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National Sewing Month

Sep8

Day 8

Question: Do you like to make and sew your own jewelry and adornments? I have a few suggestions including cuffs, bracelets and brooches, all use bits of this and that including fabric, lace, ribbons, and buttons.

Chantilly Lady’s Lace Cuff by Christen Brown

These are examples of what I call the wistful days gone by, reminiscent of tranquil days lounging on an overstuffed satin pouf, or demurely sashaying along a tree-lined avenue, parasol in hand. There are two styles to choose from that will be embellished with needle-tatted and crochet components, ribbonwork flowers, a few silk ribbon embroidery stitches, beads and buttons. The lace base and other components are dyed with Colorhue dyes.

silk ribbon, embroidery, bracelets

Tandleton Rose Bracelets by Christen Brown

You have two styles to choose from, both using a Tandleton base (pillow). The “Ring of Roses” is made up entirely of embroidered ribbon pillows, strung with beads and has a glass button for the closure. The “Band of Roses” is made from a ribbon base, layered with vintage lace and a few of the embroidered pillows; a dainty embroidered button and hand-stitched button loop are used for the closure.

ribbon work flowers and leaves

Scrumptious Hearts by Christen Brown

The base is created with bits of cherished lace and with silk fabric to form a beautiful heart shaped base for your floral design. Chose from a few different heart shapes and ribbon worked floral vignettes or create your own. This is an excellent way to use up small amounts of this and that to form an heirloom brooch to be treasured. The lace base and other components are dyed with Colorhue dyes.

Happy Stitching, ~Christen

Magic Web: class/tutorial

Dec8

Magic Web: 2 lessons/$30.00

machine stitched laceThis is a great technique project; I call it Metallic Threads 101, but it doesn’t stop there. In class you will make a “magic web” from bits of precious scraps, decorative yarns and metallic threads, sandwiched together with Solvy and machine stitching, lots of machine stitching. The unique fabric that you create will be used as a base for a heart shaped brooch that will be embellished with buttons and beads.

Skill Level Intermediate: sewing machine and some embroidery knowledge needed

Lesson 1: Making your “magic web” from precious bits of this and that. Keep in mind that you can create a larger piece of fabric, even a scarf with these techniques.

solvy fused fabric, lace and yarnLesson 2: Creating a base for the brooch from the machine-stitched “magic web” using bits of silk or cotton fabric. Choose from 2 different heart shapes, to create your brooch and embellish this with buttons and beads.

Class Information

These classes can be purchased at any time, there is no set schedule. The class can be ordered by contacting Christen: thestoreonthecorner@gmail.com. She will send you an invoice through PayPal.

Once the class is paid for, the supply list will be sent out. The lessons will begin one week after the purchase of the class, unless otherwise stated. You will receive an email with the lesson attached. The following lesson/s will arrive one week after the previous lesson.

A high speed internet connection is recommended, and you must have basic computer and internet skills. You will need to be able know how to download and save a document to your computer’s hard drive, open it and print out a copy.

You can contact Christen with any questions pertaining to the class/class information throughout the length of the class.

Class fees will not be refunded.

Happy Stitching,

~Christen

Lace in Bloom: class/tutorial

Dec6

Lace in Bloom: 2 lessons/$25.00

lace in bloomAre you the frilly type of girl, who loves lace, blossoms and corsages? In this class I will show you a few different techniques that will take bits of lace and magically transform them into five different blooms. The techniques include individual pieces cut or folded into a petal, then sewn into a flower. Another technique is similar to my Scrumptious Scrap classes, creating a length of scrumptious bits that is turned into a flower. Then some easy peasy rosettes are created with lengths of Viennese lace and ribbon. Each of the blooms is finished off with buttons or a bit of bling. These will make wonderful gifts! Colorhue dyes will be used in this class; no other dyes will be discussed.

Skill Level Beginning/Intermediate: some machine and hand-sewing knowledge helpful

dyed lace flowers Lesson 1: This class will transform your bits of lace into a fabric mesh or strip of fabric to be cut into petals. Then you will dye these pieces and the other lengths of lace that will be used for flowers.

dyed lace flowersLesson 2: In this class you will transform your dyed laces into beautiful one-of-a-kind blossoms, using a few different petal shapes and techniques. The flowers include Claire de Lune, Pretty Petals, Scrumptious Petals, Lace Rosettes and Frilly Double Rosettes.

Class Information

These classes can be purchased at any time, there is no set schedule.The class can be ordered by contacting Christen: thestoreonthecorner@gmail.com. She will send you an invoice through PayPal.

Once the class is paid for, the supply list will be sent out. The lessons will begin one week after the purchase of the class, unless otherwise stated. You will receive an email with the lesson attached. The following lesson/s will arrive one week after the previous lesson.

A high speed internet connection is recommended, and you must have basic computer and internet skills. You will need to be able know how to download and save a document to your computer’s hard drive, open it and print out a copy.

You can contact Christen with any questions pertaining to the class/class information throughout the length of the class.

Class fees will not be refunded.

Happy Stitching,

~Christen

Chantilly Lady’s Lace Cuff: class/tutorial

Dec5

Chantilly Lady’s Lace Cuff: 4 lessons/$42.00

chantilly1This lovely lace cuff is reminiscent of tranquil days lounging on an overstuffed satin pouf, or demurely sashaying along a tree-lined avenue, parasol in hand. Two separate processes, one with Texture Magic, and the other with Solvy make the base of the cuff and the lace frill; pre-made lace will also be used. There are two styles to choose from that will be embellished with needle-tatted and crochet components, ribbonwork flowers, a few silk ribbon embroidery stitches, beads and buttons. The base can be left in the natural colors of the lace, or you can dye the components with the self-setting Colorhue dyes (no other dye will be covered). Please also note that basic crochet knowledge will be very helpful.

Skill Level Advanced: sewing machine, embroidery, ribbonwork and crochet knowledge needed

Lesson 1: In this lesson you will explore working with Texture Magic, making the base of the bracelet with bits of lace enmeshed on the top. The next step is to take the Solvy and small amounts of lace turning them into a lacey trim for the cuff.

Lesson 2. In this lesson you will dye the base, lace frill, any extra lace trims and appliqués along with the perle cotton and ribbons.

Lesson 3: In this lesson you will be making the floral components. Directions for beginning needle tatting with four basic stitches; two basic crochet flowers will be included, it is recommended that you have crochet experience. Directions for four ribbonwork flowers round out the floral components.

Lesson 4. In this lesson the floral components and appliqués will be assembled onto the base, adding in a few silk ribbon embroidery stitches. Embellishments will also include a few beads and buttons. Directions will be provided for assembling the base cuff and lace frills.

Class Information

These classes can be purchased at any time, there is no set schedule.The class can be ordered by contacting Christen: thestoreonthecorner@gmail.com. She will send you an invoice through PayPal.

Once the class is paid for, the supply list will be sent out. The lessons will begin one week after the purchase of the class, unless otherwise stated. You will receive an email with the lesson attached. The following lesson/s will arrive one week after the previous lesson.

A high speed internet connection is recommended, and you must have basic computer and internet skills. You will need to be able know how to download and save a document to your computer’s hard drive, open it and print out a copy.

You can contact Christen with any questions pertaining to the class/class information throughout the length of the class.

Class fees will not be refunded.

Happy Stitching!

~Christen

 

Tandleton Rose Bracelet

Aug13

silk ribbon, embroidery, braceletsThis is a new class that I am teaching today, and next Tuesday for Joggles.com. The base of each embroidered button is made from Hanah silk bias ribbon, then embroidered with YLI silk embroidery ribbon.

Tandleton RosesThis weeks class is all about making the ribbon bases. This is a sample of the three different roses that the students have to chose from.

Happy Stitching to all! ~enjoy Christen

Summer Jewels

Jun10

I just finished making this ensemble over the weekend. I started with two embroidered pieces, both were brooches that I had made for a class that I teach. The necklace is made up of mostly vintage glass beads from Japan. I also included new bronze beads, and some Czech glass beads. The clip-on earrings are vintage celluloid domes embossed with silver leaf.

summer jewels, vintage beads, mother of pearl buttons, necklace, bracelet, broochI kept one of the pieces as a brooch, though I cut it down a bit, to keep the silk ribbon embroidery as the main focus. I added a cord around the outer edge, and sewed a bronze button and mother of pearl buttons around the edge.

broochI used the other piece for the center of the bracelet, using an old watch to frame the embroidery. I used vintage grosgrain ribbons that I had been saving for just the right project. I wrapped the smaller ribbon through the watch links, and hand stitched this to the wider ribbon. I glued a button to hide the hole where the winding mechanism used to be. I then added in a garden of vintage mother of pearl buttons, that have silk ribbon embroidered stems and leaves. The bracelet is clasped with a large hook and eye, with an added bronze button for decoration.

watch parts, buttons, silk ribbon embroidery

10901_frontcoverBoth the brooch and the watch bracelet use simple silk ribbon embroidery stitches, that can be seen in my new book, Embroidered and Embellished with will be available next month.

 

Happy Stitching! ~Christen

 

Elizabeth’s Garden- silk ribbon embroidered brooch

Jun26

Elizabeth's Garden Brooch

Elizabeth’s Garden Brooch

This was one of two entries for the Piecework Magazine’s Excellence in Needlework 2009. This year’s challenge was to make a brooch no larger than 3″, in any needle art category. I chose silk ribbon embroidery here and ribbon work for my other submission Violet Gardens.

The base of the brooch is a silk chambray fabric, which is covered in silk ribbon embroidery and a few ribbon worked flowers. The top center has two woven roses, with two rolled roses below these. A woven rose in the center and two carnations under the rolled rose.

The outer edge is covered in a rococo trim, with ribbon worked leaves that lead up to the top center with a another rolled rose and silk ribbon carnations.

back of brooch

back of brooch

The brooch was stitched to a padded cardboard base with the back covered in a piece of felt that I hand stitched to the silk front. I embroidered flowers through the holes in the pin back, and stitched in my initial for extra detailing.

This brooch is dedicated to our Elizabeth, who left her earthly body this year, but not our hearts. She was our 5 lb. Bengal kitty, who love all of these colors, fabrics and ribbons. Often I would find her nestled in the basket that held the components for this brooch, purring contentedly. Kitty kisses dear one.

Happy stitching, love what you do and those silent “mewses” who love you back! Christen

PS: Both of my entries were selected by the judges to be included in a display of the brooches at The National Needle Arts Association’s trade show in Columbus, Ohio, June 13-15, 2009. They were on display at the Embroiderer’s Guild of America’s (EGA) museum in Louisville, Kentucky, July 1 through September 23, 2009.

Andalusian Flower Fields- Crochet Jewelry Ensemble

Jun10

Andalusian Flower Fields- crochet neckpiece

Andalusian Flower Fields- crochet neckpiece

Well if you thought that I had fun making this ensemble you were right!

Crochet is not my first needle technique of choice, not even my second, third… you get the picture. I learned the theory in high school, but never could read a pattern, so my elegant chains never really were of any use.

A few years ago I took a class, I got a book, took a refresher class from a friend, and just started to play. I guess it is just like anything new, you have to work at it. So I did. The flowers and leaves are all made from patterns that I developed, because I still can’t read anybody else’s pattern, but I can read my own!

The neckpiece is assembled by stitching each flower to the other, the leaves are attached to the flowers. I used a vintage glass button for the closure, and I stitched a crochet flower for the loop. The bracelet base is a vintage jacquard ribbon with the flowers sewn down on the ribbon. I had a second glass flower button that I used for the closure of the bracelet, and stitched a buttonhole loop.

Andalusian Flower Fields- crochet bracelet

Andalusian Flower Fields- crochet bracelet

The ensemble was made to be worn with a vintage blue shawl the same color as the light blue of the flowers. It is from China and is embroidered with the medium pinks, yellow and peach colors that I used in the flowers and the darker green color that I used for the leaves.

I found a vintage embroidered purse that was made in Mexico to match the shawl. It is embroidered on black velvet with flowers in the dark blue, pink and deep peach colors with the lighter green color of the leaves.

Happy stitching, creating, and searching for those great vintage finds! Christen

Tandletons: Embroidery, Tatting, Needle Lace Buttons

Mar16

Tandletons- hand made buttons stitched with needle lace, traditional embroidery, tatting

Tandletons- hand made buttons stitched with needle lace, traditional embroidery, tatting

These little threaded works of art are just so much fun to make. I start with Hanah Silk bias ribbon, create a form and stuff it with Polyfil.

I then take a few strands of Wildflowers from the Caron Collection and start stitching.

All of the stitches are created with a milliner’s needle, and a little imagination.

The techniques that I used here are:

  • Embroidery: buttonhole stitch, French knots, lazy daisies. I have also used silk ribbon embroidery stitches like the woven rose with the feather stitch
  • Tatting: basic picot flowers and the closed double knot
  • Needle lace: buttonhole stitch, woven star

I created a set of buttons for the May/June 2008 PieceWork Magazine, and there is a free article that you can download to create a few of these for yourself. The article is called: Buttons to Embroider and Needle- Tat (scroll down the index towards the bottom of the page).

Buttons to embroider and needle tat

Buttons to embroider and needle tat

I wish you hours and days of Joyous and Happy Stitching!