This set of patterns was bought online from Patchwork Chicks, here in the UK, just after Christmas 2016. This design is "Scandinavian Christmas" by Lynette Anderson Designs, and as is usual for Lynette's designs, it incorporates both applique and stitchery. A friend had recommended a product that was new to me - "Sticky Fabri-Solvy" by Sulky. These sheets of stabiliser can be put through an inkjet printer and a stitchery design can be photocopied on it, ready to be stitched over. The stabiliser is dissolvable, and is much quicker to use than tracing a design by hand. I'd already done a bit of a test patch to check the colour fastness of the red DMC thread. When I was happy with the test, the main design was copied, the backing paper removed and the stabiliser pressed into place on a piece of linen. I'd already fused a piece of weaveline interfacing to the back of a piece of linen, and made a start on the stitchery...
...this was the first time that I'd used "Sticky Fabri-Solvy" by Sulky (bought online from Amazon). Overall, I'm quite impressed. It's quicker than tracing the design by hand, and it's much more accurate, especially for all that cross stitch! Well, now it's time to rinse it off and see if it's worked! Drum roll please..... it worked! The block was rinsed in lukewarm water and the "Sticky Fabri-Solvy" stabiliser has completely dissolved. The block is now drying on a towel, then I'll press it on the back.
However there are a couple of things I'd do differently for the next block.
1. Use a thinner interfacing on the back of he linen... my favourite is weaveline, but it was a bit tricky stitching through so many layers. Next time I'll use a finer Vilene interfacing.
2. Stay-stitch around the edges of the Solvy stabiliser once it's in place. As I moved my embroidery hoop around this block, the edges of the stabiliser lifted up... I couldn't be bothered to get my machine set up yesterday, but 5 mins spent doing that would have saved a few hours of swearing!
3. Wear a thimble!! Stitching through the stabiliser, the linen AND the interfacing is hard work!!
4. Stitch the finer details e.g the satin stitch and colonial knots when the stabiliser has been rinsed off.
However there are a couple of things I'd do differently for the next block.
1. Use a thinner interfacing on the back of he linen... my favourite is weaveline, but it was a bit tricky stitching through so many layers. Next time I'll use a finer Vilene interfacing.
2. Stay-stitch around the edges of the Solvy stabiliser once it's in place. As I moved my embroidery hoop around this block, the edges of the stabiliser lifted up... I couldn't be bothered to get my machine set up yesterday, but 5 mins spent doing that would have saved a few hours of swearing!
3. Wear a thimble!! Stitching through the stabiliser, the linen AND the interfacing is hard work!!
4. Stitch the finer details e.g the satin stitch and colonial knots when the stabiliser has been rinsed off.
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