welovefrenchknots

Meet Melissa Peda From 100 Billion Stars

Right before quilt market in May I received an email from Melissa simply wishing me luck. There I was right in the middle of the craziness that is getting ready for a trade show, and in comes this sweet message. Is it sad that it's surprising to me to get an email that isn't someone asking for anything... just a simple wish of good luck? But it was surprising to me, and that generosity is what I'll hold to be true about Melissa. It said something to me, and it made me want to pass that goodness along too. 

This statement on her "about" page of her website says it all to me:  "If I can help one person try something new, something they never had confidence to try in the past; if I can spark that “Aha!” moment, when the world suddenly opens up and someone gets “it”; if I can provide tools for someone to start out on their own creative journey, that is success. That is what I’m all about."

I think that Melissa's own beauty translates into work that has that same appeal, and I've been wanting to share it with you. I had the opportunity to ask a few questions... here's more in her own words:

Can you tell us a bit about your company and website, 100 Billion Stars?

 Certainly! I design patterns for quilts, bags and other lifestyle projects. A few of my patterns can be purchased in my Etsy shop. Others have been sold to magazines and Free Spirit Fabrics. Recently, I launched my website to provide a more comprehensive experience for crafters, quilters and sewists who are looking for inspiration, free projects and ideas to jump start their own creativity. My interests are wide ranging so you’ll find everything from Mod Podge to yarn to thread to fabric and a lot more besides. 

You've been playing with thread since you were a child. How and when did you learn to embroider?

For a long time, playing was all I was “allowed” to do. My sister and my mother weren’t keen on teaching me. So I had to teach myself, a process that involved a lot of observation and peering over shoulders. I pilfered their thread trash and scrounged for needles. The backsides of my work were a bit like a cubist version of the front—all chopped up, rearranged and barely recognizable. But I persisted and somehow got to where I am today.

What are your favorite stitches?

French Knots, bullions, satin stitches. I really appreciate the way a few “fancy” stitches can make a piece remarkable. But I love the workhorse stitches too—the chain stitch, the stem stitch, etc.

When do you do your embroidery? Some people have a favorite place and time for the hobby.

I like to embroider in the late afternoons and evenings. It’s so relaxing to give yourself over to the space in the hoop. It’s the same with crochet work. There’s always something at my chair to keep my hands busy.

Do you have any embroidery books you could recommend?

My “go to” book is Marion Nichols’ Encyclopedia of Embroidery Stitches, Including Crewel. No pretty pictures but an indispensable resource for stitches. I also have other Dover Publication books for reference.

Are there any artists that inspire your work?

I’m most inspired by needlework of other cultures, like Kazak, Mexican, Guatemalan, Incan, Hungarian, Polish, well…you get the idea. In most of these cultures, embroidery wasn’t reserved for their best dress or ceremonial clothing. Everyday items, like the huipil, are lavishly covered with needlework. And the colors! I love the exuberant use of color.

Favorite tools, supplies, flosses?

Lately, reading glasses have become my most important tool!

Do you teach, and if so, where and when?

Currently, I don’t have any classes. But I am considering ways to incorporate an online learning environment within my website. I would love to share my enthusiasm and passion for creating with a bigger audience.

Is there anything special you want to tell the readers of WLFK about you or your business?

 My shop will be getting an overhaul in the next month or two. A new look for the current patterns and brand new patterns, including some embroidery designs, will debut soon. All patterns are pdf files so you can pay and play with no delay.

My goal is to encourage and inspire people to create, whatever craft they practice. If you have a question, need a word of encouragement or just want to share the story of your journey, email me. I’d love to hear from you.

Where can we get your patterns?

 On my website... here.

Characteristically, Melissa has offered us a free pattern... I had shown you a piece she did several weeks ago that I loved... and she has kindly offered it to WLFK readers! 

Download it here: 

Download FOLKSY FLORAL PILLOW COVER TUTORIAL

 

 

 

 

If it doesn't move, I've put a bird on it.

Collage, bags, tea towels ... you name it, I've birded it. I've not yet embroidered one... but while I'm in "slightly overwhelmed midly crazy cakes getting ready for quilt market" mode, you need a project, no? How about you stitch up an embroidered bird? Enjoy this free pdf. Download Birdstitches 

Keep looking for more free stitches in the coming days. And don't forget to upload your creations to our Flickr group.

Aurifil Designer of the Month, Roseann Kernes

This year I'll be participating as an Aurifil designer of the month. You'll find a new block featuring a new free pattern each month from a different designer. Aurifil has long been my favorite machine sewing thread, but they also have a fabulous 12 weight thread which we will all be using. And, it's divine.

This month's block is from Roseann Kernes... read more about it and get the free pattern on the Aurifil blog. Be sure to come back and brush up on stitches here on We Love French Knots... just click the video link at the top of this page. This is Roseann's adorable block:

Happy Stitching!

Stitcher Profile: Follow the White Bunny, Nicole Vos van Avezathe

It was her fabulous Princess and the Pea embroidery (above) which first drew me to the work of Nicole Vos van Avezathe of Follow the White Bunny. I adore the fantasy/story book quality of Nicole's designs. I hope you enjoy this interview with her. I know that if you do not already know and love her work, you will fall in love as much as I have. Please check out the adorable free pattern she has offered We Love French Knots readers at the bottom of this post. And stop by her blog to say hello and thank you!

Bari: On your about page, you say that your work is inspired by books, fairy tales, folk tales and history. And from looking at your work, I can see a lot of imagination goes into it as well. Are these things that have always inspired you? 

Nicole: I have always been a bit of a dreamer and fond of tales, books, things of the past and animals. These are all things you can find in my patterns to some extent. I find inspiration in lots of other things as well, things I see when I travel for example. Basically everything I experience or see can end up in one of my patterns!

Bari: We can tell from your work that you have a talent as an illustrator as well as a stitcher. What is it about the art of embroidery that appeals to you? 

Nicole: *blushes* I don’t feel like a talented illustrator or stitcher at all. At the moment I’m not quite sure where my ‘real’ talent lies, but Illustration/drawing is definitely something I need to explore more…. In a way my patterns are sometimes like embroidered illustrations! With most of my patterns I try to tell a little story or ‘illustrate’ part of a story: a traveling Hedgehog in a teacup, the Princess and the pea, a Circus Bear balancing on a globe… I love telling a tale with thread.

Embroidery appeals to me for various reasons. It has a long tradition and very little has changed over the centuries when you look at stitches and techniques. I also enjoy the process of making things by hand with simple tools.

Bari: What do you feel is a good way to display/use your embroidered works?

Nicole: At home I have some embroidered pieces on display in my living room. Some are made by me, some are bought and some are received in swaps. All are framed in simple wooden hoops. I also enjoy stitching on ‘practical’ stuff like pillowcases!

Bari: Do you have any favorite transfer methods, tools, or other supplies?

Nicole: I often use a water soluble marker to transfer my patterns or sketches to fabric. I have no special tools, no special preferences for hoops either. I mostly use DMC Mouline (six stranded) floss but that is mainly because it’s widely available.

Bari: When do you do your stitching?

Nicole: I prefer stitching during the day. Daylight is just so much better than artificial light, don’t you think? I do have a daylight lamp though which I use in the evenings. My embroidery sessions usually don’t last longer than an hour.

Bari: Have you always embroidered? How did you learn?

Nicole: I grew up in the seventies when embroidery had tough competition from macramé, knitting and weaving and such! I only started to embroider a few years ago. We had moved abroad for 3 years (to Norway, we are back in the Netherlands now) and I had some time on my hands.  I first started to learn, with a little help from a friend, how to sew and quickly picked up embroidery too. I mainly learned embroidery from the internet and from books. Still have so much to learn though! Not just different stitches but different techniques as well. Recently I came across Swedish Weaving (or Huck Embroidery) for example. Had never heard of it before but would love to give it a try. I’m also a novice cross stitcher. 

Bari: Do you have any suggestions for new stitchers?

Nicole: First learn the most basic stitches and try to build on that. When I just started, I found many answers to even the most basic questions and lots of support on Flickr. There are several groups dedicated to Embroidery with many very helpful members

Bari: Do you teach embroidery anywhere, have any upcoming events?

Nicole: No public appearances in the near future, but you can find me on my blog http://blog.followthewhitebunny.com/ and on the Feeling Stitchy blog www.FeelingStitchy.com on most Fridays.

Bari: Where can we purchase your work?

Nicole: You can find my patterns on www.followthewhitebunny.com  and http://www.etsy.com/shop/FollowtheWhiteBunny  

 
To download Nicole's free pattern click here:  Download WeloveFrenchHedgie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Embroidery Story from Laura Bray

Laura Bray is a designer, writer and lifestyle expert.  She inspires creative women to live a life of balance & simplicity by sharing her modern twist on traditional home arts.  Whether you stitch, cook, are raising children or just want to be a better housekeeper, you are sure to find great tips and tutorials on her blog at www.katydiddys.blogspot.com. This is her embroidery story:

I started to embroider when I was about 10 years old.  I stitched a funky, 1970’s mushroom.  (Oddly, it would be back in style now!)  Once I finished that project, I was hooked.  I embroidered so much that I ended up straining my eyes and needed reading glasses!  At some point, I abandoned my stitching.  Maybe all the distractions of my teen years drew me away.  And, sadly, all my childhood embroidery work was lost in a fire on my parent’s property a few years ago.

Then, a few years ago, I came across Jenny Hart’s book, Sublime Stitching.  All my fond memories of embroidering as a young girl came flooding back.  I grabbed the book and some supplies and began to stitch again. 

Now I stitch almost every week.  It’s a wonderful way to relax at the end of the busy day.  My six year old daughter often sits next to me and makes floss recommendations or even works on her own little piece.  (You can see how I taught her how to embroider here: http://katydiddys.blogspot.com/2011/09/teaching-your-child-to-embroider.html)  

I also enjoy embroidering my own sketches.  It’s such a fun way display artwork in a new format.

For my fellow embroidery lovers, I’ve created a cute Thanksgiving themed pattern.  I call it “Turkey in Love”, and I think we all know that this love story will end in tragedy.  Stitch it onto a large napkin and line your roll basket with it.  

My patterns are available for purchase in my Etsy Shop:  www.katydiddy.etsy.com

Readers, please enjoy Laura's free pattern.

Thanks for stopping by, Laura! 

Download here:  Download Turkey In Love

 

OmyGOSHHHHHH. You guys! 

Just found this site where you can download this for free! The site is called Public Collectors. I'll be rolling through there often.

An Embroidery Story from Carla Crim, Scientific Seamstress

Today we have another extra special treat. Carla from Scientific Seamstress is here with her story and a fabulous free project for you. Now before you move on, be warned, you could faint from the level of adorable. So no standing while reading or using your mobile devices, please.

Thank you so very much for stopping by today, Carla. I just know readers are going to be in love.

 

Embroidery Story by Carla Crim

Before I was the Scientific Seamstress, I made one-of-a-kind outfits for collectors' dolls. I started out with 18" dolls, but worked my way down to small (10") and super-small dolls (7.5" and 5.5"). Constructing tiny, realistically scaled garments was a fun challenge, but most of all, I loved the embellishment process.

I learned how to embroider as I went along, mostly from books and the internet. Doll clothes were a great "canvas" for trying out new stitches and techniques. I dabbled in floss, silk ribbon, and applique (sometimes all at once).

The bodice is the typical focal point of an outfit. This is a great space to set a theme, or just create a beautiful stitched floral arrangement.

Skirt hemlines are also a wonderful place to embroider. You can do an all-around small motif that echos the bodice, or add a large arrangement in the center front.

Sleeves and collars are fair game, too...and why not shoes while we're at it? And we mustn't forget hats!

I've put together a pattern for a simple 10" doll dress. It has sweet, vintage styling, and is just perfect for embroidery. It is actually very easy to make, and has the look of a couture heirloom.

Even if you don't have a doll that size, the little dress looks darling on a miniature hanger or dress form. It would even make a great holiday ornament or package decoration. Once you have this size mastered, you can try scaling down 75% to make a super small sized dress. Or, scale up appropriately and make clothes for other dollies in your life (120% for 12", 180% for 18", etc).

To download Carla's Tiny Heirloom project featured above, click here:  Download Tinyheirloom

Stitcher Profile: Helen Stubbings of Hugs 'n Kisses and Pattern Press

Celebrated stitcher, Helen Stubbings, has been teaching quilting and embroidery since completing a Certificate in Needlecraft in 1995. Her design business, Hugs 'n Kisses began in 2001. Her second business, Pattern Press (which publishes and distributes for other talented designers) began in 2008. Helen's work has appeared in publications including American Quilter, Australian Patchwork and Quilting, Quilters Companion and many others. Her work has won over 30 awards.

Today Helen shares her story with us as well as a gorgeous free pattern for We Love French Knots readers. Please stop by her blog and give her lots of 'Hugs n Kisses'.

Bari: Can you tell us how you got started stitching and designing patterns?

Helen: I have always stitched and embroidered – since I can remember in some small way, learning from a Grandmother who was just as addicted as I until the day she passed. After school I joined the Australian Army as a musician and my job gave me a lot of spare time – which I spent wisely doing many sewing and embroidery classes (being fortunate to live in the same city as Country Bumpkin!) with lots of time to practise and perfect them. The Designing came much later when I started teaching others and realised I wanted to teach them my own original designs.

Bari: How do you like to incorporate your embroidery into your projects?

Helen: I was first a ‘fine’ embroiderer but soon realised that this frightened many potential stitchers if I wasn’t there with them, so I simplified my designs to basic stitches and redworked styles of stitcheries. Right now, with a surge in interest in embroidery I am happily incorporating more challenging stitches into my designs. I have over 200 patterns available - many are simply just the drawing/design to be used as the stitcher wishes, others are incorporated into quilts, bags, little projects, cushions, sewing helpers and anything else you can think of.  I also love appliqué and Colourqué® so love to include all of these techniques into my designs.

 Bari: Do you have a favorite place/time of day to stitch?

Helen: I do all of my stitching at night when I go upstairs with the family. I have my ‘place’ on the lounge, with a good light over my shoulder – the kids know not to sit there – for fear of having a needle in their arm (or butt) that was hiding in the lounge chair arm!

 

Bari: Who are your favorite designers or mentors?

Helen: We have so many designers in Australia, we are all friends and help each other when we can. We have worked on projects together in our magazines and our Quiltaid™ program and each have our own space. My first Mentor was Roz of the original Chookshed label – you maybe wont know of her over there but they were one of the first successful pattern companies in Australia, I lived in the same town at the time and she was very sharing with advice and information on the business side of things. I love everything by Tone Finnanger of Tilda – her soft colours and style, and many others, too numerous to mention.

Bari: Do you have any suggestions for new stitchers?

Helen: I always say one stitch at a time, everything is possible. I haven’t had a student yet who couldn’t achieve a finished product to make them proud if they just made an attempt, read the instructions, practised and persisted.

Bari: What are your "can't do without" tools or materials?

Helen: My embroidery hoop – I cannot stitch successfully without one… I also swear by my Sewline ceramic pencil (of course if I don’t have one of my iron on transfers and need to trace), a good needle and a needlebook to keep them in… Im not really into gimmicky tools and things – I have many of them but can’t find them when I need them anyway. I don’t use a needlethreader, nor a thimble but a good sharp pair of embroidery scissors is a must. I also always attach a stabiliser of some type onto the back of my embroidery fabric before stitching.

Bari: It seems there are a lot of Australian stitchers… is it something you grow up with there?

Helen: I am not sure why there are so many of us in this area of embroidery and stitching? We have very good magazines and quality Editors to spread the word, the wonderful world leader Country Bumpkin publications to educate and inspire and perhaps a ‘smell the roses’ mentality of taking it easy and doing things that feel good for us and others. I think we are also very generous and caring in Australia and perhaps the therapy of making something with our own hands and gifting it comes from this upbringing. I know I grew up with it and had no choice but to be exposed to it. My grandmother, my mother, my sister and my brother are all very clever with their hands and we all spent a lot of time stitching, sewing, crafting etc in our childhood. My current challenge and passion is to introduce stitching to many of today’s kids who probably won’t be exposed now that it is not introduced or taught at our mainstream schools at all. If their grandmothers or mothers didn’t stitch – they will have no opportunity to learn and the skills will be lost.

Bari: What inspires your projects/how do you come up with fresh new ideas?

Helen: I have plenty of ideas, just not the time to design and complete them all. I have three beautiful daughters of varying ages who are my market research team, a small but lovely garden to inspire, a beautiful state I live in with constant eye candy and I am fortunate to be healthy with a nice roof over my head. My mind does not stop designing – ever! A year or so ago I discovered Zentangling - wow where had I been? I was also given a bundle of very old books on Hungarian embroidery from a friend when her mother passed – these two areas are possibly my strongest influences right now.

Bari: What are your favorite stitches?

Helen: Not sure that I have a favourite – there would be some I don’t prefer to stitch – but love the look of them so force myself to – but if the stitch fits the purpose then that’s my favourite at the time.

Bari: Are there any books that are must haves for an embroiderer's shelves that you can suggest?

Helen: I have many, both instructional and inspirational but if I had to recommend two to new stitchers it would be:

The first one I ever purchased:100 embroidery stitches –Anchor embroidery stitches published by Coats publications.

And Country Bumpkins’ A-Z of embroidery stitches – great step by step photos of each stitch.

Bari: Where can we purchase your patterns outside of Australia?

Helen: My patterns are sold world wide – I have a list of suppliers on my website or you can always order direct from www.hugsnkisses.net and we happily post worldwide for the best postage price we can do. Wholesale orders can be placed at www.patternpress.com.au

Bari: Do you have any upcoming events/are you teaching anywhere?

Helen: I am currently working on the third year of Quiltaid programs – this is now a worldwide charity event with programs being run in Australia, the USA and Europe – this is very exciting – and stressful trying to organise across three continents; and is due to launch 1^st November – lots of stitching designs there from 12 of our Wonderful Australian designers for people to do whilst making a difference to the women of Ethiopia – all details can be found at www.quiltaid.com.au, www.quiltaidusa.com and www.quiltaideurope.com – of course we also have a Facebook page www.facebook.com/quiltaid.

I will be back in the USA for Spring market next May and would love to teach anywhere suitable whilst I am there but haven’t yet started making plans as yet – so feel free to ask me over J

Bari: Please tell us a bit about Stitching Sundays.

Helen: ‘Stitching Sundays’ is a program of blog posts that I put up every Sunday. We are leading up to making a little sample stitch book and have been learning a new stitch each week with a free downloadable design for a page every week to perfect it. I include step by step photos of how to do the stitch for visual learners, lots of examples and inspiration on how to use them and the little practise design. We have nearly finished our stitches/pages for now and next week will be starting on making the book cover. But of course the blog posts and patterns will stay there on the blog for eternity – so anyone can join in at anytime.

Why? I have a lot of loyal blog friends and stitchers who have been happily stitching away with backstitch but are now ready to challenge themselves and change it up a bit. I would love to include more stitches in to my designs but many are scared by this so I thought if I taught them the stitches first they would happily try a more difficult design. I am always happy to share to make someone else’s stitching life more pleasant – and the many blog comments I have had have been testament to this – the pleasure they get from stitching, the satisfaction from finally perfecting a new stitch – or one they have tried and failed at before, and the joy of just sharing with me and the many who are stitching on Sundays – it’s a whole little community stitching every Sunday around the world.  

 

Thank you so very much, Helen.

Readers, please enjoy this wonderful free pattern from Helen! And again, be sure to stop by Hugs 'n kisses.

Click here to download the pattern:  Download Whimsydesignsheet

Stitcher Profile: Shari Butler of Doohikey Designs

Shari Butler, the owner and designer behind Doohikey Designs, is a surface and pattern designer working with Riley Blake. Her latest fabric line, Fox Trails is sure to be as big a hit as her previous lines including Hoo's in the Forest. She is in the process of creating adorable embroidery patterns that go with her fabrics and has also introduced a group of applique pieces with Slice Fabrique from Making Memories. A great big welcome to We Love French Knots, Shari, and I hope you all enjoy getting to know her.

Bari: You’ve just started producing your embroidery patterns and we are all
very excited to get our hands on them. When did you start embroidering and
how did you learn?

Shari: I learned how to embroider when I was 8 years old from my mom. She taught me
how so when we went on family vacations I could keep busy in the car. I fell
in love with doing it, but life got in the way and I stopped until now when
I'm so inspired again by all the embroidery I see on Pinterest. It's like my
own little therapy after a busy day, I can put my creativity into such a
tiny canvas and bring it to life by my favorite, Cosmo Thread! Thanks to
Bari for introducing it to me!!!

Bari: Can you tell us a bit about your design background?

Shari: I have a illustration and graphic design degree. I've always been inspired
by the arts from such a young age. My mother would always encourage me to
draw, color, and involve me in crafts. I've worked with some national to
local companies, and helped grow their branding and corporate identities. I
decided I wanted to pursue my dreams, not knowing that when I walked into
Riley Blake's door I would be given the chance to pursue my dream job! I
love fabric design, I love how everything around me inspires me for each
collection that I've been designing. I know it's just the beginning, and
it's been Grand… so far!

Bari: What’s your design process? Do you draw your designs out first or do
you do “design improv”?

Shari: It's all a combination! I do start to sketch out some ideas, even brainstorm
by writing down what I want my line to say. Then I start to create my
objects, flowers, side pieces that I want to incorporate into my main piece.
Then that's when I start to also "design improv" after I have my general
idea of what that concept will be. I have to have my music on, or a really
good movie that will help start turning my design wheels and there I go
drawing away!!!


Bari:  Please tell us about your design work with making memories and riley
blake. How does that translate to embroidery?

Shari: Making Memories has crossover designs from my fabric collections that I
produced for Riley Blake. I have these little characters that are easy to
place into a cute embroidery patterns that can either be incorporated into a
quilt, wall hanging, hoop art, clothing, and more. It has a modern-yet retro
feel that I find myself inspired to produce fun embroidery patterns. I can
take each piece, create the line art, print or trace out and VOILA..you have
a cute embroidery pattern.

Bari: Do you have a favorite embroidery stitch or a favorite use for a
particular stitch?

Shari: I love several stitches, I can't pinpoint to one! I have to say I love
French Knots! Backstitching I find to add simple details to quotes and
shapes. Split Stitch is one of my favorites, it's another that add's such
unique look to your embroidery.

Shari: What inspires you?

Shari: Music, family, friends, everyday life, being outdoors, movies, and sometimes
things just hit me like a thunder bolt and a light bulb comes on and I'm
inspired to just draw, draw, draw!


Bari: Do you have any book recommendations for embroidery?

Shari: Sublime Stitches has remarkable books, plus I do recommend Cotton Floss by
Natalia Lymer. It's awesome and inspiring!

Bari:  Do you have any favorite flosses? Tools? Materials?

Shari: Well, I've always loved Week's Dye, however I'm finding that Cosmo sews like
Butter!!! It doesn't shred and I can split the threads from each other so
easily.  You also have to have a trusty light table, transfer fabric ( if
you print them out), or a good tracing pen with fine point. I also love my
straw needles either 10 or 11. I feel they give a more consistent stitch.

Bari: Are there any helpful hints you can give to newbie stitchers?

Shari: Don't be afraid to stitch away, and you don't always have to be a
perfectionist. I do unpick at times, but then I don't and I love when it
sometimes comes out more rustic or vintage like. Don't be afraid to
experiment with colors and change them to match your decor even more. We are
all newbie's at some point, and I know it takes practice so enjoy the
process.

Bari: What’s your favorite way to transfer designs?

Shari: I love to use Sticky Fabri-Solvy to print from my inkjet printer. It's a
fast way to transfer designs to fabric and when I'm short on time it's a
breeze!!!  When I trace with my trusty light table I use my favorite
dissolvent pen Sulky Iron-on Transfer Pen or a small .005 brown Sakura
Micron Pen.

Thanks to Bari for letting me come on and debut of what's coming from
Doohikey Designs! I'm so excited for you to download the pattern and can't
wait to see what you create with it. Check out later this week, how I
finished and a simple tutorial on how to add fabric to the Thankful 4
dishtowel, yep it's a dishtowel that I embroidered on! I just have to pick
out my fabrics, and I didn't want to rush that, because I wanted to add a
fun tutorial on how to finish this fun project.

Happy Stitching Away!!!

 

To download Shari's pattern click here:  Download Thankful4byDoohikeyDesigns

Melissa Stramel is a fabric designer with Andover and a sewing pattern designer. Her designs have been featured in many magazines and websites. And today she brings We Love French Knots readers a beautiful free design! Enjoy and please stop by Melissa's blog and give her a hug. Thanks, Melissa!

Melissa stitched her design on 18" x 21" artist's canvas.

Download the pdf here:  Download Embleaves