Thursday honesty....

I have weeks like this, weeks where I really don't feel like any embroidery or knitting or .... Of course, there's usually some research those weeks, and there was this week.  That said, here's my honesty:

Current project list/status (SCA/Historic):

• Applique piece for C&L -- Some of the research I did was aimed at getting off the starting block for this one. 
• Couched cord piece for C&L -- I have looked at a few design inspiration ideas for something to do on my husband's tunic for this element.
• Class this is (mostly) done, for now.  All the mailing has gone out.  I do have some more work to do on the sample and the re-write on the handout.  
• Marshall Hanging -- No, nothing new.    
• Hem stitched square -- This is officially my current "work on at events" project.  At the same event last weekend I learned some more open work, and am now deciding whether to make this square an overall open work piece or do that on something different. I learned some pulled (diverted thread) work at the Embroidery Schola in February, and this piece has a nice big central area just asking for some decoration.
• That silk tunic I did for my husband -- still need to pull that out and get the seam finishing done, and maybe plan some more embroidery for it. 

• Other garb waiting in the wings... Also in planning are a couple more coifs -- and shifts and shirts.  
• Research.  I've started trolling for inspirational ideas.  My Pinterest boards are overflowing with "oh, that looks cool...." I've got lots ready to write a nice meaty Tuesday post on ... but that would be a spoiler.

Current project list/status (Modern)

• Bay of Fundy Scarf.  A few more rows have been knit on this.  I'm enjoying it again, but will be glad when it's done.  I can tell because I've been looking at patterns and even bought some yarn and a pattern for probably my next project. 
• Clothing for work.  This may have to be moved up a bit, as one of my favorite skirts just gave its last.  Now I really need to find pink fabric I like because I cannot imagine not having something in that dark rich pink in my wardrobe.  Of course, I *could* get around to doing the hem on the black and white, that would help.  
• Studio project. A number of things have migrated back to the studio (where, admittedly, they belong), and a few things in the studio need to come out.  I need to determine a day each month for specifically concentrating on getting everything back to where it belongs, which should help keep this room organized. This did not happen in January, or February, or even yet in March..... Maybe some of that studio time on Sunday can be devoted to this.

Future project plans: (look, a new section) AKA "In the queue"

• Additional C&L work to do includes an underside couched piece (having been reminded of a thing I knew of one that is not metal thread).
• Knitting plans include the newly purchased pattern and yarn for a pretty wild cowl and fingerless gloves with more of the alpaca that I'm using on the Bay of Fundy scarf.  I also got some lovely blue silk/wool blend that I'll need to find "just the right pattern" for.

Blog notes:

• Still working on a three day a week pattern -- Monday for SCA/Medieval/Renaissance related; Tuesday for post 1600 to modern related and Thursdays for status updates.
• I'm also considering a couple other pages -- one for links to museums and other excellent web resources, and one for a bibliography (with appropriate links).  Any requests? 

So, that's it for my plans for the coming weeks.  

Spring...

Flowers and trees blooming, warm, lengthening days... it must be Spring, when a fiber artist's thoughts turns to....

COLOR

(with apologies to Tennyson). While I try to wear brighter colors even in the depths of winter, I do find that when shopping for materials, I tend to the brighter items as the Spring draws closer.

All the colors.... 

Like this yarn I just bought.  Looking forward to using it for a bright colorful light weight cowl, just right for cool Spring evenings, and Summer air conditioned places.

It has been a long time since I actually studied anything about color theory (maybe Jr. High?).  I mainly either follow the colors of a piece I am inspired by (for historic work), or just hold things together to see what I like.  A number of years ago I realized that my wardrobe was almost entirely black, dark blue and brown, and I started to change that.  I bought clothing and fabrics in brighter, jewel tones.  I went through a "yellow period" (seriously, I had enough yellow tops to wear one every day to work). I started using combinations I had been taught (somewhere along the way) to avoid.  Red and deep purple, for instance.  I found that a skirt with flowers with specks of color paired well with a shirt pulling one of those speck colors.

I'd like to be a little more knowledgeable about it, though, and have started looking at some resources for understanding a bit more about color and how it works.  The title of this website caught my eye: A beginners guide to beginning colour theory by someone who was never taught art. After all, Jr. High art classes were a long time ago. :)

So, stay tuned as I learn more and play with color, both modern and historic.

Meanwhile I think I'll go play with some bright threads.

Speaking of color, coming soon, maybe next week. more info on those 18th Century canvas work pocket books -- and wait until you see the riot of colors there!

New Feature: Random Item

So, while I quietly work in the background, as it were, on several projects that really don't have much share-able, I decided on a new "feature" here on the Study.  The Random Item post.  The idea for these posts is that I will find a piece in one of the many on line collections and talk a little about it.  It may be something I've seen in person, it may not.

For this first installment, I chose this Band from the V&A: It is a red silk band embroidered with silk and gold thread, animals in roundels alternating with lozenges intertwined with floral motifs. Dated by the museum as 1150-1200 and currently believed to be English.  It is V&A Accession No. 8237-1863.

Ok, so more-or-less random.  Basically, I put "Embroidery 1200" in the search box and this was one of the hits.  Since it actually dates to the time and country of my SCA persona, I determined it is a good candidate for Random Item.

This band is one of those delightful mystery items which are sometimes all we have.  The item information describes that it is cut on all four sides, making the original form and use uncertain. It is made up of several roundels with animals and lozenges with flowers. The animals are described as a dog or cat, a lion or leopard, two bears back to back....

(C) Victoria and Albert Museum, London

(C) Victoria and Albert Museum, London

And this delightful bird, possibly a peacock.
The stitching is described as underside couching of gold work, with split and stem stitch design details in colorful silk threads.

The vendor said that the band came from Halberstadt Cathedral, however later study, and based on the technique and design, they now believe it to be English.

The use of this lovely band is not now known, though the V&A notes that "pieces like this were typically used as decoration for vestments."

I am particularly struck by the animals and flowers on this piece. This band may well have been on vestments, but it looks like it would be equally happy as the border of a hanging, or even the hem of a special garment. (Unfortunately, the information does not have the size, I'll have to see if I can find out more).

The colors are reported to be somewhat faded, and much of the stitching is worn, but this fantastic photo of the back gives some idea of the wonder of this piece.

(C) Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Having browsed on the V&A Search the Collections, I'm loving this piece and am inspired by the fact that it is, quite possibly, from my persona's time and country.  There may well be a bird in circle, or flower and lozenge showing up in some of my work down the line.

Thursday/Friday

Today was like Friday because my office is closed tomorrow.  Also, it's been a weird week.  That said, here's my honesty:

Current project list/status (SCA/Historic):

• Applique piece for C&L -- I have jettisoned the original plan and will be looking for something new.  I finally admitted to myself (*before cutting fabric and starting, that's a plus*) that I was shoehorning one thing into another and it really wasn't a good fit.  I do have a couple other inspiration pieces to look at and some plans...
• Couched cord piece for C&L -- I have looked at a few design inspiration ideas for something to do on my husband's tunic for this element.
• Class this is (mostly) done, for now.  I do have some mailing out to do, and still need to write up the "finishing" section -- then I'll work on adjusting both write ups (the "fob" and the bag) for posting on a new page I'll be setting up -- "classes."
• Marshall Hanging -- No, nothing new.    
• Hem stitched square -- This is officially my current "work on at events" project.  At the same event last weekend I learned some more open work, and am now deciding whether to make this square an overall open work piece or do that on something different. I learned some pulled (diverted thread) work at the Embroidery Schola in February, and this piece has a nice big central area just asking for some decoration.
• That silk tunic I did for my husband -- still need to pull that out and get the seam finishing done, and maybe plan some more embroidery for it. 

• Other garb waiting in the wings... Also in planning are a couple more coifs -- and shifts and shirts.  

Current project list/status (Modern)

• Bay of Fundy Scarf.  A few more rows have been knit on this.  I'm enjoying it again, but will be glad when it's done.  I can tell because I've been looking at patterns and even bought some yarn and a pattern for probably my next project. 
• Clothing for work.  This may have to be moved up a bit, as one of my favorite skirts just gave its last.  Now I really need to find pink fabric I like because I cannot imagine not having something in that dark rich pink in my wardrobe.  Of course, I *could* get around to doing the hem on the black and white, that would help.  
• Studio project. A number of things have migrated back to the studio (where, admittedly, they belong), and a few things in the studio need to come out.  I need to determine a day each month for specifically concentrating on getting everything back to where it belongs, which should help keep this room organized. This did not happen in January, or February, or even yet in March..... Maybe some of that studio time on Sunday can be devoted to this.

Future project plans: (look, a new section) AKA "In the queue"

• Additional C&L work to do includes an underside couched piece (having been reminded of a thing I knew of one that is not metal thread).
• Knitting plans include the newly purchased pattern and yarn for a pretty wild cowl and fingerless gloves with more of the alpaca that I'm using on the Bay of Fundy scarf

Blog notes:

• Still working on a three day a week pattern -- Monday for SCA/Medieval/Renaissance related; Tuesday for post 1600 to modern related and Thursdays for status updates.
• I'm also considering a couple other pages -- one for links to museums and other excellent web resources, and one for a bibliography (with appropriate links).  Any requests? 

So, that's it for my plans for the coming weeks.  

Ravelry

I've mentioned Ravelry a couple of times in my posts, but I don't think I've ever talked about it.  It's a lovely resource, primarily aimed at knitters and crocheters, though spinners, weavers, and embroiderers are also common on its pages.  It's part resource, part social media.

You do have to have a log in (it's free), but after that you can use it as much or as little as you wish.

Go to the patterns tab to "shop" for patterns.  You can browse casually, or use the "Pattern browser & advanced search"  You can narrow down your search by a number of categories and sub categories.  Keep selecting items to narrow by, then sort the results (I like to sort by newest first).  My most recent search was for free knitting patterns for fingerless gloves, in English, using 150 to 300 yards of fingering yarn.

Using this search, I found several candidates for some of the rest of the yellow alpaca that is going into my current project.  You can even ask it to search your library -- another feature of the site.

On the library, you can list all the books, magazines and individual patterns that you have.  Later, when you put in a search, you just might find that you already have a pattern that catches your eye.

Another feature is the stash.  When you buy yarn, you can list it in your stash -- and then later you can search for patterns that might be good for items in your stash (unless you buy yarn knowing already exactly what you're going to do with it....)

A big feature is "Projects" where you can record details of your ongoing projects -- for instance, here is the page for my current knitting project.  I've recorded the pattern, the yarn I'm using, my progress and notes.  When it's done, I'll maybe remember to go in and put in a picture.

There are also a large number of groups on the website -- the "social" part.  I'll admit, I don't spend much time in there, other than occasionally to go in and see if anyone has posted the answer to a question I've had come up while I work.  Just about any aspect of life experienced by people who work with fiber has a group.

This is just a little bit about this website.  (BTW, my only association with Ravelry is that I'm on it).  If you haven't, go check it out.  And if you're there .. well, I'm KandyElizabet.  Drop by and say "hi."

And sometimes you punt.

Once in a while, a project sits in my head, gets as far as planning, and then dies.  That is the fate of the banner I talked a little bit about in this post.  In this case, it's not so much that I don't love the source material, and I still want to do a piece based on those Egyptian appliques, but I came to the conclusion that by adding the couched cord around the edges I was "shoehorning" the piece into what it isn't.  

There may yet be an applique banner, but if there is, it will be a bit different.  

And, yes, that's the whole post today.  I've had my focus so tightly on the run up to teaching, that I've temporarily drained my thought processes.  Time for some research, thinking, and planning.  

Thursday...

Posting a little late since we went out for dinner due to power issues (it's back, though)

Current project list/status (SCA/Historic):

• Applique piece for C&L -- A challenge has inspired me.  I discussed my early research and design planning in this post.  I'm very happy with my plan.  This will be an entry for the heraldry display at Mudthaw. Materials have been selected and purchased.  The whole "dive right in didn't quite happen, but I have a chunk of Sunday to myself, for some serious studio time.
• Couched cord piece for C&L -- I have looked at a few design inspiration ideas for something to do on my husband's tunic for this element.
• Class this is (mostly) done, for now.  I do have some mailing out to do, and still need to write up the "finishing" section -- then I'll work on adjusting both write ups (the "fob" and the bag) for posting on a new page I'll be setting up -- "classes."
• Marshall Hanging -- No, nothing new.    
• Hem stitched square -- This is officially my current "work on at events" project.  At the same event last weekend I learned some more open work, and am now deciding whether to make this square an overall open work piece or do that on something different. I learned some pulled (diverted thread) work at the Embroidery Schola in February, and this piece has a nice big central area just asking for some decoration.
• That silk tunic I did for my husband -- still need to pull that out and get the seam finishing done, and maybe plan some more embroidery for it. 

• Other garb waiting in the wings... Also in planning are a couple more coifs -- and shifts and shirts.  

Current project list/status (Modern)

• Bay of Fundy Scarf.  Got a fair amount done on my trip last weekend, and it is now my companion for work again.  I usually get in early and can put in a couple rows then, and again at lunch if not embroidering. 
• Clothing for work.  This may have to be moved up a bit, as one of my favorite skirts just gave its last.  Now I really need to find pink fabric I like because I cannot imagine not having something in that dark rich pink in my wardrobe.  Of course, I *could* get around to doing the hem on the black and white, that would help.  
• Zipper class.  This was fantastic! Talked about it yesterday.  Now to get the measurements I need and order a couple patterns.  
• Studio project. A number of things have migrated back to the studio (where, admittedly, they belong), and a few things in the studio need to come out.  I need to determine a day each month for specifically concentrating on getting everything back to where it belongs, which should help keep this room organized. This did not happen in January, or February, or even yet in March..... Maybe some of that studio time on Sunday can be devoted to this.

Blog notes:

• Still working on a three day a week pattern -- Monday for SCA/Medieval/Renaissance related; Tuesday for post 1600 to modern related and Thursdays for status updates.
• I'm also considering a couple other pages -- one for links to museums and other excellent web resources, and one for a bibliography (with appropriate links).  Any requests? 

So, that's it for my plans for the coming weeks.  

All Zipped up....

Instead of putting up a blog post last night, I attended a class at Steve's Sew and Vac in King of Prussia on zippers. I think the last time I put in a zipper I was in college... so quite a long time!

We did four zippers total

Center placement

We started with the basic center zipper. Even this was a little different since I last put in a zipper. We started as I recalled, with basting the seam for the length of the zipper (stopping just a little short, above the location of the bottom stop), and then a regular seam the remainder.  Seam pressed open, then the new started.

Center Placement

We used Wonder Tape.  There are a couple of brands out there, and it's available at sewing and quilting shops, and of course on Amazon.  It is a double faced tape, very light in weight, and washes out.  Ideal for sticking things together for long enough to take your next steps.

So, using Wonder Tape, we placed the zipper down on the seam.  Another small change, we did not match the top of the zipper tape to the top of the fabric, but had it a little bit further.  The recommendation is to purchase a zipper slightly longer than you need.  Once the zipper is in place, the slide is moved down, the excess cut off, and the tops reinforced with hand stitched "stops."  (There are also available metal stops that can be crimped in place).  This makes it so that you don't have to work around the slide, which can make the seam a bit "wonky."

Using the regular or adjustable zipper foot, the zipper was sewn in place -- but first 1/2 inch Scotch tape was centered over the teeth.  The edge of that tape gives a guide for stitching a nice line. I found the Scotch tape a little hard to see, and will be looking for some 1/2 inch painter's tape.

The result was a pretty nicely placed zipper.  My stitching line wasn't the best, but I was using my very ancient adjustable zipper foot.  The teacher was very against the "regular' zipper foot that came with the machine, though later I found it worked just fine.

Lapped Zipper

There's the zipper, hiding

Next up was the lapped zipper.  This is like a center zipper, but with a small "flap" covering the zipper.  Nice for pillows and cushions.  This was done in a similar manner to the center zipper.  The flap is made by making a fold in the seam allowance on one side after the basting stitch seam.  I was very pleased by the look of this zipper.  I look forward to using it for some cushions around the house.

Invisible zipper
Would be more invisible
if I had matched the fabric

Invisible zipper.

 Our next zipper was the invisible zipper.  This is one I remember from all those years ago.  No longer, however, does one have to buy a different foot for each brand of invisible zipper.  No basting seam for this zipper -- it is installed one side at a time, very carefully running the teeth through the channel on the special invisible zipper foot.  An excellent option for skirts and dresses.  I suspect this will be my option when I make the fancy dress (dresses?) for attending weddings in October.

Fly zipper

Fly zipper

The last zipper was the "woman's fly" setting. Frankly, I'm hoping that my notes are good and clear, since this was the end of the class and I think I had reached my limit of absorbing more information.  On the other hand, it's not something I actually expect to use often, and I have my sample and my notes to reference back to. I'm setting up my "classes, notes and tips" notebook and these notes will be there for when I need them.

So, that's it.  I'm certainly not afraid of zippers any more, and will be ordering some of the very cute skirt patterns I've found on line.  But that, as Alton Brown would say, is another post.

A holding post

I'm at a class on zippers this evening.  The usual Tuesday post will probably be on Wednesday -- and will probably be about zippers.

The Academy of St. Clare - Event "report"

This weekend just past I attended and taught at The Academy of St. Clare, Stitches in Time in the Shire of Abhiann Ciach Ghalis, part of the Kingdom of Aethelmearc (or, in the modern world, Milmont, Pennsylvania).

The event was held at a lovely boy scout camp, with quite comfy cots in a cabin and a large dining hall/general building for most of the meetings and classes.  Sadly, as too often happens, my camera did not come out of my basket, so my words will have to do.

I arrived Friday night (a little later than originally expected, due to some modern world issues) to a warm welcome.  The evening's activity was slated to be a round table on tools and suppliers for needlework.  The time I spent in the general room conversation was more general, which was not a bad thing.  Then I retired to the sleeping area I was to be in to catch up with friends.

Saturday morning we all got up bright and early and readied ourselves for a day of learning and sharing.  The main building for meals, meetings and classes was not far, and before long we were all assembled for breakfast and a keynote talk on the topic "Common Ground."  Duchess Meriwen uerch Owein entertained and us and gave us a lot to think about on the whys and wherefores of embroidery through history.

Having had our bodies and minds fed, it was time for the morning classes.  I attended the first part of the class "From Picture to Pattern" then wandered over to listen to the end of the class on the Oxburgh Hangings.  Both very interesting classes.  Though neither class was completely new material to me, I find that attending classes on "known" subjects often brings a nugget of new to add to my own thoughts and knowledge. Two other classes were in the morning session, "Tools and Supplies for the Beginning Embroiderer" and "Handsewn Applique: A Hands on Practical Approach."

After the morning classes there was time to look at the items that had been brought for the embroidery display -- and to fondle silk for sale.  I successfully admired others' work, and avoided the siren call of the silk.

Lunch was a lovely array of food and time to chat and share what we had learned so far.  Then it was time to clear up and prepare ourselves for the afternoon classes.  This was the unique part of the event.  Instead of the usual 1 hour "try it" type of class usual for SCA events, these were three hour full project classes.  My only regret is that since I was *teaching* one, I couldn't *take* one. There were four classes: 16th Century White Work, Embroidered Hoods, Pleatwork Embroidered Apron, and the one I was offering, German Brick Stitch. I probably would have been hard pressed to pick just one of the other three if I had not been teaching!

I had three students. At first I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to fill three hours.  When I "practiced" the class in my head a bit, I had thought about setting a schedule along the lines of "for the first X minutes we'll work on this, then I'll move them to that...." but it did not work that way.  As I have for the two times I taught the smaller class, I started by showing how I had set up the canvas (done for them in the interest of saving stitching time), then had them start with the very middle bit of the design.  While they worked I talked about the design, about how I worked it, and about the second design in the kit.  Then, I mostly sat back and let them stitch, answering questions and helping as needed.  The best part of the three hour format for this particular project is that it gives time for a goodly chunk of the work to be done. Even the slowest stitcher had one diamond complete, and the fastest of the three had most of her first framework done by the end of the day.  I did fill in some of the silence by talking also about the uses of brick stitch.

One of the kits all lined up to be constructed

Finally, after the afternoon classes were done everyone gathered back in the main building (at least one of the classes was in another building) for more display viewing, shopping and socializing over tea.

Supper was a lovely meal of foods not unfamiliar to the modern palate, but also period -- a great balance.

After supper we gathered our things and returned to the sleeping cabin which has a meeting room attached to it where more round table discussions took place. Many ideas were shared, and one thing was said which has added another project to the array I'm working on for my supporting pieces for my expert panel.  Finally, eyes no longer able to stay open I headed for my comfy cot and got a good night's sleep.

Sunday morning they weren't done with us -- providing breakfast and two talks on documentation and research, leaving lots of information and thoughts to swirl in my head as I drove home.

Honest Thursday

Posting a little late as I take a break from gathering what I need for my trip...

Current project list/status (SCA/Historic):

• Applique piece for C&L -- A challenge has inspired me.  I discussed my early research and design planning on Monday.  I'm very happy with my plan.  This will be an entry for the heraldry display at Mudthaw. Materials have been selected and purchased, ready to dive right in when I get home from teaching this weekend.
• Couched cord piece for C&L -- I have looked at a few design inspiration ideas for something to do on my husband's tunic for this element.
• Class for February and March.  Teaching box is packed, kit bags are packed.  All staged up to be loaded tomorrow.  (Now I just have to gather all the "personal" stuff.....)  
• Marshall Hanging -- No, nothing new.    
• Hem stitched square -- This is officially my current "work on at events" project.  At the same event last weekend I learned some more open work, and am now deciding whether to make this square an overall open work piece or do that on something different. I learned some pulled (diverted thread) work at the Embroidery Schola in February, and this piece has a nice big central area just asking for some decoration.
• That silk tunic I did for my husband -- still need to pull that out and get the seam finishing done, and maybe plan some more embroidery for it. 

• Other garb waiting in the wings... Also in planning are a couple more coifs -- and shifts and shirts.  

Current project list/status (Modern)

• Bay of Fundy Scarf.  Got a fair amount done on my trip last weekend, and it is now my companion for work again.  I usually get in early and can put in a couple rows then, and again at lunch if not embroidering. 
• Clothing for work.  This may have to be moved up a bit, as one of my favorite skirts just gave its last.  Now I really need to find pink fabric I like because I cannot imagine not having something in that dark rich pink in my wardrobe.  Of course, I *could* get around to doing the hem on the black and white, that would help.  
• Zipper class.  On Tuesday I'm going to be taking a class just on zippers!  Once that's done I have some patterns I want to check out.  
• Studio project. A number of things have migrated back to the studio (where, admittedly, they belong), and a few things in the studio need to come out.  I need to determine a day each month for specifically concentrating on getting everything back to where it belongs, which should help keep this room organized. This has not happened in January, though I may be able to carve some time out this weekend.

Blog notes:

• Still working on a three day a week pattern -- Monday for SCA/Medieval/Renaissance related; Tuesday for post 1600 to modern related and Thursdays for status updates.
• I'm also considering a couple other pages -- one for links to museums and other excellent web resources, and one for a bibliography (with appropriate links).  Any requests? 

So, that's it for my plans for the coming weeks.  

A Monday-Tuesday... kind of post

This post is mostly brought to you by the letters O, M, and G...

As in OMG, I've known for *how* long that I'm teaching this weekend and I'm still this far behind?

So, part blog post, part brain dump.

German Brick Stitch teaser photos

It all started with a lonely diamond of stitches, centered in the top half of the working area.

Soon, he was joined by several more, and the central flower.

Then, the first lattice was begun.  In order to keep it easy -- most counting is of stitches of four threads, and placement is as much about location relationship as about extensive counting, for a design with a lattice I like to lay down that lattice first.

Once that first layer of lattice is down, the second one is easy, since it runs right along it.  Placement of the little blue diamonds and the filling of the individual motifs is also easy.

All the flowers.  Time to fill in.

And, finally, all the backgrounds done.  The class project will be smaller.









But, of course, that is only one side.

The second pattern is one that requires a little more careful counting -- since it is is made up of stitches of varying lengths.

So, first, the lattice

 Then, the inside "hatches" and the blue insides.

 Well, that's as far as I have photos for.  Once I've taught the class, I plan to make up versions of the handouts for both this project and the scissor/key fob project that can be downloaded.

So, "watch this space."

And now, back to kit assembly.

Another week, another Thursday

Once again, it is Thursday.  Amazing how it keeps coming up. So, here's my "keep Elizabet honest" post:

Current project list/status (SCA/Historic):

• Applique piece for C&L -- A challenge has inspired me.  I discussed my early research and design planning on Monday.  I'm very happy with my plan.  This will be an entry for the heraldry display at Mudthaw. 
• Couched cord piece for C&L -- I have looked at a few design inspiration ideas for something to do on my husband's tunic for this element.
• Class for February and March.  I've done a bit more of the sample stitching for this class on German Brick Stitch.   Here is more info about the March event for those who might be interested -- at that event it will be an intensive class.  Kit registration has ended and I will have three students.  Hope I can fill 3 hours! :) If anyone attends the event and wants to sit in there will be materials for the scissor fob project available as well.  
• Marshall Hanging -- No, nothing new.    
• Hem stitched square -- This is officially my current "work on at events" project.  At the same event last weekend I learned some more open work, and am now deciding whether to make this square an overall open work piece or do that on something different.
• That silk tunic I did for my husband -- still need to pull that out and get the seam finishing done, and maybe plan some more embroidery for it. 

• Other garb waiting in the wings... Also in planning are a couple more coifs -- and shifts and shirts.  

Current project list/status (Modern)

• Bay of Fundy Scarf.  Got a fair amount done on my trip last weekend, and it is now my companion for work again.  I usually get in early and can put in a couple rows then, and again at lunch if not embroidering. 
• Clothing for work.  This may have to be moved up a bit, as one of my favorite skirts just gave its last.  Now I really need to find pink fabric I like because I cannot imagine not having something in that dark rich pink in my wardrobe.  Of course, I *could* get around to doing the hem on the black and white, that would help.  
• Zipper class.  In March I'm going to be taking a class just on zippers!  Once that's done I have some patterns I want to check out.  
• Studio project. A number of things have migrated back to the studio (where, admittedly, they belong), and a few things in the studio need to come out.  I need to determine a day each month for specifically concentrating on getting everything back to where it belongs, which should help keep this room organized. This has not happened in January, though I may be able to carve some time out this weekend.

Blog notes:

• Still working on a three day a week pattern -- Monday for SCA/Medieval/Renaissance related; Tuesday for post 1600 to modern related and Thursdays for status updates.
• I'm also considering a couple other pages -- one for links to museums and other excellent web resources, and one for a bibliography (with appropriate links).  Any requests? 

So, that's it for my plans for the coming weeks.  

Dover Clip Art....

I can not draw.  Ok, I can draw, but not so that anyone can tell what it is that I have drawn.  Therefore, I use other sources for my embroidery designs.  I get a lot from on line, of course -- type a search in Google Images and I'm off.  I've gotten pretty good at finding the outlines in a drawing for tracing.

I also use Dover Electronic Clip Art.  There are lots available (quick search on Amazon had over 1,000 hits) -- and many of them make excellent designs for embroidery, both historically based and modern.

One huge advantage, of course, is the ease of scaling the designs.

005 Asparagus

One of my favorite is Medieval Herb, Plant and Flour Illustrations.  The book has images of each of the designs, numbered.  The CD has a separate folder for each of six different formats -- PMP, EPS, GIF, JPEG, PICT, and TIFF.  Simply leaf through the pages, select the design you like and find it on the CD in the format you prefer.

So, go to Amazon, or directly to Dover Publications and browse the Clip Art with CDs.

Happy designing!