Last Saturday's Online Class...

Clara Warschauer Goldwork Cross Class

This was the Zoom class I took last Saturday. Clara Warschauer (@clarastitching) was the instructor, and she taught this in collaboration with Ecclesiastical Sewing (ES) in Minnesota, USA. Kits could be purchased from Clara, and other materials are available from ES. 

This is a lovely piece, which measures approximately 3" square, and will make a nice tree ornament, box embellishment, or framed piece for someone special. I intend to stitch it in another colorway as a Christmas gift. I'll be using champagne-colored silk dupioni rather than the red, as I think the colors I want to use will look better on that color.

I am making my list of Christmas projects now, and will begin creating them this week. Sunday is a cookie exchange at my niece's, so I'll also be making at least six dozen cookies and a dish to pass for that. Handsome will need some cookies, too, so I'm planning extras for him.

I've decided to make the delicious koulourakia cookies that my friend, Kathy in Florida always made to share with the Panera's group during the holidays. They're especially tasty because of the bergamot flavoring that goes into them, plus they're not overly sweet, so I think they can be enjoyed by all.

Today, I'm working again my usual 10 am - 4 pm, but I'm going in an hour early. My boss needs to take another day at home, so Teresa will come in early to cashier, and when I get there, she can go home and let her dogs out before coming back to work her usual kitchen shift with me out front on the till.

The projects begin tomorrow, so I'll probably go to bed at a reasonable hour tonight so I'm fresh to start creating. We're supposed to get another snow dump starting after work, so I'll be happy in the studio. I've got lots of food out for the birds and critters, so I'm making sure they're taken care of, too.

If you're in the snow belt, stay safe and warm. I'll be back tomorrow with my list. You'll be able to see what the elves and I will be up to for the next couple weeks!

My New "Spoolie" In Progress...

He's not finished, but he already has a name. Otis, in memory of the little opossum I cared for in the Compass Barn a few winters ago. I wrote about him HERE.

I still have some things to do on him, including something for him to hold in his little paw. I've almost completed his coat. I'll also probably add something to the spool, and maybe he needs a little corsage on his lapel? I just couldn't wait to share him with you!

I'll try to finish him today. I'm still putting things away...mainly because I mostly sat around all yesterday. "Sometimes I sits and thinks...and sometimes I just sits" is an old quote that comes to mind. I don't even feel guilty because I got so much accomplished when Dan was here.

I thought I would be going to Portage this weekend, but one of the gals corrected me. Craft Day isn't until the 22nd, so instead, I'll be home. I have another Clara Warschauer class in the afternoon on Saturday, and after I complete Otis, I'm going to work on that needlework box I wrote about earlier in the week. I'm hoping to share that soon, along with my little finished opossum.

I hope you have a great weekend doing something you truly enjoy. Life's to short not to. See you Monday!

Marian Monogram Class...

I'm going to be taking another of Clara Warschauer's goldwork classes (Clara Stitching). I'm enrolled in her Marian Monogram course scheduled for Saturday, March 1st. This is a class collaboration with Ecclesiastical Sewing in Minnesota to create a bible cover. The course is free, and kits are available for the goldwork from Clara, while the bible fabrics can be purchased from Ecclesiastical Sewing. The bible cover pattern is free from them, too.

One of the new techniques I'll be learning is using thread for padding the monogram. I already have Clara's supply kit, and plan on using my own dupioni silk for my ground fabric. I'm really looking forward to learning more from Clara in this online course.

If you're interested in learning more, you can go to Clara's webpage HERE. Once there, read her information and follow her links to get to Ecclesiastical Sewing. I'd love for you to join us!

Clara's Article...

Issue 123 - Inspirations Magazine

I just received the latest issue from my subscription of Inspirations magazine in the mail. I love exploring each issue for ideas, and I always mark the projects for my copious To Do list. Every photograph and article carries me away for a little while.

Imagine my delight when I turned the page to find one of Clara's goldwork frogs ready to jump off the page! My dear friend and tutor, Clara Warschauer submitted her class to the magazine, and it was accepted for publication. I immediately sent her a text to tell her I'd just found it.

She told me that she hasn't received her copy yet, so I actually got my copy before she did! I'm only showing a partial of this page because it includes her tutorial for making the frog, and the pattern is with the others from this issue at the back of the magazine. 

If you're interested in creating your own version of this piece, you can order a copy of the magazine HERE. In addition to Clara's frog, there are many other fun projects you might consider, too. As I've already stitched fourteen or fifteen (I can't remember) of these wee frogs, I think I'll wait before I tackle more. I do love the project, though, and once you make four or five, you can feel like you've gone a long way toward mastering the technique.

Congratulations, Clara! I'm pleased to be able to say, "I knew you when."

Goldwork Mockingbird - Nearly Completed...

Wednesday went even better than I planned. It started with packaging up almost twenty pounds of fabric to send to my dear friend in Arizona, along with tidying up the studio a bit. I "hoped to work on my goldwork mockingbird" to make a little progress afterward. Imagine my joy when I actually finished all the needlework!

 

I think I may have even captured a little of the sparkle on it in this shot! My plan today is to release it from the ground fabric, add feet, and then turn it into an ornament like the blue tit I did previously. It won't have a nest hanging below it, but I will have another completed class piece from Clara Stitching.

I'm hoping to show you the completed piece tomorrow, and then I'll hang it in my studio with all my other embroidered birds - the quilts and the goldwork ornament. It might be time to think about my next bird quilt, too. Hmmmmm. Bluebirds? Orioles?

Goldwork Pieces...

Today, I'm happy to answer Lois' question about the piece at the top of my cushion. First, let me say that the gorgeous cushion is the creation of my dear blog friend, Dawn Edmondson of The Feathered Nest blog and shop. She has a way with natural materials, and I purchased this piece from her when I first started blogging. 

The Lucky Clover, Sacred Heart, and Immaculate Heart were all the first pieces I made from the classes I took with Clara of Clara Stitching. I've come a long way in technique since that first piece (the clover). I'll likely make another soon to show myself how different another would look from the first.

I also added my koi and first frog to the display for this image. Afterward, I returned both to their fish bowl display. These are all the small class pieces I've done, but I also have my goldwork wreath framed under glass in my studio, and my blue tit bird ornament also hangs in my studio.

Here's a closeup of the beautiful beetle I won in a drawing - also when I first started blogging - from Lee Westfield of Notes From Under the Mountain blog. I tried to link to her blog today, but the link is having issues. Suffice it to say, she's made some extraordinary pieces through the years, and this one is a true treasure to me.

Now that I know more about goldwork, I know that she used red brilliant check purls and black beads on this piece. There is also a piece of suede for the upper body, and the piece is padded. She stitched on a ground of dupioni silk and then mounted the piece to card stock.

Lois thought she was seeing a ladybug in yesterday's photo, but this is what she saw. Funny though, as I've been contemplating a ladybug ever since I learned goldwork...all inspired by this piece Lee created.

So, if you're reading this, Lee, please know that I treasure this beetle as much now as I did the day it arrived. The difference is that now I understand the skill and time it took to create it, as well as the techniques you used (thanks to my tutor, Clara Warschauer of Clara Stitching).

Now, I'll be moving the ladybug up in my goldwork To Do list. Soon there will be a "Loveliness of Ladybirds" in my studio. Isn't that neat (and appropriate) that that's what a group of them is actually called?

Class Day...

Today, I begin my morning with a Facebook live class that I'm teaching. At 10:30, I'll share the techniques for dyeing the plastic eggs we did last weekend. I'm looking forward to showing others how simple and fun this technique is.

This afternoon, I'm taking a new class with Clara of Clara Stitching. This class is the Northern Mockingbird Brooch. I pulled this image off her website so I could show you what we're learning. You know me...rather than complete it as a brooch, I'm going to finish this one the same way we did the Blue Tit - as a hanging ornament. That way, I can display it next to the other bird in my studio. 

You can see from Clara's drawing that this bird is waiting for its legs and feet, and then it will be beautifully finished.

I'm planning to just take notes today, but will begin the work on it soon. I have a few other important pieces in line ahead of it, and this will be a two-session course. The second session is next weekend, so I'll try to get something done before then.

It's going to be a busy day, and I still have final setup to get done before the class I'm teaching begins, so I'd better head to the studio. I hope you have something fun planned for this weekend! We can compare notes on Monday. Happy Weekend!

Saturday Class...

This is the goldwork class I took on Saturday with Clara (Clara Stitching). Its a cross that can be embroidered directly onto fabric, or as a separate patch to place after sewing. These images were shared by Clara and are not my pieces.

She taught this class in conjunction with her new association with a company from Minnesota called Ecclesiatical Sewing. (The name of their business is a link to their online shop.) They provided the bib and tabard fabrics and patterns for the bibs, as well as the original white cross patch used in the class. Clara taught her technique for adding the goldwork to the patch.

Eccliastical Sewing carries many fabrics and supplies to create your own religious vestments, and other religious articles, including some goldwork threads. It's nice for me that they're a next door neighbor to Wisconsin!

Clara's class was to create the gold (gilt) cross, however she also stitched the piece in silver, which I think is equally beautiful.

My plan is to create the gold version on a Christening gown that I'll offer in my Etsy shop when it's completed this spring. Once that one is done, I'll likely stitch the silver version on another gown to sell. My gowns include bonnets, so my plan is to add goldwork touches to that, as well.

I''m feeling well enough to make bread today. It's been three weeks since I did so, and it's about time to restock our supply. I owe Andy a loaf this week, too, for clearing our driveway when we were too sick to help in any way. I'll likely send a dessert up the hill today, too. Don't worry, though. I'm going to take it nice and easy. I absolutely do not want to relapse back to that sick girl who I was one short week ago. Better safe than sorry. 

Tag will be back to see you tomorrow. He's missed sharing his myriad irreverent thoughts with you. I'll see you again on Wednesday!

I'm Taking Another Class...

I've learned many techniques from my friend, Clara Warschauer already, but I really wanted to take this class from her. I'll be learning more of her tricks during a two session Zoom class in September. 

These are Clara's goldwork fish in the photo, but we'll only be doing one. Hers shown here are finished as a framed piece, however what we'll do in the class will be to create a brooch. I'm really looking forward to the class, as well as showing you my finished Koi fish brooch at the end of the class.

I baked and canned yesterday, and will finish up pears today. The weather has cooled down so it's comfortable for working in the kitchen, and the warmer weather has helped ripen more tomatoes. What I didn't turn into salsa yesterday, I froze to make pizza sauce at a later date.

It's going to be a busy, busy week next week, so I'm trying to get ahead while I can. I'll tell you more about all that very soon. Have a great weekend!

Time For Me To Fly...

 

 

This is my completed goldwork Blue Tit from Clara's workshop.  I shared a short video on Instagram, so if you'd like to see it closeup - and also see the back - just click HERE. I've hung this in my studio for now with my cardinal and robin wall quilts. (Which reminds me, I should start work on the bluebirds soon.)

I hoped you liked following along as I created this piece. I'll be working on the red roses strawberry sachet today. Handsome has to have a procedure done, so I'll stitch while I wait. I'll show you how far I get with that piece tomorrow. Have a great day!

Another Goldwork Class...

 
I took another goldwork class from Clara Warschauer (@clarastitching) over the weekend. This class is the Immaculate Heart Goldwork workshop. The pieces above were all stitched by my teacher. l-r: Immaculate Heart (in progress), a Sacred Heart (red), Immaculate Heart brooch (completed), and another heart (likely another Immaculate Heart) in pink. These are the models she shared with our Zoom class as she taught her students how to create our own.

One of the fascinating parts of the class for this Methodist gal, was Clara explaining the three heart symbols in the Roman Catholic church. The one I'm working on is the Immaculate Heart, symbolizing Mary (Jesus' mother), and she explained what the various elements of that heart mean.

The second is the Sacred Heart (red above), symbolizing Jesus. The cross, standing for the crucifixion, and the crown of thorns (stitched as a chain stitch above). The third cross - The Most Chaste Heart - represents Joseph. His bears symbols of tools and lilies. I'm planning to stitch all three because they're all so beautiful, as is their symbolism. I'll also be making a second pink Immaculate Heart, as my sister told me how much she loved it when she saw it yesterday.

The class was held at 7 pm Greenwich Mean Time (in London), so that was 2 pm Central Standard Time for me. The sun was shining, so it was a perfect day to set up my supplies near a bright window, and learn this technique.

It's actually very much like the Lucky Clover Brooch class I first took from her, so as I watched and participated in our Zoom class, I began stitching. By the time class was adjourned, I'd managed to complete this much of the piece. While she included kit materials for framing this piece mounted on navy fabric and placed in an oval frame, my plan is to turn this one into a brooch as she did hers.

I would have completed it yesterday had my hands not acted up, but my little sister also came for a really nice visit. I have an appointment today with the specialist about my hand (specifically my right index finger knuckle), and I'm really hoping to have some answers (and relief) soon. Even so, I'm planning to complete this piece in the next day or so...and I'll definitely be making more.

Don't forget to enter my Giveaway drawing HERE. Remember, you can enter every day between now and the 22nd. I'll announce winners on the 23rd. Good luck!

 

Bright, Shiny Stitches…

 

Adding Stems and Leaves

I spent time stitching yesterday afternoon. I added centers to the large blossoms, calyx to the smaller buds, completed two leaves, and added most of the stems to one set of blooms. 

The leaves were especially fun to work on. They’re stitched using two needles with three threads in each one. I love the effect.

I’ll be finishing this first stem today, and then I’ll see how far I get on the second. I do love the look of these sparkling, metallic fibers!

New Inspiration…

 

“Goldwork” by Hazel Everett

I’ve told you before how much I love books. It pains me that most of ours are still in storage. Much of my goal for downsizing my sewing/fabric studios is to turn my fabric studio into a library/guest room. 

So, it should come as no great surprise that I had to have a goldwork book recommended by my current class instructor, Clara Warschauer. It arrived on Saturday, and I’ve had my nose buried in it since then.

Clara told our class that it’s her favorite book for this technique, and she shared a piece she’s created from the book (shown on the cover!). It’s beautiful. Once I’ve finished my wreath project, there’s a smaller piece inside that I’ll attempt. I have already added some of the supplies to my sewing box, so I’ll be able to get right to it. 

For now, I’ll keep my blinders on and my fingers busy with my “Everlasting” embroideries, and the floral wreath in goldwork. I think it’ll be worth the wait.

Goldwork Floral Wreath Progress…

Goldwork Floral Wreath (So Far)

It’s always revealing when I post progress photos. The process of enlarging my images shows an occasional glitch. I’m noticing things you might not, so I’m sharing my errors as well as the things I’m doing right.

Take the smallest bud in the middle above. See those two little “antennae” stitcking up? The trimmed check purl thread isn't supposed to look like that (I don’t think). I’ll be asking Clara about that during our second and final session tonight. Otherwise, I feel like each flower or bud is an improvement in technique over the previous one. That’s a good thing.

I’ll be leaving here after lunch to drive to the retreat house at Primitive Gatherings. Dinner is at 5 pm, so I’ll be able to attend my Zoom class with Clara at 6 (central time).

Tag will pop in tomorrow, so I’ll have lots of photos and retreat fun to share on Wednesday. Please show my boy a little love in my absence. 

Another Goldwork Class...

Off To A Nice Start

Monday night was the first session of the latest class offering from Clara Warschauer of Clara Stitching. This is a Goldwork Floral Wreath project. I took notes through the class, opting to pay close attention to her technique and instruction, so I could then apply what I learned to actual execution of the work.

I began the stitching yesterday, and put about four hours into my needlework. My plan was to stitch each sprig in the gold thread, then "color in" each flower blossom or bud. Stems and leaves are for next week's session.

Adding A Little Color

As you can see, I couldn't resist adding color to the blossoms before calling it a day. The flowers will have gold centers that we'll add next week. I'll keep working on my flowers until then. The ground fabric is ivory Kona cotton, so the color more closely resembles the first photograph above, rather than this one. I took the second photo late day, under my magnifier light. The first one was taken in daylight. What a difference! Nothing like a little needle dancing to start the week! More today.

All That Glitters...

My Completed Lucky Clover Pin

 

See that cheesy grin? That's the satisfied smile of someone who just completed approximately thirty hours of needle dancing to create a sparkling Lucky Clover Brooch class piece. 

I sent photos off to my instructor, Clara, who immediately posted them in her Instagram account (@clarastitching). She was full of praise for my first effort, and I reciprocated with a full critique of her awesome teaching skills. I also told her I'd gladly take another class from her. (She gave us a hint in our last class session, and we all told her she has to teach the piece she showed us!)

Lucky Clover Brooch - Front and Back

Here are closeup photos of my brooch. Rather than using felt for the back, I chose to use cork fabric instead. (BTW - What a perfect use for all the little scrap pieces I have!) Of course, I had to add a tiny acorn to the back of mine as a little label.

So, there you have it. It's not perfect, but it's a first effort at a new technique. I wasn't expecting it to be perfect - even though I did my best. I am proud of what I created, and know what to do differently next time. I'll treasure this one as my first gold work piece, and I'll definitely be starting another piece soon. I have all kinds of ideas swimming around in my head...and supplies already in transit to my studio.

I'm heading to Portage, Wisconsin today. Remember, I lived there for eight years before I married Handsome. I have a dear friend, Linda (who I've written about before) there, as well as her daughter, Marie, Granddaughter Adrienne, and now a fourth generation. We're like family, our lives are so intertwined.

Today is a group craft day. I have no idea what we'll be working on. It's my first time attending, but I know that someone usually chooses the theme/project, and gathers all the supplies. I can't wait to see what we'll be making! I'll tell you all about it next week.

Have a great Saturday!

Almost There...

Lucky Clover Brooch Project - Almost Ready To Cut Out

 

I know I said I wouldn't share more photographs until I was finished with my brooch, but I'm so close. I just had to share. Wow, do the check purls ever add a sparkle!

Only A Few More Purls To Add

 

All I have left is that one little area on the right side of this bottom petal. I'm going to complete that and then cut the clover out of the hoop to turn it into a brooch. I'll share the finished piece tomorrow. I'm so close to done, please cross your fingers that I don't mess it up at this stage. Coffee, then cut. Wish me luck with my Lucky Clover!

Class Night...

Lucky Clover Brooch, Ready For Class Session Two

 

My final class session was last night, and I was all caught up on my project. (The red arrows are pointing to the last step from the last class session.) I didn't stitch last night, choosing to take really good notes as I watched our teacher's instruction instead.

Clara demonstrated the final steps of stitching out the clover, and then showed us how to finish it into a brooch (or hair clip, for those who chose that option). Her instruction was detailed and informative...and completely enjoyable.

I have a hair appointment mid-afternoon today, but I'll be otherwise engaged in needle dancing when I'm home. I really want to complete this piece now.

I don't know if you're on Instagram, but if you are, consider following @clarastitching. If you love needlework, you'll enjoy watching Clara stitch. You'll also learn about upcoming classes there. I'm going to keep my eyes open for her next one, for sure!

I'll post final photos once if have all the rest of the stitching and finishing completed. I should be done by the weekend.

Making Progress...

Lucky Clover Brooch Class Piece In Progress

I would have gotten further along had I not done the outline (the first time) in the wrong metal. sheesh I removed it, and then restitched in the correct purl, so I'll contact Clara today and purchase more of the fiber I ruined. I'll need it for next week's class. facepalm

Even so, I got back on track and now I'll progress to the next steps today. In spite of my error, I'm really enjoying this. More tomorrow.

Zoom!...

Zoom Goldwork Class Setup

 

Last night was the first session of the "Lucky Clover" Zoom class I took to learn goldwork techniques. It's taught by M. Clara Warschauer. She's @clarastitching on Instagram. 

Our class was 1-1/2 hours long, and I spent much of the class taking notes and watching her techniques. I'll be doing my homework between now and the last session next Wednesday. 

Clara is right in saying that goldwork is easier than it looks. An added plus is that the gorgeous metal components really elevate wherever they're used. 

I'll share updates as I continue to work on my piece, and of course, you'll see the finished brooch. If you listen carefully, you might even hear me giggle as I work on it.