MooshieStitch Monday: Plushwork (with pearl cotton)

My last few posts have shown the plushwork technique with tapestry wool and cotton floss. I wanted to keep experimenting with different flosses, so when a couple reader comments suggested pearl cotton, I decided to give it a try!

I chose an orange and green pearl cotton #5 and used the same template in my previous posts.

Layer 1: Orange

I have lots of spacing in between my stitches - but it is the first layer and I will be covering it up with more layers - so it doesn't need to be perfect!

Layer 2: Green

Layer 3: Orange

Layer 4: Green

Time to cut through the layers and remove the plastic template.

Here it is before "fluffing"..

... and after "fluffing".

I decided to trim the pearl cotton with my scissors to see if it would change the appearance.

Here it is after trimming with the scissors and fluffed.

I do like how the plushwork turned out with the pearl cotton, but I have decided the best results are when you use the tapestry wool.

P.S. I saw a reader comment on the previous post asking how the plushwork does not fall apart when you cut it. Here is a photo of the back.

It is actually the surface satin stitch - where you will bring the thread up from the back right next to the previous stitch on the same side - there are only long threads going across on the front side of your work. (This plushwork tutorial explains it also)

Compare the results from my other posts:

• Plushwork with tapestry wool
• Plushwork with cotton floss

Happy Halloween!!

Free "Vote" pattern - the winning design!

Well, it was a close race, but the readers have spoken and the winning design was this one - Design #3! I really had fun stitching this up, starting bright and early this morning.

As you can see, I am already done, so I can attest to what a quick stitch this pattern is!

Download on Flickr
Download on Google Drive

Here are all the colors I used - all DMC embroidery floss this time:

I hope you let your interpretation be as free as you like, and most of all, if you are in the US, I really hope you vote! This election season has been anything but pleasant, but our right to vote is something we haven't always had - it was a long, hard fight to get it, and I hope you continue that fight by voting.

Thanks to everyone who voted in our "election", and for all the feedback we've gotten on how you've found us. I hope you enjoy this free pattern!

Friday Instagram Finds No. 76 with Tracie Christine

Hello all! Floresita here, subbing in for Amy, with a look at the beautiful feed of TracieChristineArt. I've been fascinated by Tracie Christine's recent projects - a series of hoops with a lovely bright blue backing fabric.

I love the simplicity of her lines and the wonderful homey feel I get from looking in on these kitchen scenes. Something about them just reminds me of home. Her fiber art is gorgeous and certainly worth a follow.

If you'd like to be featured in Amy's Friday Instagram Finds, just tag your Instagram photos with #feelingstitchyig!

Update at the Polls!

I thought I'd do a little update for all of you before our voting closes tomorrow evening. Here are the results of our voting so far!

	Design 1	Design 2	Design 3
Instagram	50	49	50
Facebook	5	3	8
Twitter	2	1	1
Blog	2	5	5
Total Votes	59	58	64

With 64 votes so far, it looks like Design #3 is in the lead! Voting will continue through 9 PM US CST tomorrow - if you'd like to vote here, visit the post and leave a comment with your favorite design.

Remember, I'll stitch up the winning design and make it available as a free pattern on Saturday, so be sure to vote for your favorite! :)

Wonderful Wednesday #24: Little Thimble Studios

Ok, I love Halloween, and I also love a quick project you can sandwich in between all of your bigger crafting projects - this Halloween PDF Pattern by Little Thimble Studios looks perfect for that!

By the way, there's a little poll on our blog right now, would you mind clicking over to see it? I'm just curious how you found us, in particular, how you found this post! As you may know Twitterfeed is going away, which is how we've been doing our auto-Twitter and Facebook posts. I'd like to know how you find us, and where you would like to see our posts. Thanks all! :)

Vote for a free "Vote" pattern!

Hi guys! As everyone in the U.S. heads to the polls this week and next, I thought I'd do a fun "Vote." :) I've drawn up 3 different designs - ok, so maybe only the lettering is different in each, but it's really hard for me to choose a font!

I'm collecting votes on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and here. Choose the "Vote" design you like the most, by casting your vote in the comment section.

I'll stitch up the winning design and offer the free pattern as a PDF here on the blog. Sound fun? Let's vote!

And your candidates are.....

Design #1:

Design #2

Design #3

Cast your vote in our comments by 9 PM US CST, October 28, 2016. This "vote" is open to everyone, including our overseas voters!

Friday Instagram Finds No. 75 with Snowbird Artworks

Hello my stitchy friends! Today we take a look at Zoe of the Instagram account @snowbird_artworks! Zoe creates lovely embroidery, cross stitch, and paintings. Her typography embroidery is beautifully stitched with bright colors. Her cross stitch snowflakes are delicate and gorgeous.

Zoe's Instagram account is @snowbird_artworks, and you can also find more in her Etsy shop. Take a look at some pictures from her feed, and if you read to the end, find out how you can participate in #ThankStitching.

Wildness is a necessity - John Muir

A photo posted by Zoe Hattersley (@snowbird_artworks) on Oct 10, 2016 at 3:59am PDT

Another load of snowflakes done. ❄️

A photo posted by Zoe Hattersley (@snowbird_artworks) on Oct 20, 2016 at 5:41am PDT

Hibiscus embroidery is now available through @ficklecraftroom click on the link in their profile for the full range

A photo posted by Zoe Hattersley (@snowbird_artworks) on Aug 5, 2016 at 4:34am PDT

Stitching christmas. Yep I said it!

A photo posted by Zoe Hattersley (@snowbird_artworks) on Jul 29, 2016 at 11:16am PDT

Late last October I had the idea for guest posts in November with a thankful theme. Fast forward to this year, and I remembered in time to get the ball rolling, and I call it #ThankStitching! You can read more about it here on my blog. You don't have to fill out the form on the original blog post. If you're interested in participating simply:

Email me at randomactsofamy {at} gmail.com one nice picture that represents why you are thankful for your particular needle art. Include your first and last names, Instagram name, and a paragraph about why you are thankful for your particular needleart, and what it means to you. I'd prefer that you sent this last bit of info attached as a rich text file (.rtf), but a Word or Google document works, too, as well as typing the text within the email. I know we all have different levels of comfort using technology :)

Oh! Also, just to be certain, if you'd like a specific date for your post to go live, include that. :) And feel free to discretely watermark your photos with your name.

Wonderful Wednesday #23: Cozy Blue

Start Embroidery Kit by Cozy Blue

"Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can" - this is pretty much my mantra in every crafty project I undertake, and the Start Embroidery Kit in Cozy Blue's shop on Etsy.

Cozy Blue needs no introduction here - we have featured Liz's beautiful designs numerous times - and I highly recommend a visit to her shop for some embroidery inspiration.

Stitchy Snippets - Embroidered Sentiments

Take a tour through these beautiful illustrations by Australian based artist Laura McKellar. Her passion for different artistic mediums is evident in her work, which includes photography, textiles, fashion and graphic design. Laura's stunning textile pieces are initially worked and edited on the computer often incorporating photography then digitally printed onto fabric to be further embellished with hand embroidery. Her colourful palette is sure to brighten any chilly, Fall morning. Find out more about her work here.

Friday Instagram Finds No. 74 with Heather Everitt

Hello Stitchy Friends! Our readers Down Under are enjoying the end of Spring and beginning of Summer while here in the Midwestern United States where I live, we are moving into fall. We've had chilly weather in the mornings so far, and the temps have stayed pretty moderate otherwise - thank goodness!

Today we're featuring Heather Everitt Embroidery. Heather creates AMAZING pieces of art!! I am blown away by the butterflies she creates. Prepare to be WOW-ed! You can find Heather on Instagram, her website, her blog, and shop.

Pretty Blue Morpho flying into my Etsy shop #stitchersofinstagram #feelingstitchyig #lepidoptera #etsy #butterflies #morpho #insectsofinstagram

A photo posted by Heather Everitt (@heather.everitt.emb) on Oct 3, 2016 at 1:34am PDT

Wool and silk embroidered poppies with hand beading, a very limited number available this year. These are amongst my favourite designs and I am so proud that my customers wear them as a symbol of remembrance #handmade #stitchersofinstagram #embroidery #handmade #poppies #remembrancesunday #silk

A photo posted by Heather Everitt (@heather.everitt.emb) on Oct 11, 2016 at 6:37am PDT

Another view #feelingstitchyig #embroidery #stitchersofinstagram #butterflyconservation #largebluebutterfly #britishbutterflies #silk #butterflywings

A photo posted by Heather Everitt (@heather.everitt.emb) on Aug 31, 2016 at 9:16am PDT

Pretty little Liberty Gems all in a row, which is your favourite?#libertyprint #libertyoflondon #butterfly #lepidoptera #entomology #stitchersofinstagram #insectsofinstagram #embroidery

A photo posted by Heather Everitt (@heather.everitt.emb) on Aug 20, 2016 at 9:29am PDT

Wonderful Wednesday #22: Lolli and Grace

Today, I couldn't resist featuring this lovely Hand and Heart PDF pattern by Lolli and Grace, who has a wonderful Etsy shop that Amy has featured here before.

There's such a lovely and intricate simplicity to this design - I adore the colors she's chosen, and it would work so well in many different schemes!

Friday Instagram Finds No. 73 with Seaside Fox Artwork

Happy Friday, Stitchy Friends! Don't you just love the pumpkins that Seaside Fox Artwork created?! I adore the primitive Americana look of this pumpkin trio. Jennifer has such pretty stitching, and the fabrics she chose have a lovely textured look. As you'll see in the selection of pictures below, Jennifer is an accomplished embroiderer who uses neat and tidy stitches to create her artwork.

You can check out Jennifer's Instagram feed @seasidefoxartwork, and she has an Etsy shop, too

This is the third skull in my new Halloween hoop art collection, this one features a henna-inspired design. She was my favorite one to stitch!

A photo posted by Jennifer (@seasidefoxartwork) on Sep 26, 2016 at 7:27am PDT

Ms. Paisley skull is ready for her close-up...

A photo posted by Jennifer (@seasidefoxartwork) on Sep 27, 2016 at 7:43am PDT

Tomorrow I'm getting to work on my Halloween/Fall hoops...but for today, here is a picture of all my animal alphabet hoops! Some have gone on to new homes, but they are listed in my shop as "made to order" items. The original hoops are all 4 inches, but I am happy to do different sized hoops, at no additional charge! (Any of my animals can be "made to order" even if I don't currently have a listing in my shop - just send me an etsy convo or email me at seasidefoxartwork@gmail.com)

A photo posted by Jennifer (@seasidefoxartwork) on Sep 7, 2016 at 3:13pm PDT

Denim upcycled into embroidery hoop art! This is a 4 inch hoop, inspired by beautiful white henna designs. It's available in my shop. Come and see! (🔹link in bio🔹)

A photo posted by Jennifer (@seasidefoxartwork) on Aug 27, 2016 at 7:47am PDT

Wonderful Wednesday #21: Celandine Design

What lovely colors and textures are in this Hattie the June Beetle Embroidery Kit! I like that the kit offers two options - as a "basic kit" with floss, beads, fabric, needles and hoop, and a "fancy kit" with lovely stork embroidery scissors, felt for finishing, and silk ribbon for hanging - delightful!

All the designs in the Celandine Design shop are based on original watercolor art, which are printed in color onto the fabric. I like that you can choose exactly how much you'd like to embellish the design - very lovely!

Stitchy Snippets - Thread is A Thought

Cos Ahmet's art practice combines woven tapestry, collage, printmaking and sculpture. I find his tapestry collages to have an ethereal quality that is mesmerising. In Ahmet's words 'The constant thread in the works becomes my words, thoughts, a path of ideas'.

The human body is a constant reference in his work, Ahmet chooses to explore themes of the self, sexuality, identity and the human form.

Through the medium of textiles he creates metaphors for the human form such as: ‘thread as the thought’, ‘warp as the skeleton’, ‘weft as flesh or skin’, and ‘weave’ as the soul. Cos Ahmet explains: 'These ‘gestures’ take on their own symbolism and appearance, but are implicit presences, traces or imprints of identity and self.'

You can see more of his work, which will be exhibited under the title Thread is A Thought at the upcoming Knitting and Stitching Shows in the U.K. and Ireland this Fall.