Sewing Skills

One of my resolutions for 2015, was to improve on my hand sewing and embroidery skills. That's certainly been true so far! Have you been over to Wynn's blog -Zakkaart? There's a hand sewing quilt along, that I've been participating in. Want to see the blocks I have so far?? Because they sure are pretty!

Every single block is completely handsewn..

Talk about intimidation! I mean, I wasn't the best machine sewist. 

Needless to say, my hand sewing wasn't any better.

But with every block, my sewing improved! 

And Wynn makes this process so easy! It's near impossible to make any errors.

I have a few more blocks to go, and I'll be all caught up! If your looking to improve your hand sewing skills, you really should try this QAL!

I love my blocks!!! Hope you give it a try! Happy sewing ;D

Vivid Felicity Handmade

Zip pouches and pillow covers are my absolute favorite items to make and purchase. However, they are starting to stack up everywhere. I love them so much, but I'm running out of room. I'm also noticing many of these are now sitting around not being used. In an effort to declutter, I've listed a handful of items in my etsy shop today! 

There are even a couple of items listed strictly for shipping costs. I don't feel quite right selling them, but I'd love them to move on to a loving home. This also happens to be the first time I list my very own handmade items! Now dubbed Vivid Felicity Handmade. So, if you see something you like, pick it up! If you want multiples, please convo me so I can make you a custom listing & give you correct shipping rates.

Happy Shopping!!

The French Knot

Ok, I finally got my act together. I had quite a few of you lovelies ask how I made my French Knots for my embroidered heart. This one...

It's a work in progress, and coming along nicely! 

They aren't really hard to make, but it does help to practice. Once you got it down, you'll find yourself adding them into every project possible!

Forgive my plain boring photos for the tute (as well as my unsightly worn manicure), but I thought I'd do a demonstration. Especially since my current project is going to take me another couple of days. Apologies for any slight blurriness. I could not get my device to focus so close. Let's begin :).

French Knot Tutorial

I start with about 3 to 4 strands of embroidery floss. And thread my embroidery needle. Like this..

I favor Lecien COSMO Embroidery Floss, it's silky smooth. However, DMC is also wonderful, and readily available in a HUGE array of colors, almost everywhere :).

Secure the end of your floss with a small knot and thread it through to the front. Pull it all the way through until it catches. Grab the thread and wrap it around your needle three times..

Now this next part is a bit slippery. Holding your floss against the fabric, slowly slide your needle down until it's close to the top of your fabric. Then carefully pivot your needle tip right next to the hole where first thread came up from. Almost on top of it. Be sure you hold your floss taut (not to tight!) to keep it from unraveling! (also pay no attention to my chipped polish!)

Once you have it down, slowly push your needle down and out the back, still holding your floss.

Push and pull it all the way through to the back. And continue pulling your remaining thread...

When you get to the end, let go and slowly pull the rest through. Don't pull it too tight, as it will distort the knot. And...

VIOLA!! You've made your very first French Knot! Yay!! 

See? Wasn't that easy peasy?! Now go practice your heart out!!! Feel free to ask questions, contact me, subscribe, all that jazz!!

Pretty Little Things

As dubbed by one of the cute blogs I follow. Let me tell you about it :).

Improving my sewing skills has been a huge to-do item lately. Which means improving my fabric selections, perfecting pieced patchwork, increased hand sewing projects, embroidery, and trying out new patterns. One of my very favorite bloggers put out a test pattern a few weeks back on Instagram. I jumped at the opportunity! I've been following Amy's blog - nanaCompany since late 2012, and have always been a huge fan of her work. Have you seen her blog? If you haven't, you really should. It's great!

Back to the subject at hand. The test pattern was Tall Tall Trees, and Scrappy Tree Cushion. It was so easy!! Here's my Scrappy Tree cushion..

Adorable right?? And here is my Tall Tall Trees...

See. Pretty. Amy was so sweet, commenting on all my photos. Needless to say I was beyond excited! I love her :). Anyway, I had to share these with you all! 

I did start a Christmas version, but didn't have a chance to finish it yet. I'll be sure to share it with you all when I do! Happy Sewing!!

PS, I've been playing around with my header. Still not quite happy with it. What do you think??