 40 count linen.  My first time ever using such a high count linen.  I am thinking about purchasing a magnifier glass to preserve my eyes!! The recommended instructions in the pattern is to use only 1 strand of floss, however, the picture of the sampler looks like they used 2 strands.  I tried using two but it's quite bulky on such tiny fabric.  I do like the effect of the 1 strand on the fabric and I would rather save my silks for future projects.
The urn and flower is as small as a quarter!!
 Now I have also been plugging away at Tanglewood but there is still a lot of work to do! I thought I was near the end but the outlining of the branches is taking me longer than expected...so no happy dance quite yet!  Both sides of Debi's Roses is complete with the beading and I am getting prepared to make my second biscornu!


Don't forget to add a comment for my giveaway! The link is here. I would appreciate people adding it to their side bar but it is in no way a requirement.  I am going to add some little extras too for the winner but thought I would keep it a surprise!!

Take care and happy stitching!

12 comments:

Lisa V said...

Your work is coming along beautifully. Well done!
LISA V

Teresa said...

Love Debi's roses, so pretty. Good luck with your 40 ct linen.
Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches

ArabicaMix said...

Anne, I really like your choice of designs. It is difficult, and very beautiful.

Sally said...

I LOVE your new start Anne. It looks so pretty and delicate. I love 40 count linen but I have to make sure I have good light so I have a stitching lamp.

Debi's Roses and Tanglewood are looking good:)

Deb said...

Deb's Roses is going to make such a beautiful biscornu. And love your start on the 40 count linen. It looks so pretty. I don't think that I could manage that even with my Ott light and glasses!

valerie said...

Great progress on Tanglewood and Debi's Roses. I love your new start! It looks so dainty on the 40 count.

mdgtjulie said...

Everything looks great. Tanglewood is coming along, and your biscornu is going to be lovely. Good job on the sampler. I don't think I could work on forty count. It would kill my eyes!!!

Carol said...

Love your start on The Queen's Sampler, Anne! I just began my first piece ever on 40 ct., too--am really liking it but that is because I'm so nearsighted, I just hold it up close to my face and I can see perfectly :) I haven't been lucky enough to stitch with silks, yet, but you sure sound like you're loving them!

Debi's roses is exquisite--what a beautiful biscornu that will be...

Joysze said...

Whoah, 40ct!!! It looks fab... and I bet it looks 100x better in person than the pic. :D Debi's Roses is beautiful, can't wait to see your biscornu. Good luck with the outlines on Tanglewood. It'll be done super soon. :D

Charbs and the Bumpy Dog said...

Whoa, that it crazy small! I'm also really loving your tanglewood but I can see why you need a break, its all just so much of the same. But it will look incredible when it is done, a real achievement :-)

Lois said...

What a lovely new start! Silks are wonderful to work with. As someone who needs a magnifier for 32ct I am full of admiration for you stitching on 40ct!

Margaret said...

Definitely use 1 strand on 40ct. 2 strands is too much and not needed. 40ct is my favorite -- I don't like to work on a lower count linen. I love your start! Love your Tanglewood too -- so pretty! Oh, and yes, I loooove silks. lol! But DMC is pretty nice too!