I have finally finished the work in lesson 1. My star does not look the same as in the example; mine is called Algerian Eye. Also, the blue fan stitches are not of equal size; I should have marked them before stitching. But overall, I am happy what I got so far. I have only embroidered for two years, with a very limited set of stitches. This…[Read more]

Lesson 1 finished — finally! The colors are somewhat more vibrant than they show up in the photo, perhaps because it’s quite cloudy here in Chicago today.

A couple of comments about what I’ve done:

I tried two new stitches that I had a hard time understanding til now: the top green outline line is the coral stitch. It’s not perfect, by any…[Read more]

Thanks to you both! I particularly enjoyed wrapping that dark-orange double-outline stitch in lighter orange — it really glows to me. And I am eager to continue this .. . stay tuned! LOL

Rona, your stitches are beautifully precise and your curves are nicely rounded.  It looks very good so far.  I like your colors too, soft and yet there is contrast.  I will look forward to see more done over the weekend.

Deborah – yes, I find the same, that this is a project for learning new stitches. It ends up as a stitch sampler.

Rona- It’s looking good !

Here’s my project so far: I am still in the middle of class 1, but wanted to share what’s done. I hope to get much more up to speed this weekend.

Thank you, I am not sure about the eye for design but circle templates are a great thing to have, especially in a multitude of diameters.

So far I have done three new stitches and plan on a few more from my book.  Thanks for a class that is forcing me to try new ones.  I need to be challenged once in a while, it is much too easy to stick to the s…[Read more]

Deborah- I see your fabric is all penciled in. You seem to have an eye for design. And learning a new stitch is always good!

I finished Lesson 1 and have marked and started Lesson 2.  I hope to attach a photo.  If it doesn’t show up on this post I will do it separately.  I used wheat ear stitch in my first half circle.  New have stitched it before so a new stitch learned.

It’s quiet here! I guess everyone is busy working on Lesson 2. I am here for questions, comments, concerns…

Hi Sarah,

I purchase the 32 x 40″ acid-free mat board for my finishing work and have used it in the construction of fabric covered boxes. Fortunately, I can easily cut it using my rotary cutter and mat on my large quilting table. I just wanted to make sure that what I typically use is what you had listed on the supply list. Thank you for your…[Read more]

Hi Marie,

I believe the US equivalent is Mat Board- specifically you are looking for something without a foam core. Ideally acid free but it doesn’t need to be museum grade (which is what the Alpha Rag is).

A little research tells me that in the US matboard is typically sold in pieces 32×40″ which will be more than plenty to make up the box but…[Read more]

It looks great ! The colors are striking!

Two half medallions completed

Decorative stitch and outline added

Build out with another pencil line and a decorative stitch