Voodoo and Persian Tulips

I've been practicing stumpwork (3D embroidery) techniques for a week.  I have been working on using wire and button hole stitch to create tulip petals that are raised on the embroidery work.  However, I still need practice.  In the meantime, I've posted a tulip from my stumpwork sampler.  It comes from Jane Nicholas' book using Persian, Syrian and Indian artwork for inspiration.  

Below is part of a separate series I am working on inspired by voodoo charms and symbolism.

Purse Experimentation

Crochet, double stitch and double post stitch.  Acrylic yarn.  Brand unknown.

 I am still working on purse construction.  This attempt was made using a basic pouch design, but I added sides and a bottom to the pattern in attempt to give the bag more structure.  I wanted it to keep it's shape when carried.

The purse is reversible.  In the pictures above and to the right I am showing the 'wrong' side of the work.

This is the 'right' side of the work.  I didn't weave in the edges, because I am unsure if I want to keep the fringe as a design element or not.

Baby Staley Blanket

Crochet edging

My brother and wife are expecting a baby boy in September, so I made him a fleece blanket.  All his ducks are in a row...get it.  Ducks?  In a row?

Anyway, made just like the blankets for my Goddaughters, I embroidered the fleece; the doubled the fabric and secured with a blanket stitch.  The blanket stitching is also the foundation for the crochet edging.

Six strand cotton floss on fleece using back stitch

Two Embroidery Projects Finished

Six strand cotton floss on 20 ct linen

Notebook Cover

Mandala

Six strand floss on 14 ct. aida

Sculpy bead

More Purse Experimentation

Crocheted purse using Flounce yarn.  Colorway:  grays and white

I like how this purse turned out better, but I am still experimenting.  For the next purse I want to work on lining it.

Middle Kingdom Napkins

Below is a detail for the Middle Kingdom napkins I worked on for SCA.

Six strand cotton and silk floss on linen

Ugly Folded Purses

I've been working on purses for the past week, based on the Masa Bag .

First, I found the ugliest yarn I could find and crocheted this purse.

The yarn, being cheap and acrylic, gives the purse structure.  But it is difficult to see the folded pattern that it is obvious in the Masa Bag.

I found a bit of blanket that I started and never finished and used it for attempt 2.

I like this one a bit better because you can see the folding in the design.  But the softer yarn  makes the bag loose it's shape when worn.  I'll probably keep working at the design and embellishments but my next project must be my SCA napkins for Pennsic.

Olivia's Canvas Bag

And the last gift is finished!  Olivia's bag was embroidered on canvas using six strand floss.  I will also fill it with goodies.  The cake has been ordered and I'm ready for some birthday fun!  Have a great weekend!

Six strand floss on canvas.

Six strand floss on canvas.  Back stitch, Bayuex stitch and satin stitch (not shown).

Gabrielle's Tote Bag

I'm almost finished with the Guglielmo girls' birthday presents.
Below is a tote bag I embroidered for Gabrielle.  I am putting a couple of beginner cross stitch kits inside, along with other goodies.

Tote bag.  Six strand cotton floss on canvas.

Detail of flower on tote bag.  Six strand cotton floss on canvas.  Back stitch,  Bayeux stitch,  satin stitch (not shown).