J&M Bargello Pattern

Merry Christmas!  Well, almost anyway.  I have just added a new Free Pattern to my website.  The J&M Bargello pattern from the previous post.  Just the basic pattern, not the whole project.  It can be used vertically or horizontally (as pictured), alone or repeated.  Even worked as a 4-way as I did.  Have fun.

J & M BARGELLO

Not quite a month ago, I realized I needed a special Xmas gift for a special couple that we care about.   In the past, I made them a box and when they were married I made a tray in the same colors as the box.  So I thought it would be a good time to make them a pillow in those same colors.  Of course it had to be Bargello if I was to get it done in time!  And it had to be an original design.  Yikes!

First I grabbed my file of Bargello Ideas and in a couple of days I had the design roughed out, canvas cut and some threads pulled.  Unfortunately, most of the thread is a nice wool tapestry thread that is no longer made. 

I just had the bare outlines worked out and set to stitching.  All went well until I got to the background.  I started with the parts in between the diamond shapes, using the Watercolours that I had used touches of already.  When I tried that for the interior background, it looked awful!!!!  Way too bright and in your face.

I spent several days trying to figure out a background, ripping out that interior at least 3 times, and finally settled on what you see.  Except I had not looked to see how much thread I had left.  I worked the top background, keeping track of my thread.  Oh boy, I discovered I only had enough to do the top and bottom sections.  Back to the yarn cupboard.  

I tried several things, including the browns (talk about bright!) and some other brands of thread (where did this blue come from anyway?!) and finally determined that I could do the diamond framework in a different shade in the same blue family, but would have to use something else for the fill.  Finally tried a darkish gray and decided it would have to do. 

In the end, I think it turned out pretty good.  I hope I can get a better picture when it comes back from the finisher.  Fortunately, my finisher is a good friend and she said she could get it back to me in time for Xmas.  Whew!!

Stitch-N-Zip FINISHED

The little Stitch-N-Zip bag is finished!  This is the second thing I decided to finish so I could start new things with a clear conscience!  
I'm pleased with the way it turned out, and I used up some stash.  
I just need to line the inside and I can use it.  Yay!

Bargello Threads

Some time ago, Melita ( http://melitastitches4fun.wordpress.com ) posted about threads that work well for Bargello (December 16, 2013) on 18-mesh.  Ever since I've been trying to get a larger sampling put together to post to my website.  

Well, the samples are done, but I've not been able to figure out a way to get them on my website without waaaay more work than I want to do!  So, I'm posting it here, FYI.  I hope this will be of use somewhere/somehow.  These samples are on 18-count canvas and are mostly threads that cannot be stranded.

Of course, there are many other threads that will work.  If you choose stranded threads, there are many more choices available, including all the cotton & silk flosses and crewel wools.  They must be laid carefully.  Number of strands needed will vary by brand and desired coverage.  Many of the ribbon type threads, such as Rainbow Gallery's FyreWerks and Neon Rays, and the ribbons by YLI work well.  They also need to be laid carefully, sometimes on the back as well as the front.  1/8 ribbon is generally too wide, 1/16 works well.

Lahaina Breezes, FINISHED

Lahaina Breezes, by Laura Perin, is finished.

I "need" to start a new Bargello and decided I had to finish a couple of things first.  Ha!  This one was close so I persevered.  I think the changes that I made work well.

I really need to get to the frame shop one of these days. There is a pretty big pile of things that need framing!  We won't hold our breath though.  No framing will get done at least until after Xmas.

Bargello Information

This is an "information" post!  I have added a new page to my website:  "Bargello Information".  There is all kinds of stuff that is helpful to know for stitching Bargello needlepoint, some basics about threads, canvas, marking techniques, color, and a few miscellaneous odds & ends.
Take a look!  Maybe you'll find something useful.

The picture is of some greeting cards I made many years ago.  Just basic Bargello patterns.

Stitch-n-Zip

One day, I thought I'd like to have a small zippered bag to use when I don't want a purse, but need something to hold a few necessities.  Not an evening bag.  I thought I had a plain Stitch-n-Zip bag that I could design something for.  When I went to pull it out, I discovered I had one with a printed design!  OK, I'll just stitch that.  No thinking!  Yay!

WRONG.  First I had to change the colors.  Of course.  I had to keep the blue because the zipper and backing are blue, but I changed the dark blue to Navy.  I changed the other colors to be more "me".  Because I have a lot of it, I pulled Silk & Ivory.  The gold is an old "chainette" type metallic that's been in stash forever, so I decided to use it.  It is pretty without overwhelming.

I started stitching.  Now, look at this design - nice diagonal lines, huh?  WRONG AGAIN!  All those "diagonal" lines are not on the true diagonal.  No way to get smooth lines.  If you follow the printed design, you will get jagged lines.  That will look stupid.  IMHO!!  You can see how much it gets off, quickly, if you look at the thin gold line that starts just to the left of top center.  I think by the time it gets to the other edge, it will be clear out of the painted printed gold.  But I can't stand it if the lines aren't smooth, so I will stick to the true diagonal no matter what.  Grrrrr.