Playing Games
I'm two timing my knitting projects. Given my weakness for Giotto, new hobbies and new projects in general, I decided I wanted to get started on my needlepoint Colinette cushion kit.
The Start of the Mahjong Cushion, Opal Colorway
When I first saw these kits online, I figured that they must be created using one of Colinette's finer weight yarns. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I found a small box filled with Giotto in three different colors. Even better, the tiny skeins provided had also already been clipped into usable pieces.
The instructions are simple and the project is simple, but the result is complex because of the yarn. Color and texture change in each stitch. The area I've worked so far is a composite of two colors. Here's a little closeup that show's off the Giotto and the texture:
Mahjong Swatch
I think this project will come together rather slowly. For one, I don't have a lot of patience with untangling yarn or detatching it from where it catches on the canvas. For another, the canvas has a very rough edge, and I can't find a way to work that's comfortable and doesn't scratch my wrists as I work. Probably it would be a good idea if I got some masking tape to cover the edges with. Finally, this is pretty repetetive stuff. And, as I've mentioned before. I've got the attention span of a two year old.
Now back to Banff for a little while...
The needlepoint is GORGEOUS...I too love the variation in other projects!
You must put masking tape around the edges or you will drive yourself batty!!
Variety keeps us sane...boredome drives us in the other direction..keep doing what you are doing! Love your blog!
Isn't it pretty ! I feel a copy-cat moment coming on.I second the insistance on masking tape - also stops the canvas unraveling.If you manipulate the canvas a bit it'll soften & catch less.
Snap on the great tape measure ! It makes me smile every time I see it.
I think I answered your last e-mail - let me know if I'm losing my marbles & didn't.
Banff is looking lovely by the way.
yeah i never work that close to the edge in needlepoint, i work smack in center and fold edges behind/down and definitely put tape! either that or you'll have to knit yourself some wrist-warmer, finger-less jammies for protection!
OMG that's beautiful. I have to stop looking--I don't have time for another hobby.
You can't tell from the picture, but the actual edge is folded under the pattern (there'll be a two inch border around the actual cushion part) -- so I have plenty of edge.
My mom also suggested duct tape... much stickier and stays in place better. But you do have to cut the edge off after you're done
And I have a sneaking suspicion that if I like this one enough, I'll be trying to get my hands on some of it's cousins. I think these cushions have an artsy quality and would be great in my living room.
Enjoy reading your blog -- I'm a knitter, quilter and a needlepointer.
This is a beautiful project and gives me many ideas of fun things I could do with my stash!
I recommend machine sewing a wide silky ribbon onto the edge of the canvas. It won't come off halfway through your project, it won't leave a sticky residue and it is soft on your hands/wrists.
Also, that canvas will loosen up as you work it.
I think I might have to try one of these kits. I used to do a lot of cross stitch, but my eyes just aren't good enough now. I think I could do this without any problem though. I've tried needlepoint from a kit before. It had that nasty acrylic yarn and I didn't enjoy it, but who wouldn't like working with Colinette yarns!
Keep us posted on the progress. It looks gorgeous so far!
Can you get those Colinette kits in the States? Or do you have to send someone to Wales?
Looks gorgeous. Work on it to lull yourself to sleep at night with all the repetition. Think of the beautiful dreams you'll have!
Holy Cow! That cushion is going to be something!!! The store her (that I had mentioned to you before) hasn't gotten the kits yet. I must say-looks lovely!
i'm just a ditto head, it would seem - it's beautiful!! i love the colors. and you're not cheating on your knitting - you and your knitting have an open relationship, an Understanding, if you will. so long as you are honest with your knitting as to how you're spending your time, everything should be fine. ;)
Wow! The cushion looks so much better in progress than in the box! When I first unpacked it I looked at and was worried that you might be disappointed. But you certainly can't tell the beauty of that yarn just in those little skeins. Especially when you're just viewing them through plastic.
It looks beautiful. Let me know if you decide you want some other members of the cushion family! :-)
I'm not sure if you can get the kits in the States. I imagine that you probably can, but you would have to find a shop that carried them. I suspect that most yarn stores won't carry them, but some hybrids might.
Making a friend in the UK and doing a trade is always a fun thing to do, and I recommend it highly if you haven't tried it already.
Also (see Deb's comments above) she works in a store in Canada that has ordered them. So it's certainly possible for retailers on this side to carry them.
I used to do cross stitch, too... I loved complicated things with high resolution but was never good at finishing them. This project fills my cross-stitching and blast of color in the winter needs!
Oh my god, who knew they made such things, with yarn. That is way cool. I'm looking forward to watching this progress!