Are you in a stitching rut? Sometimes it’s easy to stick with what is familiar. Every now and again though, it’s great to broaden our stitching horizons and try something new!
Here are a few ideas to get your creativity flowing:
1. Rather than keep to framed pictures, why not try stitching coasters, bookmarks, bell-pulls, trinket pots, pencil cases, handbag mirror-backs etc. There’s a huge range of products available.
2. Experiment with new colours when you select your fabric. Try stitching single coloured designs onto bright, vibrant fabrics for high-impact results.
3. Learn some new stitches. These can enhance your designs – and the process of learning need not be difficult. Start off by stitching a traditional band sampler to improve your stitching repertoire.
4. Join a stitching club. By doing so, you’ll meet new friends and also learn and share your ideas for stitching.
5. Try some new types of thread. Metallics, blending filaments, satin threads and light effects are just a few of the many unusual threads that you can buy. Each has its own special characteristic that can add a new look to your projects.
6. Instead of confining yourself to using seed beads as embellishments, be a bit more adventurous. Triangular beads and bugle beads can add to new dimension to your work – and buttons and charms can add even more to get a magical three dimensional effect. Here are some bugle beads from Debbie Cripps.
7. Stitch onto a different fabric. Swap aida for evenweave or linen. Try using waste canvas (soluble) in order to stitch designs onto clothing. You can change that dull t-shirt into a wonderful evening top with just a few hours’ work. Soluble waste canvas is an amazing product. It allows you to cross stitch on any fabric from bedding to clothing using this special canvas as a grid. Once the stitching is complete, simply wash away the canvas – leaving a wonderful cross-stitched design.
Happy Stitching!
Iona
{ 0 comments… add one now }