Sew-outs.

Way back in 1999 when I got my first embroidery machine I did loads of stitch-outs of various designs whilst I experimented with threads and stabilizers. Later when I started digitising my own designs I used to do trial stitch-outs to see if my ideas would work.

Of course after using up thread and fabric I couldn't just bin them so they got integrated into my stash.

Here I have used some of these trial runs to jazz up some plain material for more bags. At least they won't be mistaken for anyone else's bag ! :o)


The squares below are all stitched out on different silk remnants. They just asked to be stitched together but I am not sure where I go with them now?
Maybe I should have sashed them or alternated them with plain squares, or embroidered some more to make something bigger. I don't really fancy unpicking them as the silk frays so badly (or so well? )

They will probably hibernate back into the stitch-out box until inspiration strikes. At the moment all I can think of is a humbug shaped cushion or the top of a pretty bag to store something in?

My sewing room is still tidy :o(

Over a week into the New Year and although I have done many sketches, and scribbled down some ideas no creative stitching has happened yet and it is making me twitchy!!!!

My sewing room/studio is immaculate!

I have turned out my drawers and tidied all my threads. My stash has been tidied and stroked and my machines are serviced and ready to go but still I have not got started. I even have a list pinned up on my noticeboard of what is to be done!!!

Could it be the deadlines for getting things done is too far away and the pressure isn't there yet? Has everyone out there started creating again as soon as Twelfth Night was over?

On a more positive note I now have a Bernina dealer within 25 miles of me. Not only does he see to my machines within a few days but he also collects them and then brings them home again!

I find that very reassuring!