It’s been so long since I posted you will think I forgot I have this blog, but not so!   I think of you often!

I thought I’d show you a few samples of sashiko stitching used as an embellishment on other projects today.   I use sashiko thread and stitch a few random lines on prints and plain fabrics quite often just to add texture and interest.  The thing to remember when doing it is to make your stitches  – I know you know the rest of this sentence! - about the length of a grain of rice on the top and about 1/3 that length on the back.  This spacing keeps your brain, and therefore your eyes, interested. It is easy for your eyes to understand it as a solid line, yet it is more interesting than an actual solid line.

Here are examples of sashiko stitched lines used on pieced print fabrics. The projects would be good enough without the stitching, but it gives them just that extra bit of interest.

Another option is to use sashiko stitched lines to give interest to a plain fabric like this linen bag

You get the idea.

Sashiko thread comes in 20 colors, plus about 6 variegated colors. I think I explained how to cut and braid the thread before you use it somewhere else in this blog. This keeps the skeins from becoming tangled messes!

Okay, one more picture – this is my new needle book kit (there are only a few). You can find it on A Threaded Needle, along with the bag handles, sashiko threads, metal purse frames and kits (including the taupe clasp purse with the two little birds), and some of the fabrics in these pictures.  The metal frames come with patterns and are surprisingly easy.

If you are in the Vancouver area, A Threaded Needle (me) will be at the North Vancouver Lion’s Gate Quilt Show June 8 and 9. Its in the Delbrook Rec. center. We would love to see you.  We will also be going to the Edmonton Creative Stitches and Crafting show in September this year.

Talk to you again, soon maybe

Cheers,

Susan