Sneak Peak!

This is a tote I'm making for my friend, Angie.  I thought these little zinnias would be so cute popping out of the pockets of the front of the bag.  The stitch for the petals is the woven picot.  I found it in this book. The Embroidery Stitch Bible.  I like the book thus far, but the instructions on this particular stitch weren't terribly clear.  So I went to Mary's website to view her video tute.   I like this stitch because it is 3 dimensional.

This is a better picture of how the flowers just pop off the fabric.  I chose to tack the fist layer down but allowed the top layers to be free standing.  I used a tapestry needle and #5 pearl cotton.  I attempted this with regular DMC floss, but it just didn't have the same effect.  You really need the thicker thread.  The trick is to really pack the stitches without pulling them too tight.  The tighter you pull the thread, the pointier and skinnier the petal.  The looser the thread, the fatter and rounder the petal.  I used varying degrees of tension to achieve more dimension.  I think the stem (split stitch) is a little thin with the boldness of the flower, so I'm not sure if I'll change that or add some grass or something right next to it.  I may just use a pearl cotton like the flower.  I'll finish the whole bag then decide.

I think this is my new favorite stitch because it's so versatile.  I just love the 3 dimensional look.

I'm also working of Britt's bench.  I have the wood.  I just have to get the legs cut and screwed into the top then cover it.  I should have some sneak peak pics very soon.

Angela