Sojourner's Betsy Morgan Etui casket

[Serinde]

Looking like a... box! One thing you might try is using a curved needle. I’m currently using a John James curved tapestry needle putting the Zoe box together. It does make ladder stitch easier, I think, and definitely whip-stitching backstitched sides (as in Zoe). Curved needles are recommended by Heather Lewis in her new book Embroidered Boxes.

[karen4bells]

Wow!!! Very very nice!!!! Love it!!

[Mabel Figworthy]

That is beautifully constructed! You'll have that lid licked just as successfully I'm sure

[Sojourner]

Part 5, the base. Again, my own take, rather than B.M's...


(design courtesy of Sophie Simpson - "Secret Garden Embroidery")

[wendywombat]

That bee lovely as they would say in the West Country!

I love this whole project!!

[Mabel Figworthy]

Seems a shame to put something so pretty on the bottom!

[Sojourner]

Seems a shame to put something so pretty on the bottom!

Ha, wait until you see the top!! (will be a while yet, as I'm trying to catch up on the Singing Butler...)And I haven't even started on your Tree of Life yet

[rcperryls]

Seems a shame to put something so pretty on the bottom!

I agree! That is really pretty!

Carole

[Mabel Figworthy]

The Tree will keep - absolutely no deadlines on Mabel SALs

Perhaps you could make the box so that you can put it any side up? Then you can turn it onto another side every day or week! (Might make things fall out of the drawers, of course...)

[Sojourner]

The Tree will keep - absolutely no deadlines on Mabel SALs

Perhaps you could make the box so that you can put it any side up? Then you can turn it onto another side every day or week! (Might make things fall out of the drawers, of course...)

Hmm, problem is, the top is shaped, so wouldn't easily stand upside down.
Which is why I'm doing other stuff - Singing B - instead of starting the top, as it's gonna be a BIG challenge.
But, needs must, and nothing like a challenge to get me going.
Watch this space....

[Serinde]

Can't wait!

[Sojourner]

Practice piece for top. As already said, the top will be really difficult, not least as I'm working it out as I go - for all her book is inspirational, I find Betsy Morgan's construction details practically incomprehensible. But, I'm quite pleased with my design so far, based on pics in my insect guide book.

[rcperryls]

I like your practice piece and am impressed that you are able to stitch the designs from a guidebook! Pretty soon you'll be a pattern designer. Is this the last piece for the box?

Carole

[Sojourner]

Hi Carole - these are for the last piece, which is very complex and will take ages. B.M. makes the lid up from several pieces sewn together after stitching the patterns - I'm planning to do it all in one piece, then cut to shape and sew together (I hope....) The main problem will be getting the size right so the lid actually fits snugly over the box - a stitch or two either way will spoilt it. Normally when I'm making a wooden box with lid, the sides, top and bottom are joined together, then the lid is sawn off, which obviously won't work with fabric!! Fingers crossed

[Mabel Figworthy]

You are really making this your own, it's great to watch the process!

[wendywombat]

You are really making this your own, it's great to watch the process!

Quite agree...fascinating

[Sojourner]

First stage of the lid

[rcperryls]

Wow! Is this the piece that you are designing yourself? Or is this the outline of what you stitch and then do you cut it out and fold it like a lid on a box would be. I am really looking forward to seeing this done.

Carole

[wendywombat]

I am so impressed with the speed and excellent stitching of this box! Love your designs BTW!!
I can hardly wait to see the finished Casket!

[Serinde]

First stage of the lid

Does any of the fabric fold over to form the underside of the lid?