A bit more tarted up TAST

Another of the TAST samples I pulled out. This one was oyster stitch and double knot stitch.

Again, I added a border, but this time I needlepunched dyed wool fleece (roving) to black muslin (scrim). I cut it into strips and applied it log cabin style to the sample. Then I machine quilted it onto a synthetic felt dishcloth with programmed stitches using metallic thread to give it a bit of sparkle.


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Using simple stitches; buttonhole, french knots and straight stitch I added a patterned border around the sample in the centre. Then I finished it off by buttonholing all around the edge.


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Tarting up the TAST

When I read about Sharon's new challenge for next year, I decided it was time I did something with some of my old TAST pieces.

This was the sample for knotted cretan stitch:


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I gave it a log cabin type border with some strips of calico (muslin) dyed with silk paints from the reject bin. Then I machine quilted it to a synthetic felted dishcloth and added a few rows of running stitch. Finally I buttonholed the edges to finish it off.

For lots of reasons, I didn't make a very good job of this year's challenge, but I'm really looking forward to the stitching challenge next year. So I'm taking a few of last years pieces a bit further!

I try hand needlefelting

I've seen lots of beautifully sculpted hand needlefelted items. I use a felting needle sometimes to attach the hair to my dolls, so I thought I'd have a go. First I made these maggots to attach to Grandson Number One's mummy costume for halloween:


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I started with a small roll of polyester stuffing, and wrapped it with a thin layer of wool fleece (roving). Then I needle felted it and it worked really well, so I sculpted in the segments and added the nasty little eyes.

Flushed with success, I made this funny little lizard in much the same way:


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I made the body first, then I made the legs and 'needled' them on.


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To attach the wings, a piece of 'mangled' silk, I 'needled' them on, then put a couple of strands of knitting yarn along the 'seam' and 'needled' that in to make it secure.


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These little bits didn't take long, using polyester stuffing as a 'core' speeded up the process a lot. And, of course, having a 'core' of polyester stuffing means they weigh next to nothing. I'd like to have a go at something bigger when I get the time!

UPDATE: the first comment on this post was made by a spammer advertising pokerplaying - I can't remove it, because Blogger is currently not showing a trash can on my comments page. I HATE these people!

UPDATE: thanks for the tip Helen, I've deleted that comment!