Monday 8 March 2021

Finishes and new starts

 The Gift of Stitching biscornu is now fully finished.   I have to say the unusual geometry of this almost defeated me at the sewing together stage and there were two episodes of reverse stitching but the end result was worth the angst.   I rather like this and the way that four smaller squares make up one face.   My  display cabinet now has another resident :)



And I have made another start.  It was the seemingly vast quantity of high count linen in my stash that inspired spurred nudged me into action.   If I don’t stitch this up now I won’t be able to see to use it and that would be an expensive mistake.   So out came a piece of 36 count Edinburgh linen and I tacked out the sizes for five small bags.   The first is started - a mixtures of stitches but mainly cross stitch and beads. I’m determined this will be all stitched from stash so as I don’t have beads the correct or near enough colours I used Smyrna crosses.  So far so good but definitely hard on the eyes.  I'm doing the hemstitched channel for the draw cord at present.  The 36 count linen doesn't look so fine in the close up shot of the hemstitching but believe me it is !!


A recent visit to the library led me to the magazine displays and I found  a copy of Homespun, an Australian handwork magazine.   I was drawn to the odd shape “noodle bag” in the copy I borrowed and think that I might use my piece of 50 count linen for this   So in the wet weather of the last couple of days I added "measure out for noodle bag” to the list and to my joy found that I have ample fabric.   In the fullness of time you might yet see the bag appear on this blog :)

 But there is sewing to finish, baking to do, cleaning to complete etc etc   I should be busy all day tomorrow as today I spent mowing the lawn and tidying up the garden -  flowers and vegetables.   The broccoli seedlings have their own little 'house' of insect proof mesh to stop the white butterflies laying eggs for hungry green caterpillars :-)   My neighbour kindly gave me some fresh sweet corn today and I enjoyed it with my dinner tonight.   He has a very large garden which reminds me of Mr McGregor's so much so that I expect to see Peter Rabbit appear at any minute.   He grows more variety in his garden than I do so he gives me some of his surplus and I bake him scones and biscuits -  works well for both of us :)

14 comments:

Frugally challenged said...

That looks a fascinating thing to make - and very pretty too. Nice to see you in Blogland again.

Olde Dame Holly said...

That is a great arrangement with your neighbor! Each generous with the other! I love the biscornu. I don't have the guts to try one...but I love to see them!

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

The biscornu is lovely. I must get around to making one myself!
I like the higher count fabrics but don't have many. I tend to go for stitching over one on 28 or 25 instead.

At Home In New Zealand said...

What a lovely neighbour to have, but I hope Peter Rabbit does stay away! Mxx

Margaret said...

Thank you. Although not my usual colours I am pleased with the way this is turning out.

Margaret said...

I wouldn't advise starting on a biscornu like this but the traditional method of construction is fun. You should try one!

Margaret said...

Hi Jo, I like stitching over one on 28 count too but have a box full of 40 count, 36 count and yet another box of 32 count so need to use those up. Linen is really expensive in New Zealand so I don't want to waste it.

Margaret said...

He is a lovely neighbour and as a joke I intend to give him a chocolate Peter Rabbit for Easter :-)

Sheryl said...

A lovely unusual biscornu and I like the colours of your new project too,

Mary - Lecoeurceltique said...

40ct linen is as high as I will go. Without my magnifier lamp I would be lost!
Your biscornu is pretty.
Sounds as if you have a good arrangement with your neighbour.

Leonore Winterer said...

Oh, this biscornu is great! Well done. Can't wait to see what your linen-expeditions will turn into!

Margaret said...

Thanks Sheryl. I will post an update on the new project soon. It is going well.

Margaret said...

Hello Mary, thank you. My neighbour is very generous. I can't match his gardening skill but he doesn't bake so that I can supply :)

Margaret said...

Hi Leonore, My new project is going well and I hope to be posting an update soon.