Today is my Blogoversary Number One! And January 2011 Crazy Challenge finish No 7... Little House Needlework 2010 Ornament Winter Sheep.
I really enjoyed stitching this boy or girl, I call him my Latte sheep, I changed the colour of his body and legs. Also I couldn't fine a cardinal button, so stitched one in, and then gave him a branch to sit on.
You know how you get that nagging feeling that you have forgotten something? Well I have had that feeling for the last couple of days, and it hit me today, I had not dyed the piece of linen to go with my
Blogoversary Giveaway.
I hand dyed this evening a piece of 32 count linen, using tea. Specifically Dilmar Exceptional Berry Sensation.
I soaked four tea bags in a small porcelain mixing bowl, which I then sat in the sink in a hot water bath. After around 20 minutes I add a cup of very salty hot water to help set the colour, soak for another 5-10 minutes, hang to drip dry, and then iron when still very damp.
Well I thought the colour was a little dark, so rinsed. Well the salt worked, so not having any bleach... go figure it's now on the shopping list. The next best thing I could find that I thought just might work was hydrogen peroxide, using a very small amount, I managed to lightened the linen just a touch.
Tea dyed, and very nice smelling linen lying on a piece of white linen.
So happy blogoversary to me :D And there is still time to enter my blogoversay giveaway, link above. Drawn Sunday evening Australian time.
Nite LiBBiE in Oz
Your ornament looks fantastic Libbie. LOVE your bird. I have on mine the cardinal button, but to be honest, I like your stitched bird better. It suits the design so well.
ReplyDeleteAnd your tea dyed fabric looks simply fantastic. Your "Stitcher's Home" will look simply gorgeous on it.
What a cute sheep, like the changes you made looks great that way.
ReplyDeleteHoly cow! Or should I say Holy Sheep! LOL! You're putting a lot of us stitcher's to shame ;o) You're pretty much halfway through the Challenge and you're right on track. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteThat is one lovely piece of fabric! My fingers are crossed that I win. Of course I would hope that you package Podge up for me too ;o)
Love the sheep and the cardinal too. The linen is a lovely shade. Everyone wants to win your giveaway!
ReplyDeleteHe's so cute! I would love to be entered into the giveaway also. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant idea to add the little bird, Libbie! I love it, and the color change of the sheep...very nice! What a wonderful way to make your ornament uniquely yours! Love the color of the linen you dyed! I'm going to have to give it a go one of these days...dying that is! Thanks for sharing how you did it! *Hugs*
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