Saturday, July 25, 2015

Halloween Mermaid plus Ghoulies & Ghosties

Seems weird to me to be stitching Halloween designs in July, but the stitcher wants what the stitcher wants.   I saw this cute witchy mermaid stitched up on the Midnight Stitching blog.  There was no reference to its origin and I thought the blog owner had designed it.  I wrote to her and she quickly returned my e-mail to let me know this is part of the "Stranded Jacks" patterns by Plum Street Samplers.  I love the titles on Plum Street designs.. so inventive.  I couldn't wait to stitch it up.  The top photo is oddly blurry.  I guess my hand was shaky.. witches can be quite scary, at times.

I went for a stand-up finish.  It's only 3" on a side when completed so I can stand her right by my computer and glance at her from time to time.   The fabric is 18 ct hand-dyed aida from my long ago acquired Enchanted Fabric stash.   I made a braid out of three of the colors in the design.  Braided just like a hair braid with 2 full 6-strands lengths of each color.  That's much easier for me than doing twisted cord.   I usually sew on trim, but this time I glued it.  The little green ribbon hides the spot where the cord ends come together.  I definitely need to find a better way to handle that part.



Next I stumbled upon Lizzie Kate's "Ghosties & Ghoulies"  design. So cute and I wish the photo did justice to the card finish.  Again, the fabric is 18 ct hand-dyed Aida in a nice brown color and the mat card stock is true black like the ribbon trim.  The outer card is a cream color.  I picked that ribbon up in a clearance basket at A.C. Moore the last time I was there.  I knew it would work for a Halloween card of some sort.  This is the first time I tried wrapping the ribbon around the mat so the raw edges are hidden.  It was a bit bulky, but this ribbon was kind of stiff, so maybe a regular ribbon would have worked better.  At any rate, I like the effect.  I added one teeny star sequin on the left. Somehow that spot looked bare.


And now I'll get on my broom and fly back to July.

24 comments:

CalamityJr said...

Oh, but it's so much cooler in October! I wouldn't rush back too quickly! Fun finish for when that time truly is here...

Holly said...

What cute and clever little designs and finishes! I love the braid...something I can do too after years of practice on my hair! :)

Anonymous said...

These are great pattern finds! I have already begun thinking about Halloween too, but haven't done a thing about it. Your finishes are really, really nice. I love the braided cord. Just a note, perhaps try a knot in the cord like I did on my flatfold rabbit on my blog's last post....it works out great! The ribbon on the other one is a great addition to the piece! Very pretty work...nice finishing.

Anne said...

Love it Annie! Im stitching on Spooky Welcome when I have time to stitch! Happy July! :)

Jackie's Stitches said...

Love the braided ribbon on the mermaid. Very creative - you always are coming up with something different!

Jane said...

I love the stand finishes, just makes it a little different and easier to display

Annette-California said...

I just love seeing your latest creations. LOVE your mermaid and ooooh that beautiful braid...Another idea from you that I have to take note:)))) Love your finishing's!!! And perfect trim for Ghosties!
Well done Annie! love Annette

blue star stitcher said...

Mermaids and Halloween, two of my favorite things! I'll have to look for this design, yours turned out super cute.

Preeti said...

Lovely finishes!! The braid you made looks nice too :)

Sheryl said...

Pretty designs and lovely finishes. Love the faces on the pumpkins.

Nima said...

Hi Annie, it has been ages since I visited your blog. So good to see all your beautiful works

Nancy said...

Love both of these Annie! The mermaid is so pretty! Halloween is always so fun to stitch - your cards always look so creative! Good choice of fabric too!

natalysneedle said...

Love your finishes, especially love the braiding idea. Can't wait to try it.

Anonymous said...

I love your scary witch - how brave of you to take her photo!

Astrids dragon said...

OMGoodness, a mermaid witch, I love it! She looks great and your finish is fantastic. Ghosties and ghoulies looks great too.

Mii Stitch said...

Wow! Wow! Wow! Fantastic finishes!!
I love everything Halloween, stitching wise and your latest creations are spooktacular :) The little stand up is my favourite but the LK design and fabric colour are great too.

KimM said...

WOW! These are GORGEOUS finishes! I love the braided ribbon -
xxx

Ranae said...

I love your flatfold, design, stitching and finishing
What fabulous cards you make, I dont think I ever seen one I didn't love, lol.
Happy stitching!!

Margaret said...

Both finishes are so cute! I love the idea of braiding the cording instead of doing the twisting -- brilliant! If I ever finish anything again, I'll have to try that. lol! Love seeing Halloween in July!

Carol said...

Halloween designs are always such fun no matter what time of year! These are both adorable, Annie--I love the braided trim you made, too. Will have to remember that. I have never tried to do three color cording, myself. I always glue on my trim--just too lazy to sew it on, plus I think it gives a neater looking finish in the end.

Sure hope you aren't boiling in DC--we are having our hottest days of the summer this week. Thank goodness for AC :)

Brigitte said...

Both your Halloween designs are just adorable. That little mermaid is such cutie, and what a clever idea to finish it as a stand-up. I love the braided edges around it, these colours are well chosen. I have made this kind of braids, too, but only with one colour. The ribbon is a good solution for the spot where the braid ends meet.
A very beautiful Halloween card that you made.

Angela said...

Fantastic finishes!

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

A witch mermaid, what fun! Lovely finishing too.

Meari said...

Cute finishes. I like your braid... turned out nice.