This frame belonged to my grandmother. It had a gorgeous (unfinished) piece of her embroidery on it. She passed away before she could finish it. I never had the heart or any reason to remove her work from the frame. I really had not even looked at it for many years. It has been packed away in a closet.
Oddly enough, it was the perfect size to stitch Catherine Soubzmaigne's petit point carpet on. If I stitched it length wise. I decided it was meant to be!
One problem, I had no idea how to mount it. So I decided to wing it. Learning what I could while removing my grandmothers work and devising my own methods as I went along. My grandmother was not stitching a canvas.
Here it shows how it had to be whip stitched onto the canvas like tape. Which is part of the frame. The sides had to be laced on the frame.
It took forever!!!!!!!!!!! First, I turned under the edges of the silk gauze under and based them. Then I decided I needed a bias tape over that all around the edges so I would have something more substantial to stitch onto the frame. I back stitched the tape on through the doubled gauze by hand because I do not own a sewing machine. It is as tight as I dare make it so perhaps it will be OK
Now I can get down to the business of stitching the carpet. ALSO investigating the new Proxxon Fet saw that arrived not long ago.
How perfect! And lovely to think the frame is being out to good use.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see how the carpet progresses...
Good luck with the saw!
Si
Thank you Simon!
DeleteIt looks great Catherine, I am sure you are going to have lots of hours of happy stitching! And your grandmother's frame is just gorgeous, I am sure she would have been very happy to know that you are using it and that it isn't hiding in the closet anymore :-)
ReplyDeletePHEW Elga! I am so glad to hear you approve. I don't think I could stand to take it off and do something else with it. I would rather buy more silk gauze then to have to do that. haha
DeleteCatherine, it is a sturdy, beautiful and great size frame for needlework. I can't wait to see the rug stitching process. What count of silk gauze do you use? Mini hugs, Natalia
ReplyDeleteI am going to use # 40 count. There is a photo of the rug in a previous post. It is still on this page.
DeleteThis will become a true labor of love.
ReplyDeleteIf I didn't LOVE the design I would never get through it. Petit point bores me. I have no doubt I will finish it though. I am not someone who don't finish things.
DeleteHow wonderful to have your Grandmother's frame.....I cannot wait to see your stitching progress.....Enjoy!!!
ReplyDeleteLinda x
It really is a beautifully made frame. I would be surprised if you could still get one as well made these days.
DeleteThe rug is really gorgeous, very detailed and very looking realistic. Love the colors. I will follow the process of stitching with big interest. Hugs, Natalia
ReplyDeleteThank you Natalia. I thought the design was beautiful.
DeleteWow I think I actually understand what you have done here! At first I was like...well suffice to say I had to read it a couple times. So wonderful to have a sentimental family piece- this frame is just perfect! Yeah, talk about meant to be :) I cannot wait to watch the progress---
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda! I also appreciate you helping me with the missing foot for the frame!
DeleteHello Catherine,
ReplyDeleteIt was worth the effort. I am sure it will be great to work on, and I think your grandmother must be thrilled you are using it instead of leaving it in a box.
Big hug,
Giac
I think you are right Giac. I wish I had been interested in embroidery when she was alive. Thank you for your encouragement.
DeleteCatherine, I have used that kind of stand for years. Once you get used to using one hand on top and the other beneath, as the frame was meant to be used, it speeds up your stitching considerably. Good luck with it. Happy stitching!
ReplyDeleteThat is good to hear. Anything that will speed up this project is very welcome! ;-)
DeleteHello Catherine!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the message......You didn't break anything.
I haven't figured out what is going on. It is frustrating considering how difficult Google has become.
So....I will be watching your new carpet progress with eager anticipation!
Warm regards from Ray
p.s. I don't have your email address in my contact list for some reason. I would have sent this note to you there
I cannot imagine what is going on with your blog. I am so sorry I hope you can sort it out.
DeleteThank you for coming in here to leave me a message.
Your grandmother's frame should make stitching the carpet a breeze! --well, maybe not a breeze. Good luck with it and i hope you don't go blind with all those teeny stitches!
ReplyDeleteSo do I John. I've already tried blindness in one eye. It suks! haha
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking your time to leave me a comment. :-)
HUGS from Kilmouski & Me
Catherine, the rug and the stand are stunning. It will be well worth every stitch when you have the finished piece. I am sure your Grandmother is thrilled to have her stand being used again.
ReplyDeleteThank you Patty. I think she would be glad too.
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely that you are using your grandmother's frame. She probably sat with that frame stitching for many hours and now you can do the same.
ReplyDeleteI think it's wonderful that you are using your grandma's frame, Im sure she would have wanted you to have it to make beautiful rugs :)
ReplyDeleteHugs
Marisa
Catherine,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful frame! Obviously, her stitching talents were passed along to you!
Martha