I spent an afternoon this weekend working on a needlework project that was nearing completion and finally have something to share! I've not had much time for my needlework lately and while this was a little frustrating to finish, I'm so glad I managed it. This is what it looked like when I started the "Rose of Hope" scissor case by Indigo Rose in February. The stitching was fast and easy, but the backstitching was tedious. Once it was done, I was ready to actually turn it into a scissor case.
The color in this second photo is more true to reality than the photo above which looks ultra pink. By the way this is one in a series of needlework smalls that were designed and donated by needlework artists. The profits go to breast cancer research, hence the pink ribbon and color schemes. I've finished three or four of them now, and will have to share them all sometime soon.
I've never made a scissor case like this before, so it was a challenge. I've done similar style finishing, but a first attempt is always going to mean difficulties. I followed the instructions carefully, but if I were to make one of these again I would do things a little differently the next time around. What you see here if you are unfamiliar with needlework or sewing supplies are my linen, skirtex to give the case shape and body and stitch witchery (isn't that a great name?) to fuse it all together. I also had a piece of wool for the lining, which is not in the photo.
I won't go into detail as to my frustrations finishing this, but using wool as a lining and having so much of a seam allowance which had to be turned inside made it really bulky to stitch together. The lining part was a little clunky, and I won't share what it looks like if you peek inside as I was not happy with how it turned out. But who's going to notice, right?
It's always a matter of persevering as if you take care the little imperfections will more or less be hidden. So, while the during part of the process made the pieces of linen seem all out of shape and awkward with bit of the linen seeming to begin fraying, it's all hidden inside now.
The back is pretty plain. I decided to stick with my initials and the year. This is my first needlework finish of the year by the way! Very tiny, really, but better than nothing.
This flower is made with an embroidery stitch called a "Spider Web", which I love doing. You wrap your floss around each leg of the larger stitch.
I did everything entirely by hand and with the use of a hot, steamy iron. I will say turning corners is the absolute worst. With so many layers of linen (the corners are doubled up, too with the seam allowance folded in), and with the added wool I was wondering if I was actually going to be able to stitch it all together.
So here it is. Despite my frustration, it does look pretty nice. This is what I did yesterday afternoon. Now, which project should I work on next? Pick up one of my many 'works in progress' or start something new?