Melitastitches4fun's Blog

I was hoping that by starting with Faith (a triangular shape) that Hope (a five-pointed star) would be easier. Hope had been stitched since May 21! Both are from Susan Portra’s Cabochon Series.

A pansy backing fabric (Waverly from Walmart) was used for both (not photographed here since it was also used for the ornament Peace). There was just enough of the DMC Pearl #5 340 to get 6 strands to make the cording for both. I’m not a big fan of fancy cording or thick cording because it distracts from the ornament.

Using the thinner stabilizer is easier because the sides pinch together easily. The only time thick cording is really needed is if you have a wide area to conceal between the front and back sides. And, you probably shouldn’t have a wide area to conceal if you contruct it properly to begin with (which is why I need more practice with the thicker stabilizer). Making the backing with magazine board a little larger than the front (2 mm) really helps. Outlining the front of the ornament to properly shape the back is better than using the outline used to shape the stabilizer because when you fold back the canvas, there will be some variation in the original shape (even if it’s slight). I prefer a running stitch around the edge pulled together and then lacing to make it really taut for the fabric side.

I attached the hang loop and the beginning of the edge cording to the inside of the stabilizer side. I love separating the loop cording from the edge cording because one long piece always makes the ornament twist when hanging. Make the cording long enough to cut away the loop portion is easy enough. Then, a few small dabs of Super NEW GLUE from Euro Tool Inc held the front and back together in the proper place. Using clips can pinch the needlepoint leaving an indent.

Stitching right to left with the front facing me using invisible thread went very easily on the triangular shaped ornament. I used one long strand doubled and slipped the needle through the loop so I wouldn’t be dropping the needle. That was a big help!

Following such a successful finishing endeavor gave me the confidence to tackle the star.

About the only thing that I did differently was that I used purple glue to hold the fabric on the inside edge of the mat board as I cinched it taut while lacing it in place. No glue is touching the fabric that is visible on the back. And, if the glue ever releases, it’s all sewn in place now anyway. The irregular shape did not make the running stitch feasible.

These two ornaments are the most similar in color. So, I will separate them on each end of the banister.

Looking forward to seeing which Cabochon is next to do.