Cross stitch not as most know it

Quick snapshot on a piece I am working on that will become a picture. It is an abstract piece and it's almost finished. When it's done I intend stretch it onto a frame like a canvas so it can be hung on the wall.,

Craft Essential: Masking Tape

Masking tape is just one of those multi-purpose gems that I have to have in my craft inventory. It's great for all sorts of stuff,I personally use it a great deal when embroidering or cross-stitching. I tape the edges of my fabric to stop fraying and because it doesn't have a mega-strong adhesive quality, it comes off easily. I also find it useful for keeping track of embroidery cotton. When you divide up your threads, the extra ones can be taped to a sewing box lid or even a piece of paper and you can write the colour code on the tape itself.



If you have other uses for masking tape - feel free to share.

kangaroo

kangaroo
Originally uploaded by liz_watkin

I made this kangaroo by special request for a dear friend who collects them. I am really pleased with how it turned out. It's been some time since I made any cross stitch, and this has reminded me of how much fun it is!

My First Cross Stitch Commission

From little acorns! The friend I mentioned with the new Etsy shop Crashboxdesign has commissioned me to make her a cross stitch picture of a kangaroo. We chose this design which is from the Australian road sign. She wants it done in reverse like the fawn and squirrel I did before. So I printed out the sign directly onto graph paper to save the job of tracing it and because it has been enlarged it pixellated itself quite conveniently. As you can see, the design is very fluid so I will need to incorporate half-cross stitches to keep the curves.

A great little project for Zambia. One of many I hope. Pictures are a bit fuzzy because I used the web cam - I have packed my camera!

Rule Britannia Coasters

It's been harder than I thought to keep listing on Etsy while also planning my wedding, which is less than a week away! At least I made these coasters as a little thank you present for some family and friends who are coming for our wedding. My next plan is to make some for the shop in this design but also others as well, I think it's nice way to make cross stitch more functional.

Biding My Time

We're in the middle of moving out of our flat, it's been a lovely place to live, but things have changed. My fiancee has finished his course and I have left my job. So begins a slow but sure packing process. Last week much of our stuff went back with my 'rents, including all my sewing stuff, or most of it anyway. This means I'm left twiddling my thumbs and avoiding putting the zip into the clutch bag I made for my wedding.

To occupy me, I have been making cards for my Etsy shop, which I am very happy with, including some for Christmas. On Saturday afternoon however, I decided to sit and do some designing for my new range of cross stitch magnets, keyrings and coasters.

I have had a go at PC Stitch, but still prefer to map out my initial ideas on graph paper. Can't wait to get my sewing bits together and get started.

My First Craft Fair

Well I finally took the plunge and decided to try selling my littles bits at a craft fair. This one was at the Custard Factory in Birmingham. Although I only sold one item, it was very thrilling to make a sale and I certainly learned a lot. The craft fair will continue for the next two Saturdays, so if you're in the area you should definitely check it out, as there were some very talented ppl there. I shared the stall with fellow Etsy Midlander Becky who makes amazing graphic art prints under shop name Beckyismyname.

I think I will wait a while before doing another, as I would like to work on some more cross stitch designs. Getting everything ready in the lead up was a little fraught as well which takes the fun out of something which has always been a really enjoyable hobby. I don't think I'll be quitting my day job!

Anyway, I now have a couple more items to add to my shops including kitch, vintage style shopping bags and little greetings cards.

Become a Fan!

Hi All,
my little venture has a fan page on Facebook now where I will post updates concerning anything Phyllis b. I don't want to clutter this blog up with promo stuff, so if you are interested in the shop please check this place out.

There is also a page for Phyllis b on My Space.

Simple Cross Stitch From Scratch

Feeling particularly inspired last night, I decided to have a go at designing my own cross stitch pattern. I have tried doing this online, but wanted to try it by hand.
First I decided to use a simple design increasing the possibility of success .I chose a silhouette design of a fawn from a stock image found online. I enlarged it with ‘Paint’ which unintentionally resulted in it looking pixellated, this proved quite useful.
Next I traced the design as it was onto graph paper. I squared off all the lines, if a line went through 2/3 of a square, it became a full square.

The fabric I used was 22 count aida which meant the squares for the cross stitch were quite

small. As a result, the squared design looked less ‘blocky’ but also produced in a very small design!
I wanted the silhouette to be white but had no coloured fabric, this gave me a chance to practive Asissi or reverse cross stitch, quite fitting considering the subject!
I am really happy with the result, it was so easy considering I am very poor at drawing!
The whole project took a few hours.