Remove the guess work from Kutch.

Hello everyone:

Based on a couple of feedbacks on the previous Kutch Tutorial, I created a second one. What is different? One, I have included pictures of almost all the steps, which is about 35 and second, it is in the form of a slide show. The first one is still available, but if you have had any doubts, then this tutorial should clear them all.

Enjoy!!

Sukanya

Kutch Tutorial - 2

How to use: This is a slideshow. To start, click the play icon. The slideshow will progress slowly, with a 10 second pause between photos. To pause, mouse-over the picture, then click the pause icon. To advance through the show manually, click the previous and next icons. .


I prefer photos to videos and this is an experiment in creating a tutorial that is easy to follow using photos. If you could take a moment to let me know your thoughts, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Sukanya

Embroidered Pillow cases - Week 3

Last week, I was able to finish the first pillow case, complete the outline on the second one and so much more. That's quite unusual for me. I think it was just my lucky week :)

Anyways, here is the completed pillow case. As you can see I have alternated between blue and pink colors for the flowers using running stitch. But I left the center of the flower empty so that the shape is better defined. Otherwise, it would have appeared as a mass of "something" in blue and pink.

Here is a close up of the design. I kept the filling short and far apart, because I wanted to emphasize the outline. I used three strands of threads for both the outline as well as the filling. I always mention the number of strands I use because it is an important element in embroidery (in my humble opinion). Choose the number of strands depending on the fabric and the design.

And finally, here is a picture comparing the filled and unfilled designs. Since it is a matter of personal choice, I took a photo of the second pillow case before filling it in. I prefer the one with a splash of blue and pink in it. What do you think? I would love to hear from you.

Happy stitching!

Sukanya@Eager Needler

Links to earlier posts: Embroidered Pillow Cases - Week 1.

Embroidered Pillow cases - Week 2

Hello Readers:

I managed to complete the outline on the pillow case I had started a week ago. It has turned out quite nice :) Click here for a bigger image.

This week I will be working on filling in the flowers on the first pillow case and also try to get started on the second one.

For the filling, I picked bright shades of blue and pink. Unusual colors for Kantha!! I can't wait to get started. It will be interesting to see how it turns out:) I will post the finished work soon.

Have a great week ahead.

Sukanya@ Eager Needler.

Click here for Week -3

Embroidered Pillow cases.

Hope everyone had a pleasant weekend! As for me, I began an embroidery project for the home. This one has been overdue for some time now. Finally I got started with it yesterday.

I am embroidering a cotton pillow case that is a very nice shade of yellow. I am using Kantha work. I used a design from an old book and modified it a little. I then traced the pattern along the edge of the pillow case. I have finished about a third of the piece.

Traditionally, the outline stitch for Kantha work is done using black thread, but I felt brown would be a better choice for my project. I am going to fill in the flowers with more colors once I complete the outline.

Now, if you are interested in Kantha work, it is very simple. After all it is predominantly running stitch. But how you work the running stitch is important. For instance, the thread going up should be longer than the thread going down. And another point - the rippled effect that is created by the running stitch is part of the charm. Don't try to distort it.

Well, hopefully I'll have completed the outline stitch in my next posting. Stay tuned!

Sukanya@Eager Needler

Click here for Week - 2