Saturday, June 22, 2013

Reindeer buddy, crocheted pouch & dapper chick

After having success with the pinkeep finish,  I decided to start experimenting with the flat ornament finish that is pretty similar.   The design is a freebie from Aliolka's blog.   I changed the colors to make a little more contrast on the fabric I was using, Sassy's cobblestone on 18 ct Aida.  The edging is a standard braid with three lengths of floss.  I used two six-strand lengths of each color.  I  think I could have used more strands to be a little fuller.  Next time I might try a lanyard-sytle braid like we used to make out of gimp when I was a kid.  I don't know if they still do that, but I made a ton of those back in the day.   Not 100% happy with the finish, but my brother who likes cute reindeer and owls should like it.  I think I may do one of the other reindeer ornaments on the blog as a companion piece since I have one small piece of the same fabric left.

Here's the tutorial that I more or less followed:
Flat Ornament Finishing Tute


The fun part was the little bow.  I don't know if I'm the last person to discover the 'fork bow' or not, but it's an incredibly simple way to make a nice bow for this purpose.  This little one was made with a regular dinner fork.  To make a larger bow, you use a larger fork or a potato masher or a wide-toothed comb.. anything with evenly spaced spikes that you can use for weaving the ribbon.  You can make multiple loops too.  Use the link below to see how to do it.
Fork Bow Tute

 


Found another crochet motif I wanted to try.  This is called the Tahiti Blossom.  Click on it for the pattern.  I used it to embellish a little pouch and then I wanted to do some embellishment on the flap also.  Found this fan pattern on Ravelry.  Ravelry patterns are great because members give so many review, hints and cool modifications.  The picot edging is one of those great ideas that really adds to the original pattern.  I sent this to Melanie with one of the little pincushions I showed in an earlier post.   I guess I could say I sent it because she was going through a tough period, but I actually didn't know that.  In any case, it turned out to be a good time to send her a little pick-me-up gift.

Tahiti Blossom




WOCS started a special request quilt with a chicken theme.  Seemed uninteresting to me, but then I remembered something from my stitch and stow vault.  This little guy was stitched in the 80's or early 90's  from a design in an old issue of Cross Stitch and Country Crafts.  I think it was an adaptation of a vintage Easter card.  I kept hoping someone I knew would have a baby around Easter time and I would use this as the basis of a baby sampler, but it never happened.  I'm happy to donate it now and give it a good home.

24 comments:

Liz in Kansas said...

As always, you've done a great job stitching. Just so you know, you're not the last to hear about fork bows . . . I am!! Thanks for providing the link. I plan to try it immediately.

Julianne said...

Great work! Your creative juices are really flowing. That little chick is so cute. What a great addition it will make to a quilt,

Judit said...


They are lovely! Excellent finish!

Kissy said...

Cute chicken! I already saw it in your album lately ;-)
These Aliolka charts are so funny. Makes a nice ornament! I like the pouch too!

Jane said...

Where do I start! Love the little cross stitch and you've finished the ornament beautifully, the colours really compliment each other.
I like what you've done with the little pouch too, it's a wonderful shape, and the crochet on the flap makes it really special

Jackie's Stitches said...

You're most certainly not the last one to hear about the fork bows - that would be me! I've pinned that tutorial and the flat finish tutorial too. Both will be extremely helpful - thank you for linking them. Beautiful finishes and I know Melanie appreciated the gifts greatly!

Anonymous said...

Hello

Your reindeer is adorable! I love the way you've finished it.

Thanks for the links especially the bow. I struggle with bows so I'm grateful for the link.

Gorgeous crochet and chicken finish too.

Mii Stitch said...

I love your finishes! That flat ornament reindeer is my favourite. The colours & the finish are just perfect to me!

Jan said...

That is so cute. I'm going to have to go get that pattern. I saw the pouch on Melanie's blog. I know she loved it.

Vickie said...

hahaha! See? I never heard of the fork bow either. Too cool!
I read on Melanie's blog about your wonderful, timely gift. Didn't that work out well?
Your donated little chick is great!

Margaret said...

Wow, all your finishing and stitching is wonderful!

Pam in IL said...

Love the color choices for the cute reindeer & owl ornie! I hadn't heard about the fork bow and will be checking that out as I always struggle with bows. Your crocheted pouch and chick are great too!

ArchangelDecker said...

That reindeer is a hoot! Love all of your finishes, but that one is my favorite. :)

Nima said...

wow..i love that crochet pouch...very cute indeed. And lovely reindeer ornie..and lovely cute chick..

Annette said...

I love that cute reindeer, thank you so much for the link..
need to look at it.
Your finish is wonderfull.
Good job on teh crochet flower.. so great to try out things.
Cute ducky...

Carol said...

What a cute reindeer, Annie--and the little bow is perfect! I had seen the fork bow tutorial, but hadn't tried it yet. Nice to know it actually works :)

And I'd say your thoughtful gifts for Melanie really did arrive at a perfect time. I feel so bad about her kitty...

I remember that old vintage Easter chart--it looks so cute all stitched up. Glad to know it will be going to such a good cause :)

Dani - tkdchick said...

Your ornament is adorable!

Karen said...

Adorable little reindeer and owl, Annie! I love your crochet work, too!

Melanie said...

I'd never heard of a fork bow. Pinned that IMMEDIATELY for future use. Very cute finish. We just had a young moose around my part of Connecticut. Very big news.

I love the pouch. *hugs*

♥ Nia said...

I think you always find the funniest designs :D
Love the lille owl! the colors on the piece are so fresh and pretty, so different from usual! Wonderful fabric for the back too :D
Congrats sweetie! Well done!

Hetti said...

As always your stitching and crochet are lovely and cute! And thank you for the "hints and tips" and the tutorials, I love the fork Bow, it's a very interesting site ;-)
XXX Hetti

Brigitte said...

Great stitching and sewing and finishing. And no, you were not the only person who didn't know this bow. I didn't know it either - but now I do! Thanks for the link.

Nicky said...

Love that reindeer... and apparently I'm the last one to hear of the fork bow - thanks so much for the link, very cool! You are having a very busy crafting summer Annie.... I always love seeing what you're up to.

Sandra said...

Wow Annie! You have been busy!!! So many great finishes.

I recently discovered the fork technique to make bows, but haven`t try it yet, so technically, I'm the last ;)

The pouch is so unique! Love it. And it was such a clever idea to donate the chick for a quilt, I'm sure it'll be appreciated.