Archive | February 2017

Embroidery Stencils The Essential Collection

Feb22

Throughout the over 30+ years of teaching I have found that a little help now and then is a good thing. In the embroidery classes that I teach, I encourage my students to use rulers, circle templates and more as a guide. I realized that it would be useful for people to have a collection of stencils that goes beyond the basic straight lines, circles and squares.

stencilsbookcover

I designed this collection of 4 easy-to-use stitch templates to be used for crazy-quilting and embroidery. You can create an endless number of unique designs to embroider: hearts, flowers, baskets, butterflies, spiderwebs, vines, feather stitches, and more. The 4 compact stencils will fit nicely into your sewing kit.

The 16-page how-to instruction booklet offers ideas and tips on how to use the templates. This provides you with the confidence in where and how to make your stitches, while the decorative and inventive designs add an unexpected creative element.

Template placement diagram
Embroidered template designs
Design Tip: Scan and photocopy your stitched fabric base. Draw the stencils that you want to use on a piece of paper. Cut out each design then glue them onto photocopy with a glue stick.

These templates are laser-cut durable, translucent, medium-weight plastic which are easy to handle and create perfect markings every time. The see-through templates make it easy to see your fabric and seams and perfectly position your design!

Happy Stitching, ~Christen

The Embroidery Book by Christen Brown

Feb22

The Embroidery Book

theembroiderybook

Here is the cover of my newest book, which came out in November of 2016. The book includes step-by-step, visual guide to 149 embroidery stitches, motifs and extras. The book takes you beyond basic color theory– with robust color charts take the guesswork out of choosing thread, silk ribbon, buttons, beads, and trims. Then I show you how take your embroidery to the next level with luxurious seam treatments and stunning stand-alone designs! I include both traditional and contemporary techniques in the projects and gallery pieces that are showcased throughout the book.

book of stitches cover

I have included a detailed project in the book which is called the “Embroidery Journal”. I think that every stitcher should have a log of stitches, one to refer to when working out an embroidered design. There are 12 sections of embroidery stitches, which are listed by category in the book.

book of stitches

There are two examples of for each category, one at the beginning of the book in the table of contents, and then one in the section with the embroidery stitch techniques. Here is an example of the stitched samplers for the blanket stitch and variations and the chain and looped stitches.

Happy Stitching, ~ Christen

Tidbits and Tats

Feb11

tidbitsandtats1

Tidbits and Tats is my version of the popular “snip rolls”. This is a fun, fast and easy project to make for yourself or someone you love! Bring your tiny bits of precious lace, fabric, ribbon, appliques and trims to create a hand sewn collaged base. The lace base can be embroidered and embellished with buttons, sequins and charms. You can add in your own flare with other items such as fabric yo-yo’s and ribbonwork flowers.

tidbitsandtats2

Details:

Class Fee: $30.00/4 hour class

*Please note that this class does not include any of the materials, supplies or tools; these must be provided by the student.

Class Requirements: You must know how to hand sew. You must know these embroidery stitches:  straight, lazy daisy, French Knot and some bead embroidery stitches before class.

Date and time: This class is not currently scheduled.

Specifics:

This class fee is paid directly to Christen. This can be paid by a PayPal invoice, or by cash or check the day of class. Please email Christen:thestoreonthecorner@gmail.com to inquire about the availability of space for the date listed above.

Happy Stitching ~Christen