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'How to Make a Baby Scan Keepsake',Tutorial

6/2/2015

2 Comments

 
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The equipment and materials you will need:
  • A Jpeg of the baby scan,
  • Your Inkjet printer,
  • T shirt transfer paper,
  • An iron,
  • Linen (or your choice of fabric)
  • Needle and embroidery thread,
  • Embroidery transfer pen,

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For finishing:

  • An embroidery hoop(i used a 5" hoop
  • Double sided sticky tape,
  • Wadding,
  • Copydex fabric glue,
  • felt for backing (alternatively you can use card)


Follow the links for more info

Last week I had the fantastic news that after 19 years I am to be an aunty again. I marked the occasion by making some cute little keepsake gifts for the family. Following a great response from you all I decided to make you a little ‘how too’ tutorial.  

I made a set of four, for the mother to be and grandparents but think they would also make amazing baby shower gifts or if you are a crafty expectant mum it could be a lovely way to reveal to everyone your great news.

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1.First you will transfer your image on to the transfer paper. I took a photo of the baby scan with my IPad but you could also use your scanner.  If you are taking a photo, make sure it is in focus. Once I had a photo I was happy with, I cropped some of the image out and lightened it in photo editing. ( the transfer paper gives you a mirror image of your photo. If you are a perfectionist you may want to flip it in editing, I didn’t bother on this occasion)

Once you have an image you are happy with paste the jpeg in to a word document so that you can easily adjust the images to the size you require.  I used a 4”hoops so set the image to around 7 x 8 cm.  I recommend doing a test print on regular paper first to make sure it comfortably fits with your hoop. Once you are happy, copy and paste as many images as you required, making the most out of each sheet. 




2.You are now ready to print your photo transfer.

Be sure to thoroughly read through the instructions provided with your t-shirt printing paper before you do.

Once printed cut out the image you want.


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3.Position the cut out images face down on your fabric. As it was  a special occasion I chose a beautiful flax colour linen to work on.


If you are making more than one hoop, be sure to leave adequate space between each image to fit in the hoops. 

4.Following the instructions provided with your paper, iron on the image transfer. 


I recommend only doing one at a time. While ironing I found it best to apply pressure and pay special attention to the edges. Once cooled a little slowly peel away the backing paper.


If it doesn't peel away leaving a nice crisp image behind it may not have had enough heat and require more ironing.

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5.Now the image is on your fabric, place in your hoop.

6.It is now ready to add any stitched details you may require. I used an embroidery transfer pen to write on the scan date. 

You could alternatively add a birth date or name. 

Once written on I backstitched the letters and used running stitch around the edge to frame the photo. 






7.As you can see, I added a tiny red heart over the baby just to add cuteness.

 I am not entirely sure this added to the design but if you decide to stitch over the photo make sure you use a thin, sharp needle. Beware that the transfer is a very thin plastic that seemed to tear a little when punctured. 

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To finish:

Trim around the edge of your work.
Line the inside of your hoop with double sided tape and fold the fabric in.
Fill the back of your hoop with wadding.
Glue a felt disk to the back and apply a weigh to secure whilst drying.
If you would like more information about finishing your work take a look at my 'how to frame in an embroidery hoop' tutorial.
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Be sure to share your finished work with us on Instargram #StitchKits @StitchKits

2 Comments

How to Make An Envelope Cushion Cover.

4/23/2015

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So you have stitched you master piece and now would like to finish your work in to a beautiful cushion cover? I am lucky to have a fantastic mum to do my finishing but if you aren't so fortunate here is how to make a supper simple envelop cushion cover.

You will need: your finished stitching, your choice of backing fabric, scissors, pins, tape measure, sewing machine & a pillow to stuff your finished cushion.
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1.If you have excess canvas around the stitched work trim, allowing a half inch seam allowance all the way around your work.

 

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2.Measure the width and length of your work, including the seams. Set the front aside. Now cut your backing fabric. This piece should be the width of the front panel but 6” longer  in length.







3. Cut your backing fabric in half,vertically.



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4. 
Fold the vertical,cut edges of your back by ¼”. Press, refold and press again to create a seam. This will create your cushion opening.








5. Stitch the two pressed hems.
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6.With right sides facing (stitch side up with back panels facing down)  lay the two  back pieces with the stitched seams overlapping.  At this point all the outer edges will be aligned.





7. Pin the tree pieces of your cushion in place ready to stitch.

8.Sew around your cushion just in side the stitched area as demonstrated in the photo below. 
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9.Trim the corners and around the seam leaving around a centimetre if you feel it is necessary. Your cushion is now ready to turn the right way out and stuff with pillow.

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At A Glance :
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Happy StitchingXxxx

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How To Paint Embroidery Hoops, Tutorial

3/24/2015

2 Comments

 
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  • A paint brush - a small flat
  • Embroidery hoops (I chose a set of three in various sizes.)
  • Acrylic paint of choice
  • Varnish or Modge Podge - optional. 
  • None stick surface 


Once you have picked out your hoop sizes you will need to select you paint colours.
Before getting stuck in think about what you plan to use the hoops to frame and where you plan to hang them. This will help you pick out appropriate colours. 
My starting point is a piece of  Cath Kidston print fabric so I picked out a nice spring green and sky blue to match the fabric with a sunshine yellow for a bit of a contrast. 
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It is often best not to use the colour straight out of the tube. For instance I added a little White to soften the yellow and mixed the yellow and blue to make my green. This way the colours give the impression of belonging together. This is good for grouping frames together.
Before you begin, mix your paint to a nice fluid constancy. If your paint is to thick it will will look gloopy and if it is too thin and you won't get the required coverage. If the colour looked patchy once dried (Like the ones pictured on the right here) give your hoop another coat of paint. 

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  • Remove the inner frame before painting. Usually this will not need painting.
  • Begin painting around the metal fixing. Make sure to paint all the wood but don't worry if you get paint on the metal, it is east to remove once it is dry. I found the easiest way was to simply scratch it of with my thumb nail.
  • Once you have painted around hold on to the screw fixing while you paint the rest of the hoop. 
  • Once finished lay to dry on a non stick surface.
  • Once dry it is up to you whether or not you want to varnish you hoops. If you are framing something precious I would recommend you do to minimise the chance of colour transfer from the paint. I used Modge Podge on mine. This dried quickly and it gave a lovely shine. If you would rather varnish I recommend Ronseal interior varnish in clear. This is the only truly clear varnishes I have found and has the added bonus of being quick drying and water soluble.


All you need to do now is decide what to put in your beautifully coloured hoops! 
I 
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For more information about 'How To Frame Work In An Embroidery Hoop' take a look at my tutorial showing you how.
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Click here to purchase some lovely hoops from my Stitch Supply Store.
2 Comments

Cross Stitch Magazine Commission From Start to Finish 

2/11/2015

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Its so satisfying to see commissioned work come to print. Particularly following a big project. I have just completed my biggest yet, a set of seasonal bunting for the Spring 2015, Cross Stitch & Needle Work Magazine. I have just had a printed copy of the first Spring instalment fall through my letter box so thought now would be a good time to share with you the whole process in photos. Everybody working proses is different and mine continues to evolve.  I thought you may enjoy a little glimpse behind the scenes.....

1. Initial Drawings

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2.Draw finished designs ready to stitch.

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3.Select colour pallet...

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4. Stitch, tweaking as I go.... (that's tweaking not twerking!) 

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5. Chart finished design ready for print.

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6. My lovely mum stitches work in to finished item.

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I document my finished item, post of the magazine then wait for magazine to arrive.

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Then around three months later......

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Subscriptions to Cross-Stitch&Needle Work is available Here

For a full 'How to Make Your Cross Stitch in to Bunting' take a look at my Blog tutorial.
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How to Make Cross Stitched Bunting & Banners, Tutorial

1/28/2015

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You will need:
Your cross Stitch work ( mine are stitched on 6 pieces of 14 count white Aida, 15 x 20 cm)
2 Metres of  1” Bias binding.
Backing fabric of choice
Interlocking
Scissors 
Embroidery pen
Paper for templates
Pins
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1.Firstly wash and press your cross stitch work.

2. You will need to decide what shape and size you would like your bunting flags to be. My  flags are 11cm wide, 14cm high and  17 cm down the centre from top to tip.

Cut out two templates. The first template is the exact size of the flag .Make the second template the same size but with a half inch seam allowance. 

3. Use the larger template to measure interlocking. Iron the interlocking to the reverse of the work.

4. Use the larger template to cut out your chosen flag backing. Cut out your backing panels ready to stitch.


5. Using the small templates, mark out with an embroidery pen where you will sew. Hold up to the light to make sure your designs are central. Remember to allow enough room above your design to sew the bias binding.



6. Place the Aida and backing fabric, right sides facing and pin in place. Sew around the sides and bottom. Trim the Aida down to the same size as the backing fabric.

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7. Turn right side out and press. Fold the biases binding in half, lengthwise and press




8. Insert the flags into the fold of the tape and pin in place before sewing.  Start in the middle of the binding so that your flags are nice and central. Allow around a two inch gap in between each flag. 

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The cross stitch charts for my seasonal bunting will be available over the coming year in the Cross Stitch and Needle Work Magazine.  
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Facebook Freebie. Cross Stitch Kit Give Away.........February 2015

1/17/2015

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If you haven't already, be sure to head over and like StitchKits Face book page for a chance to win this months Facebook Freebie. you have until January the 30th to enter.
Click on the image below. 
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2014 at StitchKits HQ and Beyond

12/30/2014

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Hi everyone I hope like me you have all had a fantastic 2014. It has been a busy and exciting year for me. Here is a quick look at my inspirations, creations and important events in pictures.

January 

February 

March

April

May

June

July

August 

September 

October

November 

December

Roll on 2015..............................................


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How to Cross Stitch Your Own QRC (Quick Read Code)

12/16/2014

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I have recently cross stitched my ‘StitchKits’ logo to use as my online banner (see above for results:-). Hot of that success I thought  it would be fun to Cross-Stitch’ a QRC (Quick Read Code) of my site for use at fairs and such. I am so excited that it worked I thought I should share with you the ‘How To’ and results.
I made mine so that the scanner takes you to www.stitchkitslondon.co.uk but imagine how delighted a social media addict would be to receive one for their face book page or a friend with an Etsy shop? The applications are endless.
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All you will need is:
  • White cotton Aida. I used 14 count. 
  • An Embroidery hoop to work in and display once finished. I used an oval hoop that is 9 x12.5cm. you can buy them on Etsy 
  • Black stranded embroidery cotton ( I used DMC number 310) Stitched using two strands.
  • Embroidery needle 
  • Ruler and pencil
  • Embroidery  scissors
  • A good light and a little time.

1.       Firstly you need to generate a Quick Read Code. Do this on line. If you google ‘Generate QR code’ lots of free sites come up. This site is very easy to use: Generate 
Simply type in your URL. Press the generate button then download to your computer and Print.
I used my QC reader to double check the code was correct before I stared stitching.
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2.       Next with a ruler draw in a grid to create your cross stitch Patten.

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3.      Now you are ready to get stitching. It is less complicated than it looks. However be super careful to follow the pattern or your scan will take to some where you don’t want to be.
 If you have never cross stitched before dont worry it is easy. down load a comprehensive 'How To' guide at WhatDeliaDid
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4.       To finish of I left a two stitch gap around the QRC and back stitched a boarder all the way around.

And Taadahh!

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How to mount Hoop Art in an Embroidery Hoop! (the easy way!)

11/22/2014

0 Comments

 
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Over the last few years I have experimented with many different ways to mount my stitchy work. One of my favourite methods is to display work in embroidery hoops.
I think at last I have developed a fool proof method of doing this. I thought it was time to share what I have discovered. This tutorial is quickest, easiest, neatest method for displaying hoop art that I have come across.  (honestly its really easy) Just follow the simple steps below.
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You will need:  Your lovely sewing & an embroidery hoop
Thick mount card (step 1)
Wadding (step 2 & 6)
Double side sticky tape (preferably 15mm wide) (step 4)
Fabric scissors (Step 3)
Card cutting Scissors (Step 1)
Copydex glue. This is a Latex based glue and is perfect for this job as it is good for sticking both card and fabric. It seems to dry quickly, is not messy to use and has a strong finish. (Step 7)
Ribbon for hanging.(Step 8)

1. Firstly prepare your card and wadding. Mark out the size of you backing card on the mount board with a pencil.  Use the inside of the OUTER hoop as a guide then cut out with your card cutting scissors. This may be a bit tough if the card is thick but the thicker the card the sturdier you finished work will feel. Do not use you fabric scissors as this will destroy the blades.

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2. Use your cut out as a guide to cut the wadding. I have used two layers of thin wadding on this project but it also comes in a thicker weight.
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3. Next fix your work in place and cut around your work leaving around 1cm protruding from the hoop.  If you are nervous you could mark around where you are going to cut with an embroidery pen.

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Please note that if you are mounting work on Aida it is more  important not to have an excess of fabric as it will be visible through your work. You are aiming for just enough to tuck in)
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4. Now line the inside of your hoop with double sided tape. It is much easier not to try doing this is one piece. I start with two opposite sides, and then remove the protective layers before filling in the gaps.

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5. With the sticky tape in place you can begin to secure the fabric in place. Working in a clockwork direction, pull the fabric taut with your left hand, whilst tucking it in with your right. Work your way all around the hoop.

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6. Place your wadding in the back of your hoop. Trim to fit if necessary.

7. Brush Copydex glue around the back edge of your card. Place the card in position. then apply a weight to make sure the surfaces adhere.

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8. Your hoop is now finished. All that is left to do is personalise you work if required. Add ribbon for hanging, labels or a signature to the back so that everybody knows that it is your work.

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9. Display and enjoy!!!

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All images are property of Ruth Caig at StitchKits. Please use responsibly. Thank You
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