In a couple of weeks time, I have another sewing day with my friends, and also a few days away during the school holidays. I have decided I need a hand sewing project to work on while I am away. So after spending a fair bit of time googling different EPP projects, I decided to make this pillow, using these free templates.
I selected my fabrics ( I have since added another couple to this original pull) and started preparing the templates, and then came to to a halt. I couldn't work out what colour the diamonds and the half octagons block edging should be.
After playing round with some different backgrounds, I have pretty much decided that the diamonds will be grey, which picks up on the grey in the centre octagon, and also makes the colours pop a little more. (Then I start second guessing myself and wondering if I should use a combination of all three ....) I am thinking the edging pieces will be the shot berry fabric in the middle of the fabric pull photo.
So now there is just lots of template cutting, and basting to be done, ready to have an away from home sewing project.
A question about needles - I like to hand stitch with quite a fine needle, however they all seem to have very small eyes and I struggle trying to thread them, especially at night. Can anyone recommend to me a brand of fine needles, that aren't too short with a large eye, so that I may see more easily what I am trying to thread.
Linking up to WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced.
Nice project and you picked some pretty fabrics/colors for it!
ReplyDeleteI solved the small eyed needle problem by getting a Clover desk threader. It handles putting the thread through my size 11 needles without a problem. It definitely saved me from going cross-eyed!
ReplyDeleteYour fabrics look lovely Julie. Have you looked at Inklingo at all. You might enjoy it and they have some free patterns to start you off. You print your stitching line onto your fabric through the printer. Great for handpiecing.
ReplyDeleteIf you google Inkling you'll find the website.
This is a gorgeous palette. I have some Tulip needles I received in a swap, they are fine but fairly long with a nice large eye. I do find they bend quite easily however. You may want to try a #10 embroidery needle for putting the sections together as another option. My third option--well, I am teaching my daughter, age 5, to thread needles for me (she thinks it's fun).
ReplyDeleteI would suggest a needle threader. Your selections of fabrics are stunning.
ReplyDeleteI love this pattern! Thanks for the link to the freebies! With regards to needles I have a packet ofHemming and Sons Crewel needles Size 10. They are quite short-3cm, but the eye is quite long. Apparently the smaller the number the larger the hole. Good luck with the search for the perfect needle!
ReplyDeleteLovely colour combos... I agree, difficult to decide about the background diamonds, they are all great! Look forward to seeing what you end up doing!
ReplyDeleteI think I also need to get a needle threaded as I really like skinny needles! I look forward to seeing how this project develops.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a gorgeous and perfect project for your weekend away! As for the needles... mine are all jumbled in my needle cushion as it were so I generally just hunt out what I need... have no idea what they are! i did find fine ones with large eyes a while back but am clueless as to where and what they were I'm afraid :(
ReplyDeleteI can't really envision the block edging, but right now just as background color I prefer either the top ZC fabric or the dark blue. I really like your color combos and admire anyone with enough patiece to do EPP... thumbs up!
ReplyDeleteI'll look forward to seeing your progress on this. Thanks for sharing the link to my templates :)
ReplyDeleteSorry no, cannot recommend re needles, but have you tried one of the automatic type of needle threaders, they are designed for people that are sight impaired I think, but work well for the rest of us that just cannot see tiny needle eyes!! I love the design of the pieces, the cushion - I went and looked! - is gorgeous and I am sure that yours will be just as beautiful! xx
ReplyDeleteCute handy 'take away' project........we crafty chicks, must keep our hands busy!
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be awesome! And I will be curious to hear what people say about needles as I do a bit by hand and that would be helpful to know! Can't wait to see more my crafty friend! Nicole xoxo
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful color palette!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous fabrics!! And a fun project too. I solved the threading problem by buying a needle threader, but I do like Bohin needles.
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