Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

I am having so much fun with my dabble into wool appliqué!  I think my little snowman came out great and I can't wait to embroider his little face and otherwise finish up this project.  I downloaded a slew of free rug mat patterns from Shabby Fabric this weekend and am excited to make some additional projects with wool.  

It's been a busy few days, with no let-up in sight, but I managed to fit in a few hours of sewing.  I am listening to a fantastic audiobook by Diane Chamberlain called The Dream Daughter while I sew.  It has a complicated plot, and I will share it with you in a review in the New Year.  This is such a good book!

Our son Ahren arrived from Ireland and is so happy to be home.  We are enjoying every minute while we are together.  I found fresh Dungeness crab at the market, so we had a seasonal feast over the weekend.  If you have ever had Dungeness crab, you know what I am talking about.

I have a hand stitchery question for those of you who do wool appliqué.  Do you use the blanket stitch around all your little pieces?  Or do you use the whip stitch?  I am flying blind here, and wasn't sure which way to go.  My blanket stitch looks pretty good, but I was wondering if the whip stitch was the more common way to go.

Hope you are all enjoying the days up until Christmas, and Happy Hanukkah to those of you who celebrate the Festival of Lights.

Comments

[Karen]

I usually use blanket stitch however if I'm going to do a lot of stitchery on a piece I'll whip stitch as it is less busy.

[gailss1]

Cute Snowman and right proper for your mug matt....enjoy your sons visit and "Happy Holidays"

[Vikki W]

I think it depends on the look you are going for. Whip stitching uses less thread and gives a more primitive look to a project. I prefer the blanket stitch, but remember Nicole--there are no stitching police. It's your project, experiment, do what you feel comfortable with, and have a heck of a lot of fun! Merry Christmas!

[Gwen]

I use the blanket stitch mostly now even on the small pieces but started out with the whip stitch. As you progress, you will know what look you like best. Your snowman looks awesome so far.

[Jan]

Cute snowman! I don't have a lot of wool stitching experience, but many who do seem to favor the blanket stitch. Personally, I like the look & there are no quilt police so do what makes you happy!

[Linda Kay Smith]

I haven't done wool applique in a while but I usually use a blanket stitch. You should use whatever stitch you think looks good. Have fun.

[Ina]

Really adorable!

[Sandie]

My personal preference for wool appliqué is the blanket stitch. Your candle mat looks really cute!

[Becky]

So cute! I think the blanket stitch is more common but either is nice so it’s really just what compliments your piece the best. Your stitching looks great.

[Betty]

I use blanket stitch on larger pieces but for really little pieces, i prefer the little whip stitch. It looks neater to me.

[Kristie L Midgley]

Love how your mat turned out - and welcome to the world of wool appliqué! I’m addicted ;)

I typically do blanket stitch for most pieces and adjust the thread weight to match the size of the piece. Valdani #12 is my go to thread size, but I’ve even used a single strand of floss if the piece is very small. I like having a finished edge around the wool. For thin stems, I do a cross stitch.

Merry Christmas!

[Jennifer in Indy]

Your snowman is great! I don’t do much wool embroidery, but usually blanket stitch when I do..it is usually what is called for in the pattern and I am the type who usually follows directions :)