As the challenge is sponsored by DMC each participant was given the choice of a theme accompanied by 3 skeins of DMC that must be included in the piece.
I chose 'Flower Power' and you can see the 3 skeins that I must use in my design in the photo above.
The projects (or photos of the projects) are due at SNAD by 15 August.
I thought I had plenty of time and I did, but some unforeseen circumstances have made this more of a challenge than I would prefer.
The design was ready several weeks ago. It needed to be placed very precisely on the fabric so transferring by hand was not an option. I planned to use an inkjet printer which I've used many times in the past, but this time was different....unfortunately.
I had weeks of frustration trying to get the design to print cleanly on the fabric. I've wasted large amounts of fabric and time trying to make it work. The deadline was getting closer and closer and I also had other commitments that made things even more difficult.
I will spare you the gory details of the transfer process, but I finally got a clean transfer this week on Monday evening. Yes, this week on 31 July and this thing is due on 15 August!
Yikes!
I don't know if I can stitch quickly and neatly enough to finish in time, but I'm going to try. I have 3 days that I can devote to it.
I'm currently working on some extremely-boring-to-stitch grey daisies. It's the same thing over and over and over which drives me crazy.
Not very interesting, but it will get better.
I think the best part of this photo is the needle minder!
I'm trying out a new slate frame from Mythic Crafts. So far, I love it. It's beautiful, it's exquisitely finished, easier to setup than a regular slate frame and is light weight. I'm using an 18" x 18" frame and it's working great with my Needlework System 4 table stand.
I plan to use only DMC floss, but I could wander over to Anchor if the need arises.
I'm stitching on a linen/cotton blend from Ulster Linen which is my generic surface embroidery fabric. Fortunately, I have mass quantities of this fabric. Given the printing fiasco I'm so glad I'm not using silk.
It's going to be an interesting weekend.
References
- San Francisco School of Needlework and Design
- Mythic Crafts
- Needle 'n Thread Review of Mythic Crafts Slate Frames
I so understand! I also thought I had lots of time for this challenge, and then ended up doing a lot of community-focused events over the last two months. And THEN I started a new job last week and also came down with a summer cold and bronchitis! Yes, timing is everything....
ReplyDeleteBut I'm still stitching away, and love my own project. My project is rather organic but I'm really enjoying working on it! I have given myself the next few days to stitch and should make good progress - I need to mail it hopefully by the middle of next week. My DMC colors are different to yours (Psychedelic), but one of mine glows in the dark. I think it's the only time I've shut myself into a closet with my embroidery just to geek out that yes, it really glows in the dark! :D
I can't wait to see your "Flower Power" stitched. I've been fortunate to see the design on paper and it's phenomenal!
As a retrospective and also current take on the Summer of Love, the SFSNAD challenge has made me think about what was important to me as a child, and what is important now. I find that some things have not changed at all! In fact, I still work on speaking a message of love today, and inside my gray head is that earnest child who believes love can and will change the world. So take heart, and keep stitching! The message will continue on.
-- "The Rev"
I hope you are having better luck getting some stitching done than I am!
DeleteLooking forward to seeing the full design!
ReplyDeleteWell, it is definitely a challenge! So sorry all of the gremlins ganged up on you. ☹️ But knowing you, it will turn out beautifully and on time.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see it completed. ��
Jean >^..^<
I hope you're right. It's Saturday night and I have not gotten as far as I'd like, but I'm still plugging along!
DeleteEven I don't complete it in time for the challenge I'll still finish it. It's very, um, colourful!