Friday, October 22, 2010

Pink (and some other colors) on the Embroidery Machine…

 

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Well, not just pink. There are some fall colors too. I am joining Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday and Tablescaper’s Seasonal Sundays with this post.

We spent the weekend with friends in South Portland. I have always coveted loved some pillows that he made. He no longer wished to use them so I grabbed them greedily accepted them graciously.

I am a huge fan of Kaffe Fassett fabrics and quilts. For many years I reproduced antique scrap quilts (perhaps another post sometime) but now love the colors he uses.

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These are just the pillow covers which will fit nicely in my suitcase. I have extra pillow forms in Florida.

Most of the fabrics are Kaffe fabrics but what is really special is that the embroidery designs on the these pillows are his designs as well. Most knitters are familiar with his patterns for beautiful sweaters and needlepointers might know of his designs as well. You can read about him here.

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I cannot wait to put these in my studio in Florida!

As many of you know, I had a hip replacement this summer. Last year was quite uncomfortable and, as a result,  many of the quilting and embroidery projects were put on hold as it was just too uncomfortable to sit in one position for a very long time. However, I am back and really looking forward to finishing some quilts and embroidering some holiday presents.

I started some embroidery on my friend’s machine this past weekend.

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I walked in and saw this…..

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So I gathered some colors…Machine embroiderers have lots of colors.

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Then I sat there like a bobble head and watched the machine at work. Occasionally, I changed the color of the thread. This particular design had over 40,000 stitches and took a little over an hour –actually a bit longer because we stopped for snacks.

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The machine sews 800 stitches per minute.

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I did embroidery by hand for years. And I respect those who still are able. I no longer can but love the look and making gifts for family and friends. The first picture in this post is a covered bridge machine embroidered wall hanging that I made for Jack. It has a gazillion stitches in it.

Happy Pink Saturday and have a Seasonal Sunday!

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Carol your works are wonderful, thank you divided them with us!!!

Nice and pleasant weekend.
Kisses.

Renée said...

Hi Carol,

Love the fabrics here and machine embroidery is lots of fun. Before you know it you have something ready without all the days and hours. I like making hand-embroidered heirloom things too, but I like to add a name or something fun by machine, for my grands, that I know they will wear out and toss!

http://jackieinsurrey.blogspot.co.uk/ said...

Hi Carol, they are wonderful, suitable for mosaic Monday. You must have so much skill and patience to use the embroidery machine, mind you I have never seen one so I don't know how technical they are but they certainly produce a great work of art. Have a good weekend, Jackie.

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Carol...

What pretty pillows! The pretty pink quilted pillows really are lovely...I bet they'll look fabulous in your Florida home. Take some photos for us to see! wink! Ohhh...and I love, love, LOVE the autumn embroidered pillow! It's gorgeous, Carol! I'd love to have one! Thanks for sharing all of your pretties with us today! Have a wonderful weekend, my friend!

Warmest autumn wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Carol, these are amazing. You are a very talented lady!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Kathleen said...

Those are beautiful, Carol. I have a new machine in my closet for 5 yrs, guess it is old now. Never figured it out. There aren't any sewing machine places or a Joann's around. I need to SEE how it works. It looks like fun!
Have a safe trip back.
Your little dinner party looked lovely, so nice and cozy! I still have pneumonia, 3 times back to the doc, seems to be stubborn!

A Garden of Threads said...

Wow, just love the pumpkin embroidery. Take care and safe travels.

Sue McPeak said...

Carol...Here I am as the Featured Blogger this week for Pink Saturday, and visiting your Blog and Post sure takes me back when we were Newbies on Pink Saturday together. SERENDIPITY will always be one of favorite blogs and You a favorite Blogger Friend.

I do love your quilted pillows and KF/s fabric designs...I didn't know he had embroidery designs as well. My embroidery machine has been put up for awhile now, and after seeing your beautiful stitch designs, I'm ready to get it out and update some of mine. I have a Janome 10000 and love doing the big hoop designs. Enjoyed my visit today for Pink Saturday...Sue

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Carol,
These are amazing; love them! I have never tried my hand at this kind of work but I have always admired those who do. Thanks for sharing and Happy Pinks to you. ~ Blessings

Char said...

Sometime in the future I may have to look into a machine like that. I am in love with the colors you used in the pumpkins. That is gorgeous. Of course you are a very lucky girl to have been able to snag those pretty pillows. The fabrics are all vibrant and beautiful. Happy Pink Saturday, Char

xinex said...

You do beautiful embroidery, Carol. The quilts are so pretty...Christine

Rettabug said...

Well done, Carol...I think I have that pumpkin design, too! Huge fan of Kaffe Fassett colors as well, although I have not worked with them much.

Today, I'll be doing the final free motion quilting on my sister's 70th birthday surprise quilt. I used machine embroidery designs in the center of each block & now feel that the triangles in the corners need something more. Keep your fingers crossed for this to work out!!

I sure hope we can get together this coming Feb. in FL. We're all set with our plans. Just hoping & praying we both stay well enough to make the trip down.

Hugs,
Rett

Lynn said...

Carol this is spectacular! I love the fall design, how beautiful-enjoy:@)

Marlis said...

Love the embroidery design. It does take a long time for the embroidery, but it sure is worth it in the end. Been a longtime fan of Kaffe's... from way back when! thanks for sharing.

The Tablescaper said...

This is amazing. Machine embroidery - a whole new world. Such gorgeous work.

Thanks so much for being a part of Seasonal Sunday!

- The Tablescaper

Donnie said...

Love the quilting. It looks so lovely. Glad I was finally able to get by or I might have missed them. Happy Pink Saturday.

Beverly said...

Oh my goodness, Carol. Your work is always, amazing. And, I am glad you are feeling so much better.

You need to keep your eye on those pillow covers if I am around. If one goes missing, please don't think it was me. ;-)

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