Friday, March 28, 2014

French knots and metallic threads!

French knots....you either love 'em or hate 'em. 

I'm one of those strange creatures who actually likes doing french knots ...weird I know. But french knots with metallic threads is a different story. Metallic thread just does not behave properly when I'm doing those little knots. And I have to confess that this time, I CHOSE to do the french knots in metallic threads....yeah, they weren't in the chart....I decided to do them...told you I was weird! lol.

Here's the design I'm talking about.....


The design is by the lovely and very talented Joan Elliott. The chart actually calls for beads but I didn't think the beads looked right when I started attaching them....so,  it was a case of looking out some metallic threads and biting the proverbial bullet and getting stuck into doing a few dozen of those misery causing french knots. The result was well worth the effort though....



The sparkle on the french knots doesn't really show up well on the photographs...


...at least the purple thread sparkles a bit. 

Anyone else like doing french knots? How do you feel about doing them with metallic threads.....let me know! We could start a group for all those crazies who actually like french knots! :)

Now to make the stitching into...ummm...something! ;)

Until next time...happy stitching  (including those pesky french knots!!!)

Rhona



20 comments:

Mii Stitch said...

Sweet design and lovely stitching! I'm not too bothered with French knots but I'm not too keen on metallic thread!!!

cucki said...

Beautiful...so cute
Hugs x

Keebles said...

You definitely have my praise! I absolutely HATE french knots! I have always beaded instead when a pattern called for knots. I don't hate the metallic thread, but I don't like it and I can't even imagine trying to do french knots with it!

Lisa said...

Love this design, the wording is so cute.

Jenilee said...

I actually really like french knots, which is good because I had to do over 1200 of them on my Beauty and the Beast piece. However, I HATE metallic threads. I don't like to do regular cross stitch or back stitch with them, and I can imagine the french knots were a nightmare. But like you said, it looks like it was worth it! Super cute piece, and I think the french knots look wonderful :)

Shebafudge said...

Rhona...I love you, I love your stitching but loving french knots is just plain weird! However, I must concede it looks absolutely beautiful but I most definitely NOT going to do any french knots in metallics!!

Ann C. said...

I'm one of those stitchers who HATES french knots, I use beads every time. The french knots in metallic threads gives your project that little bit more sparkle. Your project is beautiful!!
Happy Stitching!!

Shannon said...

That is so pretty! Love the French knots change you made, they can add so much texture to a piece. Although I do love beads...I am an either or person I think!

Blu said...

Congrats on a lovely finish!
I don't mind French Knots but if I have a suitable bead then I usually bead. I don't ever plan to try French Knots with metallics though! That is way too much trouble ;)

butterfly said...

I don't mind french knots or back stitch .
But hate stitching with sparkle thread hate the feel of it.
Your stitching looks great and you have done a fab job.

Caitlin @ Naughts Cross Stitches said...

Gorgeous design. I like French knots too :-D

Michele said...

It's absolutely sweet! And good for you...I'm glad someone can tolerate those pesky french knots. Some one has to love them...the deserve it...lol

Miss LindaLee said...

I've never minded doing the French knots, but have never tried them with the metallic threads. The first thing I thought of when you mentioned it, was how badly knotted they would get before the knot itself was finished. I'm going to remember this blog as you did a fantastic job and the metallic French knots are beautiful. Thank you so much for showing us.

Stitching Noni said...

Wow, your french knots in metallic thread look great! ;o)
I don't mind doing french knots... generally I don't really have a problem with them but I must confess that I think I would definitely shy away from them in metallic.... I think I would end up in a knot rather have a beautiful french knot!!
Well done you! It is a lovely design and it looks gorgeous with it's bling :o)

Wendy said...

I used to hate french knots, then I learnt the trick of putting the tip of your needle where you want the knot to go and now I love them! I've never tried them in metallic thread though... Your piece is beautiful, such a subtle shimmer to it.

Helen Philipps said...

I like french knots, and use them a lot in my designs. I find it harder to make them with metallic thread, but just have to be more careful not to let the thread slip, and to use shorter lengths.
Your new design looks gorgeous, Rhona!
Helen xox

Valma said...

wow ! what a mix ! what a challenge :)
French knots with metallic threads...incredibly crazy :)
but so well done here
Joan Elliott creates such lovely designs, you stitched this one perfectly, it is very sweet
xxxx

Faith... said...

Your finish looks gorgeous!

♥ Nia said...

Such a beautiful work!! Looks gorgeous :)
I do like French knots, more than I like metallic threads :p lol it's a pretty result in the end but so tricky to stitch!
Love your work! Congrats :)

Raven/Missy said...

I don't mind French knots, though it has been a very long time since I've done them in metallics and I can't remember if I hated them or not.

Your finish looks great!