Thursday, November 12, 2009

My First Flatfold

Blessed Be
Plum Pudding Needleart
Freebie found
here

Here's my first flatfold, thanks to Vonna's tutorial, which made the whole process so clear and easy. It still needs cording around the edges but it's finished enough to display on my little fall table in the entryway. I spent most of Veteran's Day making this - it took awhile between stages because of waiting for the glue to dry, but I passed the time watching Aliens in the Attic with my son (can you tell I have a 9 year old boy?) I know it's not perfect - it's not exactly centered and the corners aren't the best, but that's okay. I tend to get anxious trying new techniques - I always want things to be exactly right, but I'm glad I didn't let that feeling stop me. I do have a question about putting on the cording - where is the best spot to start and end it so the join shows onlythe least? I bought some fray check which I have heard is good to use on the ends. This will be another first since in the past I have just hidden ends under a bow, but I just want plain cording for this piece.

Woodland Snowfall
Little House Needleworks
DMC and CC threads on Evenweave

I also finished my little squirrels and the tree - finally! I can't tell you how many times I messed up that darn tree. Doing the single stitches was challenging to get them to look okay and not too loose or tight. I saw someone else's version and they'd done the snow with beads, which looked very pretty. Maybe I'll try beads the next time I have to do something like this.
I did go to the LNS for the floss for Sew Blue and some linen for my next project, and have gotten to Sew Blue's border. Those are always so challenging - counting and recounting and recounting again to make sure the edges will meet. Anyone have any tips on how best to do this? This has become my "swimming lessons" project - it sure is an enjoyable diversion from smelling all the chlorine in the pool while I'm waiting!

7 comments:

valerie said...

Great job on your first flatfold! Vonna's tutorials are really easy to follow. When I use trim or cord, I usually start bottom center. I'm curious to see where others start. Great job on your LHN too!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Looks great! I start my cording bottom center on flatfolds and ornaments and most everything except boxes. For those I put it on the top center.

staci said...

Congrats Michele, you did a fantastic job on your flatfold! And I love that ornie...I stitched it once and sent it away (to Vonna I believe) and have always planned to do it again. Very lovely stitching!

Kim B said...

Oh Michele it turned out great! Congrats! You're so brave. I have wanted to try this finishing technique for a while and haven't been bold enough. Did it give you much trouble or did it just come together with no real problem? It seems so complicated.

Michele said...

Love your flatfold! You did a lovely job for your first time! Woodland Snowfall looks great! I loved that design when I stitched it too :)

Ohhh borders .. I know I'm always holding my breath when stitching borders hoping they meet up right at the end.

Sally said...

Your flatfold looks absolutely wonderful Michele. You're braver than me as I still haven't tried one yet!

Your LHN looks lovely:)

Teri said...

The Woodland Snowfall finish is adorable, I can just see this one on a "woodland" tree. Congrats, though, on your first flatfold! I was curious about the cording as well, and look forward to seeing your "final" finish.