Hand Stitch the World with Stencils

Maria popping in here today for TWO reasons....

One, I wanted to show you what I made with the July StencilClub designs, The Sky's the Limit designed by Mary C. Nasser and two I wanted to remind you that tomorrow is a BIG day at StencilGirl!

Let's start with my project....

When I first saw the 9" x 12" stencil I immediately thought stitching lines. All those constellations just were calling out to me to stitch and that is what I did. Here is a little process:

My thoughts were/are that this will turn into a round pillow. I used a dinner plate to trace a 12" circle onto fabric using a Fons & Porter chalk pencil. I love this pencil when working on fabric. As you can see, it left a very light line on this fabric and that was exactly what I wanted. Next up was to trace the stencil, I decided to only do the northern hemisphere as the other two designs I used in some Art Journal layouts I'll be showing soon. I decided to add in images from two other of Mary's stencils--

It's a Small World Longitude and Round Here Arrows Mini

For this I used a Pilot Point Frixion pen. I also love these for drawing designs to hand embroider. After I am done with my project, I can iron the back and the heat automatically makes the design go away.

Here are a few close-ups during the stitching process and how the pen looks on the material.

It was really an easy project. Just some simple stitches: back stitch, stem stitch, french knots and a filling stitch. The hard part for me is what to do with it next. Of course I want it to become a pillow and already have the pillow form, but actually making that come into reality may still take me a bit. One thing you can bet on, this will be sent off to my friend Mary at some point :)

So...what was that other thing I wanted to talk about today???! 

Tomorrow is Mary Beth's Birthday!

We are going to celebrate!

Here is a little sneak peek!

Hope to see you there!