Agi & the X Factor: September 2020

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Rosey top is ready

There were several trial versions for my rosey quilt before I settled for the final one. I did not like the too white sections between the double Irish chain, so I added some green - it was too green.

Then I added some lilac to the middle - it was too different from the chain

Then I added roses only - too plain.

Finally I have finished the quilt top for with greens and a rose in the middle, and still not sure whether this was in my mother's mind, but this is how the top is turned out.

Some close ups

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Long Dog Sans Soucis

I have decided to start a Long Dog sampler. My favourite is Pilgrim, but before jumping into a major one I wanted to try something smaller - Sans Soucis came into the picture. San soucis means carefree - it is a nice world to think on, having no restraints, no virus, simply enjoying life... I was thinking a lot what fabric and thread should I use: my favourite silk is Caron Waterlilies and Gloriana, both are quite expensive, especially for such huge pieces as a Long Dog. I usually stitch on 32 ct 2 thread, for Sans Soucis I need 10 skeins, for Pilgrim it takes 20-22! If I stitch 40ct 1 thread it is only 4 and 9 respectively.

I have ordered 40ct zweigart Newcastle to try - and it was awful. I tea dyed, and I liked the color, but stitching full coverage 40 ct 2over2 with 1 floss is really hard - I just hated it. I was thinking maybe I van get used to this, but there was no joy at all. Then I tried the 32ct 2 floss - and I just loved it, and having a hobby is about having fun, I opted for this version.

Next thing was the color. I knew for the dark borders I will use Caron Black Forest (#63), and my all time favourite is Mulberry(#152), so it will be also added. But since it is carefree, I wanted something fun as well. I have seen a green-blue version of the piece, so I was trying to add this to the mix. First I used Gloriana Wood Pond (#49), but it was kind of disapperaring in the fabric, so I frogged and changed to Rainforest(#67) - much better!