Mar 7, 2015

The little white line

Hello people.  Happy weekend to you.
 

 
 
 
 
Whenever I had some spare time today I worked on the heart.  Not happy.  I usually don't use a lighter back and don't know if that is the problem or if I screwed up somewhere.  This is the back of the heart, using the ivory background Old Script, and a beautiful fabric for a pocket.  But I am seeing this light fabric from the front and it's bugging me.
 
See the light outline on the side and humps?  Not that much, but enough to bug me!  The pocket fabric isn't noticeable.  If I was keeping it, I would let it go or stain the light fabric, but because it will be a gift, I'm not satisfied.  I know.  You think I'm too particular.  Keep in mind I beat, deliberately create holes, break linen threads, clip floss, stain, and sand other pieces.  But this is special.  Stitched in the Clinic under stress, but calmed by the gesture of friends.
 
I already pinked the seams close and hate to take it apart, but I may.  This is what I planned to offer for my blogging anniversary and your friendship.  It really helped me through these last months. Because of the generosity of many in offering this chart to me that I so love, I want to share it, and will stitch another for myself.  Maybe it's best to keep this one rather than disassemble it and offer the second. Stitch the gift on the lighter linen as Stacy intended?  I'll think about it this evening. 
I remembered Carol's (Stitching Dreams) post of finishing tips and decided to try the one thing that I do differently.  We both interface, pink, and steam smash, but I use quilt batting and she uses Touch of Silk fill.  So I bought a bag today at JoAnn's half price sale.  What a difference.  It can loft with such soft volume and not crush, or be packed so tightly, and it doesn't melt when steam smashing.  I never thought there would be a difference between bagged fill, but there definitely is.  Thanks Carol!  It's what I used in the heart and am very pleased with it.  See?  I'm not a crabass about everything. 
 
Enjoy your Sunday!
 
Thanks for visiting.
 
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28 comments:

StitchinByTheLake said...

I'm pretty sure no one but you will notice the light....I think it just adds character. :) And now I must ask...what is steam smash? blessings, marlene

celkalee said...

So pretty. When I do pieces like this I have taken to cutting the backing piece a deliberate 1/4 to 1/8 smaller, that way the back curls the front over the edges. Does that make sense? I have done this on home dec pillow projects in the past and the front appears to wrap around the edges. I tried it on a small with the 1/8 inch but it wasn't enough. I will do the 1/4 inch cut the next time.

Anonymous said...

Hi Marly! So glad to hear Carole is recovering well. Hugs to you & yours just because!
I really like how you've finished this design. And thanks for the info about the Touch of Silk fill.
Cheers,
Maureen

Marie said...

Cutting the backing piece a tad small, as celkalee suggested, really does work. Love touch of silk for stuffing!

susiedele said...

How about couching tan or brown chenille yarn around the perimeter seam? I've seen that done on squares and rounds.

Barb said...

I will definitely be trying that stuffing. Thanks so much for the idea-Carol too!

diamondc said...

Blessings to your Sisters healing.
I love this heart it is lovely.
Now what is steam smashing? just curius.

Catherine

Charlene ♥ NC said...

As you say, I think it looks fine. But if you must do something, how about a very small trim along the seam?

Unknown said...

How beautiful is this heart and your heart too. I would either put the chenille around it or on no 2 cut the backing a smidge smaller which is probably what I would do. Good luck hope the weather warms up soon for you. Very warm where I am in New Zealand. Take care

Rebecca said...

Hi Marly
At least you get to make up your work. I have load of finished pieces which I am reasonably happy with (as long as I don't look to closely at some of the stitches)but when I frame them or turn them into cushions etc - no no no !! Hence the pile of unmade up work. Really pleased about your sister. And spring will arrive soon - it has here in France.

Ele said...

It is really pretty. I like the way you finish your pieces. So elegant!

Truus said...

Try some light staining with stampinkt on the edge.
Never heart of steam smashing!
Have a sunny sunday! It will be a warm day (16 Cels) here in Holland
Truus from Holland

C M Designs said...

The words that you stitched are what I would look at. You a "crabass" NEVER----perfectionist is more like it !
Have a beautiful Sunday.
Charlotte in Va.

CJ said...

We are our own worst critics. The heart is made with love and it is lovely as is.

Vickie said...

It looks great to me, really!
I know! I plan to get me some Touch of Silk. I am just so cheap that I wanted to keep using my fiberfill til it's gone.

Melody said...

I think you are being too critical. I think it turned out beautiful!! That is a pretty design, and you executed it very well.

gracie said...

Lovely heart....

Unknown said...

Have you ever tried Cluster Stuff for filling? Walmart carries it. It's my favorite poly fiberfill. I often mix it with crushed walnut shells.

primdollie said...

I love your heart it's so lovely and like the dark fabric and backing a lot! I like the idea of cutting the backing a tad smaller next time as well that makes sense! Now I too am very curious about the steam and smash please let us know what that is and why you do it etc! thnx! I am also happy to hear your sister is doing better that is great news!! sending prayers and hugs! linda

laceystitcher said...

I think adding some pretty chenille trim would solve the back material showing on the front. I, too, am particular about things I make and finish, so I understand. Happy stitching to you..............

Primitive Stars said...

Hi Marly, I love the heart so, whatever you do to finish I m sure will be just right. Happy to hear your Sister is better.Blessings Francine.

Merry Wind Farm said...

I think it is beautiful, but if it bothers you, how about next time staining the script fabric before assembling the heart. I will have to look for that fill the next time I am at JoAnn's, I wonder if they have it at Hobby Lobby, they are closer to me.
Enjoy your Sunday!
Melinda
xxx

Cricket-bug Corner said...

The heart is lovely! I hope you finally got my email.

Justine said...

It looks absolutely perfect to me! What a lovely idea to have a giveaway. I'm not sure I could bear to part with it if I'd made it.
So glad to hear that your sister continues to improve.

Kathleen from Racine said...

So happy to hear that Carole is on the mend. Hopefully that will alleviate your stress level somewhat, as I could feel it in your words for the last few months. That heart is beautiful, stitched with love, so it is perfect as is! Thanks for the tip on the fiberfill Steam smashing, what?!

Kay said...

I wouldn't have noticed until you pointed it out, but I think we all feel that our stitching has faults and often they aren't seen by others. x

Phyllis said...

I think it looks great!

Carol said...

Oh, I would hate to take apart that heart, too, Marly--can you just border it with some twine or brown cording? So glad the Touch of Silk worked well for you--I've been stocking up on it (afraid they'll stop carrying it!).

Hope Carole is getting stronger each day (and you are getting some well-deserved rest yourself!).

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