Summer is flying by!
I have been getting some stitching done, but not as much as I would like. This week is a good example of why – We are having 30 people for supper tonight and another 30 for dinner on Saturday for the a birthday party, along with swimming lessons, VBS, dentists appointments, work, etc.
We’ve been sneaking in a little time for swimming at our house in the evenings and that’s usually when I do my handwork. The other night, Carter said to me – “Mom, today is a great day. Everyday that I get to go swimming is a great day.” I couldn’t help but smile after hearing that. Then he asked me if gravity works under water. What 5 year old thinks of these things! I thought we were relaxing and de-stressing, but now I need to go look up what effect gravity has under water so I can keep up with my 5 year old ;-). If you want, I have a couple cute videos of my boys jumping and sliding down our giant slip-n-slide on my Instagram page. You can view it here. (Or you can also get there by clicking on my Instagram photos on the lower right sidebar.)
I also wanted to say thanks for everyone that shared info on their favorite fusibles! (see my last post) I can’t wait to try them – I will let you know what I think of them, after I’ve gotten a chance to use them.
Here is how far I’ve gotten on my blocks for the Stitch Along –
Block 1:
Block 2:
In my last post, I talked about how to do the whip stitch. As you can see, that is mostly what I’ve been using.
The other stitches that I’ve used in these blocks have been done on the little circles and that is what I’m going to share today.
Let’s start with the French Knot. Come up in the center of the circle with your thread.
I wrap the thread around the needle twice.
Pull the wraps tight to the wool circle, insert the needle back into the same hole and pull the thread all the way through.
After doing the French knot, I chose from two different ways to finish off the circle. You can see them both in the photo below.
This is the easier (and faster) of the two – You just make large stitches from the outer edge to the French knot.
If you are up for a little more, you can do the Lazy Daisy Stitch.
Start by coming up in the center next to the French knot. Then put the needle back down next to that hole (but not in it) and bring the needle tip back up on the outside edge of the circle as shown below. Wrap the tread around the needle tip as shown.
Then carefully pull the thread through, creating the loop. Complete the stitch by brining the needle down on the outside edge of the loop so it is tacked down. Repeat until you have petals all the way around the circle. I usually do 6. They take a little practice to get them even, but they sure are cute!
That is all for today! I have to go and make another pound cake for tonight. Joel smoked a brisket and I have some very naughty potatoes waiting to go in the oven. The only bummer is that it’s supposed to be 95 degrees and there is no way we can fit 30 people inside our house to eat! I’m hoping all goes well – that the food turns out and the garage doesn’t get too hot during supper.
Have a great week!
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