Machine Embroidery w/ Hand and Bead Embroidery

Machine embroidery for me is always free-form, really I let the muse take me where she wants to go.... I usually start a project with a cotton or silk base, machine quilt or embroider the canvas and add by hand the embellishments which can be thread or bead embroidery, and sometimes both. Here are the classes that I teach, and the patterns that I have to offer.
(Just click on the link and it will take you to the website.)

Crazy Man
In this class the technique for crazy piecing is quite different than traditional piecing. Strips of precious and luscious fabrics are laid amongst sections of prairie points, and each section is stitched with it's own binding, so the piecing will never make you "crazy". Buttons, charms and beads can be added for pizazz, and can give you a great theme.

Currents
The base fabric is machine quilted with a double needle in some sections and free form stipple quilted in others. Machine embroidered sections of covered yarn resemble branches or vines, and provide an anchor for the additional embellishment of hand applied rayon cords.
Hand embroidered shisha mirrors are sewn amongst needle lace embroidery. Beads and buttons are used along with metal charm embellishments to compliment the sea theme.

Magic Web: Pin
This is a great technique project. I call it "Metallic Threads 101". It introduces the sewer to metallic threads which are used both in the eye of the needle and the bobbin. The lace fabric is made from scraps of fabric and trims, layered in "Solvy" which is a water soluble product. The lace is cut into a shape when dry, embellished with embroidery and beads and made into a pin.

Mardi Gras
The background fabric is machine quilted in metallic threads. Both hand and machine cords are applied to add interest; "Magic Web" appliques are made from precious scraps and machine stitched in place.
Further embellishment comes from the embroidered shisha mirrors, glass beads, metal charms and your wonderful stash of vintage buttons.

Medallion Treasures
Pieced strips of precious and luscious fabrics are laid amongst precious handwork sections. The center piece can be a lovely embroidered section, or other hand work these are pieces with strips of fabric with additional sections of prairie points and "moc" prairie points. Machine quilting ties all of these pieces together. Stitches of traditional hand embroidery are embellished with beads and charms. Shisha mirrors and buttons are added to for embellishment to make this truly a treasure!

Happy Stitching, enjoy all that you do!

Embroidery with Beads

I love working with beads, whether they be used in jewelry making or by adding them to garments or accessories. I have developed a few classes that focus primarily on embellishing with beads using traditional embroidery stitches as well as traditional beaded jewelry stitches. The classes are listed below, if you click on the link it will take you to the page that lists the class fees, as well as the pattern that can be purchased if you would like to learn the techniques for yourself.

Beadazzled is a class that I teach using traditional embroidery stitches such as: continuous beading, single seed and bugle stitching, chain stitch, feather stitch, looped stitch, woven stitch, single hole bead, beaded cascade.
The project that you work on can be a vest, purse, wall hanging, pillow, or something of your own creation. Once you start embroidering with beads you will not want to stop, and warning your bead stash will grow to wondrous proportions!

Beadazzled Somemore: Purse This is a class that includes the stitching techniques and the pattern for the purse. The stitches that are included are: free form peyote on fabric, free form bead embroidery, multi-bead embroidery, stitching on trinkets, buttons & charms
and more! The freedom of this stitch allows for a creativity without the constrictions that a pre-set design would have.


Beaded Ribbon Bracelet
This contemporary bracelet is a quick and easy project for any skill level. The buttons and beads add a bit of glamour to your project and enhance the already gorgeous ribbon to make a bracelet that you will wear forever.

Garden at Versailles: Bracelet
This lightweight bracelet is created with a base of vintage French jacquard ribbon from the '40's. The pattern on the ribbon will determine where the buttons will be placed, then they will be encrusted with embroidered glass seed beads and charms. The designs are added in with bead embroidery techniques similar to the Beadazzled class.

Happy Stitching, be thankful for your creative spirit, enjoy!

Ocean Rivers Bracelet- free form peyote

This is a new project that I just created for Joggles.com. The base of the bracelet is a grosgrain ribbon, embellished with shell buttons and covered in beads stitched with the peyote stitch. This class will mark the first time that I have taught an on-line class, hope to see you there! Click here for class details.

Happy Stitching!

Aunt Rosina Amongst The Posies- by Christen Brown

Rosie and Linda’s Awfully Big Art Adventure:

I came across this site today, and found this wonderful adventure waiting there. These ladies create a monthly challenge by giving you a theme, and you can run and play with it to your hearts content. I especially liked this one, as I could use my budding digital skills and have some fun. This is what I created with the image of Aunt Rosina:

If you are interested in participating here is the link: Photo Challenge