Just a quick exploration for Sharon B.'s TAST stitch this week. I really like this stitch, I love that you can expand it to become eyelets, and work them a bit "freeform" too, varying the size and making them assymetrical if you wish. I've used a perle variegated thread called Hand Dyed Hues from New Zealand, a lovely gelato blue and green. I also used DMC metallic stranded threads from the new range of about 12 months ago. My sister-in-law bought me one of each colour for Christmas 2005. Did you spot the buttonholed ring under the single eye stitch, I worked it over my finger this time, it was a little difficult in the metallic yarn as it doesn't slip easily against itself, but I was determined and eventually succeeded. A bit of a motto for life, really.
It's been a very busy week, the February Stitches and Craft Show has been on in Sydney and I had to help display work and then man a stand for the Embroiderers' Guild which kept me busy for 2 days. Then I started to hem a bridal gown and make a veil for my future daughter-in-law, to go with the 2 bridesmaids which have been in progress for the past 6 weeks. The gown and veil are finished and the bridesmaids need hemming and some lace overlaid on the bodices. Luckily I was able to buy some wonderful silk sewing thread at a Lace Guild day last weekend which matches the custom dyed lace beautifully, so now I just need to take the plunge and start grafting the lace. It will look very elegant, chocolate brown Chantilly lace over dusky pink sik satin and silk organza. Then I just need to find a suitable ribbon for the waist and they're finished too. If I can't find a suitable coloured ribbon, I bought some liquid dye, used for ribbons and laces, at the Craft Show and will experiment with that. 2 weeks till the wedding, and it's been a long hot Summer in Sydney and I'm so tired from lack of good sleep. Thank goodness for stitching, it has given me a focus point and kept me grounded. Ohhh, I sound very philosophical tonight, must be exhaustion setting in, ggggg.
