Needleprint Projects

Panier Quaker

2009-10-21T15:23:00.001-07:00

Les instructions sont maintenant disponibles en français pour vous. Cliquez ici.

Quaker Basket Project Now Available as Over-1

2009-09-24T06:31:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Saho-san for letting me know that some of you may not have access to high counts of linen and would really like to stitch this project over-one. We have gone back to design and created a completely over-one project option for you. Those of you who have already purchased the chart can log back into the sharefile and download the two new over-one files also, one is PDF and one is for Infinity users.

The Quaker Stitched Basket - DMC Colours

2009-09-23T02:08:00.001-07:00

The stitched Quaker Basket Project is now ready for you. There are three files to download: a PDF chart which everyone can use; those who have the Infinity Software will also be able to download an editable JGG file; and there is a PDF for making-up instructions also. Because of the amount of time involved in making this project, there is a charge of £5, $8, 6 Euros or 800 yen. I hope you have many delightful moments working this lovely heirloom project.
For your download just click here.
I have chosen space-dyed threads because they give an interesting old feel to projects but you can use any threads you prefer. Here is a conversion chart for the threads - please note that it is not possible to obtain an exact match since each of the space dyed threads embraces a number of shades.
The Gentle Art:
4 metres (5 yards) Banker’s Grey; DMC 646
4 metres (5 yards) Sable; DMC 779
4 metres (5 yards) Peacock; DMC 3809
1 metre (1.25 yards) Butternut Squash; DMC 3322
4 metres (5 yards) Gold Leaf; DMC 729
7 metres Gingersnap; DMC 3826
2 metres (2.5 yards) Shaker White; DMC 3033
1 metre (1.25 yards) Tarnished Gold; DMC 434
Weeks Dye Works:
4 metres (5 yards) Charcoal; DMC 844
Crescent Colours:
4 metres (5 yards) Ye Olde Gold; DMC 832

Beautiful French Finish from Aurore

2009-09-21T15:52:00.001-07:00

Another stunning basket finish - this time from Aurore in France. I hope that working with the card has been a useful exercise in understanding the construction of the baskets, so that when we come to start the stitched example you will be feeling very confident about how to progress. In a way we are following the Lancastrian system. Joseph Lancaster, a Quaker, formulated a process of instruction for larger classes. One of his innovations, along with those of Dr Bell, was to employ the monitor system. The teacher organized and managed the class, while senior or more competetent students, the monitors, took on the role of what we would call today classroom assistants. And in schools following the Quaker Joseph Lancaster system of education, each stage of needlework taught was completed first using paper. Only when the student had demonstrated her proficiency was fabric allocated to her for stitching.

A Blue Gingham Basket Finished

2009-09-14T02:07:00.000-07:00

It is a pity we won't be able to put all our baskets out together and make a display for an exhibition - again these are all going to be unique and lovely. Saho-san has now finished the final stage of her basket project. And yes, I do wish I had chosen dark blue and gingham also....and when we see the beautiful ones to come in ceam or gold or yellow or green, we shall all wish we had made ours like those also....what are we like!Saho-san told me something very interesting - if you tie the bows upside down, they work better. I am going to try this right away.

Choice, choices, choices!

2009-09-08T16:28:00.001-07:00

A long time ago, I learnt tambour beading at Libertys in London. On the first day I was surrounded by an impossible choice of the most beautiful beads you can ever imagine. I felt I had a one-off opportunity to make something which had to be perfect. But where do you start when there is unlimited choice? I sat and gazed for too long, struggling to make up my mind. At length the teacher came up to me to find out the reason for my paralysis. I explained. In response she smiled, licked her finger and stuck it in a pot of beads without even looking. 'This is how to start,' she said. 'Pick up a single bead at random, fix it, then pick up another bead that goes with the first, fix it, then pick up another bead that goes with those first two, and if you listen and look you will have a piece that is perfect for you.' And I learnt that it is not by looking over other people's shoulders and copying them, it is by being 100% absorbed in one's own decision making that results in the best and beautiful - because it has integrity. And the experience of that absorption, of listening, looking, responding to what has already been placed, is totally unforgettable. It is like surfing with the wind and the sea all working with you. By all means look over other people's shoulders, we can always learn from others and admire their personal beauty, but don't stress yourself by feeling you have to compete with or emulate them. If you do, you might come up with something that seems pretty for a while, but afterwards you will feel that it is derivative, that it lacks life - because it lacks your life, it doesn't come from you. Variety and choice is near infinite when you are designing. Celebrate your own choices, and get to know and appreciate the wonderful mysterious source from which those choices spring. I so look forward to admiring your baskets.

Finishing Your Basket

2009-09-07T15:15:00.001-07:00

If you have just arrived at this project, then please scroll down the blog until you find the first instalment and work forward from there as there are stages prior to this which are necessary for your finish.
To be ready for finishing you need to have 12 side panels each taped around their 2 sides and base. You will also need the hexagonal base taped around all 6 edges. When you have these assembled you are ready to begin.
I have spent weeks on and off trying to find a nice small gingham check in pale grey and white. I had absolutely no luck at all, either in London or locally - or on eBay - so I chose some plain grey linen from my stash to which I am not only reconciled, but am delighted with - there is a lesson in there somewhere. In fact, the fabric is hardly conspicuous - and I think whatever you use, it will not be a deal breaker.
In addition to fabric, you will need approximately 2 metres of bias, folded in half lengthwise and steam-ironed flat to make it easy to stitch; plus 2.4 metres of ribbon the same width as the folded bias tape - so that it will extend nicely from the tape and not be much thicker or thinner than it. Cut it into 24 pieces, cutting on a diagonal.
To make a cutting pattern you will need a double spread of decent broadsheet newspaper and a soft pencil- I cut out without a pattern, but then I had only a short time to complete, and unless you are very brave, I would spend time making a pattern.
Again because time was short, I confess that, Heavens to Murgatroyd, I machine-stitched the top edging. You may prefer to continue in back or running stitch. If you do use a sewing machine, the thing to remember about stitching card is that you are perforating - and little perforations as we know from stamps and cheque stubs, tear very nicely indeed. You cannot undo stitching through card so go slowly if you are using a machine and use a fairly long stitch.
You also cannot tack or pin. Just fabulous! So what do you do to stabilize everything while you work? Another confession, I used smidgeons of double-sided sticky tape - five to a panel and seven for the base. (A smidgeon is English for a soupçon.) Tip: Stick the tape to the card first, it is difficult to peel off the backing if you have stuck it to the fabric first. You will stick the backs of the cards to the fabric when you have everything positioned. I also used some low tack draughting tape to temporarily stick the trailing ribbons out of the way of the stitching - because your basket goes through a multiple octopus phase in its life-cycle and one things is certain, the ribbons if not kept under control will drive you to distraction.
A last point on ribbons. On the original model the bases of the inside panels are ribbonned up. You can do this if you want the full alien experience, but the ribbons are not necessary. It is up to you. If you do go with these ribbons then you will need another 1.20 metres of ribbon, cut into 12 pieces on the diagonal.
Start off by sorting your panels, have two cups of tea, juggle and make up your mind sometime where you are going to put each panel in relation to the others. When you have done that attach a ribbon to the reverse of each base corner of the outside panels - these are the panels which won't be on the inside (!) with the hexagon.
Next, lay out the hexagon and six side panels the on newspaper to make a pattern, or on your fabric. Do not do what I have done - you need to leave a smidgeon more gap between the bases of the side-panels and the hexagon, for a more easy fit. Mine is a bit of a tight fit. But hey, isn't it good I got it wrong, so you can get it right? All is well. When everything is stable, draw round the outer edge, marking a straight line between the top edges of adjacent panels (see first photo). Cut out the fabric.
Now reposition your pieces on the fabric matching top edges. Once positioned, start to work on the double-sided tape to fix everything in place. Tape near to each corner - this will stop the panel pivoting while you are stitching.
Once you have completed the front, turn the work over carefully and match up the side-panels on the reverse side to the panels underneath at the top edges. Then stick them in place also. Use low tack tape to hitch the ribbons up to the centre of the panels out of stitching harm. Now carefully turn over. You will need 12 more smidgeons of double-sided tape. This is to position the top ribbons on the top edges of the cards, pointing down and out, so the edges and tape will all be hidden inside the bias tape trim.

Anchor the ribbons out of harm's way with low tack tape. Now starting on one of the uncovered fabric pieces (so that the join will be less visible) stitch the bias tape all around the outer edge, using whatever stitching means you feel most comfortable using, making sure that all the top ribbons ends are securely stitched in. When you have stitched all the way round, cut the bias tape with a centimetre to spare so that you can fold over the tape and stitch over your starting edge. Trim any threads. Tie the top inside ribbons, then tie the bottom outside ribbons. Admire and fuss with the ribbons for at least half an hour. Have a cup of tea. Fuss some more. Take a picture. Send it to me.....please.

Basket Project Part 7 - The Base

2009-09-07T14:21:00.000-07:00

Click here for the final download print item of your Basket Project. If you have been waiting to print all the downloads in one go, now is the time. This is the base and you simply print it out on thin card, or on paper and glue to thin card, and edge all the sides with bias tape.
Vaida creates a lovely finish for her basket prints by using a special craquelure lacquer, one for the base coat, and the second for top coat. She then takes some acrylic paint in contrasting colour and pats it into the cracks, so they become more visible. Next week we shall have a download for all the finishing.
if you have just found this project - don't worry - you can catch up with previous instalments by visiting the Needleprint Projects Blog.

Basket Part 6

2009-09-05T16:13:00.000-07:00

Here is the last pair of sides for your project - next week you will make the base and the week after is the thrilling time when it all comes together!
Simply print out, age if you wish, fix to thin card (or print out on thin card), then edge around the sides and base with bias binding leaving the top unfinished. The two pieces are edged individually and are not joined in any way. You can glue, slip stitch or back stitch the bias tape, then just put on one side ready for the next instalment. Click here for your download.

If you have just come across this project, don't worry, you can always catch up with previous Needleprint projects in your own time at http://needleprintprojects.blogspot.com

Basket Project - Part 5

2009-08-24T09:35:00.001-07:00

You are nearing the end of finishing all the sides for you project - after next week's instalment you will make the base and the week after is the thrilling time when it all comes together!
Simply print out, age if you wish, fix to thin card (or print out on thin card), then edge around the sides and base with bias binding leaving the top unfinished. The two pieces are edged individually and are not joined in any way. You can glue, slip stitch or back stitch the bias tape, then just put on one side ready for the next instalment. Click here for your download.

Basket Project - Part 4

2009-08-17T16:32:00.000-07:00

Here is the fourth part of the basket project ready for you to download. There are 7 parts in total - 6 for the side panels and one for the base. As you can see from Luned, the side panels are straightforward to complete. Simply print out, age if you wish, fix to thin card (or print out on thin card), then edge around the sides and base with bias binding leaving the top unfinished. The two pieces are edged individually and are not joined in any way. You can glue, slip stitch or back stitch the bias tape, then just put on one side ready for the next instalment. Click here for your download.

2009-08-06T16:53:00.001-07:00

I got rather waylaid reading the letters that accompanied the 'trifles' made by the Ackworth girls, and I thought you might like to see one or two of them for yourselves. So, we'll come back to bookmarks tomorrow. But at least there is a needlecase for you to see and I have created a .pdf file of a blank outer cover of the needlecase, so you can download it on thin card (or paste paper on thin card) to make your own trifles for friends.

Inside the case is simply a strip of flanelette which has been decoratively finished around its edge and it is held in place by ribbon running down the central fold. Another ribbon, serving to fasten the needlecase is taken around the middle of the card and threaded in and out through cuts either side of the central panel on both back and front. The front cover reads: Remember me and the reverse: Accept this token from a Friend whose love for thee will neaver end. The mispelled never has been corrected but perhaps it hints at the northern origins of the writer.
So, for the needlecase download, just click here, you have three copies in case you try too hard and don't quite make it first time round!

Basket Project - Part 3

2009-08-06T02:01:00.000-07:00

I haven't forgotten - here is the 3rd download for your basket project. Just to recap on what you need to do: Download the images, cut them out, age them as you wish, glue them to some thin card and stitch bias tape or ribbon round the sides and base of each individual piece (that is, not joining them together) leaving the tops open for now as they will be bound later. You can trim the binding flush to the top edge. Vaida from Lithuania has used a craquelure effect to age her pieces and perhaps she will give us some tips on how to achieve this effect.

So, thinking ahead, these are all going to be mounted on some nice fabric - you can start looking around for some posh moire silk or small Gustavian Swedish check in grey and white or beige and white. I am sure you will surprise me with even more beautiful ideas than I can imagine! You will need a piece of 16 inches or 40cm square. We shall work this project through in paper and then it will be a snip for you to make a similar stitched equivalent. In fact this is exactly what used to happen in the Lancastrian Schools (named after the Quaker educationalist Joseph Lancaster) in England. Girls first stitched paper, and when they could prove their proficiency they were rewarded by being given fabric to stitch - so do feel you are part of this tradition.

For the stitched basket projects we shall use colour schemes inspired by Christina and Yumi-san, and provided on Infinity charts which you will be able to customize to your heart's desire.

Basket Project - Part 2

2009-08-06T02:00:00.001-07:00

Since Luned in Anglesey has sent me a picture of her completed Part 1 of the basket project, I suspect you are all ready for Part 2 now. Simply print (on card or stiff paper), cut out and edge these images the same as you did for Part 1. then send me a picture so I know you are ready for the next stage.Just click here for your download.

Basket Project - Part 1

2009-08-06T01:58:00.001-07:00

The first version of the basket we have put together is card based like the original. The second version for stitching will come later. If you make this card one first then you will understand better how the stitched one will work. Page 1 of the project is ready to download. This is two panel faces of your basket. The basket has 12 panel faces in total - 6 inside and 6 outside. You can print out the first page on thin card, or fabric or paper and stick either on thin card. At this stage you may want to tea bag, or bake the images. Don't worry if your first try goes wrong, you can always print out another copy - this is the beauty of the project - it is all forgiving! When you have your panel faces looking as you like, cut them out and backstitch bias tape, the colour of your choice, along all edges except the upper side of each one. They are separate pieces so they need to be edged individually and not joined in any way. Tips: You will have to fold the tape when you come to stitch each corner. Iron your bias tape or ribbon in half and use a little light glue to help you manage it while you stitch. The upper side will be edged together with all the upper sides as a later stage so it does not matter that the edges you leave for now are not finished, they will be hidden later. You can email me with questions. A big favour please - please, please download once and make copies on your machine rather than redownloading from the web-host - otherwise we shall go into the dark with bandwith problems. Click here for Page 1 of your basket project. Please send me images of what you have completed so I know when to load the next page for you.