Slow Stitching - Door Decor - Fall Pumpkin

I worked on my door decor for fall while at the Barrhead Art Gallery yesterday where my photography and fiber art work is on display as a feature artist.

I was under pressure last year when I did my Fall Leaves piece as I was still unpacking and sorting things out.  I chose a soft taupe striped cotton fabric for the background. I did have to use 2 strips to make it wide enough. I invisible basted this layer to a piece of cotton flannel and a foundation layer.

I gathered a few bits of autumn colored fabric and cut the middle solid piece and then 2 patterned side pieces and stitched those to a foundation layer with running stitch in various autumnal colors. I forgot to bring a piece of fabric in green for the stem so I stitched in green colors. I added some curly cues as well in green.

I placed some running stitch background shapes above the pumpkin just to provide a bit of interest to the background. Somewhat heart shaped.

I had a yellow felt leaf I wanted to use so I placed it falling from the top of the composition. 

I added 2 buttons on the left hand side to balance the compositon.

I trimmed the art piece to 6x8 inches.

I managed to find a warm rosy red for the backer layer which was cut to 8x10 inches and folded to the front double to make the frame. I then machine stitched that in place.

I added a clear ring to the back to hang it on the door.

Note Cards - Slow Stitching

I am so happy how this little lion turned out.

I was needing more cards for the AAC Gift Shop and remembered these backgrounds I had made during my experiments with free motion stitching.

Pink and blue by chance only but what about kid cards.

That is why I chose a lion with a bright mane on this medium blue background.

I cut the body from a bit of cotton and stitched it on with running stitch.  

I chose various colors in the mane and made it very full. 

I added a tail in same colors. I mounted on a Pacific Point A2 card base with a half sheet insert to hide the stitches on the inside.

I found this scrap of fabric with a red poppy on it - might work well for Remembrance Day.

I layered it with a foundation layer and added stitching to highlight areas in the print.

I added a strip of olive green flannel to the bottom of the poppy layer and topped it with a red satin ribbon which is held in place with tiny stitches.

I stitched the art piece to a Real Red A2 card base.  The insert is half sheet to cover the knots on the inside.

A white envelope is included.

 

On the pink background I decided to add an owl.

I had to color the light colored fabric using my Inktense colors.  I was wanting it to be a bit more chocolatey but it is what it is.

I cut my owl shape and added brown felt wings to the sides, eyes with felt and yellow buttons, a beak and feet in yellow felt. 

I bit of feathery shapes on it's front along with a brown branch to stand on.

The art piece was stitched to a pink A2 card base. Half sheet insert and a white envelope.

These were dropped off the to gallery today.

Sewing - Free Motion Backgrounds

I wanted to make more free motion stitching backgrounds for slow stitching cards before I moved onto bottle bags again.

Dipped into the scraps bin and created a pink and blue one.

I created a bottom layer of cotton fabric, layered on a piece of 100% cotton batting, then applied scraps of fabric collage style until I was happy with it.

Brought it to the machine with the darning foot and matching thread and stitched them up.  I think I did a better job of my swirls this time.

I think I will find some silicone tipped gloves.

Note Cards - Slow Stitching

I forgot to take pictures before I packaged these cards. I placed a half sheet white insert in the cards to cover the stitching of the fabric art to the front of the card.  Each has a white envelope as well. I added a slip of paper with credits which I forgot last time.  These are blank note cards.

1. A beautiful watercolor print on linen where I stitched around the leaves, flowers and other shapes. I appliqued a piece of mustard fabric to the center of the flower to make it the focal element. The art piece was stitched to a Soft Sky A2 card base. 

2. A collection of olive green fabrics was free motion stitched to a layer of cotton batting and a foundation layer. I hand stitched a triangle of red, added a cream button and three vertical lines in cream thread.  This art layer was stitched to a warm green A2 card base.

3. I stitched a quilted square to a piece of black cotton fabric and foundation layer then embroidered a pink flower to the right of the quilted piece.  The art piece was stitched to a deep pink A2 card base.

4. I assembled a collection of blue cotton fabric scraps over a piece of cotton batting and a foundation layer.   Once I was happy with it I used free motion quilting to secure the top layer to the sandwich. I created a slow stitch accent with the yellow rectangles on the left hand side with a star in the middle. The art piece was stitched to a Brilliant Blue A2 card base.

5. A birthday present which I stitched to a piece of hand dyed cotton and a foundation layer using a square paper template.  I used a mix of blue and burgundy thread to make a purple stitch line.  I stitched a bow and some stars in the background. I stitched the art piece of a lavender A2 card base.

6. I sold the last birthday candle one the day I brought it to the gallery so I had to make another.  I used blue fabric scraps for this one.  I stitched the 5 candles to a plaid cotton with a foundation layer.  I added wicks with black thread.  I then stitched the outer orange then the inner yellow lines of the flames.  This art piece was stitched to a yellow Bazzil card stock in the A2 size.

7. I assembled a collage of turquoise cotton fabrics layered onto a piece of cotton batting and a foundation layer. I used free motion quilting to secure the pieces to the sandwich.  I placed a small piece of aqua batik fabric on the right hand side and stitched leaf branch in dark warm blue.  This art piece was stitched to a sea green A2 card base.

These note cards were delivered to the Spruce Grove Art Gallery today.

Slow Stitching - Door Decor - Sunflower

I finally got my sunflower for the front door done.  It has been on the to do list for weeks.

I painted the background with Inktense about a week ago but decided this morning it needed to be darker so painted it again.  I should look into a few more colors.  Once dry and set with heat I invisible basted it to a foundation layer.  

I cut a bunch of petals from various yellow fabrics and in 3 sizes. I laid the first layer and stitched those on with running stitch and yellow thread.  Making sure that I did not get too close to the edge to leave space for my binding fabric. Then I added the second layer of petals and stitched again in yellow thread.  

I remembered in time to leave the petal where the stem was originating open until I had that worked out.  I chose a deep olive colored flannel fabric which I cut my hand. The stem and the leaves.  I stitched the stem on then I could finish the last petal.   I added the leaves and the stems for the leaves. I added some texture to the leaves with some brown thread.

It took a while to find a scrap of brown fabric as I would not pick that in the wild because it really does not speak to me. I did managed to find a piece and decided how big it should be.  I cut my brown center. I added 5 rows of running stitch in yellow thread around the outer edge.  Then I created a mix of brown threads and did a bunch of French Knots in the middle.  It is quite textural and heavily stitched.

I had cut some leaves from this yellow fabric and after some consideration of blues and greens decided to use the yellow cotton.  I cut it 1" bigger than the front and ironed over the binding from the back.  I stitched it on with the sewing machine.  I hand stitched a hanger and it's hanging on the door!

Fabric Patches - More

I am working on my fabric patches in the evening while watching TV.

On this patch I paired a black foundation layer with red and black plaid strips ripped to about the same width. I wove them into a layer and stitched to the back layer with white crosses in each intersection. 

I then added a white heart with the back stitch.

I chose to stitch it to a white denim backer.  The machine stitching secures all the ends of the weaving while attaching it to the white backer.

I created this much looser weaving onto a navy foundation layer. I secured all the strips with a running stitch in navy thread.

I added a few blue glass beads on the left hand side.

The art layer was machine stitched to a black denim layer with black thread.

Here I started with the printed fabric and chose colors that would coordinate.

The foundation layer is a pink polka dot fabric, then I added a turquoise cotton layer. Then the printed fabric and stitched these together with running stitch and white thread.

I then appliqued a red heart aligned to the left of center with an overcast stitch and matching thread.

The art layer was machine stitched to a square of medium shade light weight denim.

This piece combines strips of green and orange cotton fabric onto a white foundation layer.

I used seed stitches to attached all the strips to the foundation layer.

On top of the strips I layered a strip of ivory organza topped with a piece of ivory lace, a tiny square of the green polka dot fabric topped with an orange flower shaped button.

The art layer was machine stitched to a navy denim backer with white thread.

I decided to create a patch featuring circles. 

I started with a foundation layer of blue and white striped fabric.

I cut circles in 3 different sizes in 3 different colors. Blue, red and yellow.  I just played with the placement till I was happy and pinned them in place.

I used a running stitch around the outside with navy thread until all the circles were secured. I added a white button to the top circle.  

Now that I look at it the button is pretty much in the center which I would have preferred it be off center.  Sometimes I don't step far enough away from my work to see the overall picture.

The striped layer was machine sewn to a navy denim backer square with white thread.

I have cut out some backer squares from denim and canvas ready to machine stitch my little pieces of art onto them.  I have white denim, navy denim, Carhartt cotton duck canvas, black denim, and some purple canvas fabric.  We will see how it goes.

Note Cards - Slow Stitching

Another few cards for the gallery.

I chose a textured cotton fabric and added a foundation layer from an old shirt. 

I cut three half circle shapes by hand with scissors from a bit of printed cotton.

I used navy thread to applique the flowers and add stems and pistils. 

I mounted this slow stitched piece to a warm green card in A2 size with stitches in each corner with the knots taped on the inside.

A half sheet insert to cover the tacking stitches and a ivory envelope and it was ready.

Birthday candles are always fun!

I chose a piece of warm polka dots cotton fabric from my scraps and then chose warm colored strips in various colors to make the candles.

I used a running stitch and ivory thread to stitch them on.

I added black wicks at the top of the candles.

I then added a yellow stitched flame surrounded by an orange one.

I placed 5 candles on the stitched piece.

I placed the art on a warm orange card with tacking stitches, a half sheet insert and ivory envelope.

Found a bit piece of lace and trimmed it to fit the front of a card. Then I cut a piece of navy and white striped fabric and a foundation layer.

I used white thread to carefully place stitches all over the lace to have it securely attached and to add some additional texture to the piece.

It needed a bit of color so I added a red flower button in a space it the lace then a few French Knots in red to create a bit of interest with a final knot at the very bottom.

I stitched the piece to the front of a navy card in the portrait orientation. Taped the knots on the inside and put in a half sheet insert.  A white envelope and it good to go.

Note Cards - Slow Stitching

I worked on slow stitching art for note cards today.  I have sold a few at the gallery so I will have to replenish my stock.

This is a mountain scene with yellow and grey/white. Is it winter? Maybe.

A strip of white with running stitch. A strip of grey flannel for a bit of puff to which I added trees and running stitches.

A narrow strip of dark grey and then the mountain in the same color.

I placed a piece of thin white cotton behind the mountain then a sun behind that.

The back layer is a grey white patterned piece with a white cotton foundation layer.

Added snow to the mountain peak so it is winter but the sun is shining bright.

I chose a yellow A2 card base to match the sun.  I tack stitched the piece to the front and taped down the ends on the inside.  I gave it a half sheet insert to cover the tacking stitches.

A beige cotton foundation layer onto which I layered a tea dyed cotton from a tablecloth.  It has nice patterned texture.

I chose a piece of warm patterned cotton with blues and greens and ripped to a square.  It is stitched on with green thread and running stitch.  I added a bit of blue stitching to the flowers in the top right hand corner.

I then added a strip of navy cotton just below the center line. A bit of stitching in greens and blues and an ivory button.

The stitched art was tack stitched to an A2 navy card base in the landscape orientation.  The stiches are taped down on the inside.

I gave it a half sheet white insert and an ivory envelope.

A baby pink stitched greeting card.

I layered a piece of light grey linen with a piece of white cotton foundation layer. 

I stitched a piece of white lace across the front with pink thread and an over cast stitch.

I used the threads from the dark grey crocheted piece to tie it onto the light grey layer.  I sewed a tiny pin button in the middle of the crochet square.

I chose a link pink A2 card base for this card in the portrait orientation. I tack stitched the fabric art to the card front and taped the stitches inside the card.

I gave it a half sheet insert and a white envelope.

Fabric Patches - Various Processes

One of the processes I can use is designing my art and outlining it with black. Check out my testing of black marking material.

Using Inktense Color or Acrylic Paint to color the design.

Heat set the color once dry.

For this patch and used a thin top layer onto a white 100% cotton foundation layer.  Ripped to 3.75" square.

I used a ball point pen for the outline and painted it with Inktense color applied with a mixture of aloe vera gel and water.

I can always create my outlining with stitching.  It can be any color I want.

On this patch I used red thread and the back stitch to outline the heart and it's internal lines.

Once it was stitched I used Inktense color with aloe vera gel to paint the various piece of the patchwork pattern.

I added a tiny red button on the top left hand patch.

The background needed something so I just added some black Inktense lines.

I can use the traditional process of drawing the design with a temporary washable pencil which will disappear when the fabric is washed.

The design is stitched with colored embroidery floss - 2 strands.

This patch features fabric collage with slow stitching. 

I created a mountain scene with 3 peaks with a foreground of deep earthy colors.

I added a sun in the top left hand corner with a piece of yellow fabric.

I stitched some trees in the foreground with the fly stitch.  Running stitches on the earthy fabric, white peak on the middle mountain, birds in the blue sky.

All of the pretty squares are then machine stitched to a piece of heavy fabric - typically denim in various colors and weights.

I designed a card stock backer onto which I can stitch the fabric patch.

This allows me to place them on a display for sale at the Christmas Store at the art gallery at the end of the year.

I generally use upcycled textiles in these fabric patches.

I do not use glue in any of the steps of the construction of these patches.

These patches are fully washable.

Some may have embellishments which could include beads, buttons, charms and who knows what else I may be inspired to use.

Slow Stitching Fabric Patches

I have been wanting to make some of these so I decided to make some for a prize at our family event.

1. A red left ladybug on white linen on blue denim. 

2. Hills and sun collage onto a cotton foundation layer. Pink French Knots in the foreground. Sewn to a piece of heavy black cotton.

3. A yellow felt sun on white linen stitched to a piece of blue denim.

4. A red felt heart with a white stitched flower onto a piece of white linen sewn to a piece of heavy striped cotton fabric.

5. Four birthday candles made with fabric scraps with stitched flames on a couple pieces of white linen. Sewn to a piece of heavy black cotton.

6. A blue bird stitched to some linen which was sewn to a piece of blue denim.

The patches measure 3 5/8 inches square.  It was a good start to a slow stitching project. 

Card - Birthday - Fabric Collage

A card for a special sister and a special birthday.

I created the fabric collage piece first with strips of fabric, a circle and a heart on a linen base. Mostly running stitch with a bit of seed stitch and cross stitches. Pink and green color scheme. Card base is Sage Shadow.

I adhered a ripped piece of vellum aligned with the bottom. I used double sided tape to adhere the fabric element.

Placed a SU Modern Label with a Word Window greeting in the top right hand corner with 3D foam tape. True Thyme label.

Loving my slow stitching pieces.

Sewing Project - Memory Quilt Square

We are making a quilt in memory of our Mom who was a great quilter.

We have requested the squares include the colors Cornflower Blue and Sunshine Yellow and White.

I worked on designs most of the day yesterday and did not come up with something I was happy with.  Overnight I decided that it would be a scrappy design. I gathered my cotton fabric scraps in the right colors.

We have asked the squares to be 11" square so that they can be trimmed to an consistent size once all the squares are together.

This is my square. It had to have a bit of embroidery stitching as Mom did a lot of it. I started with a white center knowing that I would put stitching on it.  Then I just added yellow strips then blue strips and alternated till I got to the edge. 

This is my third scrappy fabric project and I did better this time. I did have to unpick a couple of times.

I am very happy with the results. Looking forward to what others in the family will come up with. I will be gathering the squares and assembling the quilt.

2026 Slow Stitching Project - Page 19 - J1

I am following K3N Cloth Tales' A to Z slow stitching project.  I am a little behind.

Her prompt was Jewelery and Jaali Stitch.

I chose a Jade button and the Jaali stitch.  I picked thread in Jade color and black.

Once I reached the edge with the Jaali stitched I continued in circles with the Jade and black thread.

I really like how this one turned out.

 

Slow Stitching Project - Memory Game

I was inspired to make a Memory Game as a slow stitching project.

The round game pieces are fleece circles with black on the back side and white with shapes in colors stitched on the front side. The shapes are stitched to the white circle with the overcast stitch in matching thread.  Then the black and white circles are held together with blanket stitch in black thread so the backs are solid color. 

The game rules are posted on the right.

The game pieces are stored in gold spray paint Tetley Tea tins which dictated the pieces would be round.  There are 6 pairs (12 pieces) which are stored in the tin.

Coming to a Christmas Craft sale in November.

2026 Slow Stitching Project - Page 15 - H1

I am following K3N Cloth Tale's 2026 slow stitching project. 

The prompt was Hexagon.  She taught a new way to do Hexagon in stitching.  Mine turned out elongated.

I chose a variety of honey colored yellow thread from my ORTs tin. 

Make the vertical stitches, offset the second row then wrap between the rows.

She taught a super easy Hexagon accent which I made from golden yellow fabric onto which I  added a Heart Button.  I added a bee button as well to go with the Honey theme.

Sylvia's Simple Shots

It has been unseasonably warm the last few days and nature is responding.  

These black poplar buds are starting to emerge but it is only February in this northern climate so there is more cold to come.  I hope it does not destroy the new growth.

I found these on my morning walk which I am enjoying again with the better temperatures.

I had the fan out and the windows open because it was so nice out.

It is a very nice reprieve from the cold of Christmas.

I hope to get out an visit family while I can.

On the last day of my visit with my sister we came upon this idea of fabric vase covers.

I am very interested in this idea.

I am going to approach the idea with the slow stitching focus. 

The organic ones I find very appealing.

Some are made adjustable with buttons, velcro or elastic.

Many are machine embroidered.

I am inclined to make them for a glass bottle.  I have bent myself into a pretzel in the past trying to make a product super versatile and I am not sure most customers get it.

I have a couple of bottles in mind.

We shall see where this inspiration takes me.

I had my aunt over for coffee this week.

The Olympics were on so that kept her husband and many others close to the TV.

Our weekly coffee time has seen lower attendance due to the games.

I installed a small battery operated light above the printer so that I can see the page guides in the back.

Generally, natural light is enough but with dark evenings it was not.

Not good if you leave it on and forget about it for a few hours.  I need to replace the batteries.

Maybe a new strategy will need to be entertained.

West with the Night by Beryl Markham is a book I recently read.  It came from the small library in our building.

It is a memoir and features a series of stories from the author's life born 1902.  Early life living in the UK then moving to Kenya in Africa as a child. Growing up with many friends, playing with the neighbour boys, living a rough and tumble life.

When at eighteen, her father leaves Africa she decides to stay and train horses.  She reconnects with her childhood friend.  

One day she meets a pilot, Tom and her life changes.  She learns to fly a plane. She then provides air cargo services in East Africa for many years. Tom returns to the UK and she is scouting elephant herds for safaris.  A dangerous adventure.

She was an aviatrix―she became the first person to fly nonstop from Europe to America, and the first woman to fly solo east to west across the Atlantic. First published in 1942.

2026 Slow Stitching Project - Page 5 - C1 Colors/Chain Stitch/Coil

I have been working on a big project so I am behind in my stitch book.

I am following K3N Cloth Tales Slow Stitch Project 2026.

She chose Couching for her C1.  I agreed and Couched a Coil of CottonTwine with Chartreuse thread on my page. Then I added a Circle of Corduroy in the middle. I chose scraps of Cotton in Colors that start with C. Cerise, Chocolate, Coral, Citron, Crimson and Cobalt. 

I added a frame in left hand corner with Chain Stitch in Crimson and Cobalt thread. 

Slow Stitching - Door Decor - Prairie Landscape

I am tired of seeing a snowman on my door so I made a new one.  I was thinking seasonal which nothing fell into that category so I decide not seasonal but just a bit of stitched art.

It is a prairie landscape with a canola field in the foreground with rolling hills in the background.  There is an agricultural building on the horizon with a big old sun shining.  A cloud and a few birds in the sky. 

Again, the art is 6x8 inches with a foundation layer of flannel. I did not invisible stitch because I did not want to change color of thread. I pinned it with applique pins and I put running stitch lines along all the top edges of the hills, the sun, and the small building.

I then started filling in the shapes with running stitch with same color embroidery floss to just create texture. A variety of green fabrics were used and cut with the rotary cutter. The yellow was placed in the front to which I added French Knots and Seed Stitches in yellow thread.  

I added a bit of bling to the sun with small metallic yellow E-Beads in a circle. I added a cloud and some birds in the sky.  

I cut the backer 8x10 inches from dark green cotton poly fabric.  Ironed the fabric to the front and folded it over to the inside to create the frame. Top stitched in dark green thread.  I hand stitched a hanger on the back.

Slow Stitching Project - Cushion Cover

I bought a scarf at the thrift store thinking of repurposing it.  I was not sure it was synthetic but it felt lovely.

Unfortunately, when I tested it a home it is polyester.

I am thinking of an upcoming show I thought I could create at piece with the scarf despite the fiber content.  Wrong!

I cut the fabric to 16x16 inches.  I placed a 12x12 piece of cotton at the back and invisible baste them together.

I then started my Organic Blanket stitch with my focal area offset from the center.

I chose green blue colors. I started a circle around a 2" shape.  I did several rows in a turquoise blue then did a circle of yellow then moved to a deeper blue, then another shade of deeper blue and ended with a dark blue around the last rows.  I stopped putting stitches whenever I reached the 12" mark.  The fabric passed the needle test but it is unravelling a lot.  I did place a sewing machine stitch line at the edge of the 16 inches.  That seems to be holding so far.

For the flower focal element I cut 2 flowers one from batik blue fabric and the other from turquoise cotton fabric.  I stitched all around the edge with running stitch to hold them together.  I then put concentric running stitches in the petals with the same blue embroidery thread. I cut a yellow flower from yellow cotton fabric and stitched this to the blue one.  When that was done, I stitched the flower and the magenta button to the center of the space I had left when I started the blanket stitch. 

I think I will create a cushion cover with this piece.  It will need to be lined with cotton in order to be sewn by machine.  It will just be a fold over envelope type cover. There should be enough fabric to finish the cushion cover.  Keep you posted.

Cardmaking - Houses

I made a slow stitching card.  Very time consuming but relaxing.

I started with the beige background fabric. 

I created the body of the house with 2 pieces of paisley fabric. Then stitched it to the background.

After aligning the chimney to edge the house body I stitched it on before the roof.

I added the roof in olive green fabric.

I added the window and the door. 

Then I added the smoke and the bird in the sky and the green grass base at the bottom.  I used gold sewing thread. 

I mounted it to a Kiwi Kiss card base with some strategically placed stitches in the four corners of the card.  This card has a half sheet insert to cover the stitching on the inside of the card. White insert and envelope.

I used some watercolor paper I made a while back.

Using the house thinlits I cut the bright watercolor paper. I then cut a chimney by hand. 

I cut a Baja Breeze house in a smaller size. 

I designed a greeting which I trimmed to leave a small border when adhered to the blue layer.

I chose a deep yellow card base onto which the layers were adhered.

White quarter sheet insert and envelope.

I drew a house which I printed on watercolor paper. 

I watercolored it with Stampin Up Watercolor Wonder Crayons. Blue house, brown roof, red chimney, yellow windows, green door, flower boxes, a bush out front and a stone walkway.

The extras were drawn with my fine tip black Sharpie marker.

Trimmed to leave a small border on an A2 card base.

Adhere to the dark green card base.

White quarter sheet insert and envelope.

I started with a Tempting Turquoise A2 card base.

I cut the middle layer from a piece of watercolor paper I created a while ago.

I cut the white layer with the next size house thinlit.

I glued the chimney cut from an extra piece of the same watercolor paper to the back of the white layer on the right hand side.  Then adhered that to the card front.

I then distressed the watercolor paper with a bit of sand paper and then glued the greeting on top of it.

This was then adhered to the white layer.

A white quarter sheet insert and envelope.