12 Cut the cord in half and starting from the left side of the bag, thread one piece of cord through the front casing and then the back casing. Repeat with the other piece of cord but start from the right side (Fig 3). Finish by tying a knot in the end of each pair of cords so they cannot pull out of the casing when the bag is in use.
Tip
Using a large safety pin will help you thread the cord through the casing easily. Place the safety pin into the end of the cord and feed the safety pin into and along the casing. Remove the pin and repeat for the other length of cord.
Working the stitchery
Use the information in the panel below to work the stitcheries on the bag, needle case and scissor keeper. Transfer the stitchery designs on to the right side of the fabric you have chosen for the stitchery background, ensuring that there is plenty of space between each of the designs to cut apart once the stitching has been completed. Once all embroidery is complete press carefully.
I used Cosmo threads but DMC equivalent codes have been suggested below. Two strands of thread were used, unless otherwise stated. See Embroidery Stitches in the Techniques section for how to work the stitches. The stitches used were (abbreviations in brackets): backstitch (BS), blanket stitch (BKS), French knot (FK), lazy daisy (LD), running stitch (RS) and satin stitch (SS). If you want to add names or wording of your own use backstitch. An alphabet template is provided in the Template section.
Stitchery Threads
• Ginger (DMC 3031)
Outline wheelbarrow (BS)
Hollyhock stems (BS)
Line under house (BS)
Window frames (BS)
Date (BS)
• Salmon pink (DMC 224)
Hollyhocks, left side (BKS)
Dots on flowers on hill (FK)
Centre dots in right-hand hollyhock (FK)
• Dirty mauve (DMC 317)
Dots and name on scissor holder (FK & BS)
Name on needle case (BS)
Dashed lines on outer borders (RS)
• Black (DMC 310)
Line above wheelbarrow (BS)
Bird legs and beaks (BS)
Bird eyes (FK)
Line above bird on scissor holder (BS)
Scrolls below heart on watering can (BS)
Dashed line under wheelbarrow (RS)
• Aged red (DMC 221)
Birds (BS)
All hearts (SS)
Hollyhock closest to house (BKS)
Dots either side of name (FK)
Centre dots on left-hand hollyhock (FK)
Dashed line under top line of garden (RS)
• Moss green (DMC 730)
Watering can (BS)
Hollyhock leaves (BS & RS)
Leaves on hill (LD)
Daisy stems (BS)
Daisy leaves (LD)
Grey (DMC 646)
Daisy centres (FK)
Smoke (BS)
Alphabet, single strand (BS)
• Petrol blue (DMC 924)
Daisies (LD)
Chimney (BS)
Hollyhock Needle Case
This delightful needle case is not only decorative but is certain to be well used, with a felt needle holder and small pockets for holding various sewing accessories.
You will need…
• Dark brown print for case outer 8in × 12in (20.3cm × 30.5cm)
• Brown floral print for lining 8in × 12in (20.3cm × 30.5cm)
• Cream textured print for stitchery 6in × 10in (15.2cm × 25.4cm)
• Tan check for inner pocket 6in × 10in (15.2cm × 25.4cm)
• Two strips of brown floral 1in × 101⁄2in (2.5cm × 26.7cm) for ties
• Dark brown floral for binding 11⁄4in (3.2cm) wide × area around case
• Scraps of blue, brown and dark brown floral and blue check
• Ginger wool for roof and needle holder 41⁄2in (11.4cm) square
• Double-sided iron-on interfacing 8in × 12in (20.3cm × 30.5cm)
• Stranded embroidery cotton (floss): ginger, salmon pink, dirty mauve, black, aged red, moss green, grey and petrol blue (I used Cosmo threads but DMC equivalents are suggested in the instructions)
• Fusible web
• Fine-tipped fabric marking pen in brown
• Fusible stabilizer (optional)
• Light box (optional)
• Tacking (basting) glue (optional)
Finished size:
43⁄4in × 61⁄2in (6.5cm × 12cm)
Working stitchery and appliqué
1 Use the relevant templates given in Templates at the back of the book. Follow the instructions in the Hollyhock Cottage Bag project to create the appliqué (steps 1–4) and work the stitchery for the exterior and interior of the case. The wheelbarrow on the inside of the case is embroidered in the same way as the wheelbarrow on the outside, with space to add wording of your choice. Gently press your work.
Making the case
2 Trim the stitchery to 41⁄2in × 6in (11.4cm × 15.2cm). Turn the edges under, tack (baste) in place and press gently. Trim the interior stitchery to 23⁄4in × 43⁄4in (7cm × 12cm). Turn the edges under, tack in place and press gently. Place aside for later.
3 From dark brown print cut a piece 61⁄2in × 91⁄2in (16.5cm × 24.1cm) for the case outer. From brown floral print cut a piece 61⁄2in × 91⁄2in