...is not going to be defeated by what seems to be a second wave of gastro, darn it! I have a deadline and I'm going to make it.
Behold: ten tea-towels, ready and waiting to be folded, packed and posted, once they've had their final threads snipped. Most of my swap-mates are not regulars here at clutterpunk so I don't think I'm spoiling anything by showing you:
Yes, some of you will recognise that this is an old idea of mine from creative spaces past. I knew when I signed up for this tea-towel swap that I was not going to try reinventing the wheel or trying out new techniques. And of course, then there were all those little green offcuts lying around from the dreaded green quilt.
This time I was keen to add some text but unsure how to do so. The plan was to 'write' it on with the sewing machine, but after a few trial runs it became clear that the lack of ability to truly 'free motion' on my sewing machine was going to make it a painfully slow, and potentially needle-snapping process. (For sewing nerds... my ancient Brother's feed-dogs cannot be lowered, and my attempts to do the next best thing and find a compatible darning foot/plate option have been sadly... fruitless). So I was going to hand-embroider, when I came across some printable fabric out of the blue...
Behold: ten tea-towels, ready and waiting to be folded, packed and posted, once they've had their final threads snipped. Most of my swap-mates are not regulars here at clutterpunk so I don't think I'm spoiling anything by showing you:
Yes, some of you will recognise that this is an old idea of mine from creative spaces past. I knew when I signed up for this tea-towel swap that I was not going to try reinventing the wheel or trying out new techniques. And of course, then there were all those little green offcuts lying around from the dreaded green quilt.
This time I was keen to add some text but unsure how to do so. The plan was to 'write' it on with the sewing machine, but after a few trial runs it became clear that the lack of ability to truly 'free motion' on my sewing machine was going to make it a painfully slow, and potentially needle-snapping process. (For sewing nerds... my ancient Brother's feed-dogs cannot be lowered, and my attempts to do the next best thing and find a compatible darning foot/plate option have been sadly... fruitless). So I was going to hand-embroider, when I came across some printable fabric out of the blue...
I've added a label, which handily doubles as a loop for hanging on a hook or nail.
Over the green yet? I might give you a break from it next week :-)
They've come up beautifully! I'd be thrilled to have one of those hanging in my kitchen.
ReplyDeleteThat is one stunning tea-towel! I'd be too scared to use it, but I am sure I could come up with some way to display it's loveliness.
ReplyDeleteBaby, this one is for you:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.myrtleandeunice.com/2009/04/pear-pair.html
Hope you're feeling a whole lot less green quicksticks.
PS. They're mighty fine tea towel specimens.
Nice job on the tea towels. And why would you try to reinvent something when your pears are so sweet.
ReplyDeletePS. just so you know, I held back from a "nice pear/pair" comment! xxx
wow, Gina!!
ReplyDeleteI love your creative spaces, they are sooo kitchen friendly :)
gorgeous!!
Now they are just beautiful... and suprisingly just like Mr X's homework this week where we had to use homophones, homonyms, and synonyms... even I was confused!
ReplyDeleteI love it. The thread stitching really makes the pear pop.
ReplyDeleteVery juicy looking. Pearfect!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful job Gina!
ReplyDeletethey are gorgeous Gina!!
ReplyDeleteso simple and so elegant. Did i tell you i tried it? the machine embroidery I mean- completely inspired by you. I will show you.
ReplyDeletesweet... i have been dreaming of making tea towels lately. yours look wonderful
ReplyDeleteOh..miss gina, they are FINE...OH..so FINE!!
ReplyDeleteOh there are tea towels everywhere! Just love this, so beautiful and simple. Lovely stitching!
ReplyDeleteSophie x
I LOVE them. I know you're not into selling but I would totally buy them. Nothing wrong with a bit of green either...
ReplyDeleteLoving the double use of the label!! Very smart. I say more green girl!! Bring it on!!
ReplyDeletexo Steph
Gina, these are great!
ReplyDeleteI have had to write legibly on fabric with my machine, without the free motion, and all you need to do is start with your lettering on PAPER; I just used copy paper.
Cut out with a margin around the lettering, pin to the fabric, with stabilizer behind, interfacing is fine.
Stitch slowly with a small straight stitch. Lift the foot to make all turns and to re-position as you go around curves, and tack the ends.
Remove from the machine and gently tear the paper away from the stitching. Pull thread ends through to the backside, tie off and clip.
Done. It comes out perfect in separate letters and in cursive. Have fun!
Those are terrific! Love the play on words- tres creatif! xo m.
ReplyDeleteOh but I love the green!! The tea towels are just brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI love them Gina! Love the green, love the stitchery, love the text - just fabulous :) K
ReplyDeleteThey look tres awesome Gina - I likey very much!
ReplyDeleteSorry I did nae get back to your email/reply last week. I was in shock, and then I forgot. Did you mean it... really really? What could I do FOR YOU?!
xo
the green is beautiful ...i don't think i could ever get sick of it.
ReplyDeleteApparently Ridley has gastro at the moment, and I've just discovered that we seem to, too :-( It's completely unfair having it twice in less than 2 weeks, though!
ReplyDeleteThey're rather lovely towels - I wish I was in your swap!
Oooh nice pair lady! Love the beautiful green and fabulous stitching.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes in the fight against the gastro.
I have just found your blog through Kirsty's creative space. I love your pair of pears and thanks for sharing how to do this. i will definitely have a go.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear (read) that you're not feeling well.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving your tea-towels though - awesome job! :)
beautiful gina. love the stitching around the green. it really gives them life. hope the gastro train pulls out of the station soon,
ReplyDeletefingers crossed re gastro. never enough green i say :)
ReplyDeleteyour t-towels are lovely.
These are great Gina - I love the play on words too!
ReplyDeleteFar to nice to use on dishes though.
No, nothing is going to stop you baby . . . great Tea Towels, love Posie
ReplyDeletehow fabulous - and I could never be over the green
ReplyDeleteeverywhere I'm looking I'm seeing great t towels in the swap I talked myself out of joining! Ther are going to be some very happy swapees out there.
ReplyDeletelove those pair/pears! I've tried out some of your thread sketchery a couple of times. I've got some on my latest [giveaway] post! check it out.
ReplyDeletesorry to hear you're not feeling well - hope all are better soon xx
Hope all is better in the tummy department by now. LOVE the whole pear/pair thing you've got going on. too tired to read the menu thing right now. Will be back. X
ReplyDeleteGina, great stuff, have ordered my own blanks to do some screen printing on.
ReplyDeleteTotally gorgeous Gina. So wonderful... and by the way I'm still loving the green :)
ReplyDeleteIt's even more beautiful in person :)
ReplyDeleteI love love love it!!!
(you may be tired of suggestions... I have an ancient brother sewing machine as well, that I *do* use for FMQ. I just set the stitch length to zero. The feed dogs haven't been a problem.)
Beautiful blog! Love your way of living reduced and recycled! And you are soooo creative with it. Be back soon to check everything here!
ReplyDelete*liset