embroidered motifs

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This is from another lifetime...so long back that I cannot remember exactly when. All I know for certain is I started embroidering these hankies in 1996. Yup, a lifetime back!

These are not my original patterns, though I might've adapted them a bit here and there. I've given them names just for fun ;-P

Orange Pansy

Hand-embroidered in single strand of vintage silk thread.

Stem stitch, blanket stitch for filling the leaves and flower, long and short stitches for center of flower, and buttonhole around eyelet.

For hanky edges I used regular sewing thread and machine-hemmed with decorative zigzags. 

This is an older image to show the sheen of silk threads.

The wear and tear is clearly visible. While the sheen does not wear off, the vintage silk thread can fray.

Blossoms' Corner

This is the only pic I have. One of my favourite hankies, I think got misplaced a few years back. I Love how even the tiny stitches are. 

Hand-embroidered in single strand of Anchor embroidery thread.

Stem stitch, satin stitch for red center, chain stitch for petal outlines, and either satin or fishbone stitch for the leaves.

This hanky had a violet hem.

Flowery Perch

This was my least favourite of the lot. Again, it's the only pic I have of it since the hanky is no longer with me.

Hand-embroidered in 1 and 2 strands of Anchor embroidery threads.

I chose to do shadow work (closed herringbone stitch) because of the parallel lines throughout the motif. Which is why it was done in 2 threads hoping for some little colour to show through. Too much work, but not the result I was hoping for.

It also has satin stitch for the bird and back stitch for center of flowers and beak.

The hanky edging was in green.

Hope you enjoyed this little foray into something other than tatting ;-P Embroidery was my first love, especially single-stranded. 

Related Posts

shadow work on saree - https://tipsaroundthehome.blogspot.com/2015/04/embroidery-2-shadow-work.html 

hiding fabric burn spots

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Several years back we gave a brand new bedsheet set to the laundry for a simple wash, instead of doing it at home. And it came back with a few burn spots! 

 My solution was to embroider around the spot burns in white buttonhole stitch (single strand) to prevent any possible fraying. I'm sure you can spot them in the image above, now that you know.

Then I tried to replicate a sense - a simple impression - of the printed part of the bedsheet, using freestyle brush strokes in a subdued colour.

Painted white circles to copy the 'burnt berries' on the twigs.

And done! Oh, I did a similar one on the plain panel on the other side of the printed one. I didn't take a pic of it, since it was a bit out of reach and I was lazy ;-P

Quick fix solution! This sheet has been on my bed for a couple of weeks now, before I thought to take pics and share. Hence the creases, if you will excuse them.