New Year brings Changes....

After more than 15 years I'm ready for a change. 

Sometime within the next month or so I am, for the most part, shutting down Thistle Handwerks and the website. It's been a ride; a good one, a challenging one, and a learning one. I worked with and met so many fascinating people, dedicated to finding period textiles for their homes and businesses. 

This past year, I returned to my old world of Non-Profits, and I'm really enjoying it. I like having people to work with- I don't feel so isolated. I know it's good for me. 

I still love all my naturally dyed silks, and fabrics. I still have a nice supply- so if you find yourself thinking about a project, and want to talk, contact me. Same phone #, and old email thistlehandwerks AT earthlink DOT net. 

I do have some pieces in the studio that eventually I will list in the Etsy shop. 

Best to all!



Martha

Glasgow Style Decorative Stitching and Stickley Pine Cones

The Stickley Pine Cone Curtain Panels are nearly complete; I just finished all the decorative stitching along the applied bands, and thought this might be a good time to show how the stitching is worked.


What makes the stitching "Glasgow Style"? Well, the early 20th century Glasgow School embroiderers often incorporated textile construction details into the design of the piece. In this case, I needed to permanently apply the embroidered bands onto the curtain panels- and suggested to my client we add decorative stitching along the edges of the bands. The stitching encloses the pinecones, and I think, really gives the bands a finished appearance. 


Here is the corner cluster with one side of the band complete.

It's not difficult to do, but in order to look good, careful prep work is required.

I basted along the edges to mark where the bands needed to be folded and pressed, then, measured and pinned the bands to the curtain panels. You can see the line of running pins on the top side of the above photo. Then, using a water soluble marker, I measured and placed a dot every 1/4". This ensures my running stitches are consistently spaced, and are the same length. 

You could certainly do the stitching prior to applying the band, but then- you would need to carefully hand stitch around your decorative stitches. Not as clean a look, and, more time involved. Overall, I think the band will be more secure, look tidier, and well, why sew the band on twice? 


I'm now sewing rings on the panels, and, if I can get the client to take some photos once they're installed, I'll post it here. 

Pine Cones, New and Old

I'm currently working on a pair of curtain panels for a substantial window in the Pacific Northwest. The client selected Chocolate brown linen, with applied reverse L-shaped bands that have embroidered Stickley pine cones on them. Lots of pine cones. 

This is the corner of of a band that is in progress. Two shades of naturally dyed brown silk, with a softly variegated green for the needles. 


Right now in my yard, there are other pinecones being created- but not by my hands. It's fascinating to watch them grow, change in color and texture, and size. 

These are on a little Fir called "Horstmann's Silberlocke"; the undersides of the needles turn a light silvery color as they twist and turn. As the pinecones mature, they are attacked in the fall by the birds. 

This tiny little specimen is growing on a weeping Hemlock, and looks delicate, but really isn't.

Here's one that hasn't changed color or texture yet, and is tightly packed and a lovely blue green. 


Inspiration is every where. I do love summer.

Etsy specials

Hmm, seems I've been gone for a while. No excuse.

But, I did some spring cleaning, and have started listing some items in the Etsy shop.

I'm adding some one-of-a-kind items, primarily prototypes and test pieces, and they are deals. 

Check them out- I've some more items to post when I get to it!

Lavender in Winter

Like last year, I've been making use of some of my bags of linen scraps to make sachets- filling them up with amazingly fragrant organic lavender from Washington State. The entire studio is permeated with the aroma when I fill a few up. Mmmmmm. Don't think any moths will come near this place!

Last month, I sent a "Knitter's Peace Dove" sachet as a gift to one of my favorite knitting designers, Anne Hanson, of Knitspot and she generously posted about it on her blog. If you're a knitter, and don't know about Anne's great designs, and fun blog, please visit her!

Since it's nearly Valentine's Day, I've also started to make "Lover's Peace Dove" sachets. Here is what one looks like, but don't feel it needs to be gifted for that holiday- give one to yourself, or to someone you love. It's white and cold here, but the scent of lavender will keep me going til Spring.

the Only Clematis around Here

are gone.

Earlier in the year I showed this commemorative design while it was in the works. I now realize I never provided photos of the completed design. The limited pieces I made are now living elsewhere, and I'll try to be patient til spring brings the Clematis flowers back. Stay warm, enjoy your friends and family, and be healthy.

Fueling the Fire

Not related to embroidery, but what IS helping to keep me cranking right now- a little shipment of goods from Teavana.com.

While at a family Thanksgiving in Portland last month, one of my cousins brought some Teavana tea from the California Bay Area. The aromas were astounding, and I just loved the actual tea. Even with our small order, they sent a free tin, which is now filled with "My Morning Mate". mmmmmmm.

Etsy Shop filling up!

I'm working to list some items in the Etsy Shop, and also trying to add some new little sachets I've been making.

Stop in and see what you can find!

Return

Where have I been? I just can't say, but obviously not here. My hands have certainly been occupied, but not on the keyboard.

I made an appearance for the Annual Historic Seattle Bungalow Fair, and I will post some photos the new designs I showed there. But not today. It was nice to be back at the show, and see many folks I so love talking with.

More soon.

More Educational Needlecraft and Applique

In honor of Educational Needlecraft's 100th birthday(see previous post), I'm working on some pieces that either reproduce or reflect on those found in the publication. They will not become permanent offerings, but will be limited in number throughout 2011, and will most likely vary some in color and design. Here are a two photos of one that is currently underway.

100 Years of Educational Needlecraft

Amazing, it was 100 years ago, in 1911, that Ann Macbeth and Margaret Swanson's revolutionary instructional book was published by Longmans Green & Company. When I first became interested in Glasgow Style Embroidery, I found two copies of the book in the UK- one is the first edition from 1911, and I'm still happy to have it. It is listed on my website page of resources to "find out more".

Pioneers in the UK, the authors wrote other instructional books to better enable teachers of "domestic arts" to inspire girls and young women to expand their skills- and to encourage the social revolution that the arts could be for All, not just the economically secure. Practical creativity meant that needle crafts didn't have to be created from expensive materials, nor did they need to be confined to evening wear or purely decorative objects.

The publication is now readily available in paperback version, and also online.

If you're going to be near Glasgow Scotland the middle of this month- an event celebrating the 100th anniversary of Educational Needlecraft is scheduled. Textilefest includes a tribute to Glasgow's role in the textile industry-Visit http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/ for more info- there is even a workshop on making your own drawstring bag- Glasgow Style!

Hearts and Knots

As I mentioned, I'm having fun making some new sachets. While procrastinating about something else, I made this one:


I found the basis for it in book that details methods of construction for Celtic Knotwork panels of the Pictish School. Pretty fascinating design stuff!

And, not too long ago, continuing my current avian interest, and figuring that it will be Valentine's Day soon, I embroidered a Crow. That is addicted to love.

They are both now listed in my Etsy shop- link on the right hand side of the page.

LOVE Sachets?

It's cold, and it's white outside. My mind wanders and thinks about everything else other than What It Should Be.

So, I'm playing with Love Sachets. Heart Sachets. Kind of Arts and Crafts period, kind of not. But different.

I'm starting to put some into the Etsy Shop- link on side of this page. Check them out.

Smelling great!

WOW does the studio smell fantastic! If you don't like the smell of lavender, don't come over. I just got a new shipment of amazingly fresh organic Washington lavender buds; it's truly astounding how fragrant they are.

Here's a quick shot of a large order that went out recently....

And, I seem to be on a bird binge.

I've been watching them come to the bird bath, which is now frozen every morning. As it thaws, little visitors show up for a drink and perhaps a short bath. They must know that the mountains are getting slammed with snow, and soon enough, the white stuff will be here too.

I've been drawn to red tones, as the fall ends here in Montana. Not much can compete with the brilliant red of a Cardinal in snow, but the logwood dyed red silk I use comes pretty close, don't you think?

The Robin on the right uses the same ruby red silk, and being the early bird that it is, has nabbed a ball of tweedy cotton yarn- naturally dyed by the talent Andie at Renaissance Dyeing, in France. There is a link to her site on the right of this page. These sachets, and more, are available in my etsy shop(again, see right for the link).

Back from the Summer

Well, it's been some time. No excuses, except it WAS summer, and I was keeping busy.

I had an interesting project, one I never thought I'd make. Actually, I never even thought about making one til I got a phone call. Many of us might have a need for one, living in old houses, with old interiors, and still, it had never crossed my mind. Ok, I'll say it.

A FLAT SCREEN TV COVER

Do you have one? Well, someone in my state does! Here are a few shots. I wish I could show it to you in situ, but the owner doesn't live nearby. If he ever sends me a photo, I'll post it here.

Sorry, not the greatest shot, but I had a hard time getting the entire piece. It's 70" wide. Yup, a big boy. Here's some details.

The cover is entirely lined with a high count muslin, to avoid static. You can see that in the photo on the right. Anyway, making something for the first time is always fun, and sometimes challenging.

ETSY SHOP SALE

Visit the Thistle Handwerks Etsy shop for a SALE on anything with PURPLE or BLUE. Sale ends July 31st.

My gardens are overflowing with Penstemon, Clematis, Wisteria, Veronica, Allium, Pansies, and more- in every hue of purple/blue you can imagine. I just love it!

Montana Association of Weavers and Spinners Conference

Is where you'll find me, beginning this evening, through Sunday!
I'll be a vendor there, with my small but wonderfully fragrant sachets for stash protection.

There's alot of events, workshops, classes. As a fiber freak, I'm thrilled to be taking two classes after the market is over, from Jane Fournier.

If you're in the area, stop by- the market is open to the public.
More info at www.mawsonline.org/Conference.html

Roses for Springtime!

In my studio, there is a bank of 2 large windows that look out into the gardens. Watching the yard this time of year is so exciting, after spending the winter staring at white and brown. All I want to do is embroider with bright colors, and since that isn't what just everyone wants, my little sachet project gives me the chance to go WILD. Well, sort of.

Of course, there aren't any roses blooming in my garden yet(I'm just starting to see live stems and buds)- but I can dream, can't I? I'm a patient person, I can wait. These brilliantly colored Glasgow-esque satin stitch roses will probably go into the Etsy shop soon.

Merging Hearts

are on the next sachet design I'm listing in the Etsy shop. If you don't like the smell of lavender, you can always order one without it- and fill the mini-pillow with the fragrance of your choice!

More on Etsy

I've added some new sachets along with a pillow that is not a standard design- it's a Glasgow style floral applique motif in blues.

I don't know about where you live, but winter has absolutely arrived=snow + below freezing temps! Stay warm!