Last week I stitched a piece for a travelling sketchbook from my Embroiderers Guild. The theme of the book was windows, I had my usual perusal through Pinterest and saw a couple of embroideries of stained glass windows. I love looking at stained glass, when we go on walks through the Dales we often call in at the little country churches that we pass, they often have beautiful stained glass. This is a window in the church at Kirby Lonsdale.
I decided to make it using free machine embroidery. I have to say that before I tackled Andrea Walpoles Woodland Spring Wreath quilt, I would never have had the confidence to do this!
I drew an arched window, divided it into two main panes and added a fancy bit at the top – I can’t remember what you call that shape!
I found a batik fabric which was perfect for the stone surround of the window. I used bondaweb, so I could sketch on one side, iron it to the fabric and then cut out the shapes. It was a bit fiddly but doable.
I played around with several fabrics for the actual window but eventually settled on this multicoloured one, I’m not sure if it’s batik or tie-die, it’s a bit of an odd one but actually with the white and yellow splashes amongst the bright colours, it worked very well.
I ironed the window onto the ‘glass’ and then used 505 spray to stick it to the background, this meant I didn’t have too much thickness to try and embroider.
I went round all the edges first with a mid taupe colour. I then had a rummage in my variegated threads box and found a lovely one which had tints of golden brown, grey and purple. It worked really well.
I used the coloured thread to add texture to the frame and then to make some stonework round the window. I then got a bit brave and added patterns on the window panes in the same thread.
I edged the embroidery with a buttonhole stitch on the machine, using the variegated thread again. I’m really pleased with this one, it was pretty quick to do but I think it’s effective, hopefully the owner of the sketchbook will like it too!
thecraftycreek 
absolutely brilliant!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, I’m pleased with it
LikeLike
As you should be 😊😊😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is gorgeous – I’m sure the recipient will be delighted
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jane, it worked out pretty well
LikeLike
I cannot fathom how the owner of the sketchbook would not like your lovely piece, Margaret! Great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, sometimes it just all comes together!
LikeLike
It’s just lovely ~ I would love it! Sharon
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sharon, I’m pleased with it 🙂
LikeLike
You are so creative! This is first-rate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, it worked out well
LikeLike
Great project and inspiration!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Gail
LikeLike
So creative, and turned out really nice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks really lovely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Nineteen for 19 | thecraftycreek