Friday, February 29, 2008

Outline Stitch with the Needlepuncher

This is probably obvious to you experienced needlepeople out there...but for me it was an "aha" moment in the middle of the night...
I wanted to embroider around the lettering of my little Spring piece, but the thought of how long it would take wasn't that appealing.
So....why not try using my needlepunch? The loops would go to the back, leaving a nice even row of stitching on the front.

I had to use a hoop, and it took me a little practice to get the tension right. But once I had some rhythm, this was really fast!

Here is how it looked from the back...very unstable. These stitches could be pulled out in one zip.

So I fused some fusible woven interfacing over the loops. For extra security, I could have layered some fusible web in between the back of the embroidery and the fusible interfacing...one more layer of glue wouldn't have hurt. I would do that next time. Still, this should work o.k.


This looks for all the world like a hand-done backstitch!

A few more elements and stitches were added, and now I am ready to stretch this over foam core.
What a fun project!

20 comments :

Marty52 said...

Your needlepuncher does a great job, it really does look like hand stitching. I'm impressed! Adding that extra bit to "Spring" really helped it stand up to the flowers... it's a beautiful piece!

Wendy said...

So gorgeous!!!!

CameoRoze (Margaret) said...

That looks great, Allie.
Really makes your "Spring" pop!

Cameo @-->-->---

Possibilities, Etc. said...

It sings! I like that - a new term: "an aha! moment" and don't they always come in the middle of the night - or some other inopportune time? This piece is truly a celebration of a spring to look forward to.

Ruth said...

What a cool idea! I'm ready for spring and your piece makes me really long for those flowers to bloom. I guess I'll have to wait a little longer since all the flower beds have 2-3 feet of snow on them.

Grangry said...

Allie, what an excellent idea! Love your lettering too.

Kay said...

Your block is so interesting and a neeedlepunch... hmmmm, I've never used one, but I should certainly give it a try... Lovely!

Rian said...

SPRING has sprung! Isn't it great when brilliant ideas pop into your head in the middle of the night! A gift from The Universe.

Susan said...

What a great idea. I love that you did it in two colors. It really does look springy!

Karrin Hurd said...

That needle punching technique looks wonderful, great idea you had!

Fannie said...

Clever, innovative, excellent workmanship! Thanks for sharing.

Cat said...

This is such a happy piece and I can tell you are having fun making it! Your needlepunch worked out great. I never did master that tool and technique!

Happy Spring!

QuiltingFitzy said...

OH! I "wanted" the words to pop a little more...YOU DID IT!

This application could be used for couching too, no?

AWESOME ALLIE.

Anonymous said...

Very nice. I will have to try using a needlepunch.

Judith said...

What a great idea Allie, I for one would never have thought of using the punchneedle in that way. Looks wonderful too.
I have especially been enjoying your entries on the embellisher. You do such incredible work and are so prolific. Also a great resource, thank you so much for that.
Judith

Christine said...

Hmm, I've seen the needlepunch people advertising at local Craft Shows and walked past because I wasn't that interested. I think I'll take a second look now, VBG. But then I'm a bit slow to take on new innovations, I've only just discovered the embellisher, and bought a hand tool to have a go before spending $400 AUD on a machine that only does one "stitch"
I've been researching a crystal hot fix tool (bejeweller?) and now a Needlepuncher will be on that list too. Thanks for the inspiration, your work just amazes!

Hooroo,
Christine in overcast Sydney Australia
http://missmuffettwo.blogspot.com/

Granny Fran said...

Thanks for that great idea; I love the way the lettering looks; and my poor hands can handle a needlepunch needle better than a crewel needle. This opens a whole new world of possibilities.

Deb Hardman said...

It's beautiful. I never thought to use fusible stabilizer on the back of the needle punch. You're brilliant!

Sorry I didn't have my snowshoes with me at the beach! It really was knee deep in snow, but that tree lined driveway was beautiful!

Rose said...

What a great idea!

Kathy Raker said...

Oh what a great idea using the needlepunch to outline. Your work is wonderful.I am so ready for Spring! I was given a needlepunch a few months ago by a friend. After having it in her possession for many years, I guess she gave up on it and passed it on to me.