The Koi and a Turkey Preview!

Here is the Profile Shot of this wonderful Koi:

Isn't the height and depth Fantastic?

AS promised, The directions follow:

Step 1:  Assemble Your Supplies.

 The supplies used are: 

1.) Orange sewing thread.(I use either, Molnlycke or Gutermann)

2.) Two shades of 4mm Orange Silk Ribbon.

(I used River Silks #101 & #12)

3.)  A small strip of Orange Felt...any shade will do.

4.) DMC Memory Thread...Orange

5.) Sparkle in Orange from Sundance Designs

6.) A size 24 Tapestry Needle, and a Sharp sewing needle.

Step 2: Cut pieces.

 Cut  3 " lengths of both Memory Thread and Sparkle 

Step 3, 4 & 5: Start the assembly process

Step 3: With the Memory thread, shape your outline for the Koi.

If using the painted canvas..., lay the thread on the painted image,

bending and molding to conform to the outermost shape of the Koi body.

Step 4: Pinch and twist one end of the sparkle thread and tie it firmly with

the sewing thread...leave a good 2 thread tails of 3 inches each.

Step 5: Roll and shape the felt to size of Koi body, then stuff the felt shape 

down the open end of the tube.

Step 6: Attach to canvas 

(In the photo below, I worked in the margin in order to take this shot...

and clearly show how the step looks) 

Lay the pinched end of the tube on painted image, pulling the thread tails 

through and tie down to canvas.  Now, lay the Memory thread shape over 

the top and start to tack down in place.  As you are tacking, catch in the 

sides and edges of the Sparkle stuffed tube.  

(Don't be afraid to really 

smash and mold this into the fish body shape you desire.) 

Cross the lengths of Memory thread over each other at base of fish body, 

smashing the tube flat against the canvas, tacking all in place.  

Curl the excess lengths of Memory thread around a laying tool 

into an elongated spiral.

To Finish:  Ribbon Stitch and Trim

Add Japanese Ribbon Stitches to create dorsal fins at top 

& pectoral fins at bottom. 

The Ribbon stitches for tail should fit around and 

behind the end of the tube.  Trim the Spirals to length of painted 

tail.  Trim the tube to same length.  

Add a black seed bead for fish eye.

To create the Koi 'whiskers', use sharp embroidery scissors. 

 Trim out all of the foil & metallic fibers of tube at 'mouth'.

Trim the remaining hard fibers of tube to desired length.

And that is our Koi!

And now for a few sneak peeks at our Handsome Tom Turkey:

On that Note,

I bid you adieu.

Happy Stitching, one and all! 

Kelly's New Sampler, Stumpwork, naturally!

Have you seen my new Sampler?

Below is the painted canvas.

Canvas KCA 021-18

Just wait 'til you see the Dimensional stitching!

 I have published a 20 page Stumpwork Work-book for the Sampler.   

It is designed so you can see and learn the various

dimensional techniques.  No, not a Traditional Stitch Guide.

It shows the steps to create the dimensional elements, and it also has

some thread suggestions.  Also, there are 4 pages of Ribbon-work 
techniques and diagrams.  
As far as background stitches...choose what suits.  
Copy my stitches, or pick your own. Have Fun! PLAY! 

This guy gives new meaning to the term a Snail's Pace!

And Don't you just Love the Koi?  He is Fun and magnificent!

Here are the same images stitched on my Gigantic Stumpwork Sampler:

This picture reminds me that I need to add the little Seed beads to Blue Snails feelers!

Some Lucsious Fruit!  At right is the Strawberry on the large Sampler.

A Fabulous Basket!  

Now comes the fun task of filling my Basket with goodies!

I think this may have to be a little Red Riding Hood Basket filled for Grandma?

Hum?  Decisions, decisions!

On a previous canvas I created a similar Basket and filled it with Stitching tools:

This Stitching Basket is from my Classic Stitching Santa.

(KCN S 100 F, available with Stitch Guide)

Don't you just love the Silver Stork Scissors?

More Berries and some Sweet Peas in a Pod!

This Berry/Peapod is actually taken from a different Sampler I did.

This Bees Skep is also taken from the same Sampler.

For the new Sampler, I am thinking of a different twist...'The Bees will be stitched the same,

but I am thinking of Needleweaving the Bees Skep, naturally.

I'll post a pic when that is done!!!!

In case some of you are curious about the Big Sampler,

Here is a Picture:

There is no painted canvas here.  

I just started stitching, and this is what Grew!

I will leave you with one Fantastic Close-up shot:

I just LOVE this Berry Vine!

And on that Note,

HAPPY STITCHING, all!

Kelly