The party's over....

The Event of the Year for the Marquis and Gellerich families was held at the Mill of Kintail just north of Almonte, ON on July 9.  And oh, we had such a beautiful day! A perfect day!! The sun shone with temperatures in the mid 20's C and there was a light breeze wafting through the trees at the cloisters.

It had been a whirlwind week leading up to Saturday as the bridal couple had chosen to do most of the wedding prep themselves. We loaded jelly beans into organza bags and tied them to wine decanters for guest favours late one night. I just couldn't resist taking a picture of the pile of little bags; they looked so pretty.

                                      
We folded, stacked, printed, tested sound equipment, cut fruit and cheeses, set up tables in the marquis tent, made up the place cards, set battery powered candles in little white paper bags and small pillar candles in sand in mason jars (a M.S. touch that worked so well). We laughed and cried over the course of the week and stayed up until the wee hours of the morning too many nights!

All the bridal party and many of their friends showed up and worked really hard the night of the rehearsal and the morning of the wedding to be sure everything was perfect for the outdoor reception. Here are the parents and sister of the groom at the rehearsal night BBQ at their farm (also the reception site).

Of course, my camera battery died just as Robyn was donning her gown so the rest of these photos are gifts from family.

Bent and his Mom

Robyn and her Dad on their way down the aisle

Robert, Brittany (our youngest niece) and me - all in matching blues!

So many of you have asked about my dress. It was made by Angela Anistakis and was a bamboo and Lycra knit which Angela beaded around the neckline. She made a matching triangular stole which came in very handy later in the evening when the fireworks were set off! I made a little drawstring bag of the same fabric and beaded the base to coordinate with the dress beading. The fabric is very stretchy but it drapes beautifully and was wonderfully cool to wear. The skirt flared perfectly so that it had that 'kick' at the hem. I wanted something very simple but elegant (to show off my 45 pound loss) and I think Angela succeeded.

I will close for today and when I get more photos I will post a few - but not too many to bore you!

Till next time then, keep stitching!

                                                           

Embroidering Bridal Hankies

It's been an intense week and a half as I created monogrammed hankies for my daughter's wedding. When I asked her if she would like me to make her a special bridal hanky, she came back with a resounding yes and a plea for hankies for each of her attendants. Then I got the bright idea of making one as a memento for the groom's mother as well.

So it was off to my embroidery books and a serious look at alphabets and the rules about monograms. There was actually a section on hankies in one book from my shelves and they are usually about an inch high! Pretty small and since I don't like doing padded satin stitch I chose to work them in shadow embroidery.

Next it was to the fabric stash to search for suitable fabric. I found the perfect Pima Cotton Lawn and started pulling threads for perfect squares. I practised each of the initials to be sure they would work and adjusted each one, adding curlicues and details. Initially I had wanted to add colour and pulled the palest of pink, mauve, blue and green but once I saw the test samples, I opted for simple, elegant white. 

I like to work shadow embroidery from the back using the herringbone stitch. I was sure I had some white floche in with my specialty threads but no luck. So again I experimented with all the different threads I had on hand and ended up with regular stranded cotton. I drew out the initials, scanned them into the computer and then used the mirror image feature to reverse them. With the fabric loaded in my hoop and a fine point fading marker, it was easy to trace the fine lines for stitching. I took one evening to do each initial. I had forgotten how satisfying shadow embroidery can be. Working the spacing for the stitches is like a tiny, wee puzzle!

With the hand embroidery done, it was time to add lace insertion and edging. Now I turned to the sewing machine and used a simple blanket stitch and #120 needle to attach the lace. My machine handles this beautifully without adding a stabilizer other than spray starch.  I mitred the corners of the insertion and gathered the lace edge to turn the corners of the soft lace edgings. (I think that makes them look more feminine.)

Just before they were finished, I remembered about dating special things like bridal gowns, Christening gowns and naturally bridal hankies! Back to the think tank! I chose to work the date in numbers with a colonial knot in between. To work the digits, I chose a very, very tiny continuous chain stitch and positioned the date along the side of the lace insertion, in the opposite corner from the monogram so it would not be too conspicuous.

So here are three of the finished hankies.

For some reason mauve seems to be appearing in my gardens right now this spring. The sage and poppies are both blooming at the same time. (And oh, the sage does have a lovely scent! I see why the bees are so attracted.) Nature so often exhibits colour schemes that we wouldn't come up with ourselves and here is a perfect example! It is doubtful that I would ever choose a vibrant orange leaning to red to put with a pinkie mauve but look how wonderfully they go together here. The green of the grass and foliage make it all work.  And then here is the ornamental lilac tree we planted last spring. What a show it made and again the scent was wonderful every time you passed by.

 

Believe it or not, I do sometimes take time out to socialize! Last weekend I met with five of my school mates, three of whom I have known since first grade! Here we dining in Lindsay, ON at Pane Vino, a fairly new Wine Bar at the east end of Kent St. on the north side. The angled parking can be a bit tricky but there is no charge in the evening!
I chose a pasta dish with shrimp and a fresh salad. Oh it was divine! and the espresso I chose in place of dessert just hit the spot!! I do highly recommend dinner in this tiny gem of a restaurant but be sure to make a reservation as the seating is limited and always busy!

Overall we haven't aged a bit but can you guess who doesn't colour her hair?

So until next time, do keep stitching!

Infant Wardrobe I - Special Occasion Dressing now ready to ship!

At long last all the parts are here and assembled, folded and stuffed ready to ship! It will be delivered to my distributor on Fri. You can order from the Amberlane web site or from Grace L. Knott at the moment. The stores won't have it for a while but do be sure to go in and request it!! Erika is working furiously to get everything on the web site updated and the photos of this pattern posted in the Atelier.

I've spent this week folding the large pattern sheets as there are no machines that will do this to the size needed to fit the envelope so it is with weary shoulders that I write the post. It has taken what seems forever to reach this point. I did 99% of this pattern on the computer so this is another another personal milestone. (And I continue to fold...) The little suit that was shown in Sew Beautiful last year has come a long way and I hope you will like what has evolved.

This is the little jacket and dress pants as they were photographed for the magazine. At the time I couldn't find a mock turtle T-shirt to put with it and the magazine staff didn't have time to go looking either. I was amazed that they found a baby to wear the suit! Anyhow, the little boy is wearing a matching hat from my pattern, "The Baby Boy's Smocked Bonnet".

 

Two weeks ago I met with my designer friend, Angela, and we travelled down to the fabric district in downtown Toronto to shop for the fabric for my dress for the wedding. We found the fabric in one of her favourite stores, Queen Textiles (at 444 Queen St. W.). Although they have the shelves chalk-a-block full to overflowing, fabrics like I was looking for are tucked away in another part of the building where they are kept in pristine condition.  I chose a royal blue bamboo knit so it drapes well, is 'environmentally friendly', incredibly soft, cool to wear (bamboo breathes) and has 'give' to make it comfortable to wear. All important factors for a July wedding! 

Here are the two ladies from the shop and more of their fabrics.

That done, we spent the remaining time looking for just the right beads to trim the neckline and wrist. Angela's specialty is beading so I can hardly wait to see what she creates. Here she is examining some of the incredible embroidered silks. Fri. I have my first fitting! It is all so exciting. Yes, I will post photos of the dress and the wedding when we return!!

One of my students, Lynn B, entered a number of her garments in the Schomberg fair this spring and won 10 first place prizes, 2 second and 2 third place prizes! (Here in Canada, first place is a red ribbon and second is blue.) The dresses shown are all from the Grace Knott bishop patterns. Congratulations, Lynn, for work well done! 

 
And this one will go on to be displayed in the craft room at the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies Convention in Toronto, Feb. 2012!! I am so proud of Lynn.

So for now I will leave you and get back to folding those large pattern sheets. They simply can not live in my dining room and there are no more places large enough left to store them. Wish me luck as it is going to be a fabulous week weather-wise and it will be just too tempting to play hooky. 

 

So until next time, keep stitching!!!

The Pink Truffle Collection

"The Pink Truffle Collection" is on display at The Art Exchange on Wortley Road, London, ON. Up until now I have not been able to show the Collection due to contract restrictions. But now that they are on display in the gallery at long last I can show you what I was working on over the winter!  

                                      

If you go to their web site you can see the exhibit, "The Fabric of Art". Simply click on one of the photographs and a slide show will come up of that artist's work. There are some really amazing pieces on display and for sale during the exhibit. The Fabric of Art closes on June 4th. I have been promised photos of the installation and if they come through, I will post them here.  

This is the first time I have entered into an art gallery show and I have certainly learned a great deal. 

So this past weekend we opened the cottage. It was so warm on Fri. evening that we had the sliding doors to the deck open until 10 p.m. - we haven't been able to do that at home. Well it didn't last long! The next morning it was cold again and raining so I worked indoors to get the place ready for summer. Of course, as we were about to leave on Sun. the sun came out.  I caught a photo of one of the trilliums we planted a couple of years ago. I thought if we planted some they would multiply but so far no luck. The woods behind us were carpeted in them but it wasn't fit to take pictures. If they are still in bloom next time we are up there, I will take more photos. The trillium is Ontario's provincial flower and comes in pink and red but white is the most common colour. In fact I am not sure I have ever seen a red trillium!

While I am waiting for the printer to deliver the new pattern, I'm working on Christmas ornaments for A Needle Pulling Thread Magazine. The deadline is June 1st so I have some heavy duty stitching and writing to do to be ready for that date! As is normal, I will be submitting a beginner, an intermediate and an advanced level design. We shall see what space Carla has and, if she approves of the submission, then I will let you know the publication date. 

It is great fun to create Christmas balls any time of the year as they are small items and can go with you to the hockey rink or the soccer field. They make a great medium to try new stitches, techniques and fibers. And you can make some amazing decorations with fabric you would never wear. So watch for more information.

My friend Angela and I have started on my dress for Robyn's wedding. This week we are going down to Queen Street to look for the fabric. With my silver hair, I am hoping to find a rich royal blue which should also be slimming. Last week we worked out the design and did a pin fitting. Angela was couturier trained in Europe and had a bridal wear business for years. Now she teaches at Seneca college. Her specialty is beading so I am eager to see what she has in mind for my gown.

So until next time, keep stitching!

Time flies.....

Not to sure where time flies to, but I've been busy and realize it has been quite a while since I've posted here.

Chef Bent hard at work with his sous chef

We spent Easter in Ottawa with family and when we arrived found Robyn coping with emergency pumps and hoses draining a basement flooded with 2 feet of water. Bent was out tracking down a new sump pump! Needless to say it was not a great start to the weekend and we didn't have time to work on wedding plans. But our celebration dinner was magnificent thanks to Bent's creativity and his mother taught us their German tradition with coloured hard boiled eggs Sunday morning.

Did you watch the Royal Wedding? I was up at 4:20 a.m. (a bit later than planned as coverage on one of our stations began at 3 a.m.! I'm not that crazy, though.) 

The bride, The Duchess of Cambridge's gown was so beautiful and classic. When they showed a picture of Princess Grace's gown you could see the influence. Since Alexander McQueen was one of my favourite English designers, I was thrilled that his 'house' had been responsible. (I was in his shop, and Vivian Westwood's as well, last time I was in London. They were just amazing!) I was just a bit disappointed with her veil as it seemed a bit limp but Kathe explains why.

My friend, Kathe, sent these details from her post in England:

The Royal School created Carrickmacross, an Irish lace, appliques of English roses, Scottish thistles, Irish shamrocks and Welsh daffodils which were applied to French Chantilly lace for the bodice. The lace at the hem was Cluny  and the veil was silk tulle which is very soft. Like you I loved her dress....she sure promotes British fashion as did the guests. 

We were both glued to our sets soaking up all the details. The couple is like a breath of fresh air to the Royal family. The wedding party and parents looked perfect and all those hats! I was taking note of many of the details with our daughter's wedding approaching this July. Can't wait till they visit Canada later this year.

We've got a new member of the family it seems. This is the first time we've had a bunny come to visit regularly! Just after Easter this little fellow appeared in the back of our yard and as he grew more sure of himself, he worked his way down to the bird feeder. He spent most of the evening 'grazing' along with the mourning doves and other birds. He was back again yesterday afternoon in broad daylight sunning himself until Bob went out to cut the grass. 

I just hope he doesn't decide to set up shop and devour our asparagus when it begins to sprout!

 I received photos from The Northwest Smocking Arts Guild in Everett, WA this week. These wonderful ladies had permission from Carla at A Needle Pulling Thread to use the article from the Spring 2007 issue. I designed these Easter Eggs specifically for the magazine. Fourteen members participated and they created Easter eggs. 

So here are their photos. Do enjoy!

The ladies and their finished eggs!

Here are some of the garments from their library display. Love the mannequins.

Hard at work.

More garments displayed.

A finished Easter Basket

Since I heard from Joy at the Washington Guild I've had another lady from Huntsville, ON enquire about doing the Easter Eggs as a class project. It is always so rewarding to hear that all the work that goes into a magazine article like this creates interest and provides success to others where ever you live. 

Thank you, Joy, for sharing your wonderful photos. 

So until next time. keep stitching!

Back at work again.....

I've been away from my computer and now I'm home again and ready to get back to work. 

The class in Cayuga last weekend was a lot of fun and certainly kept me on my toes! These ladies are seasoned smockers and heirloom sewers so the challenge here was to present the pattern Summer Breeze in both modes and to show them alternate ways of working it. 

We discussed how to fit the pattern which by the way is very easy but you might need help to see the back and do some pinning. Everyone's body is unique and although there are measurements given to help you to choose your size, a person can have a narrow back but large bust so there may need to be some adjustments made. I suggest cutting out the armhole bands and fitting them first. The shoulder seam should be on the shoulder and the band should fall naturally to that it is not too high or be too narrow under the arms in width. You might find through doing this test that you need to lengthen or shorten or add or subtract width in the under arm area. That  is easily done. Then you need to check the width between the bands in the front and in the back. Compare this measurement to the measurement in the pattern instructions for letting out the pleating to smock. This does not include any seam allowance. 

We also discussed how to reduce the amount of fullness in the skirt. May people have said they don't like such a full skirt. The easiest way to do this is to either use a design plate that takes less fullness (by employing stitches like the Vandyke) or strip smocking or one of the styles of smocking like Lattice or Lozenge or Flower smocking. If you are making the heirloom version it is very easy to reduce the fullness of the front and back panels to one and a half times fullness. Another way would be to smock only the  front and make the bodice band used in the heirloom version on the back of the smocked version. That way the skirt is simply gathered onto the band and you can make it as slim as you wish. As I say there are so many ways to make this gown!!

Cayuga is on the banks of the Grand River which meanders its way though the most lovely rolling country side. My hostess, Betty, lives on a property which also overlooks the river. When I rose on Sat. morning, I was treated to the most magnificent sunrise. The horizon was glowing pink which faded into purple and then into blue. There had been a frost overnight and there was a mist rising from the ground. I took a photo from my window but as with any sunrise or sunset the chances of capturing the full beauty is chancy.

Fri night three of the ladies from the Guild and I dined at at restaurant called the Twisted Lemon. The building had been a church at one point in time but there was no evidence of that any longer. The place was packed which was a good sign as Cayuga is not a huge town. Our meals were beautifully presented, the menu was exciting and the food was melt in your mouth delicious! I had the salmon which was cooked to perfection and topped off my meal with coffee and a chocolate mousse with fresh berries that was wonderfully rich and rewarding.  I left the restaurant feeling mellow and only slightly guilty.

The class was held in the Cayuga Mutual Insurance building on King St. The building a fairly new and the insurance company had a special room put in for community meetings. This facility is more than any guild could hope for. It is huge with excellent lighting, Lots of large meeting tables and comfortable chairs, a fully equipped kitchen through a door, washrooms, storage closets where different groups can store their equipment and lots of power outlets around the perimeter. I've never seen such wonder facilities offered at such a great price which included adequate free parking and no stairs! Don't you wish more large companies could see their way to donating to the community this way. 

Of course I didn't think to check the batteries in my camera before I left home and they were very very low but I was also so absorbed in the class that I forgot to take photos to show you what the ladies were doing. If anyone remembers to send me a few photos, I promise to post them for you to see.

My goodness I've gone on for a bit! I'll leave you now and hope you are busy stitching.

Till next time, then.....

Potpourri of thoughts

As you can see I've been playing around with the blog settings and getting bolder about trying a couple of new things. Technology just keeps on going and it is hard to keep up and harder still to find the time to learn all this new stuff. Did you get your new IPad this week? I bought a new printer/scanner/fax recently and try as I did I couldn't get it to scan and print the size of paper I needed. So I finally gave in and called the help line to finish the set up. The technician (who was based in Montreal) was great and so patient with me. Now I am set to go - once I get the right paper!!

At one of the classes this week we talked about preparing a project ahead and smocking it later. One lady had come with this in mind and was preparing to make up 'Little Breeze' in a combination of View A and View B - the turn-down ruffled edge with the coloured panels and picot hem. 

Her plan is to have a number of garments partially constructed and ready to smock so that when she goes to the cottage in a few months she can sit and sew in the warm sun on her deck to stitch . We talked about many different way of doing this pattern and, being a quilter first, she has a wealth of fabrics in her stach just waiting to be employed. You could just see the wheels of creativity whirlling as we talked about all the things she could do and combine. I can hardly wait till next week to see what she has chosen and how these prints work together!

This is the kind of creativity I just love to see and she has promised to let me photograph her project to share with you.

You don't have to limit yourself to simply sitting on the deck to stitch. If you are taking a road trip and don't get car sick, you can often manage a bit of handwork in the car. I know the roads to our cottage so well I could practially drive them with my eyes closed (not). I can get a hem stitched or facing sewn in place easily and feel I've accomplished a great job before I even get there.

In preparation a long flight I know ladies who prepare a small project, precut their flosses and bring along a thread snip (the kind that looks like a pendant) so they don't have to carry scissors. Again you can get a lot done in an airport or on a flight and never be bored. You might want to put everything into a needle 'book' made of felt. Your threads will cling to the felt and stay tidier than in a tin or zippered case. And do include a needle threader. No matter how good your eyes are a threader will allow you to thread up those tiny eyes more easily if the ride gets a bit bumpy. Do include a number of pre-thread needles to get you going. Don't forget your laying tool for grooming those stitches if you are smocking.

The tam to the new pattern went together in a flash - no mare than 45 minutes from layig out the fabric and tracing off the pattern to finished hat. Now it is on to finishing the text, illustrations and more sample garments in a second size range. I have two fabrics that have been begging to be used, one with strawberries and the other with little bumble bees. Their time has come. They now have coordinating fabrics for the additional pieces so I will try to get something ready for photography as quickly as possible.

So until next time, keep stitching.....