Pouch from Ottoman Double Running piece

B&B

I used double running stitch to applique the Ottoman Double running linen piece to the square I had constructed from the blue denim and maroon batik.

I experimented with a couple of stitches to join the envelope flap pieces together, but ended up using a version to blanket stitch bars used in the original Alison Snepp design.

I kept my bars in ecru only and made them a bit larger than the original. I intended the denim to be undecorated and the focus to be on the batik and linen.

It is evident from the photo that my envelope did not match up perfectly. I initially compensated for this by adjusting the shape of the inset piece.

As I stitched I decided that (1) the denim needed embellishment and (2) I could get a better, and more interesting effect by inserting  a whole additional strip of fabric to make the envelope more symmetrical.

The embellishment would, of course, have been better done before construction, but was not too difficult.


As with the original, I added a two-colour chain stitch border around the opening.

I also constructed a tri-colour cord for the edge.

I then decided to add an appliquéd strip to the right hand side to imitate the left.

While this reads as a lot of messing around rather than a planned, designed approach, I really enjoy working in this way - the peasant approach. I have added a blue tassel and one of the needle lace buttons from the Italian Tassels class will come into its own when I get home in a few days time (I'm currently visiting in Canberra).i will also be able to block and iron the bag!

Embroiderers' Guild of South Australia Summer School

I am currently in residence at the Summer Schools of the SA Embroiderers' Guild. I usually attend one class, but this year booked myself in for the full complement of 2 classes of two days each and a half day class. It is being held at a school in Adelaide and I am staying in the boarding house with about 15 other women. 

I don't usually directly blog while away, but I am testing the use of the Blogger App on my iPad. It is more limited than my computer, but I want to,see if it will work well enough to serve me while I am travelling later this year.

The class I am doing today and tomorrow is an Ottoman Double Running and Darning Project with Carol Mullan. This is the photo of her finished piece from the Guild website. I can't link to the website from this App.

It has been an intense and productive class. We have all made good progress, working from many different starting points and directions. One of Carol's particular strengths is her flexibility and capacity to encourage diversity.

I began in the centre, then worked outlines - I still get quite excited and inspired to see the shape emerge.

The pale yellow section slowed me down - it was very hard to see against my ecru linen, and I think I will redo it in a darker shade. 

I plan to do a bit more tonight and look forward to getting further tomorrow.