Bookmarks Darning, Blackwork, Etc. - Updated 8/13/24

August 13, 2024--I've completed 15 more bookmarks (photos below).  These are so much fun to stitch and work up easily.  

The first two photos are an example of reversible "blackwork" done in purple thread, the first one is partially stitched, showing how the first "path" looks, then the design is completed with the second "path".   However, I do need to work a bit more on my skill to end threads on the reverse side so they don't show.

Blackwork Pattern Partially Stitched

Photo showing front (left) and back (right) sides of Blackwork

I found an excellent resource for darning patterns:

Here are photos of the other fourteen bookmarks:

July 11, 2024--Last year I attended Needlefest New Jersey and had the pleasure at one point of sitting next to Dee L of the New Jersey Needle Artists Chapter of ANG who showed me the bookmarks she was working on.  They were stitched on Aida cloth using various darning patterns, threads, etc., and they were so darned cute.

Soooo, I just had to stitch up some of these myself and learned that our local library in Georgetown, DE, where my needlepoint guild chapter meets, would be happy to have them as give aways to their new card holders, avid readers, etc.  I found some lace edged Aida fabric bookmarks on Amazon which are perfect for this purpose except, in my opinion, they are a bit too wide.   Nevertheless, I have them and am happily working away on them whenever I need a small, easy to carry project (in the car, at stitch-ins, etc.).   Since they are supposed to be reversible, I "finish" off each bookmark by sewing across the top and bottom to catch the threads so they won't pull out.  

I'm now tackling a bookmark with a reversible blackwork pattern.  I went on YouTube to learn how to start and stop threads and was disappointed to see that most of the videos treat blackwork as black thread on white cloth embroidery, but NOT reversible.  Fortunately, I have a decent library collection of blackwork books such as:

    Reversible Blackwork Book 1 by Ilse Altherr, 1978

    Blackwork & Holbein Embroidery Book 2 by Ilse Altherr, 1981

    The Heart of Blackwork by Ann Strite-Kurz, 1992

Below is a collection of twelve bookmarks stitched so far.  I especially like the one with hearts, spades, clubs and diamonds since I'm an avid casino goer.  Each picture shows the bookmark's front (left side of photo) and back (right side of photo).   Most of these have been worked up using a stash of discontinued RG metallic threads given to me by a friend.  Each bookmark takes anywhere between 12 to 20 yards of thread, so I am happy to have this stash.

Bracelet and Necklace Kumihimo Beading Amethyst-Topaz - Updated 8/7/24

August 7, 2024--Now the necklace has a matching bracelet.  Love how the multi-colored beads shine and shimmer.  This time, instead of using wire to secure the end caps, I'm trying the E6000 glue.  So far so good.

Bracelet Kumihimo Beading Amethyst-Topaz

July 21, 2024--I was finally able to gather up all the "hardware" needed to finish this necklace.  Firstly, I had to purchase a caliper in order to know how wide and how deep the end caps needed to be.  Then to find end caps in a dark bronze color I wanted along with matching crimp beads and wire.  Amazon to the rescue--I was able to purchase these bits and pieces (called "findings" by beading stores) in varieties of sizes and colors.  So today I put it all together and here's a photo of the results (BTW, it looks gorgeous with just about all of my tops).

Necklace Kumihimo Beading Finished

Necklace Kumihimo Beading End Caps and Clasp

June 30, 2024--I wanted to learn another method of beading and came across Jill Wiseman's DVD entitled "Kumihimo with Beads" which explained everything I wanted to learn.  She covered how to set up the Kumihimo disc, how to place beads on the cords (and how many to use), how to weave the cords, how to finish the project using various clasps, wires, crimps, end capes, etc.   

Most important for me was how to fix a mistake (missing a bead, for example) by reversing the steps until you get to the spot that needs repair, then how to figure out where to start again.  I found myself using her repair technique more than once and the results were perfect.   

I've finished beading the necklace and am waiting on orders for the finishing items (end caps, wire, clasp, etc.).   Here's the necklace ready for the finishing hardware.  It's 29" long and I can fold a knot in the front to shorten the length if desired.  The Amethyst Topaz size 8 beads using a medium gold cord were purchased from The Twisted Bead in Annapolis, MD.  

I'm now going to look for more ideas of using various sizes and types of beads on my Kumihimo disc.

Necklace Kumihimo Beads Completed

Necklace Kumihimo Beads on Cords with alligator weight for tension control

Necklace Kumihimo Set Up on Disc

DVD Video Screen Shot