Saturday, August 6, 2011

Parcels in the Mail


I am really excited about the packages I received in yesterday's mail.  I know I have a good selection of greys for my Sumptuous Surfaces embroidery, but that didn't stop me buying some extra 'just in case'.  I also wanted some wools to knit a few things for babies - they really never go out of fashion do they???  I was told about a 'silken' ribbon, made using milk proteins, so some of that found it's way into my parcel as well.  Apparently it is washable and very soft to work with.  I must get some other 'brighter' colours in the near future.   You can see a little about it here:

http://www.cascadehouse.com.au/catalogue.htm#Silken 

I purchased all of these lovely products from a little store in Kyneton, Victoria.  I really only became aware of the store after a recommendation from a friend.  The proprietor and staff are lovely, patient with dithering customers, and I'm sure I will be a return customer.  Thank you to Sharon, and Karyn, for all the help with my requests - http://www.pickupstitches.com.au/  Although there is not a purchasing website as such, I can assure you the store is an Aladdin's Cave.

The fun didn't actually stop with the first parcel.  I was pleasantly surprised to receive a card, and hand written note from my sweet English friend Anney, with plenty of news from her part of the world - thank you Anney for making time in your busy life to 'write'.  Another little gift was a good length of tiny, tiny satin ribbon from Karyn as she knows I am always looking for this product.  And, last, but certainly not least, was another little selection of grey beads and threads from my friend, fellow blogger, and fellow Sumptuous Surfaces classmate Shirley  It is really heart warming to know friendship knows no boundaries.  Thank you to those lovely ladies who have cared to include me in their lives.


Thank you too to those who have shown a keen interest in my 'grey' project.  I have taken far too long to decide on a subject matter, but can now report that I've put some stitches on my piece of fabric.  Here is a small sample of an area of pulled thread work, which I hope will give the impression of falling gum leaves.  This little section has been worked using DMC Linen thread, which I can assure you is a trial.  It fluffs up, catches, breaks, and is certainly not a thread I would use for anything major.  I believe it is now discontinued, and perhaps the aforementioned problems may be the cause.  I now need to focus on the next area to be stitched, and hope I choose thread and stitch wisely, or there may be some 'unstitching' to be done........... 

9 comments:

shirley said...

Linda, I can see the different shades of grey you have used, and this will add interest to the work. Like the staggered pulled thread work. The idea of it representing falling gumleaves is great.
Who could not help wanting to do things for such a lovely friend as you are.

Jenny said...

Great goodies in the mail, better than the bills any day. Love the pulled work, such an interesting texture just with satin stitch. Must try this one day very soon.

Karyn said...

I am so glad you got the parcel. That ribbon feels so nice, and can be washed i am told so that is fantastic. I was very happy to help, and as for the ribbon; I think it in no way comes close to repaying you for the kindness shown to me over the years!!
The gum leaves drawn threadwork looks great. I can't wait to see the finished thing; get your skates on!!! LOL!!

Jen said...

Hello Linda, You are so clever with the grey embroidery project, the falling gum leaves look great.One would think using a linen thread would be quite strong.I will be keen to see the finished embroidery.

DIAN said...

Linda, this project has me fascinated. I love the falling gum leaves. Funny we are both discussing these trees.

I too found the linen thread a pain. It is does not have a nice feel and breaks readily. A nice feel is necessary for me - if I am going to stitch I want to enjoy the experience.

Love all those goodies. I will be interested to hear about the silky ribbon you mentioned.

Anonymous said...

Lovely parcel and I also love the idea of the sumptuous surfaces embroidery too. The greys that you have put together will make a wonderful piece of embellished fabric.

Anonymous said...

I also cannot like the linen threads, having bought pretty much the whole range (although at a discount) I loved the subtle colours, but don't like working with them.

Your grey project is intriguing us all I think.

Anne

Radka said...

Oh, you have so much to do, LOL! I look forward to seeing results:)

Anney said...

Hi there Linda,I was just catching up with you and your blog...so,so good to read about what is going on with you...I will e-mail longer soon...Firstly I love seeing what you receive in parcels and must mention that I also have some of the multiclour wool as in your photo and am just knitting a little cardigan for baby..it's knitting up real nice...then I was delighted to see you have the card I sent..i'm pleased to write when I can and know if we lived close by I would always be in your sewing room learning new skills and such like!! I'm not sure I would have the stamina for feral pig hunt,but what a good read that was!! What did you have in your picnic?? All for now..Anney xx