Australian Homespun - February 2016_

the ends of the shorter Light Coral (352)

quills. Scatter layered or single sequins

over the rest of the quills as shown in

the photographs. Attach them all with

seed beads as described in Step 9.

Finishing

16

Glue the squares of polar fl eece

or batting to the front of the

canvases to pad the embroidery.

Allow them to dry thoroughly.

17

Press the fabric carefully around

the edges of the designs, being

careful not to melt the sequins.

18

Lay the fabric over a padded

canvas with the design straight

and centred. Lightly pin it to the

padding to keep it in place.

19

Turn the canvas over and staple

the fabric to the timber at the

back as follows. Working outwards from

the centre, staple along opposite sides

fi rst, keeping a fi rm and even tension

on the fabric as you go. Fold the corners

in neatly and consistently and staple

the fabric to the other two sides of the

frame in the same way.

20

Trim the surplus fabric level with

the inner edge of the timber

frame at the back and glue lengths of

grosgrain ribbon over the frame to cover

the staples and neaten the back.

For contact details for Heleen Webb,

of Ruby in the Dust, turn to Stockists

at the back of the magazine.

STITCHERY GUIDE

Design area DMC thread Stitch

Outline Very Light Avocado Green (471) Chain stitch

Forehead Light Topaz (726) Backstitch

Feathers Light Coral (352) Open detached chain stitch

Beak outline Violet (553) Split stitch

Beak fi lling Violet (553) Satin stitch

Feet Violet (553) Bullion stitch

Crown Violet (553) Straight stitch and French knots

Longer feather quills Light Coral (352) Backstitch

Shorter feather quills Light Topaz (726) Backstitch

Owl

Peacock

HELEEN’S

BULLION STITCH

TIPS Use a large milliner’s

(straw) needle to work the

bullion stitch for the owl’s feet.

It’s a straight needle with a

small eye, which makes it easier

to pull the thread through the

wraps without distorting them.

If you wrap the thread around

the needle a few too many times

for the length of the stitch, you

can create a slightly raised,

curved bullion stitch that works

well for the feet.

108 Homespun

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