theenbyroiderer

[theenbyroiderer]

Sorry if this has been asked before, but do you have any tips for someone looking to get into embroidery? All I’ve done in the past are kits that are essentially paint by numbers for embroidery and didn’t have you fill in an area with color, but I want to get more into it and I’m not super sure where to start

Tbh, I don't think I'll have very good answers for you. I never did any kits, I just started stitching whatever came into my head. So I guess that's the main advice I have. Just try it. The only limit is your imagination really.

I usually just draw a sketch straight onto the fabric with a heat erasable pen (Frixion Fineliner is my go to). Be aware that those pens can leave traces behind on fabric. It's not an issue I have since most of my stuff is full cover.

Fonts I find on 1001fonts or similar websites.

You can do a lot with basic stitches, but if you want to learn more these are some of the stitches I've found most useful. Chain stitch, bullion stitch, drizzle stitch, padded satin stitch, woven picot stitch, turkey stitch, couching... You can find instructions for pretty much any embroidery technique under the sun if you go looking on Youtube.

As for thread, fabric, tools... just use what you have around to start with. You can use almost any thread or yarn for embroidery, doesn't have to be meant for embroidery as such. I use a lot of knitting yarn leftovers for example. For fabric, any old bedsheet, kitchen towel or flannel shirt will work well enough. Reuse, repurpose, recycle!

Needles can be a bit tricky because there are so many different kinds. Finding your personal preference can take a while. I use sashiko needles because I needed something slim but super sturdy, and with a variety of lengths.

Can't think of anything else right now, but feel free to ask whatever.

[theenbyroiderer]

In memory of my mother who left this world on Halloween. I made this for her for mothers day a few years ago. Skulls were like 50% of her decor, so I think she would have appreciated the aesthetic of dying on Halloween. The text translates as 'here I lie, ruminating'. Now I like to imagine that she is there, looking back at me. Still worrying about everything.

[theenbyroiderer]

I was just going to buy some yarn, but I couldn't resist this Moomin mug.

P.S. Also, is it weird that I feel a strong need to match my moomin mug to the current season? And this mug is clearly summer season, which is bothering me a bit lol. But still using it today, because new.

P.P.S. Sign of the change of seasons in my home is when I pull out the currently appropriate seasonal mugs from storage and put away the out of season ones.

[theenbyroiderer]

Today we hiked another section of the same nature trail as last time. To the same pretty lake in the middle of a bog, but from the other direction. Prettier weather today.

[theenbyroiderer]

In honor of Intersex Awareness Day, here's an in progress pic of this project from last year.

[theenbyroiderer]

Just another crocheted beret.

[theenbyroiderer]

I'm averaging one crochet beret a day... Think I've mastered it because wore this green one all day today and really liked the look.

[theenbyroiderer]

I really appreciate that Ace Week (formerly Asexual Awareness Week) is a thing. It's so very needed. I usually participate to celebrate/spread the word somehow.

But I'm so tired of the aphobes that inevitably turn up and spew their hate in the comments of Ace Week posts. I guess I live in a very accepting little bubble most of the time and then come Ace Week I'm reminded of how much hate there is out there.

Some of the things people say:

Asexual people just want to feel special. I.e. asexual people are just trenders.

Asexuality is not a real sexuality, these people just have a hormone imbalance or some sort of trauma.

Asexuality is gay erasure/homophobic. (Whut??)

Asexual people don't face the discrimination and persecution that LGBT people suffer. They don't need a flag or civil rights protection.

If you harbour any such acephobic opinions, or if you don't think aces belong in the LGBTQ community... either change your minds or get out. I don't want any aphobes or exclusionists in my space.

[theenbyroiderer]

Facebook tells me that today is the anniversary of this piece. Still so relevant for me. Please don't expect things from me based on my assigned gender. Please don't expect me to have any sort of attachment to it. Please don't assume my gender.

[theenbyroiderer]

Freehanded a beret just to see if I could do it. It turned out a bit small, but good prototype anyway.

[theenbyroiderer]

Another nature trail. Really pretty stream and then a gorgeous bog. Lots of mushrooms and moss.

[theenbyroiderer]

Thinking about making a big broadleaf plantain sculpture. As a companion to my dandelion. Here's a prototype leaf. A bit pointy, but otherwise I think it works well enough. This leaf is about the lenght of my forearm.

[theenbyroiderer]

There's a first for everything... I feel like most people start with something flat and square-ish when they are learning to crochet. Well. I never did. I started with making 3D stuff in the round and I stuck to it.

But tonight I made this, just to see if I could freehand something flat and square-ish. Turned out ok. I'll need block it though, and then make one more side exactly like it... if I want to make this a functional pot holder.

[theenbyroiderer]

Bit of a hike today. Really pretty nature trail!

[theenbyroiderer]

This was in my Facebook memories today... Those were potatoes from the year before, happily languishing in my root cellar. Like a fluffy white cloud.

[theenbyroiderer]

Yesterday we went to have a look at the biggest glacially deposited erratic in the country. Huge rock. Pretty landscapes.

[theenbyroiderer]

Facebook reminded me today that it's been three years since I completed this project. The OG mossy mushroom project.