Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Finished Finish

I have what I call a "finished finish" for you today!  My first ornament of the several I hope to finish in 2015.  This is one I've stitched mostly on my lunch hour at work.  I wanted to try finishing this one myself and I also wanted to try a beaded edge.  I used the instructions from a Jane Timmers/Fancy Work class project instruction set but this tutorial from Staci at Snippets and Stash is a good one too.
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Snowy Pines by Little House Needleworks
Stitching, Cording and Finishing by Me
30 Count Natural Linen with DMC
Mill Hill Glass Beads # 02010

The beaded edging has flaws but I am very happy with this attempt.  It took longer than I thought and at times I'm sure my eyes crossed.  I'll definitely be doing this again!  Next time I need to work on getting the corners more firmly stuffed.  I did use fusible interfacing on both the front and the back and I like that it adds stability to the ornament.  I forgot to get a picture of the back but it has the year stitched and I added one of those "made with love" charms to the back as well.
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One last closeup!
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I also found my 2nd attempt at a patchwork zippered pouch.  I'm happier with my results.
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The corners are more square.  More to learn but there is progress!
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I hope you all are having a good week and that all your stitches are happy ones!

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

That beaded edge is just perfect for that ornament. It reminds me of icicles! :-)

The little pouch is cute too. Such happy colors.

Robin in Virginia said...

Great finished finishes, Jackie! Way to go!

Robin in Virginia

Marilyn said...

Snowy Pines is so pretty, the beads really set it off.
Cute pouch also!
Marilyn

Maria said...

Beautiful cross stitch, love the beaded edge. I know all about crossed eyes. ;-) I sometimes have to use two magnifiers and extra light to see what I am doing.

Vickie said...

Yes, beaded edges sure do take a long time, don't they?! Looks very, very good. What a great pouch.

Brenda said...

Jackie, your ornament is adorable!!! I love it so much...I can just picture it hanging on a Christmas Tree! Looking forward to the next one... :D

Margaret said...

Fantastic finishing! I love that beaded edge! The zipper pouch looks good too. Do you follow the Purl Bee? They have a pattern/how to on such pouches on their blog. Don't know if it would help with your technique. Yours looks perfect to me!

Brigitte said...

Your finishing is perfect, on both pieces.
I also love these beaded edges but have used them only twice so far. It is looking so nice with all the beads all around.
And the zippered pouch is so well accomplished. I think my first tries won't be that perfect.

Tammy said...

You have been busy and both of your projects look fantastic. I wish I had been into sewing and such when I worked, a lunchtime stitch project would have helped my stress levels. Great job my friend. Hugs!!

Angela said...

Both the ornament and the zippered pouch are gorgeous!

woolwoman said...

WOW what an awesome finish Jackie ! it is so stinkin' cute and the bead edge is just perfect. I know you must be so pleased with your finish and that pouch - it is just so nice. I'm glad you feel it is improved - I didn't see anything wrong with your prior attempt but if you want improvement - I think you have success - I'm impressed with the lunchtime allotment of stitching too. enjoy Mel

Anonymous said...

Love this ornament...I have made a couple of them. You did a really nice finish. Great work on the small bag as well.

Unknown said...

love the ornament and the pouch, you're a pro!

Cindy's Stitching said...

The beading looks great. A real pretty finish.

Annie said...

Excellent finishes! Your attention to detail really pays off. I stitched that LHN one as a gift a while back.. my friend just loved it .. so cute with that bear!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Adding interfacing to smalls adds phenomenally to the smoothness of the finish and also the stability for handwork like your beading :) STUPENDOUS finish!
I love the zippered pouch!

Carol said...

Jackie, I think that beaded edge looks fabulous--really a wonderful ornament finish in every way! That type of edge really does take a long time, doesn't it?

Love the new pouch--it looks so cute with the patchwork design...

Happy May to you!

Andrea said...

Your beaded edge looks great, as does the pouch.

capres said...

Love that beaded edge! Great job.

Mrs.Pickles said...

Looks great. The beading really finishes IT off quite nice!

Mylene said...

Lovely ornament as well as the zippered pouch!

Susan said...

Great finishes, Jackie! They both look fantastic to me.

Barb said...

Your beading is awesome....you must have a lot of patience...

Sally said...

Your ornament is gorgeous. Those beaded edge finishes do take ages but they are definitely worth it. Haven't done one for a while.

Love your zippered pouch.

Patty C. said...

Well done :)

Patty C. said...

Well done :)

Karoline said...

Gorgeous finishes

Marjo said...

Love the beaded edge on that cute cute ornament, Great job!

Dani - tkdchick said...

Great work!

ruthsplace said...

Your ornament is really cute!

Wainwright and Wright.Co said...

Gorgeous finish to your cross stitching - yes I have gone cross eyed just thinking about it!
Caz xx