20/02/2016

Getting hands-on with free machine embroidery


I have wanted to try free machine embroidery for so long. I love its sketchy simplistic quality coupled with the use of colourful fabrics and threads. I also adore the work of Lara Sparks who I discovered at a craft fair a couple of years ago, her gorgeous embroidered birds and wildflowers are something to behold - those florals and feathers strike again! So you can probably guess how excited I was to find out she runs workshops for beginners from her home in West Sussex.

Despite my desperation to have a go for myself, (time for a confession here) it's a craft I've been quite scared to try. My sewing machine and I have a relationship based on mutual apprehension; if no one makes any sudden movements we can both just about run up a cushion or a curtain without any hitches. Free machine embroidery involves adjusting the tension, taking off the foot and other things that sound like they might test this relationship. Taking a workshop was the perfect way to overcome this fear and I’d really recommend it if you have any crafts you’d love to try but can’t bite the bullet on your own.



The workshop day was brilliant we had a short introduction and demonstration from Lara whilst enjoying tea and biscuits. Then set off to have a go ourselves, playing first with simple lines and shapes, then following a line drawn wildflower sampler. Finally we could choose either a cushion or lampshade and make a final piece. I chose a lampshade (as you can see) and stitched this gorgeous blue tit, I can't claim anything on the design as it's a copy of Lara's but I'm absolutely thrilled with it! 


It's currently in my craft room (a fitting place to remind me to face my craft related fears). And I'm looking forward to having another go as soon as I've brought some colourful machine embroidery threads. I’m thinking of trying some daffodils next and stay tuned for a how-to post once I've had a bit more practise!

Have you ever tried free-hand machine embroidery?



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11 comments:

  1. Ashley cramp20/2/16 3:01 pm

    Its is simply stunning well done to you!
    best d x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unknown20/2/16 3:38 pm

    I've never tried embroidery before but this looks amazing! How fun! :)
    x Kenzie
    Kenzieblogslife.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. floral and feather21/2/16 5:13 pm

      You should, it was really fun to do too :)

      Delete
  3. Hook, Line and Sink Her21/2/16 11:13 am

    It looks incredible! Well done being so brave :) I've tried free machine embroidery before- and had a lot of fun - but my results were nowhere near as pretty as yours! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. floral and feather21/2/16 5:14 pm

      Thanks! Well copying Lara's made it a lot easier I think! xxx

      Delete
  4. Rachael21/2/16 11:03 pm

    Well done you - it's beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Katie // Away With Katie25/2/16 5:31 pm

    Oh, it's amazing! I can't even describe how much I love how the blue tit looks! So pretty.

    ReplyDelete
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