Treasure Chest for Hardanger Panel

I had a piece of cotton batik in my stash, bought in Indonesia, that went well with the hardanger panel.

I set aside a day to make the box. I had read all the instructions through when the kit arrived and realised there were a lot of steps that needed concentration and time. I have Meg Evans' inspiring book Hand-Stitched Boxes that I have yet to use to make anything, so I thought this treasure box with very clear instructions, might be the kick-start I need.

I visited my local framer who kindly gave me a large off-cut of mount board. He has been terrific with such off-cuts in the past.

I got my metal rule, several sharp pencils, the fabric I was going to use and even put a new blade in my Stanley knife.

I measured and re-measured before cutting - and it made a box! No doubt about it!

Then I made my mistake.

Having read the instructions and noted with interest  that the fabric was lined with applique paper and tissue to make book cloth, I completely lost this step.

I continued to cut out the fabric carefully, measuring angles and checking each measurement.

I applied craft glue and rolled the fabric on to the box, checking every step. It was as I applied the fabric to the lid, carefully folding the tricky corners, that I remembered the book-cloth bit. 

Go back, or go on? I couldn't see myself removing the cloth. I could go on, start again or cut more cloth and apply over the top. I decided to go on and see how it looked when finished. I figured I might as well make a whole new box as try to alter this one.

It was very wet with glue and I couldn't tell how it would look, so I left it to dry while I laced the lid.

Several hours later the box was dry and looked good enough for me to use. I figured I could proceed with the lid, and still redo the bottom later if I had to.

So I left it overnight, cursing myself for simply forgetting that step. Age and enthusiasm - a bad combination!

Here's the result.








I'm using it for all my loose buttons. My button tin now has only packets or sets of buttons.
No more removing all the packets and cards before I can find the interesting  loose ones underneath.

So far it is strong and smooth. If it shows signs of wear I will redo the bottom - with book paper. I will also make another box soon so I can get it right. 

In the meantime, I really love this box.
Thanks Yvette and Janie.

Hardanger Treasure Chest Lid Panel

I was mightily attracted to the little treasure box with a hardanger lid in Inspirations 73 and sent for the kit for the hardanger panel.

I have never tried hardanger although I have, a long time in the past, done a bit of drawn thread work.

Yvette Stanton designed the hardanger, and Janie Hubble the box.

It was a great project for a someone new to the technique. I took my time and worked it 'in the moment', relaxing into each stage.

The instructions were clear and logical. I really like the way the pattern emerged, each bit adding a new dimension, like an unfolding story rather than a jigsaw puzzle.

The main thread, a variegated Cottage Garden Threads stranded cotton in Raisin is lovely to look at and lovely to the touch.

I like the notion of kloster blocks - the basic "bricks" of five satin stitches over four threads - as a way of defining the work, like the foundations of a building.

The instructions didn't mention a hoop, so I didn't use one. This was OK for the kloster blocks, but when it came to the next step - cable stitches - I decided a hoop would help keep the tension.

I have fixed my seat frame with an extra screw, but its hoop is too large so I used a hand hoop and wrist brace.

Cables completed

I am surprised at the level of calm satisfaction this is providing as I add layer on layer to a small piece of linen!

with little eyelet stars

I had a few moments hesitation over the four sided stitches on the border - to complete each one or work cross-bars then sides? I nearly sent Yvette Stanton a message through Stitchaholics to ask - but decided not to be wuss. I went with the crossbars first.





The final step was the beading - so satisfying to put them in as a finishing touch. I have so enjoyed this project - lovely little steps that yield a big result and fantastic colours.










I have found some fabric for the box. That will be a bit of a challenge for me, as it requires really accurate measuring and cutting. I hope,  to do justice to this piece, I can make a box I am happy to use.