I Made An Embroidery Sampler... And Sold Everything Else. || Sewing a Victorian Velvet Coat
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- Опубликовано: 29 мар 2023
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If you've ever had trouble justifying spending the time doing a test run, trial, tension square or sampler of any technique, this month's video might help convince you.
This month I made my own sampler to test the embroidery for the velvet coat, and you can see in real time the difference it's going to make to the final piece.
(I also solved the problem of how to make those little felt flowers without cutting them out individually with a pair of embroidery scissors!)
I also sold, donated, or gave away 90% of my possessions and went on the road with my trusty embroidery frame and a roll of velvet. As you do.
Dave Budd Handmade Tools made the punch for the flowers:
www.davebudd.com/
Instagram: @dave_budd_handmade_tools
My embroidery frame came from
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Embroide...
Music:
‘Paragons of Virtue’ by Jo Wandrini
‘Sense of Touch’ by Helmut Schenker
‘Turtle Swim’ by Johannes Bornlöf
‘Nocturnal Waltz’ by Johannes Bornlöf
‘Winged’ by Clarence Reed
‘We Are Giants’ by Silver Maple
‘When Sarah Returned’ by Daniel Kaede
‘Let There Be Rain’ by Silver Maple
‘Melting Glass’ by Eden Avery
‘Growing Love’ by Josef Bel Habib
‘Prosper’ by Megan Wofford
(All from Epidemic Sound)
Edited by Sophie Black at @triskellepictures
/ @triskellepicturesuk
You can also follow me and see my own sewing on Instagram:
/ cathy.hay
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Hey Cathy, while I generally love seeing your progress on projects and everything else you do, I just wanted to say, I've seen one of your earlier videos where you talk about the struggles with your voice and how you're working on it, and I felt like there is a noticeable difference between now and your earlier videos so I guess I just wanted to say I hope you're proud of yourself, because I feel proud for you and wish you all the love in the world
How very kind of you, thank you!
I was immediately struck by the strength of her voice also. I hope it is an indication that Cathy is on the right path and getting stronger.
@@CathyHay - I tried to tag you in my comment, but I don't think it worked, so I'm highjacking this thread. :)
The historical garment looks like it was embroidered in a thread that has a twist, while the DMC does not. If you are striving for accuracy, I'd look for a crewel thread/yarn to use instead of the DMC.
Not trying to throw a monkey wrench into your progress, but wanted to throw that out there.
(I'm a knitter and embroiderer going back decades.)
Definate change in the voice even from the last video 😊
Big change in your voice! Hope you continue to progress! Love your videos!
One-woman traveling embroidery show will be the next big thing, y'all just watch ;)
Years ago, I worked in a fabric store, when you folded the velvet I screamed NO! at my computer... but when you cut it in half and rolled it I audibly sighed. People who have never worked with velvet don't understand that folding it disturbs the nap and can leave marks that are nearly impossible to get out. Also, even after working with and cutting fabric for others for more than 15 years cutting out my own patterns terrifies me every time - which explains my backlog of projects lol. Safe travels and happy adventures.
Cathy, when you embroider a large project in one color it's best to purchase all of the embroidery floss you'll need at the same time. It's a big initial investment, however all of the floss needs to be from the same dye lot. The difference from dye lot to dye lot may not be apparent when you're looking at the floss, but the difference will be noticable as you progress through the project. This is a remarkable piece.
Please know that I appreciate all that you share with us. I'm thrilled that you're allowing us the privilege of joining you on your new jouney.
Wishing you tremendous success,
Linda
In December 2020 I sold or gave away nearly everything I owned. I packed a couple of suitcases and moved to a different continent where I didn’t speak the language. I’ve loved every moment and continue to grow as a person as I learn a new culture. Enjoy your journey!
Cathy, did you know that DMC does its 6 strand floss on 100 and 500 g cones? MUCH better for large projects!
I have a travelling art studio, its a dubbel tool chest on wheels with a handel to pull it, much like a modern suitcase. One box goes on top of the other and snaps in to place so you end up moving both of them together.
In the bottom box i put all the heavy stuff and in the one on top holds my pencils, brushes and so on.
Last summer I went on a solo trip across Scotland and I carried my embroidery frame (about 40*50cm) all the way with me. I was doing wool tapestry needlework so it was fairly thick too. In terms of hassle, it was definitely more work than knitting but I'd say significantly less than dressmaking (where you have about two hundred pins on the fabric). But I'll never forget doing the embroidery on the train into the highlands, in Glasgow sunset, or in a hostel pub with a dozen German boys after coming back from my first mountain walk...I am looking forward to your travel videos!
Wow! I'll be doing a similar trip in a few years time - but with a 70 x 20 frame... yikes!
You and Bernadette, switching countries
I just thought of another idea (for years I’ve made little cotton velveteen toddler coats with matching bonnets). That is how I learned the way to get the best effects out of your floss and how to work with a napped fabric. I used to mark the back of the velvet with a thread traced arrow to keep track of the right direction on the fabric. Especially if you are cutting up yardage to cut your pattern from. I only forgot that rule once and I had a hodgepodge of different colours on a coat where I didn’t mark the direction of the nap of the velvet. You can end up with part of the garment looking a totally different colour from the other parts. I even chalk marked an arrow on the back of scraps so that if I ruined a collar or a cuff and needed to cut a new one I didn’t have to work out the way the nap was running on the scrap pieces I had saved. I suspect you know all these things already but I’m saying it anyway in case there’s a tiny bit you hadn’t heard of.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who hates cutting into new material! Also, the cutting process in general always takes SO much longer than I think it will. So much planning and measuring, and I always have a sneaking suspicion that I will still probably get it wrong! Hate it. I always breathe a sigh of relief when I FINALLY get to the actual sewing! Love your beautiful content, Cathy!
I agree! The sewing is the enjoyable part. Everything else, that's work, that's maybe educational, and maybe pushes my craft to a new level, but its not fun. It's stressful. I always have to have an emotional support buddy with me. Usually my lovely husband, sometimes my sister, the really hard projects I might even have both of them, like when I made a skirt with 11 yards of tulle in 6 hours the day before I needed it.... sewing with tulle is officially on my never again list. I've decided I will try the heat set rhinestones next time, but never again will I sew tulle. Lol
It's literally the reason that I mostly knit and don't sew much. Scary!!
Especially, if it's really expensive fabric and you only have limited yardage! Nerve wracking!
Make sure you get all of one dye lot for the embroidery thread colors. Otherwise they will all fade or wear differently over time. I do a lot of embroidery with silk ribbon and with many different fiber-contents of thread. I also wanted to mention you should use a nice rubber mallet to strike your wool felt punch. Won’t be as harsh on the wood base and your punch won’t need sharpening as often.
I think using your punches on a self healing mat will extend their sharpness compared to pushing them into hard wood. I’m loving that purple 💜.
It's been a while since I've seen you... Your voice seems to slowly be coming back. It makes me very happy! I'm looking forward to watching this! I love embroidery!😊
I strongly recommend that you acquire a very large amount of the colors of DMC you are using beforehand. Due lots can vary and you don’t want to face that problem. I always am looking forward to all your future videos. Safe travels!
Or just order a cone? They're not terribly enormous, and worth the space as you won't have to worry about dye lots, or skeins getting ratty from grubbing around in a project bag.
The real reason you decided to travel was to find all if the thread you will need for this. It is looking fantastic.
That's a reel reason all right! Tee hee
Honestly England is pretty good for special threads. England and Japan. It's annoying how much I order thread from abroad.
I live in a very small apartment and we are talking about going into a tiny house. Most of my sewing supplies are in a vintage tool boxes and my sewing box. Tool boxes are great. They can take a beating and still protect the contents inside. They have locking closures, so if they fall, nothing spills. And they have compartments for sorting things. They may not look as romantic as the trunk but they work. 😊
Yes! I use either tool boxes or train cases for most of the tools that I use on a regular basis (one for sewing, one for my medical supplies, another for my computer repair kit, etc). I find it to be really practical.
@@TiffMarche absolutely! And train cases are so cute! I have seen a few makeovers for those that look absolutely spectacular!
When using DMC embroidery thread a tip for you is to separate all the strands in the length you are using to embroider. Put them back together. This eliminates the twist and will allow a nicer stitch and less likely to knot or coil on you while working. Also use a pin to hold that leaf strand where you want it, put your thread behind it, make your stitch and then remove the placement pin when you go to tack the leaf strand down. It helps to keep them closer spaced and more even. Hope these tips help. Love you ❤ and your videos. Good luck and have fun in your travels. 🥰❤
I wish I'd known this when I undertook my last significant cross stitch project. Oh well, I'll have to take on a new project to utilise this piece of knowledge.
nevermind separating the strands on the floss or your very useful tips, those leaves (and possibly the whole thing) should really be done in perlé to get closer to the original coat ,and it would incidentally be cheaper
The thread in the leaves on the original have a wonderful twist that gives them more dimension and movement and is even more evocative of a real fern blade.
@@hectorrobertocontrerasmiranda good idea 👍
Annie Oakley, 1860-1926, American sharpshooter, member of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, lived out of a trunk and sewed her own costumes, moving from hotel room to hotel room. In her biography I read that she packed everything, including her sewing machine, in one trunk. I thought you might be interested. I wish you well on your new adventure. ❤️
I have really noticed an improvement in your voice, you have been working so hard on yourself and your projects, and I hope that you are in a much better place in your life these days, as well as proud of how far you have come! This project is great and I can't wait to see it finished!
I know this isn't the case, but I find it a little humorous that my two favorite introvert RUclips sewers are you and Bernadette, and Bernadette recently moved to the UK from the US, and now you are going to be moving to the US from the UK. I know that distance is no object to true friendship, but I promise, a single country is large enough for two introverts to be friends in, you don't have to be on ACTUAL opposite sides of the planet!
I would love to see you moving from space to space, and when you do move here to the US, I hope we get a video tour of your new home!
Thanks to all of the historical creators on RUclips. Together, you talked me into making my own garments. The things I discovered I knew just from watching all of you has been incredible! I made my first walking skirt (from a pattern and cotton broadcloth), and I feel amazing swishing about in it at least once a week! I'm so proud of it (and the mistakes I made along the way), and I can only say thank you for encouraging us to at least try. Thank you, Cathy for your time and knowledge and encouragement
Yay! Taking a Cathy Hay break from figuring out a quilt design I am working on. I am making a quilt for the local Children's librarian at my local library, who is retiring in a few months. She was the librarian when I was little. She used to read to me when I was really little, and when my kids were really little she read to them all the time. She is still really close to my kids too.
I too am working on a quilt…that punch flower gave me a 1000 ideas thank you so much can’t wait to see the final results as well as your traveling
Librarians make an impact most people won't notice....unless the impact was on you! I still see the librarian I had in elementary school. I love her
That's very sweet & kind of you to thank her! You're giving her a treasure of memories from you & your family. What a wonderful legacy & gift.
I thought that was couching! I don't do it very often, but it is still a part of some of my cross-stitch patterns. Your embroidery is looking fab, Cathy! I'm also not over the irony of Bernadette moving to the U.K. and you moving to the U.S.... :-)
This is turning out amazing! Have you thought of using a ball stylus on the flower petals to heat them up to form a slight cup in them? I think that might give you the look of the original coat without distorting the flowers too much or damaging the delicate nature of them once they've been cut.
Some light steam and pressure might get the same or similar effect, its how wool hats are made, steaming and stretching. Excellent idea by the way, the ball stylus to round the petals more.
that would work great on wool felt, not sure about regular felt since its plastic. but that does sound smart!
I think one of the differences is also that the flowers on the original are more crowded, overlapping and thus tend to lift their petals more.
@Erin Delaney I don't think Cathy would use plastic felt on a reconstruction project
This does work, I’ve used the tip of a tiny iron for the same effect for wool flowers I made for my cousin hair for her wedding… works like a charm and gives life to a stiff fabric…
You should try a Colonial knot to make the center of the flowers. Colonial knots are used most in Candlewicking embroidery. The Colonial knots make much lovelier knots than French knots. The Colonial knots will stand up better than French knots. The Colonial knots are more uniform than French knots and won't tangle up like that French knot made with wrapping so many times at the beginning of your video. I love your videos! Thanks for letting me vicariously create with you!
Cathy, the gorgeous purple velvet was a perfect choice for this project. It looks so rich, like royalty. Likewise, the embroidery is so professional looking. Thank you for these videos! Even an accomplished seamstress can learn something from you. Wishing you well on your decision to go on the road with your classes and other endeavors!
I’m just jumping in now so maybe you’ve mentioned this before, but I wanted to ask before I forgot…😉 Just wondering why you chose stranded DMC rather than perle cotton? Looking at the photos from your phone as you were comparing your stitching to the original, it looks like the original is a perle thread. Since perle is thicker it would take fewer strands to achieve the original look on the coat and might prove more durable. A size 8 or 12 would be delicate. Really just thinking out loud. Oh be still my heart! That purple velvet!!! It’s so stunning!!!! 😍 This is such a beautiful project. I’m so glad you’re sharing it with us!!!! Ok, back to my stumpwork project. Thanks for joining me over lunch 😁
I’ve noticed something changing in you-beautifully so. There is a different, comfortable confidence in you that is so calming and comforting. Not to say you weren’t those things before, but you seemed a bit more… guarded? in the past. I hope you don’t mind me saying this, it’s just wonderful to see you following your passions and finding happiness while healing and shedding the limitations you may have felt from previous experiences.
Hi Cathy, I think you might need a Perle thread to embroider the velvet. The DMC hasn’t got the same sort of weight. Also, you might find a big eye quilting needle really helpful in keeping your stitches neat and even. I use the Roxanne brand between needles. I use an 11 sized needle, but those would be too small for this work.
I agree, the Perle has the necessary twist like the original.
@@herbertlongfellow7702 I agree with you. I noticed it as well when she placed them side by side.
Hey Cathy. I'm not sure when you'll be cutting all the flowers, but it may be worthwhile to try cutting many of them at a time. We used to do this at the upholstery company where I worked whenever we needed to cut a bunch of circles for upholstery buttons. It was a similar metal cutter, but just circular. We'd cut about a dozen or more squares of fabric (sometimes more but usually limiting the stack to about an inch thick of fabric), then cut through the entire stack in one go using a button press. The main advantage of this method is that the vast majority of the pieces will be cut really nice and crisp around the edges (whereas the last one on the bottom of the stack sometimes tends to cut slightly unevenly). The disadvantage is that there's a bit more waste around the edges. I can't wait to see more of this project. That light green, the gold, contrasting with that purple... it's going to be gorgeous.
I really admire your "guts" to just pick up and undertake your journey! AND, your samples are really well done. SO beautiful!! 😊
If I was going to have a travelling sewing room, I think I would try to bring along my vintage mini sewing machine - it does chain stitches, as opposed to lock stitches, but it would be quite convenient if I needed to sew quickly in a pinch lol
You need to watch Sarah Homfrey. She has excellent embroidery tutorials. Her French knot video is brilliant.
I haven't watched one of your videos for awhile, maybe a year (I fall in and out of youtube and was in an 'out' for a long stretch)...I'm so THRILLED to hear the power and confidence in your voice from the jump in this one. You've obviously made so much progress inside and out and wow, this beautiful new embroidery project AND traveling lifestyle! I know high fives are very american, but HIGH FIVE girl, you are kicking BUTT. :) Happy travels!
I can't be certain, but it looks like at least the leaves in the original are made with perle thread / pearl cotton. It's not stranded, has a twist to it, and comes in a few different thicknesses. It's also mercerized, and so has a bit of gloss to it.
Oh my, Cathy, not only are you beyond talented, you are so courageous!! I love your sense of adventure, and grateful you're taking us along!! ❤
I'm working on my senior prom dress while watching this! It's my biggest project yet, and I'm self-taught, so it's really thanks to you and other costubers that i even vaguely know how to put something like this together. So just thank you! I love your videos.
Congratulations & best wishes for your prom dress! I hope you have an enchanted night! & create beautiful memories!
I feel like it is a dying art. When I mention embroidery, so many think they know what it is, however they don't.
So true, people just don't get it. My brother-in-law always asks me about my "cross-stitching" and my mother-in-law, slightly less annoyingly, always refers to it as needlepoint, no matter how many times I've told them what I do is embroidery.
Trust me if they ever want you to do something for them they will get your craft right. My family does it all the time
I love that you're minimizing! It's so freeing.
Unromantic as it may be, a stacking rolling toolbox may be your best bet for a practical, easily transportable sewing room.
Hi from Guatemala! My sewing room fits in a dresser drawer, I hand-sew everything, and cut on my tiled floor (a challenge). I am looking forward to your adventures and watching how you handle the challenges that will come your way! Your embroidery looks fantastic, and I can't wait to see more.
I'm so excited to come along on your new adventure. Stay safe, stay joyful, stay inspired!
Also, you're never too old to go to Dad and say 'hey, can you help me build something?' I now have an awesome pegboard on my wall holding so much yarn that my dad helped me build, and it's one of my favorite things in my room.
Dear Cathy, I have to thank you so much what you have unknowingly done for me. And no, you did not bring me into wearing historical clothes. But you (among others) somehow gave me the confidence to get into costume/fantasy armour. It took several years, but now I have reached my goal of becoming Boba Fett (yes, as a female). I do not know for how many years I can do this. But I am so happy doing it!
And it got worse...I am now on my third costume (or harness, as they say). All of these three are very different from each other. Maybe it has also something to do with childhood dreams...but it feels right.
I'm so happy for you, Internet Stranger!!!!
Thank you so much for sharing all of this, including the "I dont usually make a sample" as someone with ADHD that likes to do embroydery for larp kit I felt so heard when you said just that. Also, getting into some more serious sewing, I started making all sorts of samples etc. before committing to the actual fabrics since watching your videos, and it upped my end results so much. Thank you again.
Hey! If you have a shipping address, I'll send you all the 738s I can from my craft store. ^_^
Same! 😂
I was in London last week and did see this coat in reality.
Now I can't wait to one day see your recreation of it :)
I have started over with nothing several times, sometimes voluntarily ( moving abroad) sometimes involuntarily (house fire and other calamities) and the most important things to me are my photos and reference books.
The rest is replaceable, even some of the books are too.
So excited to see your progress on this project! I am fairly certain you can get DMC in cones, you might need to work with a wholesaler or with a retail store to see if you can get one in the color you need.
"Wow, she is so confident with her french knots! Look how many times she wrapped the thread!.....Oh never mind."
Glad you got it figured out haha.
That first cut into expensive materials is the WORST! I always seem to second guess myself before that first cut. The old saying measure twice cut once really applies. Your new adventure of traveling should really stretch you. I'm such a homebody that would be an overwhelming chore. I'm looking forward to see how things go. I love watching and learning from you.😊😊
This just shows how important the toile stage is :D
I jumped to push play and realized it's a teaser🙄...can't wait for the full video. Love love love you so much. You're such an inspiration to us all. ❤️ 🤗
I too was so excited, that it made it fullscreen!
Me too mate! 😂
Me too
I just need to say that it fills me with an inestimable amount of joy to know I'm not the only one who has issues with french knots.
Some bold moves you are making it sounds like it will be an interesting journey.
Your embroidery is so beautiful! I recently tried a Japanese embroidery class and that was such an experience. Especially creating the thread
🎉 😮 on the road! Stay safe! Much love! Enjoy each day! You are an amazing person and such an inspiration to us. ❤🪡🧵 ✨️
Cathy, I made my own version of Sansa’s direwolf dress from Game of Thrones, which involved a lot of hand embroidery on velvet. I don’t know how historically accurate you’re wanting to go with your techniques, but I have some tips I want to pass along.
I used a small rectangular lap frame made of PVC (available in the embroidery section at most craft stores) and put heavyweight non-woven stabilizer / interfacing in the frame. Then I used spray adhesive to stick the velvet on top without crushing it or having to sew it. Then I used water soluble stabilizer on top of the velvet to prevent the embroidery from sinking too far into the pile, it helps it lay more “fluffy” top. (you can trace the design onto the water soluble stabilizer, but I would recommend testing a swatch to see how it reacts to your stabilizer, thread and velvet.)
I wondered how she was going to transfer the design. I'm thinking she will sort of sew in with white thread perhaps the vines so that she does not disrupt the pile.
Your voice is so much more vibrant! Happy your hard work is paying off❤. Love your work!
My gosh Cathy....you have put in a lot of time on the purple coat. I can't wait to see it when it's finished! Also Cathy...an idea for the long pieces/poles for your embroidery........they making fishing pole cases that might be able to carry them in....just an idea of how to transport those long embroidery rods.....
Great idea! Maybe check in a local fedex shop for long boxes -usually triangular so they don’t roll around and stack better. Former shipper! Lol!
To protect the rolls of fabric, I had thought, for my part, of the bags for yoga mats because I think that their diameter is too large for the rolls for architect's plans (which would have protected them very well from the risk of shock and from water because they are hard plastic).
Did Cathy and Bernadette just swap countries in the span of three years
This is just perfect! I've been watching historical clothing videos for quite some time now and only recently discovered just how much I enjoy recreating some of the items I see.
And now just as I planned some time off work this videos launches, so I can be up-to-date while attempting to recreate something myself. Your appreciation for all those details (and your work in general) is stunning!
I have a sneaking suspicion that the original flowers are made from 2 pieces of fabric, with 2 petals each, also it looks like the leaves are stitched from twisted rather than parallel thread. Though I'm sure your personal version will be gorgeous which ever way you do it. I was impressed by your french knots!
That is what I thought as well. They almost looked to be cut in a bone shape and laid criss cross and knotted together
Yes exactly. It also would have been a lot easier for them to stamp out bone shapes.
The same thing called my attention, perhaps those were just “mistake” petals that didn’t get cut out right. As Bob Ross would say, a happy accident.
Yes, I agree - at least some of them look to be two pieces of fabric - at 15:38 in the video, near the bottom on the right.
i would NEVER want anyone to have troubles of any kind, yet was gratified that perfect execution of the french knot did not come to fruition. i was eight years old all over again, crying over the STOOPID french knots. by the way your voice sounds much less stressed, echoing the beautiful music of your videos....
I held my breath when you were cutting the velvet! Having been on my own 'spiritual' journey (mine started in 1989), it's wonderful to see you following your spirit. I wish you all the very best with your Journey and your travels (and of course your project). I very much look forward to joining you via your videos.
Scariest part of sewing anything is cutting into the material!!! Same goes for painting.. nothing as scary as touching brush to new canvas or paper. Once you do, there's no going back. And there's something magical about the untouched and uncut because it's full of every possibility. Once you make that cut, you narrow the possibilities into potentialities.
I have a velvet coat on which I wish to do goldwork embroidery. Maybe in a year. Meanwhile, I am embroidering small projects so I can get the practice in.
I'm right with you- I always used to hate french knots!! I may just not have the best screen definition, but it looks slightly like the thread forming the lower portion of the leaf may also have couching added to it, showing the lower leaf as textured, and the upper leaf as smooth?
I love your project Cathy, and it's so lovely seeing this big project come together in real time, around real-life events. I wish you the best, and I'm looking forward to seeing where our travels take you :)
I thought I was crazy for thinking the leaves aren’t done as one stitch for both sides but with straight stitches on top and couched (and slightly less dense) stitches on bottom giving a more dimensional look.
“30 years and it still scares the crap out of me.”
Thank you 😅
I'm glad you found some way to "manufacture" the petals. I hope there is a way to sharpen the tool edges, as I think there are a thousand or so flowers on that robe. You must have your own reasons for coming to the US. I think we are still too insane to be a pleasant place to be.
I would not worry about perfection while embroidering...as with quilting, there will be 'mistakes' but it will all blend together and look perfect to the eye!
It is soothing to watch your gracefulness as you create this new chapter in your life.
I relate so much to skipping doing a sample (or in my case mock up) of what I'm trying to accomplish, then when I finish the project going I've learned a long the way and there's a marked difference between where I started and where I ended lol
I admire you for getting rid of everything,not something I would ever do ,but why the U.S .A of all the country’s you could go to.
Amazing work!!! ❤❤❤❤❤
P.S. DMC Perle cotton 12 (Perle cotton type has this same twist the original thread have) can be a really good choice for leaves, and Perle cotton 8 can be good for stems.
Oh Cathy.... The amount of times I've said that to my Dad too!!!! Mind you he gets his own back with Tech related projects for us! Exciting to see how these next few months go for you!!!! Thank you for sharing your journey.
Thank you for your beautiful work. I just wanted to affirm the change that I can hear in you. You have more peace and your voice is following the peaceful journey. May you be blessed as you move to the US. Shalom from Tennessee. 🥰
Cathy, you look so WELL and happy in this video! I feel like this is going to be such a good move for you. It's totally clear from your calm and happy demeanor that you're very content right now!
I used to work at an heirloom shop in New Orleans and when I taught hand embroidery one of the things I learned as well as taught was stripping your embroidery thread. Basically the thread is made of multiple strands twisted together and sometimes you use all the strands and sometimes only one or two. To strip the thread means that once you cut your thread to the length you want you pull the individual threads apart. DMC has six strands. Then you put them back together side by side instead of twisting. This gives you a fuller flatter finish and keeps the thread from twisting as much when stitch.
So if you find your embroidery isn’t looking as close to an antique that you are copying it could be you just need to strip your threads.
I hope this is a helpful hint. I learned so much working at that store and I love heirloom sewing.
Yes, learned this at school too. We had embroidery lessons at a girls school, 50 years ago :-) And we never made such single large Stiches because this could cause something to get hooked in und pull at the yarn loop. It looks strange to me.
Just an observation, I think your stitches are beautiful and you’re doing a phenomenal job, but I believe the weight of your thread is different than the original.
If you look at the original, they have a thread that has been coiled…
The strands are twisted and it adds a texture that I think your sample is missing.
I can’t even imagine the amount of work that you will be putting into this … you are exceptional.
I love the idea of creating a vintage traveling suitcase with a sewing room inside. Like one with little drawers and rails for fabric to hang.
You can get frames with wheels to go on older suitcases. They don't damage the case as they're attached with straps
Dye the flowers with tea. ❤️
Hey Cathy! Love the progress you've made so far, and I love the idea of a traveling sewing room! I hope that wherever you move to in the US is peaceful and kind to you. It's been really scary and hateful here lately so I hope you find a great place! Be safe, and best of luck!
(as someone currently trying to figure out how to move *out* of the US, I concur!)
When you get to the U.S., you are very welcome in my North Carolina digs. I've also got too much stuff, which at the moment includes too much space!
Your voice has gotten so strong. I have loved hearing you find your voice again. I use your videos as soft background noise when i have a migraine so your voice has always been soothing. Im happy your hard work is showing in spades! Love from America
In looking at close-ups of the original, I think pearl cotton would be a much better texture match to the original than regular cross-stitch style cotton. It's got a more defined rope-style texture to it. Either way, it's looking amazing!
Great to see you working in one day . Amazing skills. Love both you and Cathy . You are both so skilled. Keep working your magic...both of you!
Cathy, your voice sounds so amazing! I can hear the strength and courage as you speak, I can hear you becoming more and more yourself, and I am so proud of you. It sounds as though your decision to take a step into a new, exciting, challenging adventure is exactly what your spirit has been asking for. Safe voyages, I can't wait to see your journey continue! ❤🧡💛💚💙💜
Congratulations 🎉. Delighted for you to begin this journey and grateful you’re sharing it with us ❤
I'm 70 and my Mom and Grandma would embroider all kinds of things, and the first embroidery stitch my Mom taught me was the French knot. You make a stitch and come up round the needle "twice" and through. 😁 The US is a big place.
I am also 70. My grandma taught me how to embroider. My mom was a tom boy and wasn't interested so I was her next victim. lol She also taught me to knit. I am teaching my granddaughter to sew. Gotta pass on the good stuff. 👍
My mother used to do what was called French flower making - artificial flower flowers or bouquets made of organza, silk and velvet; she did it beautifully. Then artificial flowers became factory produced, and hand making became obsolete. There were various metal tools used to reproduce the cup of flowers and ruffles and curves of petals and leaves. Some flea markets or antique shops might have such items, who would know. Reminded of this by your search for tools to make the felt flowers. Good luck with your journey
I remember seeing a video on YT a couple of years ago about the last (?) company in New York (?) to make these the old way. I'll see if I can find it.
There are a few, but if anyone is interested: ruclips.net/video/EsnHghKt810/видео.html
Your voice is so strong, determined, excited, and beautiful.❤ Will love watching you on your journey
WOOHOOOO!!! Cathy joining Van Life... In America even! I am over the moon!!! Happy trails, Lovely!
Sarah (French Knot Lady) was trained at the Royal School you visited. She has another video (she has hundreds) on how to thread a needle. Changed my life!
I have searched for French Knot Lady and came up empty. Is there more to the names of her videos?
@@mclamb2011 I know a Sarah called Sarah Homfray (I think that's how it's spelt) who graduated from the Royal Scho of Needlework, I'm guessing that's her.
For the leaves and stems, it looks like they twisted the tread as they sewed it. Looked more ropey to me. It’s going to be gorgeous.💗🇨🇦🐉👩🏼⚖️
I was trying to figure out the texture variation, you’re right!
Yes, or use cotton perlé instead of stranded cotton.
Cathy I have not been part of your U tube channel for very long I find you to be an amazing woman. Your velvet embroidered coat drew me in. I cheat and do machine embroidery, so I have a very healthy respect for your hand embroidery and patience. I hope we continue to hear about your journey and how you are doing. Much success, wonder, fascination and love to you in all your travels. I loved seeing you on the train in Colorado, my grandfather was on the crew that built the narrow gauge railway in Colorado. Much love to you and stay safe.
I know a few people who live in RVs here in north America. A few have the 'bus' style (Drive a huge 'box' that is the vehicle and the living space), and a few drive a truck and drag an RV. Most people seem to give it up after a few years, but they seem to treasure the few years.
Okay. I watched your visit to RSN and got interested in the coat project. However, I was hesitant to subscribe to yet another historical clothing reconstruction channel. Then, you started talking about packing your mobile studio into a vintage trunk, followed shortly by the accordion folding sewing box, and finally commentary about fatherly engineering. I'm hooked. I need to see where you go with all these ideas.
Thank you so much you always push me to new project. I had been looking forward for a new video about this for almost 2 months.
I cannot control my emotions you wark is splendid
Wow Cathy. That is quite a shift. You hadn't long moved into this house. Happy travels. Looking forward to your new adventures
Your voice is sounding much improved. Congratulations on your hard work.
Cathy, you need a quilt frame! I got one a few years ago that has two bars that the quilt is bound to on each end, and they roll up, scroll fashion, as you work and progress on it.
I am always so impressed with the amount of thought and care you put into each endeavor you accomplish.