Brickstitch Pouch

• Aida 32 count even weave linen
• 100% Merino Wool 2/24 from Ursula’ Alcove (admiral, saffron,cardinal,white)   http://www.etsy.com/shop/ursulasyarn
• Red Linen for lining from http://fabrics-store.com/

To set up the embroidery I needed a slat frame.  I purchased basic stretcher bars and put them together.  On the top and bottom I attached a stable strip of sturdy cotton.  I then stretched base fabric (cotton) and attached to both the upper and lower bars by using a herringbone stitch.  The next step is to whip stitch the side onto the frame.  To keep this taut I tried to keep the insertions evenly spaced apart.  (approx 1′ apart)  using a sturdy cotton thread.  Once you have secured your base fabric place your working fabric , measured and cut, onto the base fabric.   Pin in place then carefully cut out a window leaving about 1″ of base fabric on back.  turn in excess base fabric and secure the working fabric ( in this case aida) onto the base with a herringbone stitch.   You now are ready to start your embroidery.

Back picture of dress frame with Aida attached

back view close up of side whip stitch and attachment of aida cloth

As I look back it would have been nice to have taken more pictures of dressing the slat frame.  Needs to be put on the list of projects to do.  The hardest part is removing the base fabric from behind your working fabric.  This is the way I chose to do this.  Please feel free to comment with other ways to accomplish this.

Then came 4 months of work.  With the help of another FB group Historic Hand Embroidery  I was able to work through this project with positive support and feed back. Below are progress pictures:

overview of pouch in progress on slat frame

close up of work in progress

Once you have finished the embroidery completely now it is time to remove from the slat frame and finish edges.

back view: Pouch removed and finishing edges started

back view finished edges

Close up of corner finished

Slat frame after pouch was removed

folded and ready for braid treatment

It was finally finished and passed on to be used by a very special Laurel.  I hope this has inspired encouraged everyone to try this stitch..