
In the process of making the curtains, I fell in love with the ease of applique via fusible web. I wanted another project that combined applique and embroidery, so I settled on this lovely clock. Isn't it incredible?
Well, I was still such a novice at all this that I traced the embroidery pattern on my linen background in black ink. When I started embroidering the numbers, I used all 6 strands of embroidery floss - completely unaware of the option for separating them! So, this is how my numbers came out...

Sad, I know.
I completed the remaining embroidery on the piece with separated embroidery floss strands (thanks, Trudi), but then I lost my motivation. This project sat around abandoned until just recently. With fresh eyes, I could see that I would never like the look of those numbers. But since I'd already purchased all of the materials for completing the clock and since the rest of the work looked nice, I decided to rip out the original numbers and replace them like this:

That works, don't you think? It hides the ink anyways!
Today I appliqued the leaves on my tree, and now it's starting to look pretty, I think. Yeah! I used two shades of shot cotton from my Tiny Patchwork Shower Curtain and Henna Garden in Leaf.

Now I just need to put in the fun little details like the owl, bird, mushrooms and flowers. I'm so glad this little project was rescued. My sewing room/dining room really needs a clock!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

That looks really nice. The new numbers turned out fantastic. I'm glad you were able to rescue this project.
ReplyDeleteCute! Yes, your second version of numbers are just right.
ReplyDeleteI love it! It is going to look so great once it's all done! Good for you for "rescuing" it!
ReplyDeleteWOW! That is so adorable! Ambitious, yes... but It will definitely be worth it! Looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteVery nice! That clock is going to be super cute! I recently posted about my first big embroidery project, which took me over a year to complete as well. ;)
ReplyDeletehttp://madmaxmama.blogspot.com/2011/01/embroidery.html
This is gorgeous!! I absolutely love it! I did my first embroidery on a quilt I made as a Christmas gift, and I really liked having something small to work on in the evenings. I just might need to pick up this pattern for a future project :)
ReplyDeleteI love the look of your numbers- they are neat without being too sterile; too perfect and they look machined, too messy and they look like a toddler did it. I have the book too and think you've interpreted it uniquely and beautifully. Well done!
ReplyDeleteRachel that is so beautiful! I really want to start doing some embroidery. I have the desire, now I just need the time and the skill.
ReplyDeleteThanks, this is SO encouraging! I realize that the numbers didn't come out perfectly, so it's nice to be reminded that that's a good thing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a charming little clock! I love it! Way to go you, for making it work :) Off to find a copy of that book...
ReplyDeleteI'm digging out old projects too.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI too, just recently learned not to use all 6 strands - and I love the way your second set of numbers look!
Michelle
What a lovely clock! I checked that book out from the library, but don't remember that project...maybe I should try it again?
ReplyDeleteThat clock looks lovely - I would never have thought of doing a clock - but now the ideas are bubbling away!!
ReplyDeleteWow! Looks lovely!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, that's beautiful, can't wait to see it finished
ReplyDeleteI like the way you did the numbers even better! I did this same project, but as a hanging hoop -- no numbers! It's a fun project, one of my favorites for sure!
ReplyDeleteIt's fabulous, I love it, and a perfect addition to a *sewing* room!
ReplyDeleteThat is turning out so cute. I love that you stuck with it...such an inspiration to get back on some of those long forgotten projects of mine.
ReplyDeleteperfect for a sewing room! I hope you get around to finishing it.
ReplyDeleteYour clock piece is looking really lovely. What a fun and unusual project
ReplyDelete