Here's one I didn't finish earlier...

I think I started this embroidery based on an illustration in Edward Gorey's Doubtful Guest about a year ago and it resurfaced when I went through my craft basket recently.  Probably at some point last year I wasn't sure how to proceed with this piece. Often I abandon a project for this reason for a little while and then  'a little while' turns into a few months and hey a year has past without finishing it! I'm determined to finish it now though as it is too cute to leave in the WIP basket for another year. And I'm eager to make a Turkey Stitch fringe on his scarf  :)

P.S. if you haven't bought the new issue of &Stitches yet (I can't imagine why not!) you have a chance to win a copy on Julie's blog.

P.S. P.S. I have some rather fabulous giveaways coming up myself soon to celebrate my 500th blogpost!

Bringing life to an almost monochrome embroidery...the Doubtful Guest

I know this is not strictly a monochrome piece, but the scarf just needed some colour right? Nearly done now with this embroidery, I just need to find the red/pink colour of the Doubtful Guest's scarf again in one of my not so tidy floss boxes/ziplock bags! I'm glad I have now put this piece in a smaller hoop because the little guy looked a bit lost in the larger hoop he was in. I like the effect that the use of different numbers of thread (1-3 strands of floss) different stitches (back stitch, my notorious 'crazy' fur stitch, stem stitch and satin stitch) and the direction of the stitch, have on the image. I have learned now that even with only colour you are able to bring an embroidery to life. And trust me it looks much 'livelier' in real life than on this photo! Besides the strands, stitches and stitch direction I will add another 'lively' aspect to the embroidery. Like in my first Edward Gorey/Doubtful Guest Embroidery I will make the scarf's fringe 3D. :)

Nite Bugs & a book delivery

I just had to have this book by Edward Gorey after I made the embroidery based on the cover illustration of the Doubtful Guest. It's just a small book but very much worth checking out if you haven't read or seen it yet. The story and the illustrations are very touching. I assume it's a kids book but I'm sure some adults (like me) can relate to this odd creature as well. And if not then you can just admire the drawings. I'm going to do another embroidery from this book for myself. :) I may use my very special Cosmo Floss for that! I ordered it at Hip Fabric. It feels amazingly soft and I can't wait to try it out!

As I'm not really all that mobile yet I have done some stitching and stuff while lying on the couch for the second Beetle Bug Design. Here's a little sneak peek:

The Nite-nite Bugs are embroidered on a pillowcase (how appropriate!). Still one of my favourite things to embroider on!