Since I was unable to find such a thing, I decided that I would have to start my own. and that's exactly what I did 3 months ago. I posted on a local Facebook page asking for local interest and was very pleasantly surprised to find that there were actually others like me who really wanted and even needed a group. Some because they have machines and don't know how to use them, others, like me who want to share knowledge and enjoyment, so the group was born, It was only to be 1 afternoon a month, but then I had several requests for an evening group for those who work, so now I have two sessions per month. It is anticipated that this may very well increase to fortnightly. The interest and enthusiasm are there, and in no way do I wish to dampen it down.
So far there are two types of machines use by the members, mostly Brother machines, and Janome's, a variety of machine ages, capabilities and functionality makes classes 'Interesting' I'm certainly learning how 'other' machines work.
My own beast is a Brother Quattro 4, the INV6750D , love this machine, occasionally could do with slightly bigger than my biggest hoop, but not very often.
Anyway, as the group is new, I'm doing a technique tutorial each meeting, eventually others in the group will share their ideas and projects, but for now it's up to me. September's meeting will be doing Free Standing Lace. Hence this design as a larger sample. The tutorial will feature a butterfly lace coaster, much smaller and quicker to stitch out. This is the design I'll use to introduce them to Free Standing Lace. It's rather cute and only about 4" square.
This design I'm sharing with you today I bought soooooo long ago, that I can't actually remember when I did buy it, I do know that it comes from S-Embroidery which you can find here:
S-Embroidery They have such beautiful lace designs that you're sure to find something to delight you.
This design is called SKU 10458 Butterfly Freestanding Lace Doily.
The finished size measures a fraction over 18"
This first picture shows the 8 sections joined and ready to pin to my linen fabric.
the second picture shows the finished doily washed and laid out on a towel to dry.
As it's still wet, the embroidery looks darker than when dry. it's not turned out to badly for my first go at this project. I can see a couple of mistakes which can't now be rectified, but I'll know the danger next time, and will try to not repeat the mistakes.
Free Standing lace, a bit time consuming to sew, but I sat and crocheted poppies for Remembrance day while I waited. no time wasted so its all positive.
Thank you for visiting my blog,
Happy Crafting at whatever rocks your particular boat.
Cheers,
Beth
