Since my last report, my pretty ambitious embroidery project has actually been taking shape quite nicely. Want to see? (And yes, I may have intentionally worn my Costco-brand turquoise cashmere sweater to coordinate with my embroidery for this photo).
Ta da!
Although I first reported it was grueling and labor intensive, I’ve since learned to love embroidering! It really is a portable craft, so I brought it with me when visiting family (even getting a nod of approval from the talented relative who made this amazing piece). I love that it is so portable and requires so little “set up,” because that’s one less excuse for getting it done. Some of my creative endeavors just require so much space and stuff. Sigh. With embroidery, though, I just pop the cloth in the hoop and go, so I’ve been motivated to do an hour or so here and there, and those hours really add up! As a bonus, I found it really helps me combat stress. Once I got the hang of it, it’s super soothing to do.
I am really hoping to get the whole project done before I leave Hungary, because I like the idea of having this tangible memento, quite literally demonstrating the time I spent here (like the knitting clock, I guess). We’ll see. I still have quite a bit left.
In any case, I see more embroidery in my future. There has to be, because my favorite craft store in Budapest has this amazing embroidery floss, (made in Hungary, of superb quality and super inexpensive), so I stocked up. These photos may or may not all be separate purchases.
P.S. a stop at the craft store was on the Tanya Tour last week, en route to the Museum of Terror, as ever-patient Hubby watched me hmmm and hawww over even more embroidery thread than what is pictured here.
That is really gorgeous! And holy cow…that's a lot of embroidery floss haha
Thanks! I'm workin' on it.Don't you mean that's NOT a lot of floss (c'mon, Hubby reads the blog! Let's try to pretend this is totally normal, k)?;)
That. is a lot. of embroidery thread. But how amazing would it be to display these in the townhouse some way? Maybe a gradient of spools on pegs on one wall or something?
I wanted to buy the display at the store, lol. But I actually love the idea of displaying them on pegs. It will take me years to embroider all of these, so a display would be awesome. Can I steal this idea and claim it for my own? And, most importantly, does this mean I should buy MORE? Nobody likes a halfway done installation piece.
Steal away, darling! And yes – you can't do something 50%, right? You may need some airmail boxes…
Haha. Hubby is not going to like you.
I was just… WOW! Also like the way you put those embroidery thread into color theme in the first photo!
Haha. I have been playing with them, grouping by potential project, into ombres and rainbow pyramids. They are like little gems all on their own. I am totally obsessed with these spools.
You're really moving right along with your project, and it looks fantastic! I really used to love embroidery, but I quit when my old eyes couldn't see well enough to make tiny stitches anymore, even with reading glasses. I may have to invest in that clunky, lighted magnifying headgear that makes old ladies look like coal miners! Attractive, huh? LOL
Thanks! Once I got over the "hump," it feels like it's whipping along. Haha, you know I am all about dorky headgear, so I say go for it! http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.hu/2012/06/diy-antiqued-mirror.htmlI can only imagine the gorgeous, mid-century inspired patterns you could come up with. But I imagine this must be tough to do without good eyesight. I have to look under my glasses, lol, and need super bright lights to see the stitches.
Can you get embroidery floss in that large of spools on this side of the atlantic? Seems to me that most of it over here is just little skeins, so really you are saving alot of money buying it in bulk. And it looks so pretty. 😀
Good question! Years and years ago, my Mom bought spools like this, but made by a different company and made in England (I think). Small, boutique yarn and thread shops may carry some, that's where she found it, but I have only seen the skeins as well. And, when she bought the spool ages ago, the colour selection was more limited. The skeins I have seen at home are also a thicker thread, while this thinner, sheenier one is used by the artisans who make Hungarian embroidery. The company is Coats (sub-branded Puppets), and when I tried to track down the spools and not skeins back home, I couldn't find any. But when I am home I plan to try to track some down, because I can't bring home a lifetime supply 😀 I promise to share any sources I find.I think these spools are much cheaper because one spool yielded the whole centre part of the embroidery. And cost just over $1.00 (260 forints). But I think I won't want to use it when I'm home. I'll want to "save" it, lol.
I love that you sort of get obsessive about buying and doing things! I soooo get it!
Is there a support group, lol?
That is turning out beautifully. And I second the plan to display all those lovely colours. They are inspiring on their own- but not quite enough to inspire me to try such an ambitious craft. Serious kudos to you.
I am going to do a little tutorial, and I promise it's not that tricky. Really soothing, actually, even if it does take some time. A good TV watching activity. But I am thinking about displaying them until use . . . unless that makes them dusty? Will have to think on this.
Wow! That is so gorgeous! Keep up the great work! 🙂
Thanks!! Hoping to have it done this month . . . we'll see 🙂
Hi Tanya, what is the brand name of that thread, it looks really nice!
Hi Brooke, sorry it took me so long to reply. The brand is Puppets, and it's made in Hungary. I wasn't able to find it online at the time which is why I stocked up while I was there, but maybe it's available now.
Hi Tanya,Do you recall the name or address of the store you bought the thread from? I'm in Budapest now and would love to stock up. The colours are just so beautiful.Thanks.
Hi Annamarie,I'm so sorry, but I don't remember the shop name. I've been trying to rustle up a receipt but since the move my files are a mess. I think it was on Erzsebet Krt. We walked by it every day on the way to a library I was working in near parliament, and we lived near Blaha Lujza ter. We stumbled across it and then went back often on our way to and from the library. If you're walking toward Parliament, it will be on your left. North of Rakoczi Ut, I'm sure. They are a small shop, with sewing machines in the window. I will look harder for a receipt, but please do tell me if you can or can't find it. I think there's a fabric store on the same street, but this shop sold and serviced sewing machines so it should stand out because their window display has machines.
Hello TanyaI'm trying to look for this place as well! Do let us know if you managed to find the receipt! Btw, that is a hell lot of embroidery floss 😛
Hi Cherie,No luck! I've finally organized my office and took a look, but there's nothing left fromt the trip. But it was years ago, so I'm not sure I even have any type of paperwork left. Your best bet would be to ask at local craft/sewing shops. There are an abundance of them. It's been so long, it's entirely possible the shop I stopped at may not even exist anymore! Get out and explore on foot – that's how I found almost everything 🙂