Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: MaryW
Date: 12-06-2004, 05:24 PM (1 of 31)
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Who has done any needlework to give away as gifts? Xstitch is just beautiful but I don't have the patience. Knitting is awesome but again, it's too slow for me. I do love my crewel work though. I have an oval made with a floral arrangement and Welcome printed in the middle of it. There are butterflies, birds and a big bow on the side of it, very pretty really. Just has to be framed. The stitching took me a few years. It is a big piece but I put it away for a year or so when I got tired of it. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: MyGirlFriday
Date: 12-06-2004, 06:19 PM (2 of 31)
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I like to give crocheted scarves as gifts. I use 1 skein of Lion Brand HomeSpun yarn and a large hook like a J or K. I sc 19, then dc each row, which makes 17 dc per row. If you want to can put fringe on the ends or not...totally up to you! These scarves turn out great, not to mention they are cheap and easy to make! mgf 
Blessings & Smiles
Frogs have it easy....they just eat what's buggin' them. |
User: MyGirlFriday
Member since: 12-05-2004 Total posts: 288 
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From: M & M's Mom
Date: 12-07-2004, 02:48 PM (3 of 31)
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Thanks "My Girl Friday" for the idea and the instructions! I am looking for some simple ideas to teach the gals in my church who want to learn to crochet in January. To teach them to knit this Fall I did an assortment of dishcloths. A crocheted scarf will be just the ticket. I love the way we can share ideas, info, and encouragement on this site. Happy Crocheting! PS to Mary: It seems like everything I make I give away as gifts. I think it's time I finally made some things for myself. (That's why I'm learning to quilt!) |
User: M & M's Mom
Member since: 12-01-2004 Total posts: 102 |
From: Magot
Date: 12-07-2004, 02:57 PM (4 of 31)
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You know me, mad knitting woman - I have knitted a hat like this http://knitting.about.com/library/bllongstockingcap.htm in fluffy pink and lilac stripes for my daughter for christmas - it is daft! winds all round your neck as a scarf. I made fingerless gloves for the other daughter with a mitten bit that folds over the fingers - you can fold that bit back and have your fingers free while still wearing the gloves. A scarf, I'm now on the second slipper of a pair for a friend and the Great Big Enormous Aran Sweater was finished some time ago. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: Marsha Smith
Date: 12-10-2004, 11:50 PM (5 of 31)
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I have been doing some cute little Christmas stocking ornaments with the victorian crazy quilt technique. I crazy quilt them on the machine or by hand, then embellish with ribbon, beads, lace, old doilies; stitch the two pieces together, use a ribbon as a hanger, stuff with pillow stuffing and slip-stitch top closed. They really don't take much time at all. You can sit and watch tv or visit with your hubby (zzzzzzzzzz) while you stitch. Everyone loves these that I have given them to. I use fancy fabric, even some of hubby's old ties, old fancy dresses, etc. I made a template out of cardboard about 8 " tall and 3 " wide. They sew up (with 1/4 " seam) real cute.
Marsha
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User: Marsha Smith
Member since: 10-16-2003 Total posts: 2 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-11-2004, 02:48 PM (6 of 31)
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Magot, (or other experts) More than 30 years ago , I taught myself beginner knitting from a pamphlet I had , for lefties.. Keep in mind, I never got far beyond 'beginner'.. I had a pattern from the newspaper column of Pat Trexler (long gone , her column, that is, I don't know about her.) She retired and moved away.. Anyway < I loved this pattern for a lacy scarf.. you started with any number of stitches that would be a multiple of 4 and then add 2.. I usually did 30 on my size 13 needles. The pattern was simple, I just cannot remember... I think it was:: cast on 30 sts, (every row was same) knit 2 , YO , knit 1, purl 1 , knit 2 together.. there was also a slip one, in there somewhere... The only part I'm sure of is that each row started with knit 2 stitches,... could you figure out how theorder of the stitches would go in order to make a very lacy scarf.. I made several and gave them as gifts, but did not keep one for myself..The only thing I remember was the slipped stitch was the YO from the previous row..If you could decipher this and come up with the order of the stitches, I would be eternally grateful.. TIA.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Magot
Date: 12-12-2004, 11:48 AM (7 of 31)
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I asm trying some out now Libby, 30 sts Knit 2, (Yarn round needle,knit 2 tog) repeat to last 2 sts, knit 2 Second row Knit These 2 rows form the pattern and on a mohair wool and big needles make an open, quick knit. Or LAce rib st over number of stitches diviible by 3 Row 1 and all following rows:K1, make 1, K2tog - repeat Again a good stitch for a scarf - or try here http://www.knitlist.com/95gift/another.htm dunno if any of this is any good - gotme knittng another scarf tho' 
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-13-2004, 08:39 PM (8 of 31)
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That sounds right--- The first line-- I remember about the K2Tog. at some point .. I had almost all of those clippings for years, and loaned them to a friend ?? to copy and they were never returned.. Thanks, Magot... BTW-- I went to a craft show and everybody there was selling Magic Scarves.. Made out of some of that yarn that is so light it almost floats.. really lots of little fuzzies sticking out all over.. It is knitted in a tube in large airy stitches somehow..Looks almost like a boa.. but you can insert your hand in the center of the tube and open up to the other end and then place your arms inside and stretch them out and it grows into a wide short tube .. The sales person at one booth said the young girls wore it as a strapless top over a skirt or jeans.. I bought one for DGD for Christmas.. They came on a little plastic piece that has pictures of how to wear it.. This magic scarf was the trigger in my thoughts for this scarf that I used to make.. Thanks a million for your answer..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: Magot
Date: 12-14-2004, 03:01 AM (9 of 31)
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No probs Libby, I am just finishing up the scarf I was trying out the stitch on and I prefer it to the one I originally made for my friend for Christmas so thanks to you too! I've just had my tennis elbows injected with cortisone-again, the Doctor tell me that I have to give up the knitting as it's causing the problem.  I can see that happening! I thought knitters normally went down with carpel tunnel.
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-14-2004, 07:56 PM (10 of 31)
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My brother had that pretty bad, til he retired.. Dr said his was all those years of walking and carrying that heavy mail bag on his shoulder, before they got those little trucks..I told him I thought meanness caused it, caused he used to treat his big sister so bad... LOL I never could understand how the bag on his shoulder made his elbows painful..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: Magot
Date: 12-15-2004, 12:28 AM (11 of 31)
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no, 'cos it's the tendons in the forearm to the elbow, not the elbow to the shoulder? Unless it was all that twisting and posting. Anyway - injections are kicking in now and I look less silly walking around with stiff arms like a snowman - back to my knitting! Need to finish scarf by this evening!
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: emmysmom
Date: 01-25-2005, 12:05 PM (12 of 31)
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In the 70's my mom started to crochet a granny square blanket for my dad. she never finished it. they divorced in the mid 80's. well, one day she and i were going through some old boxes and found all of the squares. so, i divided them in half, added some new material and made my mom and my dad each an afghan out of them.they both loved them and it made me feel really good!!
If God brings me to it, he will bring me through it!
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User: emmysmom
Member since: 01-24-2005 Total posts: 10 
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From: MaryW
Date: 01-25-2005, 02:03 PM (13 of 31)
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Hi emmysmom, welcome to Sew Whats New. That was an awesome solution to the granny squares, otherwise they would have been useless. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: MariLynnTX
Date: 01-25-2005, 05:01 PM (14 of 31)
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I like to make Christmas ornaments by machine, and using machine embroidery. I make trees, wreaths, stars, snowflakes, angels and for all the grandchildren, I make little stockings that can have a small gift put inside. I cut out my stocking and add trim to the top and often applique` a truck, ball, teddy bear, or candy cane on that piece, then cover it with red or green net and satin-stitch the outside edge so that the appliques show through the net. Sometimes I put a solid piece on top of the bottom piece so that I can monogram thechild's name on it and put a small toy or money inside. I do a lot of ornaments, especially snowflakes, out of lace and organdy, decorating with fancy stitching or cutwork. I decorate the trees with machine embroidery (I do freemotion), or a small picture of the child and the name, little bells or bows. The angels I usually do with cutwork or shadow-work. They are all fun to do and fairly quick, too. MariLynn
Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
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User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001 Total posts: 256 |
From: Sailorliz
Date: 01-26-2005, 08:21 AM (15 of 31)
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I made several Fun Fur Eyelash (Lion Brand) scarves for my 3 daughters for Xmas. I also knitted a guitar strap for my youngest daughter's boyfriend. He really likes it. While my daughter was in surgery and then in the hospital, I took my knitting with me and I did 5 more scarves. Some for my friends on my bowling team and one I gave to my daughter's roommate in the hospital who had been there for 3 months from injuries sustained in a car accident. In the past, I have knitted vests, sweaters, hats, gloves, ski bands, ascot scarves for snowmobiling, all for gifts through the years. I find knitting relaxing. I have another big project that I have been working on the past couple of years. It is an American flag, that will be the size of a lap afagan when finished. I only work on it in between all of my other projects. It is getting close to being done. Magot, I'm sorry to hear about your elbow. I would also think that carpel tunnel would be more common. I don't know what I would do, if I couldn't knit.
Happy sewing/quilting/crafting
Liz Visit my photo page http://new.photos.yahoo.com/sailorlizmi/albums |
User: Sailorliz
Member since: 07-20-2004 Total posts: 386 
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From: MariLynnTX
Date: 01-26-2005, 02:32 PM (16 of 31)
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I have never knitted anything, but several of my friends say knitting is very soothing and relaxing. I find my machine embroidery relaxing! To each his own, I reckon. I also find writing poetry relaxing, and I am redoing my book...my kids told me I need to add all the newer poems to it. Between it and revising some parts of my novel keep my time pretty well filled. I have 3 daughters, too, all married and with children. I have 15 living grandchildren, from 16 months to 28 years. The two oldest are identical twin girls. Nine are boys. They are all very nice, well-behaved children, at least as far as I know!! Five of them are little boys ages 5 and 6, in kindergarten and first grade. They show me their papers and drawings and are very proud of them. The 16-month-old bangs on the glass door between her daddy's office and the rest of the house (he works at home) and calls, "Da! Da!" until he comes over, opens it, and picks her up. He admits he is putty in her hands. MariLynn
Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
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User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001 Total posts: 256 |
From: MariLynnTX
Date: 01-26-2005, 04:36 PM (17 of 31)
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Techniques of Freemotion Machine Embroidery by MariLynn Johnson---I looked under Freemotion Embroidery to see what was there and I was surprised to see a question about my book. I am going to see if I can get to the site where all the lessons are! I had so much trouble with my computer until I finally got a new one. Then my husband had his 5th heart attack, complicated by pancreatic cancer. I quit doing the lessons and then I had a terrible accident--a van demolished my car and almost demolished me. My husband died before I got out of the wheelchair (I had spent 9 months in one.) Then my youngest son got married in Hawaii and just about the entire family took a vacation there! When we came back I began having problems. I think I am well now, after 3 operations, and feeling once more like doing things. If you are interested in my book, e-mail me with your snail mail address or your regular e-mail address and I will send you the information about it. I would be happy to answer any questions if I can. <email address removed for privacy>
Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
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User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001 Total posts: 256 |
From: MariLynnTX
Date: 03-02-2005, 03:13 PM (18 of 31)
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This takes lots of thread, not too much time, and is very fragile-looking but actually is moderately sturdy, especially if you put a strip of tulle or organza beneath the water-soluble film. Use up all your thread spools and bobbins that are getting down to the last yard or so! Just pull a large piece of water soluble film off a roll of it and start needlelace-stitching a rectancle about 8 inches wide and go on as long as your thread holds out. Put another spool or bobbin the machine and stitch some more. At each end, when the scarf is long as you want it, I go back and make a design of flowers or whatever in a contrasting color and with two threads (both the same color) in the upper needle. This makes the design show up well. Soak in clear water for half a minute or so. Put it on a towel--you can fold the scarf in half--fold the towel over it and roll it up. Unroll it, lay the scarf out on your bed and let it dry. Something rather unusual! MariLynntx
Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
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User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001 Total posts: 256 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 03-03-2005, 07:56 PM (19 of 31)
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When I first joined the workforce, I just loved to knit and crochet in the evenings. One year I crocheted three afghans and gave them to my brother, sister and mother for Christmas. It was a pattern that I found in a Woman's Day magazine. I think the pattern was a row of single crochet and then a row of half double crochet or just half double crochets (not too sure but have the pattern somewhere in a box). The afghan was square and you started at a corner, and added stitches at each end so that you crocheted out to the length you wanted the diagonal to be, then reduced stitches at each end until you were back down to the opposite corner. Then you crocheted a border around it. As you crocheted you were to switch colours as you went making diagonal stripes varying between 1 to 5 rows with each colour. I used shades of brown, peach and beige for two and shades of black and grey for the other. My sister still uses that afghan today and it is almost 25 years old. TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: MariLynnTX
Date: 03-04-2005, 01:50 PM (20 of 31)
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I learned to crochet once, but that was years ago; I don't think I remember how. I did a lot of hand embroidery, too, but now I do freemotion embroidery and writing and drawing designs most of the time, and practice singing. Are you still knitting and crocheting? It is very satisfying, doing something in the evening while watching a little television or listening to music! MariLynntx
Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
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User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001 Total posts: 256 |
From: lilac
Date: 03-07-2005, 10:02 AM (21 of 31)
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I am still working on my polish style vest in redwork. There is redwork in red and redwork in blue but mine is redwork in rainbow I guess. I had purchased a copy of the Folkwear Book of Ethnic Clothing by Mary S. Parker and then I found a similar pattern, Simplicity 5582, that I used instead of enlarging the one in the book. The pattern is part of the Renaissance Costume Collection and I am using view A. The vest will be black and I will use black bias tape but will then use gold and red 1/2" wide rick rack. The front and back is to be decorated with floral and bird motifs. The needlecrafter.com had a really wonderful rooster with jacobean flowers that I used. Roosters are symbols of good luck from what I understand and a commonly used theme for papercut designs. Normally the vests in the Kracow region are beaded but I am doing redwork in multi colors instead. Each region has there own style and Kracow was the region I chose for inspiration. Redwork is the most relaxing thing I have found to do so far as you just do a backstitch on the line. On a light colored fabric I just put the design sheet underneath my fabric and trace with a pencil. The stitching covers it so you don't have to worry about it when you are done. On dark fabrics I use dressmaker's wax-free tracing paper and usually end up retracing it many times with a marking pencil as it seems to rub off easy. The vest isn't even together yet but it really looks amazing so far and my Mom tells me that redwork was used to decorate collers and cuffs as well. In Poland they have beautiful aprons and headscarves too. I think there are many designs that would look good on a little girls bodice in a pale color. I am thinking that a tablecloth could easily be done for a special holiday meal or a napkin for the bread basket. Quilt blocks and wall hangings go without saying. Someone had a baby's birth announcement with a bassinet shown in it that was something that I just loved. I am actually going to do a duffle style laundry bag so when we go on a trip I can have something to put dirty clothes in. I found one made of canvas in wal-mart and it seems like it would be perfect to personalize. I do not use floss for redwork. I use Sulky premium 12 wt. thread and it comes in all kinds of colors and I buy it at my local quilt shop. I also use an embroidery needle and if your fabric is heavy you may not have to even use a hoop but it is good to have one. Any outline drawing such as a coloring book or cookie cutter will work but I do like the needlecrafter site as they have a very large library of free designs. There are also great instuctions on the web for anyone who doesn't know how to do the backstitch or stemstitch. |
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002 Total posts: 102 |
From: MariLynnTX
Date: 03-07-2005, 11:19 AM (22 of 31)
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Your embroidery sounds gorgeous, Lilac! Thank you for writing me about it, and telling me about your research into the subject. I think the more you know about what you are doing, the better you will do it, and the more you will enjoy it, both while you are working on it and after it is finished. I know that every time I put on my linen cutwork vest, I think about how much time I put in on it and feel that it was well worth it, and recall how I enjoyed every minute of it! Maybe you could post a picture of it when you eventually get it finished. I'm sure it would be an inspiration to everyone who loves any kind of needlework or machine work. I know I would love to see it. MariLynntx
Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
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User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001 Total posts: 256 |
From: esrun3
Date: 03-07-2005, 02:22 PM (23 of 31)
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I've crocheted afghans as well as baby cloaks for gifts, embroidered clothing, pillow cases to give a way too. Have an afghan I crocheted probably 25-30 years ago and one that I knitted about the same time that I still have and we use on the couch. Mostly I sew these days and have gotten into quilting -most of which ends up given away (how come we never seem to make anything for ourselves?) I do enjoy making these items though and it's great for relaxing. The rest of my family knows if mom's in the sewing room, leave her alone! LOL
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: Magot
Date: 03-07-2005, 02:42 PM (24 of 31)
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Have you every tried assisi work Marilynne? I have enjoyed hardanger and blackwork and it seems another in the counted thread school of fun! I have seen some lovely greek embroidery which is very similar used on tableclothes, napkins and so on.
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: gab10
Date: 03-12-2005, 04:21 PM (25 of 31)
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I have made lots of gifts with Silk Ribbon Embroidery it is fast and fun. I have made lost of things some you can find here: http://www.geocities.com/nonigab/Project.html?1073163430656 I have to up date it. I have made some pocket cards with cute garden sences on them done in silk ribbon embroidery with charms, but I forgot to take pics. I have a coin pruse, Angle, picture frame, and pillow cases in the works right now. SRE is fast, fun and easy. Happy Stitching Gail Sewing and & Crafts fill my day...not to mention my sewing room, closets, dining room table, and family room! Happy Stitching Gail
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User: gab10
Member since: 05-26-2003 Total posts: 8 |
From: MariLynnTX
Date: 03-12-2005, 05:58 PM (26 of 31)
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Yes, I love Silk Ribbon Embroidery, and have several pages on it in my Techniques of Freemotion Machine Embroidery book. I've done it by hand and by machine. It goes very fast by machine and is fun. MariLynntx
Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
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User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001 Total posts: 256 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 03-13-2005, 10:04 AM (27 of 31)
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Those are lovely, Gail Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MariLynnTX
Date: 03-13-2005, 10:44 AM (28 of 31)
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My computer's acting up or something...haven't been able to see your work. I'll try when I get home later, going to Marble Falls with DD and her DH and my DGDS. MariLynntx
Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
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User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001 Total posts: 256 |
From: gab10
Date: 03-13-2005, 04:18 PM (29 of 31)
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Hi MariLynntx, I have not tried SRE by machine yet. Dorothy thank you. I will try to get some more projects done to put them up on my site. I have been busy with the cloth dolls for grand daughters and now some of the friends want them for theirs, lol I will be busy but they r fun. I will take pics of them to put on web site. Happy Stitching Gail Sewing and & Crafts fill my day...not to mention my sewing room, closets, dining room table, and family room! Happy Stitching Gail
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User: gab10
Member since: 05-26-2003 Total posts: 8 |
From: MaryW
Date: 03-14-2005, 06:27 AM (30 of 31)
Gab10, hi and welcome to Sew Whats New.  Your work is lovely. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: gab10
Date: 03-15-2005, 04:26 PM (31 of 31)
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Thank you Mary. I have been a member for a long time and love the projects and messages I thought I would take part in the messages too. Happy Stitching Gail
Sewing and & Crafts fill my day...not to mention my sewing room, closets, dining room table, and family room! Happy Stitching Gail
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User: gab10
Member since: 05-26-2003 Total posts: 8 |
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