Thursday, July 08, 2010

My Creative Space: the french knot

The French Knot has been one of those embroidery stitches I have always been scared to commit too as  whenever I do one right it seems to be an unrepeatable fluke. A week or so ago I saw this on Feeling Stitchy and was inspired to overcome another sewing fear and concquer the French Knot.  So the other day when mum was hear I gathered my stitching books and set to work. There was a lot of frustration as mum also tried to teach me her way of doing it which seemed to be the opposite of the books and then by george I got it!  My plan was when I had learnt how to do it I was going to do a huge stack of them so it would be permanently etched on my brain, so I started doing a circle of them, once around the circle and getting a bit bored with the idea of a circle of french knots I looked at it again.... and, well, it was obvious really:
I am just doing his jumper in another new- to- me- stitch too split stitch, I will show you when I have finished him... I am rather fond of him so far his name is Mr Magillacutty.
For more stitchy-ness, creativeness  and what- (k)not head on over to Kirsty's.

31 comments:

  1. oh my you have amazing talent! i love the beard!!

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  2. I LOVE Mr Magillacutty. Oh he is the best, and your stitching is amazing. xo

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  3. that's hilarious! I've just discovered the French knot this week and it's a bit hit and miss for me! I keep pulling it right through the other side so that it ends up disappearing! I must come up with a design to try your practice method!

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  4. I think I am in love with Mr Magillacutty - all the lovely soft beard - what a great job you have done

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  5. I smiled the moment I saw Mr Magillacutty - looking forward to seeing him all finished!

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  6. He's SO cute! I can't wait to see the finished product. It's going to be grand!

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  7. Looks like Rolf Harris LOL. French knots dont' get me started, if I can I use a bead or three!

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  8. He is fantastic! What a personality. The French knot is working well for you, good thing you perservered xo

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  9. Oooh! I got a shock he looks just like my Dad! Love him, happy smile, fuzzy head.

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  10. looks wonderful! You've inspired me to give the french knot a try :)

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  11. Most aweswome bearded embroidery I have ever seen!!!The french knot still eludes me. One day.....one day. x

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  12. and he's fantastic ~ full of character, anyone you know?

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  13. I love doing french knots - and I love a bit of beard embroidery. I think everybody had at least one lecture from this guy at uni, didn't they?

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  14. He is brilliant! Made me smile to look at him and then made me smile to read your words. Bravo to you on conquering the French knot!! :)

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  15. That is so gorgeous, how clever you are! My hubby has special childhood memories of stories about Mr & Mrs Magillacutty told by his sweet nan...

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  16. He’s adorable! Is he related to Ralph Harris???

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  17. Your stitching is just so amazing! I can't wait to see him in all his finished glory (and I want to pinch his scarf)!

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  18. I think I'm in love! He's fantastic :-)

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  19. He has a great face! definitely french knotty! Nice work.

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  20. i'm terrified of french knots too ... but you've inspired me because they look so good as a beard.
    http://itsthethingsthatmakeyougommmm.blogspot.com

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  21. Glad you conquered the french knot....love the beard. Very clever.

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  22. I still haven't gotten the french knot figured out. I really am hoping to find someone to sit with and show me, don't know of anyone yet in my little town - but I'm on the search and certain there is someone. It's look great!!

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  23. Mr Magillacutty is awesome. I think you have perfected the french knot.

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  24. LOVE HIM!!! ...though I'm suprised his name isn't more french.
    You're inspirational as always... must get out my hoop.

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  25. Oh my goodness, he is AMAZING!
    I still can't do the old knot. When I pull the string it always pulls the knot through too.
    So I am extra impressed with your cleverness.
    And sorry I have no label suggestions but I'll be reading the comments with interest. X

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  26. This is fabulous! Isn't it the best feeling when the french knot *finally* clicks into place? I really struggled with it at first, but once I got it, I couln't stop! Very excited to be a new follower of your awesome blog.

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  27. Looks like you're a French knot natural! My French knots were failing this weekend. I think I always do them the same way, but sometimes they work perfectly and sometimes they really don't... I haven't figured out why yet. I will have to follow your good example and practise more!

    ps He reminds me of Rolf Harris :)

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what a nice person you are- taking the time to comment in this busy hectic world...Thank you!!