Hello all! Today, I have the lucky task of writing a floss review for DMC Coloris floss. Seriously, I was over the moon when the nice people at DMC Commonthread sent me this:


Yes, that's all 24 colors of new DMC Coloris floss. I think I took a million photos of them, then slowly moved on to crafting with them.

The floss is 6 strand embroidery floss, which is variegated in 4 shades of DMC colors. These colors are not always complementary, as in the traditional DMC variegated floss or Color Variations floss you may have used before - instead they are bright, contrasting colors that are very lively and fun.

In addition to numbers, each color has a name, which is an especially nice touch. Here is the full color card, from the DMC site:


Below, I cross stitched one line of each floss color to give you an idea of how many stitches you can do before the color changes. Next to each line is the remaining 4 strands of each color :


I chose 12 of my favorite Coloris shades and embroidered a small 5 x 9 in. hoop with a design I made up as I went along. I used 2-4 strands of floss, using as many stitches as I felt like experimenting with.


I stitched each flower with a different color, so I could see how each color changes...


For the lettering, I traced a free font I found online and used 2 strands of floss to do a tiny split stitch.

I used a finer needle than I normally use, and that helped to keep my stitches tiny:


Here is the final design - it's a bit wonky, but lots of fun to stitch. Some colors show up better than others on the pink quilting fabric I chose, but it was mainly a learning exercise for me.



Here's a free pattern I made, if you'd like to stitch along with me!



I tried to mark all the stitches I used, but feel free to do your own thing! If you print the design on 8 1/2 x 11 paper it "should" fit into a 5x9 in. hoop, but I'd test it out first to be sure.

I would definitely recommend giving DMC Coloris floss a try - it gives a lovely pop of color to even a basic project like mine. That's my two cents, and thanks again to DMC for sending this floss to me to try out!

What do YOU think of DMC Coloris floss? Have you seen it in your local stores? What kind of project would you stitch with it?

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2016/07/floss-review-free-pattern-dmc-coloris.html

Happy Friday, boy do I have a treat for you today! On today's Friday Instagram Finds we take a look at @samowenhull and her Instagram account. I love everything about Sam's Instagram feed! Her mixed media hoops are creative and vibrant, and you can see where she gets her inspiration in nature with interesting close up photos. Here are some of my favorites from her Instagram feed. Sam used #feelingstitchyig, and I am so glad she did so I could discover her fun and creative work.

While you're on Instagram checking out Sam's work at @samowenhull make sure you follow Feeling Stitchy! We'd love for you to stop by and say hello. You can find Feeling Stitchy on Instagram at the handle @feelingstitchyish. You can find Amy at @randomactsofamy on Instagram.

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2016/07/friday-instagram-finds-no-63-featuring.html

Happy Friday, boy do I have a treat for you today! On today's Friday Instagram Finds we take a look at @samowenhull and her Instagram account. I love everything about Sam's Instagram feed! Her mixed media hoops are creative and vibrant, and you can see where she gets her inspiration in nature with interesting close up photos. Here are some of my favorites from her Instagram feed. Sam used #feelingstitchyig, and I am so glad she did so I could discover her fun and creative work.

While you're on Instagram checking out Sam's work at @samowenhull make sure you follow Feeling Stitchy! We'd love for you to stop by and say hello. You can find Feeling Stitchy on Instagram at the handle @feelingstitchyish. You can find Amy at @randomactsofamy on Instagram.

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2016/07/friday-instagram-finds-no-63-featuring.html

There is something oddly wonderful about this embroidery kit by Odd Ana Stitch on Etsy. I love all the hand-drawn elements of this pattern, and all the extras included in the kit, like a beginner's guide to embroidery, floss, and a beautiful illustrated color guide.

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2016/07/wonderful-wednesday-11-odd-ana-stitch.html

Louise Saxton has an expert eye for antique embroidery and lace. Her artistic practice is centred around reclaiming vintage needlework to produce contemporary, textile collages and sculptures. Louise Saxton talks about the appeal of embroidery: 'Needlework is an ancient art form, beautiful as well as practical, and whether simple or complex in design it is painstakingly constructed.'



Saxton predominantly uses pins to fix the textiles and fabricate her collages and with this technique she can achieve a textile relief. This technique also echoes the traditional handwork experience and the labour involved.


Undertaking residencies in Mexico and Malaysia has broadened her insight into local artisan technique, influenced her work and also helped in increasing her great collection of needlework.


Saxton regards her artistic process as a 'silent collaboration with the anonymous original makers'. This transformation of forgotten and discarded textiles is integral to her work as it returns importance and value to the craft of needlework and showcases these precious pieces of handwork. Saxton elaborates: 'Historically, handmade embroidery and lace were as economically valuable as gold and silver... Needlework is cross-cultural, but sadly in most parts of the world today, it is in danger of disappearing.' Promoting traditional needlework and textiles within her work helps to protect the art form.

To find out more about her work and upcoming exhibitions look here.

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2016/07/stitchy-snippets-antique-textiles.html

Louise Saxton has an expert eye for antique embroidery and lace. Her artistic practice is centred around reclaiming vintage needlework to produce contemporary, textile collages and sculptures. Louise Saxton talks about the appeal of embroidery: 'Needlework is an ancient art form, beautiful as well as practical, and whether simple or complex in design it is painstakingly constructed.'



Saxton predominantly uses pins to fix the textiles and fabricate her collages and with this technique she can achieve a textile relief. This technique also echoes the traditional handwork experience and the labour involved.


Undertaking residencies in Mexico and Malaysia has broadened her insight into local artisan technique, influenced her work and also helped in increasing her great collection of needlework.


Saxton regards her artistic process as a 'silent collaboration with the anonymous original makers'. This transformation of forgotten and discarded textiles is integral to her work as it returns importance and value to the craft of needlework and showcases these precious pieces of handwork. Saxton elaborates: 'Historically, handmade embroidery and lace were as economically valuable as gold and silver... Needlework is cross-cultural, but sadly in most parts of the world today, it is in danger of disappearing.' Promoting traditional needlework and textiles within her work helps to protect the art form.

To find out more about her work and upcoming exhibitions look here.

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2016/07/stitchy-snippets-antique-textiles.html

Louise Saxton has an expert eye for antique embroidery and lace. Her artistic practice is centred around reclaiming vintage needlework to produce contemporary, textile collages and sculptures. Louise Saxton talks about the appeal of embroidery: 'Needlework is an ancient art form, beautiful as well as practical, and whether simple or complex in design it is painstakingly constructed.'



Saxton predominantly uses pins to fix the textiles and fabricate her collages and with this technique she can achieve a textile relief. This technique also echoes the traditional handwork experience and the labour involved.


Undertaking residencies in Mexico and Malaysia has broadened her insight into local artisan technique, influenced her work and also helped in increasing her great collection of needlework.


Saxton regards her artistic process as a 'silent collaboration with the anonymous original makers'. This transformation of forgotten and discarded textiles is integral to her work as it returns importance and value to the craft of needlework and showcases these precious pieces of handwork. Saxton elaborates: 'Historically, handmade embroidery and lace were as economically valuable as gold and silver... Needlework is cross-cultural, but sadly in most parts of the world today, it is in danger of disappearing.' Promoting traditional needlework and textiles within her work helps to protect the art form.

To find out more about her work and upcoming exhibitions look here.

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2016/07/stitchy-snippets-antique-textiles.html

Happy Friday, stitchy fans! On today's Friday Instagram Finds we take a look at @rubysewoh and her Instagram account. Danielle creates beautiful hand embroidery on gorgeous, printed fabric. She also sews and is in the process of creating a gorgeous Liberty hexie quilt. Here are some of my favorites from her Instagram feed. Danielle used #feelingstitchyig, and I'm glad she did so I could discover her fun and creative work.

While you're on Instagram checking out Danielle's work at @rubysewoh make sure you follow Feeling Stitchy! We'd love for you to stop by and say hello. You can find Feeling Stitchy on Instagram at the handle @feelingstitchyish. You can find Amy at @randomactsofamy on Instagram.

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2016/07/friday-instagram-finds-no-62-featuring.html

Happy Friday, stitchy fans! On today's Friday Instagram Finds we take a look at @rubysewoh and her Instagram account. Danielle creates beautiful hand embroidery on gorgeous, printed fabric. She also sews and is in the process of creating a gorgeous Liberty hexie quilt. Here are some of my favorites from her Instagram feed. Danielle used #feelingstitchyig, and I'm glad she did so I could discover her fun and creative work.

While you're on Instagram checking out Danielle's work at @rubysewoh make sure you follow Feeling Stitchy! We'd love for you to stop by and say hello. You can find Feeling Stitchy on Instagram at the handle @feelingstitchyish. You can find Amy at @randomactsofamy on Instagram.

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2016/07/friday-instagram-finds-no-62-featuring.html

Happy Friday, stitchy fans! On today's Friday Instagram Finds we take a look at @rubysewoh and her Instagram account. Danielle creates beautiful hand embroidery on gorgeous, printed fabric. She also sews and is in the process of creating a gorgeous Liberty hexie quilt. Here are some of my favorites from her Instagram feed. Danielle used #feelingstitchyig, and I'm glad she did so I could discover her fun and creative work.

While you're on Instagram checking out Danielle's work at @rubysewoh make sure you follow Feeling Stitchy! We'd love for you to stop by and say hello. You can find Feeling Stitchy on Instagram at the handle @feelingstitchyish. You can find Amy at @randomactsofamy on Instagram.

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2016/07/friday-instagram-finds-no-62-featuring.html

We have a winner for this beautiful kit in the Jessica Taylor Made giveaway!


The winner, who will receive the lovely Black Star tapestry kit is:

rose • 2 days ago

I like gold star the best.

And, if you are curious as to which kit was our reader's favorite....

Here are the results of the "vote" :)
Gold Star - 1st place
Black Star - 2nd place
Coral Sun + Pink Diamond - 3rd place tie

Personally, I found it very hard to pick a favorite, but I am very drawn to the bold colors in Pink Diamond. Thank you once again to Jessica, for making this giveaway possible. If you haven't already, be sure to check out her lovely shop, Jessica Taylor Made. And thanks to all of our readers for taking part!

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2016/07/winner-in-jessica-taylor-made-giveaway.html

We have a winner for this beautiful kit in the Jessica Taylor Made giveaway!


The winner, who will receive the lovely Black Star tapestry kit is:

rose • 2 days ago

I like gold star the best.

And, if you are curious as to which kit was our reader's favorite....

Here are the results of the "vote" :)
Gold Star - 1st place
Black Star - 2nd place
Coral Sun + Pink Diamond - 3rd place tie

Personally, I found it very hard to pick a favorite, but I am very drawn to the bold colors in Pink Diamond. Thank you once again to Jessica, for making this giveaway possible. If you haven't already, be sure to check out her lovely shop, Jessica Taylor Made. And thanks to all of our readers for taking part!

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2016/07/winner-in-jessica-taylor-made-giveaway.html

I absolutely love the wooly texture in this beautiful Folk Garden PDF Pattern - but I'm sure it would look equally lovely stitched up in DMC floss - the pattern includes color options for DMC, Appleton crewel wool, and Renaissance crewel wool.

It's hard to believe there are only 8 stitches used in this piece - it is so beautifully and delicately stitched, one would think it was far more!

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2016/07/wonderful-wednesday-10-noble-thread.html

TGIF! On today's Friday Instagram Finds we take a look at @nerdsandneedles and her Instagram account. Redd creates fun pop culture-inspired embroidery and cross stitch projects. I especially love her Doctor Who applique hoop series! Here are some of my favorites from her Instagram feed. Redd used #feelingstitchyig, and I'm glad she did so I could discover her fun and creative work.

While you're on Instagram checking out Redd's work at @nerdsandneedles make sure you follow Feeling Stitchy! We'd love for you to stop by and say hello. You can find Feeling Stitchy on Instagram at the handle @feelingstitchyish. You can find Amy @randomactsofamy on Instagram.

@nerdsandneedles

I love how fun the Eleventh Doctor is. His childlike wonder always makes me happy. What are you working on tonight? #mattsmith #eleventhdoctor #appliqu'e #doctorwho #blanketstitch #applique

A photo posted by Redd - Nerds & Needles (@nerdsandneedles) on Jul 2, 2016 at 4:58pm PDT

I love this picture by @gethammereddesigns of her Nerds & Needles collection! My custom queue is empty right now and come August I stop taking customs again until mid-September. Treat yo self! #treatyoself #napoleondynamite #allonsy #doctorwho #dontletyourdreamsbedreams #floralembroidery #llamas #customwork

A photo posted by Redd - Nerds & Needles (@nerdsandneedles) on Jul 12, 2016 at 6:29am PDT

On Wednesdays we stitch Potter! As per usual, my #wipwednesday is the #cloudsfactoryharrypotterpillowsamplersal! I haven't gotten to work on her too much today though. Show me what you're working on @stitchculture @bloomthreads & @cross_floss! What are you working on today? #harrypotter #ronweasley #hermionegranger #hufflepuff

A photo posted by Redd - Nerds & Needles (@nerdsandneedles) on Jun 29, 2016 at 2:31pm PDT

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2016/07/friday-instagram-finds-no-61-featuring.html

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Jessica from Jessica Taylor Made. Her bold, geometric tapestry kits look like a joy to stitch. Read on to learn more about Jessica and stay tuned to the end of this post for a special giveaway of one of Jessica's kits!


What inspired you to do tapestry?

It is not what inspired me but rather who... my Grandmother bought my first tapestry kit at the age of 7 and taught me how to stitch, we used to sit together for hours on end stitching. I looked up to her talent and loved her enormous sofa covered with her beautiful cushion creations. As I grew with confidence I would pick up her more complicated tapestry and complete a section, later being proud that it was a joint effort. Over the years I have tried embroidery, cross stitch and long stitch but always come back to my real passion, tapestry.



Can you recall your first tapestry piece?

My first kit was a small swan design and I was so delighted when I completed it and my Grandmother helped me to finish it and put in a frame. I only wish I still had it or could find the original kit to buy again so I can teach my daughter when she is old enough.


Why did you start designing your own kits?

I became a mother to a gorgeous, squidgy daughter recently and it seemed like the best time to set up something for myself which I really enjoy doing and will always have time for. The main aim of JessicaTaylorMade was to design modern and appealing creations for the more discerning. I could not find kit designs on the market to satisfy my passion and was bored of the dull floral or animal tapestries available. I am fed up of stitching numerous kits and not wanting to display them or even give them to friends and family as gifts!



What influences your designs?

I am quite addicted to using shapes and lines to create pattern. I like order and combining simple shapes to create an overall beautiful form. I have been influenced by numerous trips to Morocco and Turkey where there are such beautiful patterns everywhere: pavements, columns, mosques and palaces. I have taken inspiration from these and simplified them to create my tapestry designs. I am strongly attracted to bright colours which is part of my heritage, being half Nigerian and having my Grandmother's influence. She would wear traditional, brightly coloured Nigerian dress everyday despite the cold British weather.



Do you exhibit your work, have a shop, or sell your work in any way?

I launched my website (http://www.jessicataylormade.co.uk/) as my main point of sale in April this year, after just having my Facebook page and doing bespoke commissions for people who contacted. I built the website myself from scratch which I am pleased with as being technical with computers in not my strength. I have attended many markets, mainly in London and now more locally to Marlborough where I live.



Do you do your work in a studio or special place? Do you think your surroundings are important to your process?

I have a few places I love to stitch, mainly somewhere snuggly and warm with good light. I do think tapestry stitching is quite seasonal and I find I do a lot more in the winter months curled up on my leather chair with a glass of wine. Or on a leather chair at my local pub with a roaring fire. Stitching on holiday in the sunshine al fresco is often just as relaxing if not more so than getting into a good book. Your surroundings are important, it needs to be peaceful with few distractions, a place where you can switch off and give stitching 90% of your attention, the other 10% on the TV, your husband or glass of wine.


What do you think is the best way to learn tapestry?

I would say just start, don’t choose a kit that is too complicated and select one with a coloured canvas to give you more of a guide. I know people who were terrified because the canvas is large, but stitching is supposed to be a slow progressive hobby and so it may take months to finish. But the sense of pride and achievement once it is completed is amazing. The feeling when someone comes to your home and asks where you bought your cushions and you say actually I made it, is like no other.

I have designed my kits to be simple to stitch and can be ideal for complete beginners with few colours and simple shapes, all straight lines! I include in depth instructions which you can take step by step and as long as you start in the middle and work your way out the outcome will be lovely I’m sure! Think of it as an adult paint by numbers combined with dot to dot and be brave! I am always happy to help at the other end of the phone or email if you get stuck!


Thank you Jessica, for your letting us all get to know you better! Jessica would like to celebrate the launch of her new store with a special giveaway!

One lucky Feeling Stitchy reader will receive the gorgeous Black Star Tapestry kit below:


To enter the giveaway, Jessica would like you to view her shop and tell us which of her 6 designs is your favorite. Leave your comment here by 9 PM US CST on Monday, July 18. We'll choose one random winner and announce it soon after. Thanks, Jessica, and good luck to our readers!

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2016/07/jessica-taylor-made-interview-and.html

From time to time, I love to check on Miniature Rhino and see what lovely work she is up to - like this beautiful bold Ampersand pattern on Etsy. I love the variety of stitches and bright colors in this wonderful piece. I bet you could do a fascinating version of this in black and white as well.

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2016/07/wonderful-wednesday-9-miniature-rhino.html

Undulating, organic sculptures are masterfully crafted by artist and designer Rowan Mersh. Each element of his sculptures is individually positioned and fixed.



The elements and structure of the chosen materials are explored to maximum effect. Mersh creates stunning textural art works using an assortment of media from leather and fabric to walnut shells and seashells.


The textures hold so much depth that they resemble nature perfectly such as ruffled feathers, knots in oak, tousled fur and sea creatures' swirling tentacles. The realistic quality of Mersh's works of art and attention to detail is inspirational.

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2016/07/texture.html

Hello! On today's Friday Instagram Finds we take a look at @missminimanna and her Instagram account. Sam creates fun embroidery projects, many of them stitched onto felt designs. I especially love her summertime brooches, the pineapple in particular! Sam's feed is so bright and cheerful, and her photos are beautifully styled and staged. Here are some of my favorites from her Instagram feed. Sam used #feelingstitchyig, and I'm glad she did so I could discover her beautiful work.

While you're on Instagram checking out Sam's work at @missminimanna make sure you follow Feeling Stitchy! We'd love for you to stop by and say hello. You can find Feeling Stitchy on Instagram at the handle @feelingstitchyish. You can find Amy @randomactsofamy on Instagram.

@missminimanna

Does anyone else sometimes find IG removes captions & tags? Grrr! Today's stitching is sunny!

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2016/07/friday-instagram-finds-no-60-with-miss.html

Hello! On today's Friday Instagram Finds we take a look at @missminimanna and her Instagram account. Sam creates fun embroidery projects, many of them stitched onto felt designs. I especially love her summertime brooches, the pineapple in particular! Sam's feed is so bright and cheerful, and her photos are beautifully styled and staged. Here are some of my favorites from her Instagram feed. Sam used #feelingstitchyig, and I'm glad she did so I could discover her beautiful work.

While you're on Instagram checking out Sam's work at @missminimanna make sure you follow Feeling Stitchy! We'd love for you to stop by and say hello. You can find Feeling Stitchy on Instagram at the handle @feelingstitchyish. You can find Amy @randomactsofamy on Instagram.

@missminimanna

Does anyone else sometimes find IG removes captions & tags? Grrr! Today's stitching is sunny!

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2016/07/friday-instagram-finds-no-60-with-miss.html

Hello! On today's Friday Instagram Finds we take a look at @missminimanna and her Instagram account. Sam creates fun embroidery projects, many of them stitched onto felt designs. I especially love her summertime brooches, the pineapple in particular! Sam's feed is so bright and cheerful, and her photos are beautifully styled and staged. Here are some of my favorites from her Instagram feed. Sam used #feelingstitchyig, and I'm glad she did so I could discover her beautiful work.

While you're on Instagram checking out Sam's work at @missminimanna make sure you follow Feeling Stitchy! We'd love for you to stop by and say hello. You can find Feeling Stitchy on Instagram at the handle @feelingstitchyish. You can find Amy @randomactsofamy on Instagram.

@missminimanna

Does anyone else sometimes find IG removes captions & tags? Grrr! Today's stitching is sunny!

http://www.feelingstitchy.com/2016/07/friday-instagram-finds-no-60-with-miss.html