The finish

This looks like the backside, but it isn't.

I pulled 5 threads all around

and will soon start with the seam

I had to count again 5 threads up and also down. DH was so nice

to buy me a lamp with a magnifying glass which can be fixed at the table.

How big are my fingers suddenly and the threads are like cords.

The needle, like a knitting instrument - for thicker yarn, ha!

And how easy it is now to count!

 

Cilaos embroidery - antique stitiching

In French: "Les jours de Cilaos"

The photo is from http://blogdefloralie.eklablog.com

Women on the French department La Réunion make this wonderful

embroideries and I am dabbling in it, too. I simply have to try it:

Counting the threads - I nearly can't see them. It is a 25-count

even weave. Every 5 threads needle down and up again. This helps

to pull and cut the threads lateron.

Reading in one of my "Inspirations" magazine (issue 79, 2013)

I found that it is is called Punto Antico or antique stitches,

which dates back to the 1400s --- They use a 38 count fabric.

How can they possibly still see this, maybe under a microscope?

 

The square is prepared The threads are waiting for

wrapping and knotting.

 

I spanned the threads across and made the buttonhole stitches

around the square.

 

I found the tutorial on this page here - It is a very slow procedure -

I am sitting already several days at it. No matter.

 

My thread is too thin - it is perle 8.

I regard it as an exercise! The flowers are called strawberry flowers

the round thing on top will be the crown.

-------

Apart from this delicate embroidery I am again occupied with

SharonB's TAST stitches. You will find everything here -

Meanwhile Sharon published 19 stitches. There will be many more.

I jumped in with the crossed buttonhole stitch (no.17)

making these little fir trees on a linen/cotton fabric.

The two small trees on the left are made with the

wheatear stitch (no. 16)

 

Below is my previous stitch cloth - I added the

half chevron stitch (no. 18) on the right side forming an edge -

with beads.

 

Below the whipped chain stitch (no number) ...

... on a nine-patch - inspired by Jude Hill, slow sewing all by hand.

So long!