fi gure 4
fi gure 3
- Create spiral and looped designs with additional yarns in a
variety of weights. The yarns should overlap one another
and the silk ribbon in places, creating open spaces and
intersections. Pin these yarns in place. Couch the yarns
down with contrasting perle cotton threads or embroidery
fl oss. (fi gure 3)
TIP: If you fi nd it diffi cult to stitch with multiple layers of yarn pinned
in place, photograph the design and then unpin some of the yarns.
Reference the photo for re-positioning the layers as you stitch. - Once all the yarns are couched, add decorative stitches in
and around the shapes formed by the ribbon and yarns. I
like to use French knots, seed stitch, cross stitch, needle
weaving (also known as surface darning), and running
stitch. (fi gure 4)
NOTE: Before adding the decorative stitching, I sometimes
trim the wool foundation fabric at the fl ap end of the pouch
to follow the curves of the attached ribbon or yarns. I leave
the sheers uncut to provide texture and secure them with a
running stitch.
- Fold and pin the pouch (approximately in thirds) to
determine the placement of the shell embellishment and
the closure. Attach the shell using a stem stitch net. Start
by stitching a series of parallel straight stitches across the
shell to anchor it. Stitch 2–3 perpendicular rows of stem
stitch, catching the straight stitches where they intersect.
Make sure the stitches are taut against the shell, holding it
securely in place. (fi gure 5)
Create a loop-and-bead closure
The closure is comprised of a loop on the fl ap and a bead
dangle on the body of the pouch. It should be positioned
where it is visually balanced, not necessarily in the middle of
the pouch.
- Mark the approximate placement of the loop closure on
the edge of the fl ap with a pin. Mark the location of the
dangle on the body of the pouch. - To create the bead dangle, thread a needle with #8 perle
cotton and bring to the front at the marked spot. Thread
it through a #6 seed bead, the focal bead, and a second #
seed bead. Skip the second seed bead and go back through
the focal bead and the fi rst seed bead (fi gure 6) and back
into the fabric, leaving ½ " exposed thread as part of the
dangle. Repeat, this time stopping before stitching through
the pouch. Work buttonhole stitch covering the exposed
threads to create a buttonhole bar. (fi gure 7) When you
reach the stitched surface of the pouch, bring the needle to
the back side and anchor the thread with a knot.
fi gure 5