HERE'S HOW - LITTLE HEARTS

In answer to a request, as to how I made my little hearts, I am posting some information and hope it might be of use to someone.
My small hearts are approx 4cm by 4cm (2 x 2 inches) but could be adapted to any size.
Use a fine count linen for the best results, mine was 35 count and hand dyed using the tea bag method.
To make- cut out a heart shape in paper the size you want and pin to your fabric, using perle 12 thread to match your fabric backstitch round your shape You need two- a front and a back .



For the front instead of filling the whole shape, I stitched only part.
Any pulled thread stitches could be used. This one was satin stitches groups of 4 stitched over 3 fabric threads. I completed the design by adding some chain stitches and French knots and petite beads in the spaces. For the back I filled in the complete space with the stitch pattern and beads.

Turn in the edges on both pieces place two layers of felt cut slightly smaller than your original heart between them , add a cord loop at the top and whip together through the back stitches.
To finish I then button holed over the whipped stitches with the perle 12 thread.The tiny ribbon bow at the top was dyed with the linen providing a perfect match.

Have fun and do try different stitches.

FRIENDSHIP HEARTS

All the promotions for Valentines Day has prompted me to stitch, not Valentine hearts but Friendship Hearts..... and I plan to send them out to the members of my Stitching Friends group 

Using an idea saw the web site " Between the crosses with Nina" I dyed the linen pink shades, using fruit tea bags. The designs used some pulled thread stitches and beads.I have made small envelopes with hand made paper to put them in and added cards with the following message ....
"Friendship is the golden threads that ties all hearts together."

Now I must stitch one more for myself.

BRIDES TREE SAL

The second ornament for the "Bride's Tree SAL" is to be a heart representing true love, love of family.

I fell in love with this JBW Design  'French Country -Amour'  while I was in Napier over the Christmas Holidays. And immediatly stitched while I was away, so its a special reminder of a lovely holiday spent with my sister and her husband.

Stitched on 35 count permin linen with Jane Van Keulin's hand dyed tencil thread.

 I have stitched it again and will make the second one into a pinkeep.