When you're not busy with all of your celebrating, take a look at the photos I've posted below. I wanted to give you just a bit more detail about the some of the stitching we included in Pick Stitch Perfect, our newest pattern.
First, I wanted to emphasize that you can rely on machine stitching and still get eye-catching results. As I told you earlier, I tested and decided to use 2 threads through a top-stitching needle to create a more prominent line of edgestitching. Note that I used green thread on the grey and the white fabrics. Since that wouldn't show on the green pocket, I used grey thread there. (If you're visiting the blog for the first time, look at the previous post for more info.)
You know that it's typical to fold the pocket facing down to the wrong side of the pocket, then topstitch it in place. Note that I used matching green thread to do that (just visible at the bottom of the photo) so it would not stand out or compete with the gray edgestitching. There are so many details you can think about to easily bring more interest and artistry to your garments.
Just as a reminder, I'm posting this photo again. I used 3 strands of DMC embroidery floss to create these hand stitches, another option on this pattern. On the collar, I wanted the stitching to show on both the upper and under sides, since I sometimes wear my collars up in the back, as shown here. I also should explain that I edgestitched the collar in matching thread in order to keep the edges flat and crisp. It just fades into the background, allowing the faux pick stitches to be the prominent decoration.
On the deep front pleat, shown at the bottom of the photo, I again stitched in matching thread to hold the pleat securely, then came back with the handstitching as the decoration.
This photo shows you the beginning of decorating the cuffs. First I edgestitched in matching thread (single thread) to keep the cuff's edges flat and crisp. Then I came back with contrasting thread to give myself a reference point for my faux pick stitches.
Here, my faux pick stitches are done. As you can see, I used the basting (at 4.5 stitch length) to regulate the length of my stitches by stitching beside every other one. I slipped my hand needle between the layers of fabric, unlike what I did on the collar. At this stage, I just need to remove the basting to finish my decoration of the cuff.
I like to use a seam ripper to break every 4th or 5 basting stitch on the right side of the fabric. Then I go to the inside of the cuff, tug on the bobbin thread, and pull. Voila--it just comes right off. It's easy to pick up the remaining threads on the right side, and the whole process of getting rid of the basting takes 1 to 2 minutes.
We have a tool that really helps with the occasional thread that just doesn't want to come out (and with other stubborn stuff I'm trying to deal with). These tweezers have claw-like ends that firmly grip those last unruly threads, and I love how much time and teeth-gnashing they save me. Here's a pic:
You'll love these. See those sharp little grabby things at the end? They hang on tight! I think you'll find them as helpful as I do.
If you get a few extra minutes, visit the Home Page at www.cuttinglinedesigns.com to see even more photos of Pick Stitch Perfect, then browse through the photos under Cool Stuff from CLD and look at all the other pages with goodies on offer.
If you have a question or a suggestion for a topic, please email me at sandy@cuttinglinedesigns.com.
