I finished the stitching on Words of Joy Tree and started adding the beads. I happened to have the called for beads left over from a Mill Hill kit I stitched a few years ago. I’m about a third of the way through the beading.

I believe this project came entirely from stash. I always keep extra white floss on hand, and I bought the fabric years ago. The pattern came from the book “A Cross Stitch Christmas” by Craftways circa 2012. The book was gifted to me several years ago.

This is the third pattern I’ve stitched ...

buttons, beads and embroidery thread

contemporary embroidery posted a photo:

karenannruane.typepad.com/karen_ruane/2022/07/buttons-and...

contemporary embroidery posted a photo:

karenannruane.typepad.com/karen_ruane/2022/06/beaded-edge...

beaded edges and tiny pompoms for a seam

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If you've been following me on Instagram, you've seen lots of images of the progress of this piece. Lately I've been adding a gazillion French Knots, finishing up the beading and then finally mounting it on a fabric-covered canvas.

Let Them Flourish - Ready for Exhibition

Let Them Flourish (aka Biodiversity)

In the Beginning

This piece started off as a fabric collage of images related to Biodiversity, the theme that was given to us as part of the February 2021 TextileArtist.org's Stitch Club workshop. Kate Tume, our instructor, had us exploring narrative potential with embellishment.

The ...

 Last week we had a beading class at my shop. The ladies were learning to bead while making mitten ornaments. We had two kits - a snowflake mitten and a pine branch mitten.

One of these ladies had never beaded before while the other one has done a little beading in the past. Can you guess which one is the newbie? I know, but I won't tell. And I bet you can't guess based on their workmanship because they both did great!

contemporary embroidery posted a photo:

Simple embroidery, relaxing with a needle for no particular purpose.
Well I guess the purpose is the enjoyment, the pleasure and definitely the relaxation.
karenannruane.typepad.com/.../05/just-stitching.html

contemporary embroidery posted a photo:

I'm continuing to work in this notebook, sampling on paper. Box pleats, a beaded edge and some hand stitches
karenannruane.typepad.com/karen_ruane/2022/04/beaded-edge...

beaded edge and box pleats on paper, a stitched notebook.

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contemporary embroidery posted a photo:

embroidered silk panel, 11x11 inches....a little cuff from a baby dress, vintage lace, hand embroidery, beads, lemon ribbon.
karenannruane.typepad.com/.../03/lemon-and-lace.html

The challenge quilt, renamed Roads Less Traveled, is finished. I cleaned up the sewing room last night to make space for new projects.

I chose not to post a full picture until we find out if our quilts are accepted for the exhibit. I’m not sure of the rules and don’t want to create a problem.

But I will show a section of the quilt where I did a lot of beading.

It’s one of my favorite parts, along with the birds.

This project definitely got me back in the quilting groove. I retreat to the sewing ...

I finally have something to report!

The challenge quilt is quilted, the facing is done and the sleeve is on. I’m sewing beads on now.

It still needs a label, a compass and more beads, but the end is near. Best of all I can count the fabric out.

I have to turn it in next weekend. I can’t wait to start something new.

Fabric In: 0.5yards

Fabric Out: 2.5 yards

Net Fabric Out: 2 yards

How did you do this week?

contemporary embroidery posted a photo:

karenannruane.typepad.com/karen_ruane/2022/02/beading-on-...

adding beads to a seam

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contemporary embroidery posted a photo:

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During the Covid isolation I didn't just sit around doing nothing.  Well, actually I did for the first six or seven months.  Once I came out of my funk I did get into my sewing room.  I managed to make several charity quilts for Project Linus to be donated through my guild, the Rocket City Modern Quilt Guild.

 I started making these this summer

to hold my mask

when I need to take it off...

I always have lots of beads to work with.

I ordered the mini clasps HERE

Beaded Mask Holder Tutorial HERE

Don't want to make one...

You can order one HERE

I love just about every String of Beads design I have ever seen, but the one above is one of the best ones.

However the one above is also a contender for entry into the favorites list., but this morning the first one is the winner.