AnnTheGran.com | Beautiful people make beautiful things

In December, 1996, AnnTheGran's Design Exchange had been online for 2 months, and it was all very, very new. Our small community had shared a hundred or so designs and I sent the Christmas greeting you see on your right, created around my greatest blessings at the time.AnnTheGran, my Internet ni... [More]

Every child is precious but sometimes the families of certain little ones face unique challenges. The charity FHCS (Faith Hope & Charity Stitches) has a very special way of sharing their love of sewing and embrodiery. The tiny buntings and quilts they make are a wonderful gift to those babies, k... [More]

Each of our veterans is a true hero who has made a commitment to serve in times of war or peace. Our veterans deserve the full measure of our respect. This project was submitted by Sue Ellen Parker. Sue Ellen used her creative talents to show her loved one and others how proud she was of their dedic... [More]

Our international trend continues this week with a project from Jean Isley in England. Growing up du [More]

To take a simple or plain idea and mold it into something personal and unique is always rewarding. Michelle Gauthier created a special Christmas tree skirt to become a focal point for holiday cheer in her home. Without spending a lot she gave of her time and love to bring special smiles to those aro... [More]

Creating keepsakes for loved ones is such a joy for those who love to sew. With her simple blankets, Sue Kerlin shows us how she continues her love of giving to family even when life is too full for intricate details.Sue's Description:I picked this pattern of baby quilt because I am not a detail... [More]

Hi, Folks,I'm in a bit of a quandary. When I set up this blog, I made it clear to the team here who help me get this to you that I really wanted the blog to focus on projects contributed by the AnnTheGran community. So far, you've all been great with that, and we've seen some gr... [More]

Tuck a bottle of their favorite beverage inside a festive wrap - no wrapping paper required. Trisch Rosema's embroidered gifts of wine got rave reviews even though they were quick and easy. What a lovely hostess gift one of these custom wine bags would make! Or you could do as Trisch did and mak... [More]

Every child's first birthday is exciting and every mother wants to create great memories of the event. This race car themed quilt was created by Gina Martinez to complete her son's graduation to a "Big Boy Bed" and give him a special birthday memory to cherish for years to come.Gen... [More]

Friends come in many shapes and sizes but each has a special place in our lives. The same is true of [More]

This project was submitted by Kim Yunkun. I chose to post this one because it is simple but beautiful and any level of embroiderer can do it. Not everyone is an expert, but everyone can share the sense of pride that we all feel when we've accomplished something. Sometimes, when we've been do... [More]

This embroidery-laden project was sent in by Barbara Schaffer, and I chose it for this week because [More]

Our creations are like our babies! The amount of time and care we expend on a cherished project makes those products of our hands and our hearts feel pretty special.You are currently resting your eyes on my new blog. If you don't know what a blog is, don't worry about it. Neither did I until... [More]

We wanted to create a design collection that you could use to add some classic style to your project whether you are embroidering evening accessories, elegant linens or an heirloom piece. My Blackwork collection is a versatile set of ornamental designs, professionally digitized for beautiful results... [More]

I am still moving into my new home and for my first act, I broke a plate. . . Mind you, this previously rental home was completely furnished right down to silverware, dinnerware, towels, etc. I have moved into a '55 years old or older community.' It is common for them to come furnished. In fact, I know one person who rents these homes over the winter and gets $6,000 per month. Therefore, it needs to be nicely furnished for a person with that type of funds to rent.

Well, on the very next day, I saw this article in Phoenix Home and Garden, May 2018. I know that you no doubt have a local magazine or the like that is full of wonderful - well, homes and gardens. Here is the vase that caught my attention:

By Carly Scholl | Photography by Rick Gayle

At first I thought that the photo was a white vase decorated with gold. After reading Carly Scholl's article, I realized that it was a broken vase that had a BEAUTIFUL repair that actually made the vase more terrific and especially interesting. You can read the instructions at the link above.

This project is called -

Kintsugi

Kintsugi or Kintsukuroi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum, a method similar to the maki-e technique. As a philosophy it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise.

Kintsugi is also applied to your life. No matter that your life is not perfect, it is just part of your personal history. Check it out on any Search Engine. (BTW, to find SE's that DON"T TRACK YOU, check here.)

So, what did that have to do with embroidery?? I have created the Freebie for this time to give you a method to decorate or repair something that you enjoy and/or want to embellish.

Before you download the file (4x4 in 3mm) I highly recommend Badgemaster for your stabilizer. You already know I am a big fan of Badgemaster where using a single sheet to fit your hoop is the most sturdy, dependable stabilizer for this project. If you are going to use some other water-soluble stabilizer, please plan to use at least two sheets and possibly three sheets to have a successful outcome. See my blog on Badgemaster use and the Badgemaster blog by SewBlessed.

This photo shows that a lot of stitches have been set into a very small area.

You can see that Badgemaster has no holes, no failures despite the number of stitches.

Here are tips to keep in mind -

Badgemaster will be your best bet for these delicate 'strings.'
There are approximately 1,900 stitches per string for the 3/8" (3mm) by 4" (100mm) size.
I have digitized this so you can use one thread for the 'underlay' and another for the top, such as when you are working with the metallic. It has two color stops.
If your metallic is a little low, you can use a similar color for the underlay. Metallic tends to show its underwear - oops, make that underlay.
Start with a sharp/new needle. There is no time like the present to change it.
I have used metallic for the bobbin with perfect results. I did slow down the machine (advised when using metallic) and did not have any breaks. That metallic was terrific on both sides.
These can be bent and likely can have somewhat sharp angles. I did not have the time to work with the strings. I do have one curved.
Practice, different threads, machines and other issues can and do arise. However, I did 6 sets of the items before I was satisfied with the quality of the outcome.
I will be using lighter colors in the future. They show so much more detail.

Did I mention that I was a little short of time?? The result is that you are seeing tape on this flame-less candle.

Here is the file for the 3mm size:

3mm 5 strings 4x4 9500 st 1 color The Avid Embroiderer.zip (167.5KB)

I did not have time to finish the 4mm and 6mm. Keep an eye on this site and I will have them for you 9/8/2018.

Thanks for your time, I know how busy we all are!!

Pat, The Avid Embroiderer

Previous Post:	Next Post:
Machine Embroidery for Sunflower Season	Splicing Embroidery Stabilizers

Personal Holiday Greeting from Ann (AnnTheGran) Cobb

Charity Project - Star Bunting with Polar Fleece Blanket

Embroidered Shirt to Honor a Veteran’s Commitment

Embroidered Greetings Cards

Christmas Tree Skirt from Table Runners

Simple Baby Quilt for Cold Northern Winters

A Little Treasure - Should I Or Shouldn't I?

The Perfect Gift - Embroidered Wine Bottle Bags

Race Car Themed Quilt for "Big Boy Bed"

Tote Bag With Embroidered Double Pocket

Blown Away By Baby Blankets

Cool Pirate Costume for Halloween - Thanks Grandma!

Share Your Creations with our Community!

Quick Project - Blackwork Placemats

The Avid Embroiderer Presents – If it ain't broke, break it! And, a freebie to Decorate those Flameless Candles

Kintsugi

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