tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72318510095835192832024-03-19T10:16:56.928+01:00Follow the White BunnyA crafty blogNicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.comBlogger740125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-38006997169302272612016-03-17T16:15:00.000+01:002016-03-17T16:15:33.488+01:00Moving!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've decided to move my blog to my own website so all Follow the White Bunny stuff can be found in one place. I hope you will <a href="http://www.followthewhitebunny.com/#!blog/c118q">visit me there</a>! I'm not quite sure what to do with this blog yet, the 'old' blog, so I guess I'll keep it up for a bit until I've made a decision. For new posts and updates you will need to visit my <a href="http://www.followthewhitebunny.com/#!blog/c118q">new blog</a> though! :)Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-91351318865217540142016-02-11T16:05:00.001+01:002016-02-11T16:05:32.229+01:00Fish & Anchor now available as pattern!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weeks ago I received an email from someone who asked me whether the Fish & Anchor design I made last year was available as pattern. Uhmmm...no, but I could see why this would make a lovely pattern for someone who likes making tiny stitches on an intricate design! With much enthusiasm I started on the pattern but unfortunately caught the flu. After a week of hiding under quilts on the couch, I finally was able to continue my work on the pattern. So with a bit of delay I can now present you the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/267773417/fish-anchor-pdf-embroidery-pattern?ref=shop_home_active_1">Fish & Anchor pattern</a>! It's really great for creative stitching and features stitches such as the raised fishbone stitch (a personal favourite) and the spiderweb stitch.<br />
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You can purchase the pattern <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/267773417/fish-anchor-pdf-embroidery-pattern?ref=shop_home_active_1">here</a>, and if you use code FISHY on check out (offer ends this Saturday) you receive 20% off!Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-61600994362296162952016-01-28T09:25:00.001+01:002016-01-28T09:25:56.591+01:00A New Website<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a <a href="http://www.followthewhitebunny.com/">new website</a>! Now all Follow the White Bunny news, links to my shop and blog etc can be found in one place. I still need to tweak some features (a lot!) but I like the new, clean look. Especially the rotating gallery on the homepage. Let me know what you think!Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-5589156081975389492016-01-15T17:37:00.000+01:002016-01-15T17:37:50.840+01:00Flowers in Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxnEYvZdTcwEP7KJQYRQpWdb_gLnL98QbNYm1bA8ZamNdozW65oY_eyaH5z6NfFuWHl4uAs_Y8M0JJqjnv6dDQsgSEtiY3tr7mhMZUB6JxIkeXGUMKxEEbQcUUPRyYAqN-FcbiWr2K8-N/s1600/circusflowerbearwm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxnEYvZdTcwEP7KJQYRQpWdb_gLnL98QbNYm1bA8ZamNdozW65oY_eyaH5z6NfFuWHl4uAs_Y8M0JJqjnv6dDQsgSEtiY3tr7mhMZUB6JxIkeXGUMKxEEbQcUUPRyYAqN-FcbiWr2K8-N/s400/circusflowerbearwm.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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You may remember that I made a couple of these 'negative space' projects last year. When I look at those projects (well at the ones I finished anyway) I think: 'This looks really nice'. Immediately followed by: 'But it's so much work!' It's a lot of fun to do though: the shading, the fill stitching, experimenting with colour combinations (not always a success) and trying to improve my embroidery techniques at the same time. Today I added the flower on the top right, that looks like a poppy (at least I hope it does). It was a bit of a struggle as I used too many shades, and in some parts the stitches were incredibly small which really isn't good. In the end I made some adjustments so I'm not completely unhappy with the final result. Hoping to be able to show you a finished piece in a week or three!Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-2823481849371808372016-01-08T19:31:00.000+01:002016-01-08T19:31:08.749+01:00Hello 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello 2016,<br />
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I'm not quite ready for you I think. December went by so quickly, just like the whole of 2015 actually. Often at the end of a year, I feel like I didn't do much, but looking back at 2015's projects and photos, it's not too bad. :)<br />
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The Simply Shading Class was a project close to my heart because shading is one of my favourite embroidery techniques. If I ever get to write a book about embroidery it would probably be about shading! I also had some more of my patterns professionally printed as iron-on patterns and in May the project I made for Australian Homespun Magazine, a Doe with flowers embroidered on a skirt, was featured on the cover! I experimented a bit, embroidering with sewing thread (the 'knitting bear') and using just one colour ('fish and anchor') and releasing a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/252007731/fowl-talk-shakespeare-inspired-hand?ref=shop_home_active_7">'Fowl Talk' PDF pattern</a>, inspired by Shakespearean sweary quotes. In October ('Inktober') I really got back into drawing and found out that I really enjoy drawing with fineliners. <br />
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I'm not exactly sure what I'll be doing this year. I started a new shading project just a few days ago that I think could turn out real nice. Maybe I could do a themed series in the same style. I'm also secretly hoping to receive an amazing, embroidery commission (Penguin Book Cover or something else completely unexpected!) In March I'm teaching my first embroidery workshop, hopefully it'll be a success. And next month I'll start attending a drawing class locally. I can draw a little but I want to learn more, possibly even master new techniques. Oh and I'm working on a new website, but more about that later.<br />
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Nicole<br />
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<br />Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-59102595053338985572015-12-16T16:10:00.000+01:002015-12-16T16:10:03.706+01:00Workshop coming up in 2016!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Next year I'll be hosting an Embroidery workshop for Beginners in Rotterdam (the Netherlands) at a local gift & craft shop called 'Maak' (which means 'Make') . I know that's probably halfway around the world for most of you, but just in case you live within travel distance of Rotterdam: come join me! The price is 30 euros and coffee (or tea) cake and a kit with supplies and instructions are included (yay!).<br />
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It's a workshop for beginners, but if you happen to be a little more advanced in your embroidery skills, I'm happy to help too. I can also give instructions in English, so please feel welcome too if you don't speak Dutch and think you can bear my Dutch accent. :) <a href="mailto:info@maak-rotterdam.nl">Mail</a> to the ladies at 'Maak' to sign up for the workshop.Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-17650353148613274732015-12-10T10:56:00.002+01:002015-12-10T10:56:31.123+01:00Stitched Family Heirlooms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This lot was stuffed in an old cardboard chocolate box, handed down to me from my mother's side of the family. I think, based on the initials on the samplers, it's most likely these were stitched by my great aunt Jacoba. Born in 1902 she would have been in her early teens when she made those. The labels (for organising linens) were possibly made at a later date.<br />
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Perfect stitches, as you can see, but made in difficult times. This sampler is dated 1914, the year that the First World War started. Even though the Netherlands remained neutral during the First World War, there were lots of consequences for the Dutch. Refugees from Belgium, food scarcity etc. During the First World War, the family lived in the Rotterdam area (my hometown) where towards the end of the war, housewives plundered food stocks. In 1914 Jacoba already had lost two younger sisters (at the ages of 1 and 6 months old) and, in 1917, her oldest sister as well. I wonder how my family was handling it all... We often know so little about our ancestors, even if it's just a few generations back.<br />
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The Darning Sampler sadly has some water damage but it shows that Jacoba learned how to mend things as neatly as possible.<br />
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There are lots of labels like Nachtjaponnen (Night gowns) Handdoeken (Towels) Bedlakens (Sheets) and Kussensloopen (Pillow cases) I imagine these were pinned to shelves, to indicate where the linens should go. You can even see some rusty marks on the sides of these labels.<br />
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The satin stitching on the hanky looks great but what's more amazing: the backside is so neat you can hardly tell it apart from the stitching on the front!<br />
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Hope you enjoyed this peek into my stitched family heirlooms. They may not be valuable, but learning a bit more about where these labels and samplers came from, is definitely worth a lot to me.<br />
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<br />Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-40445586351252276002015-12-07T14:22:00.000+01:002015-12-07T16:23:38.341+01:00Modern Cross Stitch by Hannah Sturrock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Normally I would start a post about a book with a photo of its cover, but my cat Milo photobombed this picture so elegantly, I chose this one. It is as if he's saying 'I really like this one, mum!'.<br />
This cute project is from Hannah Sturrock's (of <i><a href="http://www.bobostitch.co.uk/">Bobo Stitch</a></i>) new book 'Modern Cross Stitch'.*<br />
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'Modern Cross Stitch' has a wide variety of styles: some projects are slightly retro (like the banner), some are a bit folksy (like the snowflakes below) and some are inspired by popular culture like a 'Kapow' cartoon style mobile phone cover or Skull patches. There's also a few projects in the 'young ones' section that hint at traditional nursery themes (Alphabet, a teddy etc) but with a more modern approach.<br />
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I really like these Stitchy Bugs, especially the dragonfly! All patterns in the book have a colour key and are printed on a good scale, which makes them easy to follow (depending on your skill level, of course). Skill level (complexity of the pattern) and Material level (28 count linen is harder than 14 count aida for example) are also indicated, so you know what to expect!<br />
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The 'Cross Stitch Basics' chapter is really useful, especially if you're starting out with cross stitch. It has easy to understand diagrams and as far as I can see, it answers any question aspiring cross stitchers may have. Check your local bookstore for a copy of 'Modern Cross Stitch' or find it in various online bookstores.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*The publisher sent this book to me a little while ago and I thought I'd share some of my favourite things about it here!</span>Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-12950410569324739522015-12-01T14:37:00.003+01:002015-12-01T14:37:58.351+01:00What do you think?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm thinking of trying, to teach embroidery workshops locally (although invitations to exciting places elsewhere will definitely be taken in consideration!) and I was wondering what would be the best way to introduce people to embroidery. A small embroidery project maybe? Or something a bit more 'practical' like embroidery on clothing? Or a sampler? And would a basic kit be a good idea (hoop, needle etc) and perhaps a small guide to the basics to take home? What would your perfect workshop look like? And is there anything beyond embroidery basics that you would like to learn from me? Let me know, I'd love to hear your thoughts!Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-78792317848360564602015-11-26T09:24:00.001+01:002015-11-26T09:24:44.837+01:00Sale this Weekend!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kQ8tsJvxIr6VNXgLnPliD_0nYX_go_VHfP3b1CligVJoxFFYs9QN7Wcy9__Rj0wgoib0twmbSZnRPD8n85ctlF26pRa3n4O3h-Kyg6LROV8LIJg4P1NTHymmbiRx4sUvnFRkGrcPrw3C/s1600/cyberbunny.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kQ8tsJvxIr6VNXgLnPliD_0nYX_go_VHfP3b1CligVJoxFFYs9QN7Wcy9__Rj0wgoib0twmbSZnRPD8n85ctlF26pRa3n4O3h-Kyg6LROV8LIJg4P1NTHymmbiRx4sUvnFRkGrcPrw3C/s320/cyberbunny.png" width="500" /></a></div>
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It's that time of the year again! Sale on all of my items (including hand embroidered pieces!), starting today and ending Monday at midnight. Be sure to use code CYBERBUNNY15 at checkout to claim a 25% discount. A perfect occasion to buy your self (or someone else) a pattern or two (three, four) or an original handmade piece. You can visit my own<a href="http://followthewhitebunny.com/"> Follow the White Bunny store</a> or my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FollowtheWhiteBunny?">Etsy shop.</a> Your support is much appreciated! :)Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-87329250178431118632015-11-17T17:05:00.000+01:002015-11-17T17:05:56.469+01:00Embroidered Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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About one and a half year ago I embroidered a white bunny on one of my favourite black dresses. It then looked like this:<br />
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I always intended to add more stitching to the dress in a slightly folkloristic style but couldn't make up my mind about a design. So now I just add things and hope for the best! I'm keeping the palette limited to green, white and red (perhaps pink too?). First I added a few green leaves and yesterday I embroidered the rabbit-hole and the beginning of a flower.<br />
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The fabric is a soft, fine corduroy and the wales (the vertical lines/ridges in the corduroy) make it quite challenging to stitch on. I always have to place my stitches on an angle to the vertical ridges when I do satin-like stitches, to avoid gaps. And very delicate stitching wouldn't work either on this fabric. I'm definitely going to add more embroidery to this dress, along the border and possibly some near the neckline as well. And until then I'll just keep on wearing it. :)Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-73246841095626020832015-11-03T14:49:00.002+01:002015-11-03T14:49:29.622+01:00Stitching with linen thread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A little while ago I ordered some linen thread. I hadn't tried it before and didn't know quite what to expect. Apparently it's used for various types of embroidery such as Hardanger, pulled thread, cross stitch and even lacemaking. I wasn't planning on doing any of those techniques though, just my regular free hand embroidery stitching. </div>
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The label on my thread read '3 ply natural flax wet spun'. I haven't really looked into linen thread-terminology yet but I do know that there are different 'weights' of thread. As I understand it, from this <a href="http://www.threadneedlestreet.com/linthrd.htm">site</a>, the higher the number (50/3, 30/3, 18/3) the finer the thread. My thread didn't have an extra number but I'm pretty sure it qualifies as a sturdier variety. I also learned that the strands aren't meant to be separated and 'wet spun' makes the thread less 'hairy' (according to <a href="http://www.nordicneedle.com/ctgy/I36-01-00.html">Nordic Needle</a>, they sell lots of linen threads). </div>
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For my first project (which is part of a new online class I'm writing) I picked dark linen fabric and a needle that was quite sharp but with an eye big enough to take the 3 ply thread. To be honest, at first it felt like I was stitching with string. For someone who likes to fiddle with single strands of regular embroidery floss or even soft silk threads on tiny designs, stitching with linen thread was somewhat outside my comfort zone. At the same time it felt quite liberating to make bold stitches and work on a larger design! </div>
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As you can tell from the photo, the thickness of the thread varies. So much so, that in the mini sampler I did on the purple fabric (or I guess it's called 'merlot' or 'plum' something) the middle sheaf stitch, came out really bulky compared to it's neigbours. The thread also tends to come apart a little, so separate strands are visible in some of the stitches. Part of the rustic charm, right? :)<br />
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Straight stitches work well with this thread and I was even able to make some French knots. I'm not rushing out to buy lots of linen threads now, but it was an interesting exploration and it definitely adds to the rustic feel of a project!Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-31648342759665550932015-10-25T16:21:00.000+01:002015-10-25T16:21:58.713+01:00Inktober<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you heard of<a href="http://mrjakeparker.com/inktober"> Inktober</a>? It's basically a 31 day challenge for artists to improve their skills and get into the habit of drawing regularly. I only found out about it last week so I'm a bit late to the party. I also feel it's not just something for artists (a label I don't feel too comfortable with anyway) but for anyone who enjoys to create something with ink and paper.<br />
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I started with the colourful Pigeon, followed by the disco dancing Polar Bear. Yesterday I made a Hare in the clouds (lots of tiny dots!) and today I drew a sinister Squirrel with his Feather Collection. Every day I post a new drawing on Instagram (@followbunny).<br />
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You could use proper ink and a pen nib, but I use fine liners (as do most people I suspect). I even made a quick trip to the store yesterday for some new ones, a nice <a href="http://www.staedtler.com/en/products/ink-writing-instruments/fineliners/pigment-liner-308-fineliner/">set of Staedtler Fineliners</a> in different sizes. It has line widths ranging from 0.05 mm to 0.8 mm. I'm also quite fond of my <a href="http://www.rotring.com/en/fineliner-pen/154-tikky-graphic-fineliner-3501170814734.html">Rotring Tikky Graphic pen </a>(size 0.1 mm). These pens are around 2-3$ each so you don't have to make a huge investment to start drawing. Just make sure you get pens with a width that is best for your drawing style. I generally draw small and detailed so I use really fine pens.Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-28553216388850695242015-10-19T14:25:00.001+02:002015-10-19T14:25:58.942+02:00Tiny Bear Knitting Tiny Things with Tiny Needles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hooray! I found my Tiny Bear Embroidery (while I was looking for something else). As you may remember I'm embroidering this Tiny Bear with sewing thread. A slow process and I really could do with more shades than I'm currently using. Anyway, I thought it would be a nice idea to give Tiny Bear 'real' knitting needles and add a real knitting project too. My regular knitting needles were all too big so I decided to try and knit with some satay skewers (we regularly eat Indonesian food so we always have these hiding in the kitchen somewhere). It wasn't easy but I did manage to do a reasonably tidy stockinette stitch with them. Not sure if pink is the right colour though but I do love tiny-ness of it all. :)Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-47338127795288875502015-10-16T09:05:00.000+02:002015-10-16T09:05:07.676+02:00Fowl Talk. A New Pattern!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been pretty busy designing, stitching a writing this<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/252007731/fowl-talk-shakespeare-inspired-hand?ref=shop_home_active_2"> new pattern</a>. It's called 'Fowl Talk' and it's inspired by Shakespearean insults and grumpy birds. It combines a few of my favourite things: owls, flowers, quotes and literature. With a bit of 16th century swearing thrown in for good measure. "I'll tickle your catastrophe' sounds so much better than 'I'll kick your <i>posterior"</i>, doesn't it? And the addition of flowers make it almost a friendly message as well! A great gift for unsuspecting family members or colleagues. :D <br />
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Included in the pattern is a stitch and colour key. The stitches used are pretty basic so it isn't a complicated or slow pattern to make. The <i>Fowl Talk</i> pattern is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/252007731/fowl-talk-shakespeare-inspired-hand?ref=shop_home_active_2">only available as PDF in my Etsy store</a> for now. You may remember that I stopped selling PDF's since the beginning of this year. This was partly due to complications with new European VAT legislation and I also wanted to do more with my embroidery than 'just' making patterns. A lot of my time in the first half of 2015 went into getting some of my patterns printed (a lengthy process) and writing the Simply Shading workshop (of which I'm very proud). And I was, and am still exploring new paths with my embroidery. But I do miss releasing a pattern every now and then and regularly I get requests for PDF versions of my other patterns, so I though I'd give the PDF a whirl again. See how it goes.<br />
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And if snarky owls aren't your thing, please remember there is free shipping in October on all iron-on patterns in both my <a href="http://shop.followthewhitebunny.com/">Follow the White Bunny shop</a> and my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FollowtheWhiteBunny?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Etsy store</a> if you use code SHIPSHIP at the checkout!<br />
<br />Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-40627864387829636192015-10-05T16:59:00.000+02:002015-10-05T16:59:29.802+02:00Even More Knitting Adventures...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A little while ago I decided to try my hand at knitting again. I saw a Cowl pattern in <a href="http://blog.followthewhitebunny.com/2015/02/more-knitting-adventures.html">Knitting Smitten </a>that I really liked but first I needed to learn how to do a Moss Stitch. I watched a few Youtube videos until I found one that 'clicked', one that made total sense to me. Anyway, after a few failed attempts, I got the hang of it! It's really not that hard to master and it gives a lovely textured effect. I only need to make a note after each row to make sure I continue with the right stitch. :)<br />
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In the book circular needles are used, but even though I did buy them I ended up using regular needles. This meant that after I had finished I had to sew the ends together, which went ok but I can imagine a seamless cowl is nicer. I used wooden needles, size 9mm and just knitted until I was happy with the fit around my neck. The yarn, Katia Inca in a green/blue colourway, was lovely to work with. The colours remind me of peacock feathers, and the variegated effect is delightfully random :) The next project is to knit a scarf for my husband with a ribbed effect. After that I'd love to move away from the cowls and scarfs and try something a little more challenging. I was thinking maybe a very simple cardigan? Suggestions are welcome!<br />
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More knitting news. Only a few days ago I found out about a great Kickstarter project from Leah Coccari-Swift and Teresa Gregorio called the <a href="http://kck.st/1iw23cJ">Great Northern: Knitting Patterns inspired by Twin Peaks</a>. If you like Twin Peaks, knitting or both then why not support these creative ladies and their fabulous project!<br />
<br />Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-36575017182937452872015-10-02T10:03:00.000+02:002015-10-02T10:03:07.218+02:00Villains Only Stitchalong<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over on the &Stitches blog we are hosting a super fun Villains Stitchalong! That's right, only bad characters and nasty individuals from books, comics and movies, are allowed. Check all the details (and prizes!) <a href="http://andstitches.blogspot.nl/2015/10/join-villains-stitchalong.html">here</a>.<br />
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I'm sticking to my original choice: the <a href="http://scoobydoo.wikia.com/wiki/10,000_Volt_Ghost">10.000 Volt Ghost</a> (<i>Watt a Shocking Ghost</i>) from Scooby Doo. Over the years I probably have seen all episodes of the old and new Scooby Doo series and this is one of my favourite villains. Of course, the villains from Scooby Doo always turned out to be a 'normal' person wearing a monster or ghost suit. :) I must admit that I was very much tempted to choose a Game of Thrones character, they are nearly all villains aren't they? Although Joffrey Baratheon really takes the cake in terms of nastiness...<br />
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Anyway, it would be so much fun to have lots of people stitching up their favourite villain this month. So please <a href="http://andstitches.blogspot.nl/2015/10/join-villains-stitchalong.html">read the details on the &Stitches blog</a> (there are very few rules) and start stitching along today! Use the <b>#VillainsSAL</b> tag when you post on social media so we can see what everyone is up to.<br />
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<br />Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-28785122971729265822015-09-25T11:48:00.000+02:002015-09-25T11:48:18.427+02:00New Work <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Working on a series in this style (or similar) with various subjects. These will all be put on sale in my shop over the next months. I've used many different stitches on this piece, which made it very enjoyable to make. I started out with a simple anchor shape and improvised, because that's how I like to work. :) </div>
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Questions/offers/commissions? Please get in touch! nicole@followthewhitebunny.com </div>
Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-78856110362246114962015-09-16T14:29:00.002+02:002015-09-16T14:29:59.988+02:00Curiouser & curiouser: a very special offer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have just started reading Lewis Carroll's <i>Alice in Wonderland </i>again (or rather <i>Alice's Adventures in Wonderland</i>) and what a curious story it is! If you haven't read it yet, you can find free downloadable e-books in various stores and apps. The book is 150 years old this year and, because my 'pen name' (or rather 'needle name') obviously was inspired by Alice's White Rabbit, I felt it was appropriate to celebrate with a special offer. You can now <a href="http://shop.followthewhitebunny.com/">purchase all my patterns with a 25% discount</a>. Just like the White Rabbit you need to hurry a bit, because the offer ends this Friday. On your way out, use code ALICE. A good opportunity to <a href="http://shop.followthewhitebunny.com/">stock up on patterns</a> to stitch for Holiday Gifts, I think! </div>
<br />Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-47804561017459310522015-09-07T19:17:00.001+02:002015-09-07T19:17:49.601+02:00Lost and Found<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was thinking of <a href="http://blog.followthewhitebunny.com/2015/03/a-different-kind-of-thread.html">finishing the bear</a> I was stitching a while ago, using sewing thread instead of embroidery thread. The problem is: I'm not quite sure where I put it. It's quite small too so it really could be anywhere. Anyway, when I was looking for my Bear project, I came across lots and lots of unfinished projects, try-outs and doodlecloths. Including the one pictured above. I remember taking out some stitches and damaging the fabric by accident, creating a small hole (above the pink round thingie). Which is why it ended up in a drawer most likely. The good news is: the hole is now covered with the <i>Heavy Chain Stitch</i>!<br />
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The <i>Heavy Chain Stitch</i> is a new to me stitch, I saw demonstrated when I was attending the Crewel and Goldwork class at the Royal School of Needlework. The stitch isn't new of course, I just never got around to trying it out. Possibly because I'm not a huge fan of the regular <i>Chain Stitch</i>, I find it hard to keep the stitches even and round and usually just ignore it. :) The <i>Heavy Chain Stitch</i> however is a very tidy looking stitch. At least when you practise it a bit. Mine still looks a bit clumsy (it's the tentacle-like shapes on my doodlecloth) but I've got the hang of it now, I think.<br />
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I experimented with colours, different number of strands and making curves. If you have an embroidery handbook, look the<i> Heavy Chain Stitch</i> up and give it a try. It's also sometimes named the <i>Braided Chain Stitch</i>.Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-7464093513680348932015-08-27T09:51:00.000+02:002015-08-27T09:51:40.116+02:00Easy Applique Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I was adding applique balloons to my <a href="http://shop.followthewhitebunny.com/product/most-excellent-party-bear-iron-on-sampler">Party Bear Embroidery</a>, I thought I'd make a quick tutorial for easy applique. It's really an applique tutorial for embroiderers-that-don't-sew. Combining applique and embroidery can give such fun results and it's very easy to do, even if you don't have any sewing tools or materials. I used some materials from my sewing cabinet for the tutorial but I will suggest alternative supplies that most embroiderers have in their tool kit. And yes, I know 'applique' is spelled with an 'acute accent' but I can never find those quickly enough on my keyboard! (Tips are welcome)<br />
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Supplies</h4>
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For applique I use:<br />
- Fabric to sew your applique on (obviously!).<br />
- Fabric for your applique<br />
- <i>Heat 'n Bond</i> Iron-on adhesive (or a pin)<br />
- Scissors<br />
- Needle (regular sewing needle or small crewel embroidery needle)<br />
- Thread (or Embroidery Floss)<br />
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Attaching applique to fabric</h4>
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You can simply cut out the applique shape you want and temporarily attach it to fabric with a pin. However, I almost always use Heat 'n Bond because it holds your applique perfectly in place which makes the end result neater. It's an iron-on adhesive that you use on the back of your applique fabric. Iron on the Heat 'n Bond, making sure the side that feels rough is facing the wrong side (back) of your applique fabric. You can either cut the shape you need from the Heat 'n Bond paper before you iron it onto the fabric. Or you can cut out the shape afterwards (which is what I did). Put an old tea towel underneath to be completely sure the adhesive doesn't stick to your ironing board. </div>
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Peel off the paper and you end up with an applique with a sticky backside. Put the applique glue side down, onto fabric and iron it on. It's a really quick method and it probably takes more time to read my instructions than to prepare your applique piece this way. :)</div>
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There are more complex ways of preparing an applique, where you fold sides under so you are not left with unfinished edges on your fabric but as this is an Easy Applique Tutorial we are going to leave the sides as they are. So please know that depending on the fabric and whether you use and adhesive the fabric can unravel a bit. The Liberty fabrics I used on the blue balloons didn't unravel at all but the quilt fabric I used for the lighter balloons did look a bit rougher on the edges. That is, before I used the Blanket Stitch to sew around the balloons. </div>
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Sewing the applique on</h4>
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I like to use Blanket Stitch to sew appliques onto fabric. It's a versatile, decorative stitch that is also used in embroidery. It's also a nice way to finish your unfinished fabric edges.</div>
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Let the needle and thread come up on (not through) the edge of the applique fabric (<b>A</b>) and insert it into the fabric at <b>B</b>, diagonally from the point where the needle came up first. </div>
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Pull needle and thread through, but not entirely. Make a loop, and let the needle come up again from underneath, through the base fabric (not the applique fabric) at <b>C</b>. </div>
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Pull needle and thread through and you've made the first blanket stitch! Continue all the way around the shape. The next step is to make the diagonal stitch again, then the loop etc etc. To follow the curves of a shape neatly with your stitches, take care not to make space between stitches too wide.</div>
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You should end up with something like this! I hope this tutorial was useful to you. If you have any questions let me know....You can find the <a href="http://shop.followthewhitebunny.com/product/most-excellent-party-bear-iron-on-sampler">Party Bear Embroidery Pattern in my shop</a>. :)</div>
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<br />Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-29411387922678896502015-08-21T15:45:00.000+02:002015-08-21T15:45:15.968+02:00My Bernina Minimatic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Best buy ever. A couple of months ago I <a href="http://verykerryberry.blogspot.nl/2015/02/introducing-daisy-vintage-bernina-707.html">read about the Bernina 707 on Kerry's blog</a>. Out of curiosity I checked a popular Dutch Market place website to see if I could find any locally and there it was: for just 50 euros. Even though I didn't need an extra machine, I couldn't resist the bargain and I'm so glad to have acquired this little gem of a machine!<br />
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The Bernina 707 Minimatic is an incredibly solid, reliable avocado coloured machine. I had no idea that I could actually sew neat, straight seams until I got this machine. My new-ish Husqvarna produces seams with a slight wobble and I always thought my sewing skills were to blame. Apparently not. This 40 year old machine simply does it better. And with about 8 years of sewing experience I now know I don't need a machine that can do 463 different stitches that I'll never use. Just the regular ones will do, thank you. I have also learned that I should have looked (and tried) other brands before instead of sticking to the one I happened to have had my first sewing experience with!<br />
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I'm still in the process of getting to know the machine. I've already replaced the light bulb (the only non-working bit) which wasn't that difficult. But I still frequently need to look in the manual to check how to wind the bobbin and put it in the bobbin case in the correct way. I've used this machine quite a lot in the past few months, for piecing the blocks of my Spider Web Quilt (it's coming along nicely!) and it's been great so far! As to the colour, well avocado and cream has a nice retro-feel to it doesn't it? :)Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-27508738343309632402015-08-10T16:06:00.000+02:002015-08-10T16:06:21.089+02:00Two days at the Royal School of Needlework<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last October I signed up for a two day course at the Royal School of Needlework in July. As the date came closer, I began to get a little bit worried. The Inn where I booked a room, turned out to be quite far from Hampton Court Palace (where the RSN is located). I also wasn't sure whether I was 'good' enough to participate and whether I would fit in. Everything turned out fine though. Yes, the Inn wasn't close, but two busses and a short walk later, I arrived way too early at the Palace on a Thursday morning in July.<br />
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Armed with a visitors pass and following, what seemed to me, a maze-like route to the top floor (I'm easily confused) we found our way to the class room. The class room had an amazing view and it was a good thing I couldn't see much while seated, or it would have been quite a distraction.<br />
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The course was hosted by <a href="http://nicolajarvisstudio.co.uk/">Nicola Jarvis</a> and she did a wonderful job. Nicola was very patient (threaded my needle a zillion times) and helpful. And she was also honest when things didn't look fabulous. The whole atmosphere in class was friendly and relaxed which was really nice as well.<br />
I had no experience with Crewelwork or Gold work and I'm glad to say that after the course I'm pretty confident stitching with wool now! I found Gold work a bit trickier so maybe I need to book another course someday to try and master the technique properly.<br />
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From the <a href="http://nicolajarvisstudio.co.uk/shop/index.php/stitch-projects/gold-work-projects.html"><i>Couture Birds</i> collection</a> I chose the Starling. I think I was the only one in class who did. The other birds (I also bought the Green Woodpecker kit) were possibly more delicate in colour and appearance but I thought the Starling really had character and I liked the dark tones.<br />
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After the class ended on Friday I stayed in the UK for another two weeks (Wales and Cornwall) with my family and I continued working on my Starling project. This is the last photo I took of my progress.<br />
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I'm very happy that I took the plunge and decided to book the class at the RSN. Although I was already familiar with many of the stitches used for Crewel work, as they are the same in shading and 'regular' embroidery', stitching with wool is really a whole different experience. It also inspired me to think of doing projects on a bigger scale and/or stitching with other materials.<br />
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There are many classes available to book for this and next year at the RSN. You can check details <a href="http://www.royal-needlework.org.uk/content/20/royal_school_of_needlework_day_classes">here</a>. The <i>Couture Birds</i> and other beautiful kits by Nicole Jarvis are available <a href="http://nicolajarvisstudio.co.uk/shop/index.php/stitch-projects.html">here</a>.<br />
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p.s. a little reminder that the code for free shipping (<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Droid Serif'; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">FREESHADINGSHIPPING)</span> on my <a href="http://shop.followthewhitebunny.com/product/simply-shading-online-embroidery-workshop">Simply Shading Class</a> ends on Wednesday!<br />
<br />Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-75069809926466303142015-08-03T15:07:00.001+02:002015-08-03T15:07:23.875+02:00More Simply Shading!I have so many things to share with you: about the wonderful class I attended in July at the Royal School of Needlework for example and the new/old sewing machine I got for a bargain a couple of months back... But first I need to tell you about the new Simply Shading Workshop that starts mid September!<br />
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You can read all the details <a href="http://shop.followthewhitebunny.com/product/simply-shading-online-embroidery-workshop">here</a> but the long and short of it is: it's an online workshop for 'the uninitiated' about shading with regular six stranded floss. We'll talk colours, stitches and techniques and it's an excellent starting point if you want to know more about shading.<br />
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From personal experience I know that there is no greater gift you can give yourself than to learn a new skill! And, if you use code FREESHADINGSHIPPING * you get free shipping for your kit so even more reasons to <a href="http://shop.followthewhitebunny.com/product/simply-shading-online-embroidery-workshop">sign up</a> soon. :) The kit includes the iron-on Flower and Bird pattern, a floss organiser, fabric and needles.<br />
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The workshop concludes mid October so there is plenty of time to use your new skills to make some extra awesome hand stitched goodies for Christmas. Hope to see you in class soon!<br />
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* free shipping offer ends August 12, 2015<br />
<br />Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231851009583519283.post-57386528497597082632015-07-08T13:36:00.001+02:002015-07-08T13:36:06.974+02:00Bee & Hive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There's an extra pattern in my Simply Shading Workshop, based on a quote from the Lorde song 'Royals': "You can call me Queen Bee". It's fun to stitch, it has shading and lettering and some shiny satin stitches too.<br />
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Right now I feel more like a worker bee than a queen bee though. A very tired worker bee. Tomorrow is the last Shading Workshop. I really put a lot of energy into writing and revising the Workshop. I got help with editing the text which was such a good decision! All the Dutch-isms and other odd things were weeded out by a native speaker/reader. :)<br />
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Then suddenly, last week, amidst all the busy workshop-last-minute-editing and end of the year at school activities, our youngest was admitted to hospital. She's back home now and on the mend but it was all a bit worrying and unexpected. It has definitely tipped the balance and I'm going to take a break for a few weeks. I'm go to tend to the 'hive' more than anything else now, and read, do crafty things for fun and play lots of games with the youngest. Hope to see you all back in a few weeks. :)<br />
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<br />Nicole Follow the White Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11552647840902000310noreply@blogger.com1