My Christmas gift-making is in full swing right now, and I have one completed gift under my belt. It's for someone who I don't think really reads this blog, so it seems safe to show a little snippet of it:
I really love the big roundy-mod flowers, and I thought it would be neat for some of them to have little french-knot speckled centers (so they would appear like seeds).
Embroidery stitches are, for me, the opposite of riding a bike. If I haven't done one in, oh, say the last week, then I have likely forgotten the "trick" of each one.
I worked on this present last Thursday night whilst watching a movie, and executed some lovely little french knots with minimal blood, sweat and tears involved. So naturally, when we went on a long car trip the very next day, I though I could take the project along and embroider while in transit. And I totally forgot how to do the darn french knot and spent, I AM NOT KIDDING HERE FRIENDS, the next two hours attempting it with 0% success! I worked til' my fingers were bruised and my resolve was gone (and we finally reached our destination).
Upon returning home, I went through every french knot diagram I could find, both in my books and online (including a really unhelpful Youtube video tutorial).
Finally, it happened.
I found a really lucid, non-nonsense diagram that illustrated it perfectly, and I did it! I made like, 20, just to be sure I had the hang of it.
But, you know...that was 5 days ago.
I'm pretty sure I've forgotten the darn thing again.
Happy Wednesday, sweet applets! I hope everyone's Christmas plans are coming together nicely.
Comments (33)
I'm so happy to read that I am not the only one!! I -to this day- have not remembered a french knot for more than one day myself. There are others that give me problems too, so it's not a special memory loss.
WendyZ · December 12, 2007 at 06:14 PM
Do you have a link for the french knot diagram? I can't seem to ever get them right either. Your project looks beautiful.. can't wait to see the finished piece after the holidays!
Mouse · December 12, 2007 at 06:25 PM
I am curious to see the finished project. You'll have to post it once its been opened.
www.projectblancoyd.typepad.com · December 12, 2007 at 06:31 PM
this is lovely! i love all your creations.
yvette · December 12, 2007 at 06:50 PM
Forget forgetting! I have NEVER been able to figure out how to do a french knot. It seems like it should be simple, but I simply can't get it right. DO post a link to the diagram that worked for you. (And I love how each poppy has its own unique black center. It's all in the details, no?)
melissa Crowe · December 12, 2007 at 07:09 PM
i've had this same problem with french knots! why is that???
ps-last night i made chicken & dumplings using your recipe. it was jordan's first time eating them and he LOVED it. thank you!!!!
risa · December 12, 2007 at 07:11 PM
Oh man. Senior moments already! :-)
Janet · December 12, 2007 at 07:29 PM
i think the best place for embroidery how-to's is this awesomely sweet blog:
http://primrosedesign.blogspot.com/
jill · December 12, 2007 at 07:45 PM
I have the same brain disabling experience every time (once a year when I drag it out!)I use my sewing machine! Never can remember how to thread the stupid thing!
Your embroidery is very happy & cheery! I'm sure whoever receives it will be overwhelmed w/your crafty goodness :)
Johanna · December 12, 2007 at 07:51 PM
It always happens when you're the one time you don't bring the instructions. The poppies are beautiful!
e.soule · December 12, 2007 at 08:02 PM
So cute! I really like them. I have seen the French knot before but never knew what it was. Now I must look up and try one myself! :)
courtney · December 12, 2007 at 08:03 PM
This is beautiful! It's a lucky person who gets it!
Elizebeth · December 12, 2007 at 09:09 PM
Oh, we love your forgetful self Emily! So funny...
Sam · December 12, 2007 at 09:33 PM
Beautiful, I love poppies and I love the mod vintage-y look of this. I'm sure the recepient is gonna be in love!
Kristy Lin · December 12, 2007 at 10:17 PM
oh, don't you hate that? i'm glad you were able to figure it out.. this turned out so great! very inspiring. :) i'm in total holiday making mode too!
joleen · December 12, 2007 at 10:50 PM
I embroider all the time, and french knots are always a butt. Do post the link; I'd love to see it.
ps I don't know what rock I've been living under that I just discovered your blog this week. . .But, I heart it, and have linked to it. And, as a UGA art alumnus can I just say: "rock on!"
Ms. Artsy Amy · December 12, 2007 at 10:54 PM
Those are awesome!
Stephanie · December 12, 2007 at 11:39 PM
Hi Emily, I love your latest creation! Did you use a special kind of felt to do this, or just the regular kind from craft stores! I just love your creations and hope to buy from you soon!
Shannon · December 13, 2007 at 12:44 AM
Those poppies look really beautiful! I love poppies in general, and these really make me smile big time! :-)
Eva · December 13, 2007 at 08:13 AM
The opposite of riding a bicycle. I like that phrase. That's how I am with knitting. Three times, I have learned. Three times, I have forgotten. Sounds like the beginning of a novel, no?
Alison Whittington · December 13, 2007 at 08:49 AM
Your embroidery looks so lovely! May I reccommend a book to you, as a fellow embroidery beginner? I checked out the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Embroidery Stiches from my library, and I fell in love with it! It has perfectly clear, simple diagrams for every stich you could ever imagine. But what I really love is the photography... it's such a visually stunning book, that I've spent many an hour just paging through, revelling in the beauty. I love this book so much, I had to buy a copy of my own!! Here it is on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Embroidery-Stitches-Instructions/dp/0762106581/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197554177&sr=8-1
Good luck with your lovely project!!
Emily A. · December 13, 2007 at 09:06 AM
i love the flowers. i bet the whole project is amazing. i have the same forgetfulness problem with casting off when knitting. i have to look at a book every time! my friend saw your link from my blog and said she went and bought four prints from you. i am excited because i love them so much and i know she will, too.
amy · December 13, 2007 at 09:26 AM
Oh goodness... French knots always confuse the heck out of me!! It wasn't until recently--after many, many years of looking at diagrams, other people doing them, videos, etc.--that I finally "got" it. :p But like you, there is no guarantee that if I haven't done them in a few days, I will remember. lol!! And if I do, there is always the possibility that the stinkin' thread will knot at the wrong point (as it does so frequently!). lol!!
Your little project looks so beautiful though! I love the brightness and cheeriness of it... will you be sharing a picture of the entire piece a little later on? I'd love to see it!! :)
Casey · December 13, 2007 at 09:46 AM
I have that same problem...specifically with the french knot. It's a tricky one, I have to peek at a diagram every time. The poppies look wonderful nonetheless!!!
lori · December 13, 2007 at 09:50 AM
This is so pretty!!
My guy was laughing at me following a Youtube video of casting on the other night for a blankie I'm making for my nephew- but thank goodness for those little videos- so helpful!!
Eileen Weigand · December 13, 2007 at 10:10 AM
oh my gosh, just last night i was trying to do a french knot and after about 20 or so attempts, gave up. it was just not working. your project looks cute - youre so creative! Love your blog.
alexis · December 13, 2007 at 11:29 AM
The poppies are gorgeous! I hope we get to see the end product once the gift has been revealed.
Callista · December 13, 2007 at 11:52 AM
Oh those dastardly french knots... As I was reading I kept thinking that they're the one embroidery trick I actually do remember. But now that I'm trying to picture my fingers and needle making one, I have no idea where to begin. (It seems like it should be so simple, doesn't it?)
Nevertheless, the poppies are gorgeous. And I'm wishing that I was on your Christmas list.
Erin · December 13, 2007 at 12:29 PM
BEAUTIFUL poppies!!! I'm sure the recipient will be so happy :) I would be!
Danielle Nilsson · December 13, 2007 at 12:54 PM
Congratulations on getting those darn things right and...please could you tell where you found the good French knot diagram? I've had the same exasperating experience with them. I don't know how many looked like they were going to "knot" and then they just got sucked right through to the back of the fabric. Ugh. Pretty poppies :)
Elizabeth Ruffing · December 13, 2007 at 08:30 PM
Ohhh. I love it. I'd probably faint if I saw the whole thing.
Tina · December 13, 2007 at 08:42 PM
You're wrong, Emily, I do read this blog and now the surprise is ruined. ;)
Anyway, it looks like a lovely, thoughtful gift and congratulations on your "eventual" success with the french knot.
That is a tough one.
Di
Diane Duda · December 14, 2007 at 11:21 AM
loving the flowers and the felt and the design on this! It reminds me of a poppy painting that I have hanging in my home.
Rebekah · December 14, 2007 at 01:18 PM