Archives

National Sewing Month

Sep30

Day 30

Question: Are you looking for inspiration, a little kick start, or just some eye candy? I have a few books that may help you on your creative journey, may that be a long and happy one!

Creative Embroidery, Mixing the Old with the New
Hand Embroidery Dictionary
Beaded Embroidery Stitching
The Embroidery Book
Embroidery Stitching Handy Pocket Guide
Embroidered and Embellished

Here is a re-cap of National Sewing Month 2022:

  1. September 1, 2022– Question: When did you first learn to sew, and who was your teacher?
  2. September 2, 2022– Question: How do you design a project, do you start with a plan or do you let the materials tell you what and where they want to be?
  3. September 3, 2022– Question: What type of piecing do you like to do?
  4. September 4, 2022– Question: When you choose a fabric, what are you drawn to, do you like to work with solids or prints, or hand-dyed or batiks?
  5. September 5, 2022– Question: Do you like to recycle old clothing, or use something in an unexpected way?
  6. September 6, 2022– Question: What type of embellishments to you like to work with on your projects?
  7. September 7, 2022– Question: Do you plan out every detail, or do you approach your work with serendipity?
  8. September 8, 2022– Question: Do you like to make and sew your own jewelry and adornments?
  9. September 9, 2022– Question: Did you know that the wooden spools that you have in your stash may be 50-100 years or older?
  10. September 10, 2022– Question: Do you have a favorite pincushion, or two?
  11. September 11, 2022– Rustic Americana, In Memory of 9/11
  12. September 12, 2022– Question: When you design a project, do you sometimes think, hmm I like that, but I want to try it in another colorway or design?
  13. September 13, 2022– Question: Do you plan out a project, with bits and pieces of paper lying around the workroom with your notes, or do you use a dedicated book to keep track of all of those ideas?
  14. September 14, 2022– Question: Do you name or title your projects, and how do you choose those names?
  15. September 15, 2022– Question: Do like to work with felt?
  16. September 16, 2022– Question: What sewer does not have a favorite pin or needle keep?
  17. September 17, 2022– Question: Do you sew functional forms for the home, or do you like to create whimsical additions?
  18. September 18, 2022– Question: Do you like to crazy-piece, but sometimes find the sections so small, that it is hard to embroider every seam?
  19. September 19, 2022– Question: Do you like to embroider over a pattern or print?
  20. September 20, 2022– Question: When you embroider a piece, do you like to use free-form images or do you use stencils?
  21. September 21, 2022– Question: When you create a strip-pieced base, do you embroider the seams, in the seams or over the seams?
  22. September 22, 2022– Question: What sewer hasn’t heard of the Sunbonnet Sue?
  23. September 23, 2022– Question: Do you sew functional forms or do you like to create fabulous frivolities?
  24. September 24, 2022– Question: Do you like to add lace to your creations?
  25. September 25, 2022– Question: When you are working with a group of fabrics, how do you decide what colors to use for the embroidery stitches?
  26. September 26, 2022– Question: What kind of sewing machine did you learn to sew on, and, what kind of machine do you sew on now?
  27. September 27, 2022– Question: When you see a hanky used in a project, do you ever think of Rhett Buttler’s comment to Scarlet: “Never, at any crisis of your life, have I known you to have a handkerchief.”
  28. September 28, 2022– Question: Do you ever hold on to a piece of fabric, and think, someday, I will use that?
  29. September 29, 2022– Question: When you buy a charm pack, do you often find that there are prints that you think, hmm, how did those get included in here?

I hope that you have enjoyed this month, and have found some inspiration within these pages.

Happy Stitching, ~Christen

National Sewing Month

Sep18

Day 18

Question: Do you like to crazy-piece, but sometimes find the sections so small, that it is hard to embroider every seam? In those cases, I like to “collage” embroider and embellish.

13″ x 13″

Scattered Splattered Tatters by Christen Brown

Left-over pieces of muslin fabric were crazy-pieced together, then hand quilted with perle cotton #12. Crochet, porcelain, and mother-of-pearl buttons are nestled into the lengths of tatted and machine-made lace, scattered crochet, appliqués and tatted components. The finished piece was hand-dyed with Colorhue dyes, using a Rustic Aging recipe that I created. This piece can be seen in my new book, Creative Stitching, Mixing the Old with the New, by C&T Publishing.

13 1/2″ x 13 1/2″

Wild Persimmons by Christen Brown

This piece started with a crazy-pieced base of silk and cotton fabrics, which was machine quilted in a random spiral pattern. A rayon cord was couched down with seed beads to create a pattern. The embroidery and embellishments that follow the pattern are vintage plastic and glass buttons, sequins, glass seed beads, and large beads. This piece can be seen in my book Beaded Embroidery Stitching.

Happy Stitching, ~Christen

National Sewing Month

Sep27

Day 26

What sewing enthusiast does not have a lot of precious scraps, that just can’t be thrown away?

3 1/2″ x 24″

Ivory and Lace by Christen Brown

This is my Scrap Roll, which is a project featured in my book, Beaded Embroidery Stitching. This piece does capture and keep all things feminine. The base is comprised of a collaged scraps and bits of lace, hankies, appliques, ribbons, buttons, beads and more. This project is embellished with both bead embroidery and bead woven stitches. The base is a painted wooden spool, adorned with lace, beads and a button.

3 1/2″ x 34″

Pansies and Sunflowers by Christen Brown

This is a slightly simpler version of the Scrap Roll (above). I used larger buttons, appliques, and rosettes, as well as wider trims for the base. The roll is embellished with bead embroidery. The button flowers have a floral wire stem, and are clustered together to create the center and base for the roll.

Happy Stitching, ~Christen

Day 20 of FLOWERS GALORE!

May20

Day 20 of FLOWERS GALORE!

Lace in Bloom

This is a sampling of the flowers that I created for a class that I call Lace in Bloom. Several of the flowers are made with individual petals that are made from a “magic web” technique that I created using Solvy. The other flowers are made from a length of lace. All of the laces were dyed with ColorHue dyes. Fun, fun, fun!

Happy Stitching, enjoy~ Christen!

Day 9 of HEARTS! Scrumptious Hearts

Feb9

Day 9 of HEARTS!

Many of you know that I love hearts! I love the shapes and all of the possibilities. These heart shaped brooches are from my class Scrumptious Hearts! Bits and pieces of cherished lace is collaged with silk fabric to form a beautiful heart shaped base for your floral design of ribbonwork flowers and silk ribbon embroidery. This is an excellent way to use up small amounts of this and that to form an heirloom brooch to be treasured.

Happy February to you!

~Christen

Shabby Chic Valentine

Dec23

Shabby Chic Valentine Ornament

shabby chic valentine

Well it is no secret that hearts are my favorite shape, and now I have a new one to offer you! This is a fun, fast and easy project to make for your home, or someone you love! The base of the heart is made from felt, some lace scraps, and a few buttons. The stitches used are straight and blanket (which you should know ahead of time). These hearts can be accessorized with purchased flowers (ribbonwork will not be covered in class); other items like charms or sequins can also be added in for extra details.

Details:

Class Fee: $20.00/2 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, and work the straight and blanket stitches before class.

Date and time: 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

Hankies and Lace Wall Hanging

Oct10

Hankies and Lace Wall Hanging with Christen Brown

This class is scheduled to begin Thursday August 3, 2017.

This project combines vintage handkerchiefs, ribbons, lace and cotton fabrics. The hankies will be your focal point, with ribbon, lace and appliques used as useful camouflage. Both traditional and silk ribbon embroidery stitches will be used to embellish the edges and inner sections of the hankies. Free standing elements and embellishments that will be added are appliques, yo-yo’s and flowers all made from bits of fabric. Vignettes with silk ribbon embroidery and ribbonwork flowers will be embroidered throughout the hanky base. Buttons, charms and beads will be added in here and there to finish the project.

The finished project can be turned into a pillow or a wall hanging. My book Embroidered and Embellished is a required supply. Student must be familiar with all forms of embroidery stitches before class, as no stitches will be demonstrated during class time. Student must also have both machine and hand-sewing skills.

Week 1: Creating The Base $20.00

be my valentine hanky wall hangingThe base of the project is created with hankies, linens, fabric and ribbon. Several different examples of hanky designs will be explored. Machine and hand sewing will necessary to finish the base, and will be need to completed at home before the next class.

Week 2: Fabric and Lace Embellishments $20.00

samplesLearn to make free standing elements and embellishments: appliques, yo-yo’s and flowers, bird’s nests and more all made from bits of scrap fabrics and lace.

Week 3: Ribbonwork Components $20.00

ribbonwork flowers

The ribbonwork flowers that will be covered are: the rosette, posy, ruched petal flower, U-gather petal flower, rickrack flower and 3 petal fan.  Student must be familiar with hand sewing skills before class.

Week 4: Lace, Appliques and Embroidered Rows $20.00

embroidery sample

Lace and small appliques will be stitched here and there, and embroidered rows of stitches will encrust the edges of the hankies. Student must be familiar with embroidery stitches before class.

Week 5: Floral Vignettes $20.00

hanky base with vignettes

Arrange and design fabric and ribbon components from Weeks 2 and 3. Stitch in additional elements and designs with silk ribbon embroidery. Student must be familiar with ribbonwork and silk ribbon embroidery stitches before class.

Week 6: Silk Ribbon Embroidered Roses, Buds and Flowers $20.00

Embroider smaller vignettes of roses, buds and other flowers around the larger vignettes and within the hanky sections. Student must be familiar with silk ribbon and traditional embroidery stitches before class.

Week 7: Decorative and Detail Stitches $20.00

Embroider decorative and detail stitches along the border rows, and within the hanky sections. Student must be familiar with traditional embroidery stitches before class.

Week 8: Bugs, Buttons, Charms and More $20.00

Embroider small detail stitches like spiders, butterflies, and dragonflies. Add in buttons charms and a few beaded stitches to complete the vignettes and border rows.

Week 9: Finishing Touches $20.00

Variety of bindings, stabilizers, and additional finishing touches will be covered.

Class Details:

These classes are listed with the price per visit.

Date and time: This class is not currently on the schedule.

For information on the series, please contact me: thestoreonthecorner@gmail.com

The above class fees reflect the content, the handout and any supplies noted in the description of each specific class. Once the fee of a class is paid for, you will receive a handout in an email, which will need to be printed and brought to class.

Happy Stitching! ~Christen

Treated and Textured Reticule: class/tutorial

Dec8

Treated and Textured Reticule: 3 lessons/$40.00

textured and treated reticuleThis class is full of cool techniques; it will be hard to decide which one is your favorite! First you will stitch your fabric, shrinking it and manipulating it into a textural base. Next you will create a mesh of specialty threads and covered tendrils or branches. Embellishments and embroidery will include hand applied rayon cord, needlelace, shisha mirrors, and beading. Directions will be given to make a four-sided purse; however you could use your own pattern to make a pillow or wall hanging the choice is yours.

Skill Level Intermediate: sewing machine, embroidery and beading knowledge needed.

Lesson 1: This class is all about the textures! You will learn how to create crinkled and crunched portions into your fabric sections. Next you will create textures in other areas with single and twin needle stitching.

Lesson 2: This class is all about specialty threads and yarns. First you will make a mesh that can be cut and used as appliquéd sections. Then you will turn ordinary yarn into a tendril or vine. These will be assembled onto the textured fabric sections from Lesson 1 with additional bits of rayon cording and bobbin stitching.

Lesson 3: This class is all about the embellishments. Needle lace embroidery, raised and textured stitches, shisha mirrors and bead embellishments will be combined with the previous techniques to create a unique reticule.

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

 

Scrumptious Scraps: class/tutorial

Dec8

Scrumptious Scraps: 5 lessons/$60.00

dyed lace scrapsScrumptious bits and pieces of vintage laces are melded and stitched together on a base of silk fabric to form a unique and beautiful base for your creative stitched designs. Once the lace scraps are turned into a base, I will show you how to dye the base and a variety of RTD silk ribbons that can be later used in the embroidery and ribbon worked floral vignettes.

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

Lesson 1: This lesson will cover the design of the collage with bits of lace and silk ribbon that will be stitched onto to a piece of silk for the base. This includes machine and hand stitched details. Only cotton, rayon or silk lace will work for the meld, you will need to know what you have before you start the project.

Lesson 2: In this class we will focus on dyeing the melded lace base as well as different techniques that can be used to prepare the ribbons for dyeing. The melded lace base and the RTD silk ribbons for the ribbon work flowers and the silk ribbon embroidery are dyed with the Colorhue dyes, (no other dye will be used or discussed).

Lesson 3: This class will focus on the ribbon worked (ribbon cut to a specific length and stitched with a needle and thread), flowers that will become the centerpieces for the floral vignettes. We will cover setting up the vignettes with added bits of dyed appliqués, ribbon scrunched sections, ribbon worked flowers such as the rosette, double edged rosette, berries, fuchsias, hearts, concertina rose, and the prairie lily.

Lesson 4: This class will focus on the silk ribbon embroidery (ribbon threaded through a needle and stitched through the fabric to form a flower or pattern) and traditional embroidered stitches (ribbon or thread stitched into patterns) that will be worked within and around the vignettes. The stitches that will be covered are the outline stitch, feather stitch, woven rose, Japanese ribbon stitch, lazy daisy stitch, bullion-tipped lazy daisy, couched thread tendrils, and the French knot.

Lesson 5: This class will focus on the extra embellishments that you can add onto your piece such as simple beaded centers, buttons, charms and trinkets. We will also discuss the finishing touches and details that can be added to your project.

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