Self Portrait in Thread

Every artist should create a self-portrait, or so I was told years ago. I created a carved stamp from a photo of myself. Now I have digitized it into two versions of machine embroidery files. The photo of me was my starting point. Yes, I took artistic liberties.

First up, here are the stitched out designs. One is filled with satin stitches. The other is a "sketchy" design that sews out a bit quicker.

Here are two stamped pieces from the hand carved stamp that I made a few years ago.

And finally the picture that served as the starting point.

I am really thrilled with what I am able to accomplish with the Embrilliance Digitizing software. It was originally created from Mac users. However, they also have a Windows version now. Before you make any purchases, I recommend watching videos about how to use the program on YouTube. I believe in "informed decisions."

Until Next Time,  

Stay Creative 

Comments are welcomed. I will reply when possible. Of course if you are a "No Reply Blogger"- I can not reply. Links in comments will result in the entire comment being deleted.

More Embroidery Work

There are things I just can't resist.  Embroidery digitizing is becoming one of them.  After the first success,  I decided to try creating a quilting design that would look as if it were done as free-motion quilting.  However, I could not resist a "fancier" center for the flower.    I used the "square flower" idea that I learned in a class. (Maybe from Lori Kennedy?) 

 I did a "double run" which means it sews all the lines twice.  I will probably make it a single run if I use it for actual quilting. I will also probably simplify the center of the flower.  

The two successes emboldened me to try something that I think of as difficult but amazing.  I have a fascination with machine embroidered free standing lace.   In the past I have used purchased lace designs, thinking that it was "way to hard" to do myself.   I think for the first time, I did an amazing job. 

It is sitting on a part of a quilt top so that you can see that it is truly see-through and lacy.  This is a present for someone dear to me.  I am happy that it stitched out well enough to be given.  

I can hardly wait to digitize and sew out some more designs.  If I ever get good enough at it, I may start selling my designs. 

Until Next Time,  

Stay Creative 

Comments are welcomed. I will reply when possible. Of course if you are a "No Reply Blogger"- I can not reply. Links in comments will result in the entire comment being deleted.

Sew Different

Embroidery digitizing has fascinated me for years now.  I have tried several programs that do some things well.  The problem is that they are all made for the Windows Operating System, and I use a Mac.  Then I discovered a program that was made for Mac - although they now have a Windows version also.  So,  I finally said "I will get the entry level digitizing version."  It is the same price to "upgrade" over time as it is to buy it all at once.  I like that business model because it doesn't pressure me to buy more than I need. 

When I first got the program,  I just started playing.  Then I discovered a YouTube channel by the company that has so much good teaching.  It was well worth the time spent watching videos.  

Here it is almost a week after the purchase and I finally sewed out a design that I created - all by myself!

I will tell you that as it sewed out, I realized that I didn't do the most efficient jog of digitizing the design. There is a small error or two also.  But for a first time using the program to fully create a design, I am thrilled. And I can go back and fix the errors in the file -so Yay!

I think it sewed out nicely.  This is a piece I can use in a quilt or in a quilted notebook cover ....or.......whatever I decide to do with it. 

Mother and I have been working on the puzzle and there is more progress but this is the only photo I took.  

This chunk has expanded a lot since the photo.  There is more of the book, her legs are connected and those pillows at her feet are pretty much finished too.  We may end up building a lot of this puzzle from the inside out. LOL.  You are probably laughing too ---if you know that I insist on putting the outside edges together before I will work on any other part of it. 

Until Next Time,  

Stay Creative 

Comments are welcomed. I will reply when possible. Of course if you are a "No Reply Blogger"- I can not reply. Links in comments will result in the entire comment being deleted.

Puzzling Again

Tuesday afternoon Mom said "Do you want to start another puzzle?"  I had purchased a new one in mid-July.  It was there at her house "just waiting" for mom to want to do another one.   It is a Buffalo Games puzzle called Flights of Fantasy. 

It has lots of color and "things" to piece together.  It is 1000 pieces so it is enough of a challenge also.

We spent Tuesday afternoon putting the border together - except for three pieces.  Mom spent part of the time piecing some of the beaded curtain in the window. 

Wednesday afternoon, we went at it again and got the border finished.  We also kept on working.  Here is Mom trying to fit in a piece that didn't go there. Sometimes she has issues with spatial relationships. 

We use pieces of mat board from my art supplies to corral the pieces. We also have two huge ziplock food containers that we use for pieces also.  

Meanwhile, I worked on the girl and the book.  Those other pieces go around the girl except 

for the extra cups that are in the floor of the room. 

We will be plugging away at this puzzle for a while.  I may or may not start/restart one of my sewing projects in the meantime.  

Health update:  I have now lost 20.5 pounds.  I have been able to stop one blood pressure medicine AND cut my blood glucose medicine (metformin) in half.   This is a huge win for me.  I am celebrating it with a healthy but tasty dinner. 

Until Next Time,  

Stay Creative 

Comments are welcomed. I will reply when possible. Of course if you are a "No Reply Blogger"- I can not reply. Links in comments will result in the entire comment being deleted.