Wrote a news posting about the kids corner at the Linux-Days in Chemnitz. Looking forward to see you and your kids for another round of handicraft and fun this year!
Here was a Belgian Secret Stitch sketchbook I made for my spouse. I wanted to try making another one of these books because they were so much fun. I also experimented in using less sketch paper in each signature (bundle of paper) and it worked much better. I did the same on the smaller sketch book in the next post.
Here are two long-stitch books with different patterns. The first (the black one) is a long-stitch sketch book and the other is a criss-cross pattern. Both look awesome! The red threads on the second one at the top and bottom were actually to cover up the fact that I made the book too long for the paper and only realized after making the holes
This one is a variation of a Coptic Stitch and, though it looks really easy, it is deceptively difficult to make because you need to learn just how much tension to give the thread. It is one that I will be trying to do again when I get some new thread.
Finally, when I was making two of the books, I realized that I did not have paper big enough for the inside panel. Then I remembered that I had these old calendars from Paper Source. I had used some for covers but realized that they would be perfect for the insides!
Finally, I just wanted to thank you for reading this thread - I've enjoyed learning bookbinding and have enjoyed sharing my projects here on Mastodon with you. I've really appreciated all the encouragement!
Here are a few more projects I've done over the past few months:
We had our first quiet Saturday in a long time. This afternoon we made some time for art and creativity! @dohappybelove did the watercolor painting and @seanbala made a long-stitch book. The inside of Sean's book was made from an old calendar that we had lying around.
Last two books for my Bookmaking Class at Lillstreet! First one is a French chain long stitch book. I LOVE the cover and the pattern on spine but had some trouble with the paper.
The second one is a Belgian Secret Stich. This was such a fun one to make - and it feels so professional, too!
When we visited Portland last summer, the only place we went many times was Powell's City of Books. It is the best bookstore in the world. I grabbed an extra bag because I knew I wanted to make a book out of it.
Today it is a butterfly stitch book. It is a bit loose and rests open pretty easily. Similar to a Coptic stich but a bit easier on the hands...and I love the interwoven threads 🤗
Second week of class at Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago - next week is learning Longstitch Books!
Saw this miniature hut in a restaurant on my last visit. Loved the detail esp the falling window. That flat thing on the floor is a #traditional basket called "thlangra" used for winnowing rice to clean the rice from chaff. Typical size is 1.5 feet in diameter. That 'thing' leaning against the pillar is from a plant, is life size and was traditionally used as a water mug or for fermenting food after removing the seeds.
I've picked up a WIP that I've been avoiding for a while.
It's a shawl in a long banana shape, and the main part has garter stitch, twisted ribbing and lace which is completed.
Now I'm up to the lacy border, worked sideways and knitted onto the body as you go.
I've never joined this way so had been putting off knitting.
Bit the bullet today and started. Done the first set of rows of 28 sets and was pleasantly surprised at how easy it is.
Yes, I have oodles of knitting WIPs but as usual I started something else. 😂
I thought I'd experiment with lace on a pair of socks. Did 2 lines of diamond lattice on the front of the sock from toe to cuff.
On the needles at the moment are too many WIPs - one short sleeved tshirt, one Aran cardigan, 2 scarves, 3 shawls, 2 pairs socks. think I should work on finishing them....
Oops, instead I started a new pair of scrappy socks. 😜 😂