Pouch in slow stitching - in progress

Fabric pouch; approximately 5in x 8in with pocket; embroidery and hand stitched patchwork

Basic patch layouts, silk, and cotton on a linen backing.

Back of the backing - here's where all the knots are

Edges are stitched to reduce fraying.

This is much of the embroidery so next comes the edge binding, lining, and construction of the pouch and closure.

If you want to see more everyday photos of what I am doing, I post frequently on Instagram @journalofathousandlives

 

Red capelet in linen silk and mohair

Capelet, size US 3 cable needle - 24 in., linen, mohair and silk cast on 310 stitches

The linen is a rather stiff yarn so it does interesting things to the silk and mohair, which is rather soft and fluffy.  I alternated rows with each yarn knitted for one row.

Weeks later... the fine gauge makes for slow going.

Months later...

Off the needles and ready for finishing!

If you want to see more everyday photos of what I am doing I post frequently on Instagram @journalofathousandlives

 

Capitals in my journal

These capitals are free-hand on graph paper done as drawing exercizes.

Gel pens, clored pencils

Colored pencils

Gel pens and felt tip markers

Gel pens and felt tip markers

gel pens and colored pencils

Gel pens

Ball point pen

Crayon

Gel pens

 

Cotton Ribbon Basket Prototype

Basket, cotton ribbon, crochet, size G aluminum hook

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I began with a vaguely square bottom and then stopped increasing at about 4 in. x 4 in. or 10cm x 10cm

At this stage the bottom wasn't very stable.

I added a foot, so it's a footed basket.

The cotton strips that make up the ribbon are knotted together, which meant a lot of cute knot tails, but not a nice inside for the basket.  How to finish?

I untied all the knots and sewed the ends down with running stitch. It was very labor intensive, to the degree that I probably won't use the same techniques again.  

In profile - there may be embellishments of embroidery or applique.

If you want to see more everyday photos of what I am doing I post frequently on Instagram @journalofathousandlives