Stitching my Garden SAL

It’s time for a mini happy dance, I’ve finally made all the individual pages and stitched them together into ten double sided pages.

Three weeks ago I had finally worked out how to create the actual pages. Each embroidery is backed with pelmet vilene, the raw edges were then pressed to the back and the two sides slip-stitched together.

A couple of the early pages weren’t quite big enough so I needed to add a couple of extra strips of fabric to two sides. The magnolia page was the first one to tackle in this way…

The Jack Brunnera page was also too small so I added a couple of borders again, this time I felt they needed a little embroidery too as otherwise they would be the only seams without any. I just did a line of feather stitch down the seams, either double or triple feathers. I also added a little triangle to the top corner so that just got a bit of fly stitch. I think these two pages go well together.

I also realised I needed one last page, the very back page. I decided to keep it simple and just use it to add my details. I used a pretty muted floral background and some soft green linen.

So I now have a pile of ten prepared pages. I just have to decide how to finish them. I need to make a cover but first I need to decide the final look of the book. Last time I made a book I learnt coptic stitch to bind them. It can be quite decorative, so I have to think whether to make a front and back cover and have the coptic stitch on show. This is the coptic stitch on the book of days I made back in 2021…

With the Book of Days I then stitched the book onto the cover so the coptic stitching was hidden by the spine…

I’m tempted to do that again as it does help protect the edges of the pages, but I equally quite like the idea of an exposed coptic stitching. I might do a bit of googling on more decorative coptic stitching…I could always make a bag to keep the book in πŸ™‚

This SAL is organised by Avis from Sewing by the Sea, we post our progress on our chosen project every three weeks, perfect for keeping us motivated and moving forward on a long project. Please follow the links to see what everyone else has been stitching.

Avis,Β Claire,Β Gun,Β Christina,Β Kathy,Β Margaret,Β Jackie,Β Sunny,Β Megan,Β Deborah,Β Sharon,Β Daisy,Β Cathie,Β Linda,Β MaryMargaret,Β Cindy

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About craftycreeky

I live in a busy market town in Yorkshire with my husband, kids, dogs and chickens. I love trying new crafts, rediscovering old ones, gardening, walking...anything creative really I started this blog after my New Year resolution worked so well. My resolution (the first one I've ever kept!) was to post a photograph of my garden on Facebook every day. My hope was that I would then see what was good in the garden and not just weeds and work, which was my tendency. The unexpected side-effect was that I have enjoyed many more hours in the garden. I am hoping that 'The Crafty Creek' will have the same effect. Happy creating!
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14 Responses to Stitching my Garden SAL

  1. Gretchen's avatar Gretchen says:

    Your book is lovely, what a wonderful display of artistic embroidery! Happy stitching!

    Like

  2. Lindashee's avatar Lindashee says:

    that is absolutely beautiful and so impressive. I love how each page was organically detailed and yet it flows/matches perfectly. Well done!!

    Like

  3. Cathie J's avatar Cathie J says:

    I love how beautiful this book is.

    Like

  4. Laura's avatar Laura says:

    I always enjoy your books, Margaret! They are such creative keepsakes! πŸ™‚

    Like

  5. fleurpot69ce78b519's avatar fleurpot69ce78b519 says:

    I love your book and am inspired πŸ¦‹Coptic stitch sounds a bit scary though .

    Liked by 1 person

  6. claire93's avatar claire93 says:

    An amazing project!

    Like

  7. LA Paylor's avatar LA Paylor says:

    Love the book binding you chose and usually I try something new with each project… but this one is secure and tidy…

    LeeAnna

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Absolutely amazing and the book binding is so neat and clever. It needs to be on show and a cute bag would be wonderful.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Wow – wonderful with the bookbinding!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. kathyreeves's avatar kathyreeves says:

    So many decisions to make! I like the idea of the Coptic stitch and a bag.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. It just gets better and better!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. rutigt's avatar rutigt says:

    A very beautiful book!

    Liked by 1 person

  13. I wish I could see your book (and garden) in person. I am sure it is even more delightful than even the photos are showing. Beautiful work!

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Jane M's avatar Jane M says:

    Beautiful. I think you are right the coptic stitch is just too pretty to hide and you do love a good bag

    Liked by 1 person

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