I cannot count my day complete
'Til needle, thread and fabric meet.
~Author Unknown

Sharing a common thread with those who love the art of hand embroidery

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Recently, a dear friend sent me a box full of wonderful embroidery floss..........

many skeins were of this beautiful variegated collection. I knew I wanted to embroider with this, but could not determine how and on what design I actually would end up working this in with.  

I also recently came upon a box of different colored rick rack........... Rick rack..........something I have never really taken interest in especially when it comes to my embroidery design. However, sometimes, trying something different can be such a refreshing change.

(click on photos for a better view)
As you remember, I showed you my latest embroidered pillowcase set and had not decided on the edging at that time. I usually go for a more vintage and romantic approach, using lace or a crocheted edging for these. But since this set has been different even in the way I chose floss color...........I decided to do the same on the edging. The blue rick rack makes it look a little more modern, yet it has a welcome home look to it.................I think.
The variegated floss, helped capture all of the colors that I used in the design when embroidering and helped gap the space between bottom design and the middle design.

I used a feather stitch for this and it runs all the way around the pillowcase.

And now, the set has a cheerful and and perky look to it.......
don't you think?
How about you?
Do you use rick rack or variegated threads in your work?
I would love to hear!

13 comments:

Sandra said...

I love the rick rack on the edge of your pillowcase. I think I will try that myself sometime. Thanks for sharing with us. Your embroidery is spectacular. I love how you choose all your own color variations. It always turns out great.

GardenOfDaisies said...

So pretty! I love the ric-rac edge! :-)

Betty Lou said...

I think they are lovely. How nice of your friend to gift you the floss and rick and rack.

Wren said...

Your work is so lovely! I have used rick rack on napkins in the past,

liefdevoortextiel said...

Everything is wunderful, how nice from your friend!

lil red hen said...

This is sooo pretty! The feather stitch is a favorite of mine; I love rick rack and use it now and then on aprons and doll clothes. How I wish a friend would gift me with such lovely threads!

Sharon said...

I love your header, Kathleen! You are so talented.

Gina E. said...

Oh Kathleen, I just adore ricrac, and have a box full of different colours and widths! The pillow case looks perfect with the ricrac edge.

Paula said...

WOW~ those are gorgeous, Kathleen! I love ric-rac, especially on baby quilts. The blue edge adds the perfect touch to your pillowcase!

Cindy said...

The pillowcase looks so pretty with your new additions. I like to use rick rack occasionally, but haven't used the varigated thread. I should try it, because my grandmother used it a lot in here crocheted lace.

Take care, Cindy

Anonymous said...

Kathleen, I love the pillowcases! The rick rack looks wonderful - almost like crochet. I never thought of using rick rack for edging pillowcases, so thank you for the idea. Your embroidery is terrific, as usual. So beautiful. I would love to one day purchase some of your lovely items.

My 'happy place' is thinking about vintage aprons, kitchen towels, and linens.

Enjoy a beautiful day,
Marianne xo

Jocelyn said...

That is lovely! I am a big fan of rick rack, especially the way you used it. I have used it before in crazy quilting, where I have stitched over it and added beads and such. It gives it a completely different look. Try it!

Mini said...

That was a smart choice to use the variegated skein for the feather stitch. Blue rick rack is very pretty!