Crikey Not Christmas 2022 Part 7

Crikey Not Christmas 2022 Part 7

Then next couple of Blogs are continuing with the Ivy

Trimming Ivy

 

Before I can do anything I need to Trim the Ivy. I measure them against the Template.

Ivy Main Stalk

 

Now I can start Embroidering. I decided to start with the Ivy’s Main Stalk

Back Stitch

 

The Stitch that I am using is the Back Stitch. This means that I am going to have to keep the Back very tidy and keep Cutting the Ends of the Thread off.

Start Bottom Ivy

 

Speaking of the Thread I am using a Green 0266 Anchor that I have in my collection. I start Sewing from the Bottom of the Main Stalk. Then I Sew Upwards then Corner Downwards.

Double Bottom

 

 

I repeat the process with the other side.

Set of Ivy

 

I continue through the Leaves until I have all the Ivy Veins done. The Upper parts were Embroidered using the same technique but slopping upwards.

Too Thick

 

I start to Embroider the Contrasting Yellow. This is Anchor 0293. As soon as I have done half a dozen Stitches I know that this isn’t going to work. Time for a think.

Crikey Not Christmas 2022 Part 6

 Crikey Not Christmas 2022 Part 6

After winding the Yarn around the Circle I had an idea. Since it reminded me of a Vine I decided to make some Ivy to add to it.

Ivy Template

 

First of all I needed to find a suitable Ivy. There are many different types. I settled upon Hedra Helix also known as English Ivy.

I drew a rough design to use as a Template. I wasn’t sure about the Size I needed so I made it slightly larger and could Trim later if necessary.

Ivy Test Piece

 

After I had my Template cut out I decided to try it out first on some scrap material. I used some of the Rib although I did know that this would slightly alter the outcome.

White Ribbon Disaster

My initial idea was to use some White Ribbon that I had as Edging. It was a complete Disaster. It was not only difficult to manoeuvre it around the corners but also distorted the Shape.

White Paint Trial

 

Next I tried using White Paint to Edge the Ivy. Although this was more successful than the Ribbon I still wasn’t entirely happy with the result.

Chalked Design

 

I decided to put it to one side for now and using the Template Chalk out the Shape.

Chalk Design Flipped

 

As the Ivy does change direction I Flipped the Template over and drew some Shapes with that Design

Roughly Cut Ivy

Once I had Chalked out all the Designs I roughly Cut them out.

Crikey Not Christmas 2022 Part 5

 Crikey Not Christmas 2022 Part 5

Okay I think I have found a Solution.

Scrap Green

 

In order to get around this particular problem I am going to Cut the Ribbed Material into 2 pieces. I am then going to fill the middle with Scraps.

Once the Scraps are Dry I shall place the 2 good pieces of Ribbed Wool at Either End. Hopefully this should make the whole thing look like it is an uninterrupted flow.

Cover Back

 

Having finished with the Front I turn my attention to the Back. With the adjustments I have had to make I am going to have to add more Scraps. This will be to the Back and Inner Ring.

Front Completed

 

The Front has come out well. Unfortunately it isn’t just this part that will be seen when Hung.

Wind Tight

 

I have found some Green Wool to Wind Tight around the Ring. Not only does this help keep all the Straggly bits in place but also gives a nice Decoration

It has also given me an idea.

Crikey Not Christmas 2022 Part 4

 Crikey Not Christmas 2022 Part 4

Now I getting to the Final part of this stage.

INITIAL GREEN

 

This is the Initial Green Layer before I start using the Material I had in mind for this Project.

SELECT WOOL

 

I am using Green Wool for the last part of the Layering. This came from an unfortunately washing accident. Do Not put Lamb’s Wool on a Hot wash. It doesn’t like it.

OVERLAPPED WOOL

 

I am using Sections of the Wool that has a Ribbed Pattern on it. Therefore I am giving it a good Stretch so it isn’t so Prominent. Also this helps the Material go around the Sides of the Ring

Like with the other Layers I am Overlapping the Sections only this time I am being more careful.

NOT ENOUGH

Typical! I am just short of the Ribbed Material that I am using. Never mind a good Crafter can usually find a Solution.

Time for another Cuppa and a Think!