Hey Cathy, while I generally love seeing your progress on projects and everything else you do, I just wanted to say, I've seen one of your earlier videos where you talk about the struggles with your voice and how you're working on it, and I felt like there is a noticeable difference between now and your earlier videos so I guess I just wanted to say I hope you're proud of yourself, because I feel proud for you and wish you all the love in the world
@@CathyHay - I tried to tag you in my comment, but I don't think it worked, so I'm highjacking this thread. :) The historical garment looks like it was embroidered in a thread that has a twist, while the DMC does not. If you are striving for accuracy, I'd look for a crewel thread/yarn to use instead of the DMC. Not trying to throw a monkey wrench into your progress, but wanted to throw that out there. (I'm a knitter and embroiderer going back decades.)
Cathy, when you embroider a large project in one color it's best to purchase all of the embroidery floss you'll need at the same time. It's a big initial investment, however all of the floss needs to be from the same dye lot. The difference from dye lot to dye lot may not be apparent when you're looking at the floss, but the difference will be noticable as you progress through the project. This is a remarkable piece. Please know that I appreciate all that you share with us. I'm thrilled that you're allowing us the privilege of joining you on your new jouney. Wishing you tremendous success, Linda
Years ago, I worked in a fabric store, when you folded the velvet I screamed NO! at my computer... but when you cut it in half and rolled it I audibly sighed. People who have never worked with velvet don't understand that folding it disturbs the nap and can leave marks that are nearly impossible to get out. Also, even after working with and cutting fabric for others for more than 15 years cutting out my own patterns terrifies me every time - which explains my backlog of projects lol. Safe travels and happy adventures.
In December 2020 I sold or gave away nearly everything I owned. I packed a couple of suitcases and moved to a different continent where I didn’t speak the language. I’ve loved every moment and continue to grow as a person as I learn a new culture. Enjoy your journey!
Last summer I went on a solo trip across Scotland and I carried my embroidery frame (about 40*50cm) all the way with me. I was doing wool tapestry needlework so it was fairly thick too. In terms of hassle, it was definitely more work than knitting but I'd say significantly less than dressmaking (where you have about two hundred pins on the fabric). But I'll never forget doing the embroidery on the train into the highlands, in Glasgow sunset, or in a hostel pub with a dozen German boys after coming back from my first mountain walk...I am looking forward to your travel videos!
I just thought of another idea (for years I’ve made little cotton velveteen toddler coats with matching bonnets). That is how I learned the way to get the best effects out of your floss and how to work with a napped fabric. I used to mark the back of the velvet with a thread traced arrow to keep track of the right direction on the fabric. Especially if you are cutting up yardage to cut your pattern from. I only forgot that rule once and I had a hodgepodge of different colours on a coat where I didn’t mark the direction of the nap of the velvet. You can end up with part of the garment looking a totally different colour from the other parts. I even chalk marked an arrow on the back of scraps so that if I ruined a collar or a cuff and needed to cut a new one I didn’t have to work out the way the nap was running on the scrap pieces I had saved. I suspect you know all these things already but I’m saying it anyway in case there’s a tiny bit you hadn’t heard of.
It's been a while since I've seen you... Your voice seems to slowly be coming back. It makes me very happy! I'm looking forward to watching this! I love embroidery!😊
I have a travelling art studio, its a dubbel tool chest on wheels with a handel to pull it, much like a modern suitcase. One box goes on top of the other and snaps in to place so you end up moving both of them together. In the bottom box i put all the heavy stuff and in the one on top holds my pencils, brushes and so on.
Make sure you get all of one dye lot for the embroidery thread colors. Otherwise they will all fade or wear differently over time. I do a lot of embroidery with silk ribbon and with many different fiber-contents of thread. I also wanted to mention you should use a nice rubber mallet to strike your wool felt punch. Won’t be as harsh on the wood base and your punch won’t need sharpening as often.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who hates cutting into new material! Also, the cutting process in general always takes SO much longer than I think it will. So much planning and measuring, and I always have a sneaking suspicion that I will still probably get it wrong! Hate it. I always breathe a sigh of relief when I FINALLY get to the actual sewing! Love your beautiful content, Cathy!
I agree! The sewing is the enjoyable part. Everything else, that's work, that's maybe educational, and maybe pushes my craft to a new level, but its not fun. It's stressful. I always have to have an emotional support buddy with me. Usually my lovely husband, sometimes my sister, the really hard projects I might even have both of them, like when I made a skirt with 11 yards of tulle in 6 hours the day before I needed it.... sewing with tulle is officially on my never again list. I've decided I will try the heat set rhinestones next time, but never again will I sew tulle. Lol
When using DMC embroidery thread a tip for you is to separate all the strands in the length you are using to embroider. Put them back together. This eliminates the twist and will allow a nicer stitch and less likely to knot or coil on you while working. Also use a pin to hold that leaf strand where you want it, put your thread behind it, make your stitch and then remove the placement pin when you go to tack the leaf strand down. It helps to keep them closer spaced and more even. Hope these tips help. Love you ❤ and your videos. Good luck and have fun in your travels. 🥰❤
I wish I'd known this when I undertook my last significant cross stitch project. Oh well, I'll have to take on a new project to utilise this piece of knowledge.
nevermind separating the strands on the floss or your very useful tips, those leaves (and possibly the whole thing) should really be done in perlé to get closer to the original coat ,and it would incidentally be cheaper
The thread in the leaves on the original have a wonderful twist that gives them more dimension and movement and is even more evocative of a real fern blade.
Annie Oakley, 1860-1926, American sharpshooter, member of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, lived out of a trunk and sewed her own costumes, moving from hotel room to hotel room. In her biography I read that she packed everything, including her sewing machine, in one trunk. I thought you might be interested. I wish you well on your new adventure. ❤️
I strongly recommend that you acquire a very large amount of the colors of DMC you are using beforehand. Due lots can vary and you don’t want to face that problem. I always am looking forward to all your future videos. Safe travels!
Or just order a cone? They're not terribly enormous, and worth the space as you won't have to worry about dye lots, or skeins getting ratty from grubbing around in a project bag.
Thanks to all of the historical creators on UA-cam. Together, you talked me into making my own garments. The things I discovered I knew just from watching all of you has been incredible! I made my first walking skirt (from a pattern and cotton broadcloth), and I feel amazing swishing about in it at least once a week! I'm so proud of it (and the mistakes I made along the way), and I can only say thank you for encouraging us to at least try. Thank you, Cathy for your time and knowledge and encouragement
I live in a very small apartment and we are talking about going into a tiny house. Most of my sewing supplies are in a vintage tool boxes and my sewing box. Tool boxes are great. They can take a beating and still protect the contents inside. They have locking closures, so if they fall, nothing spills. And they have compartments for sorting things. They may not look as romantic as the trunk but they work. 😊
Yes! I use either tool boxes or train cases for most of the tools that I use on a regular basis (one for sewing, one for my medical supplies, another for my computer repair kit, etc). I find it to be really practical.
I have really noticed an improvement in your voice, you have been working so hard on yourself and your projects, and I hope that you are in a much better place in your life these days, as well as proud of how far you have come! This project is great and I can't wait to see it finished! I know this isn't the case, but I find it a little humorous that my two favorite introvert UA-cam sewers are you and Bernadette, and Bernadette recently moved to the UK from the US, and now you are going to be moving to the US from the UK. I know that distance is no object to true friendship, but I promise, a single country is large enough for two introverts to be friends in, you don't have to be on ACTUAL opposite sides of the planet! I would love to see you moving from space to space, and when you do move here to the US, I hope we get a video tour of your new home!
I thought that was couching! I don't do it very often, but it is still a part of some of my cross-stitch patterns. Your embroidery is looking fab, Cathy! I'm also not over the irony of Bernadette moving to the U.K. and you moving to the U.S.... :-)
Yay! Taking a Cathy Hay break from figuring out a quilt design I am working on. I am making a quilt for the local Children's librarian at my local library, who is retiring in a few months. She was the librarian when I was little. She used to read to me when I was really little, and when my kids were really little she read to them all the time. She is still really close to my kids too.
Hi Cathy, I think you might need a Perle thread to embroider the velvet. The DMC hasn’t got the same sort of weight. Also, you might find a big eye quilting needle really helpful in keeping your stitches neat and even. I use the Roxanne brand between needles. I use an 11 sized needle, but those would be too small for this work.
Hey Cathy. I'm not sure when you'll be cutting all the flowers, but it may be worthwhile to try cutting many of them at a time. We used to do this at the upholstery company where I worked whenever we needed to cut a bunch of circles for upholstery buttons. It was a similar metal cutter, but just circular. We'd cut about a dozen or more squares of fabric (sometimes more but usually limiting the stack to about an inch thick of fabric), then cut through the entire stack in one go using a button press. The main advantage of this method is that the vast majority of the pieces will be cut really nice and crisp around the edges (whereas the last one on the bottom of the stack sometimes tends to cut slightly unevenly). The disadvantage is that there's a bit more waste around the edges. I can't wait to see more of this project. That light green, the gold, contrasting with that purple... it's going to be gorgeous.
You should try a Colonial knot to make the center of the flowers. Colonial knots are used most in Candlewicking embroidery. The Colonial knots make much lovelier knots than French knots. The Colonial knots will stand up better than French knots. The Colonial knots are more uniform than French knots and won't tangle up like that French knot made with wrapping so many times at the beginning of your video. I love your videos! Thanks for letting me vicariously create with you!
Cathy, the gorgeous purple velvet was a perfect choice for this project. It looks so rich, like royalty. Likewise, the embroidery is so professional looking. Thank you for these videos! Even an accomplished seamstress can learn something from you. Wishing you well on your decision to go on the road with your classes and other endeavors!
I’ve noticed something changing in you-beautifully so. There is a different, comfortable confidence in you that is so calming and comforting. Not to say you weren’t those things before, but you seemed a bit more… guarded? in the past. I hope you don’t mind me saying this, it’s just wonderful to see you following your passions and finding happiness while healing and shedding the limitations you may have felt from previous experiences.
This is turning out amazing! Have you thought of using a ball stylus on the flower petals to heat them up to form a slight cup in them? I think that might give you the look of the original coat without distorting the flowers too much or damaging the delicate nature of them once they've been cut.
Some light steam and pressure might get the same or similar effect, its how wool hats are made, steaming and stretching. Excellent idea by the way, the ball stylus to round the petals more.
This does work, I’ve used the tip of a tiny iron for the same effect for wool flowers I made for my cousin hair for her wedding… works like a charm and gives life to a stiff fabric…
I love that you're minimizing! It's so freeing. Unromantic as it may be, a stacking rolling toolbox may be your best bet for a practical, easily transportable sewing room.
I'm working on my senior prom dress while watching this! It's my biggest project yet, and I'm self-taught, so it's really thanks to you and other costubers that i even vaguely know how to put something like this together. So just thank you! I love your videos.
Dear Cathy, I have to thank you so much what you have unknowingly done for me. And no, you did not bring me into wearing historical clothes. But you (among others) somehow gave me the confidence to get into costume/fantasy armour. It took several years, but now I have reached my goal of becoming Boba Fett (yes, as a female). I do not know for how many years I can do this. But I am so happy doing it! And it got worse...I am now on my third costume (or harness, as they say). All of these three are very different from each other. Maybe it has also something to do with childhood dreams...but it feels right.
I haven't watched one of your videos for awhile, maybe a year (I fall in and out of youtube and was in an 'out' for a long stretch)...I'm so THRILLED to hear the power and confidence in your voice from the jump in this one. You've obviously made so much progress inside and out and wow, this beautiful new embroidery project AND traveling lifestyle! I know high fives are very american, but HIGH FIVE girl, you are kicking BUTT. :) Happy travels!
Thank you so much for sharing all of this, including the "I dont usually make a sample" as someone with ADHD that likes to do embroydery for larp kit I felt so heard when you said just that. Also, getting into some more serious sewing, I started making all sorts of samples etc. before committing to the actual fabrics since watching your videos, and it upped my end results so much. Thank you again.
Thank you for your beautiful work. I just wanted to affirm the change that I can hear in you. You have more peace and your voice is following the peaceful journey. May you be blessed as you move to the US. Shalom from Tennessee. 🥰
I'm so excited to come along on your new adventure. Stay safe, stay joyful, stay inspired! Also, you're never too old to go to Dad and say 'hey, can you help me build something?' I now have an awesome pegboard on my wall holding so much yarn that my dad helped me build, and it's one of my favorite things in my room.
I’m just jumping in now so maybe you’ve mentioned this before, but I wanted to ask before I forgot…😉 Just wondering why you chose stranded DMC rather than perle cotton? Looking at the photos from your phone as you were comparing your stitching to the original, it looks like the original is a perle thread. Since perle is thicker it would take fewer strands to achieve the original look on the coat and might prove more durable. A size 8 or 12 would be delicate. Really just thinking out loud. Oh be still my heart! That purple velvet!!! It’s so stunning!!!! 😍 This is such a beautiful project. I’m so glad you’re sharing it with us!!!! Ok, back to my stumpwork project. Thanks for joining me over lunch 😁
Hi from Guatemala! My sewing room fits in a dresser drawer, I hand-sew everything, and cut on my tiled floor (a challenge). I am looking forward to your adventures and watching how you handle the challenges that will come your way! Your embroidery looks fantastic, and I can't wait to see more.
Your voice has gotten so strong. I have loved hearing you find your voice again. I use your videos as soft background noise when i have a migraine so your voice has always been soothing. Im happy your hard work is showing in spades! Love from America
I jumped to push play and realized it's a teaser🙄...can't wait for the full video. Love love love you so much. You're such an inspiration to us all. ❤️ 🤗
This is just perfect! I've been watching historical clothing videos for quite some time now and only recently discovered just how much I enjoy recreating some of the items I see. And now just as I planned some time off work this videos launches, so I can be up-to-date while attempting to recreate something myself. Your appreciation for all those details (and your work in general) is stunning!
I held my breath when you were cutting the velvet! Having been on my own 'spiritual' journey (mine started in 1989), it's wonderful to see you following your spirit. I wish you all the very best with your Journey and your travels (and of course your project). I very much look forward to joining you via your videos.
I'm right with you- I always used to hate french knots!! I may just not have the best screen definition, but it looks slightly like the thread forming the lower portion of the leaf may also have couching added to it, showing the lower leaf as textured, and the upper leaf as smooth? I love your project Cathy, and it's so lovely seeing this big project come together in real time, around real-life events. I wish you the best, and I'm looking forward to seeing where our travels take you :)
I thought I was crazy for thinking the leaves aren’t done as one stitch for both sides but with straight stitches on top and couched (and slightly less dense) stitches on bottom giving a more dimensional look.
If I was going to have a travelling sewing room, I think I would try to bring along my vintage mini sewing machine - it does chain stitches, as opposed to lock stitches, but it would be quite convenient if I needed to sew quickly in a pinch lol
My gosh Cathy....you have put in a lot of time on the purple coat. I can't wait to see it when it's finished! Also Cathy...an idea for the long pieces/poles for your embroidery........they making fishing pole cases that might be able to carry them in....just an idea of how to transport those long embroidery rods.....
To protect the rolls of fabric, I had thought, for my part, of the bags for yoga mats because I think that their diameter is too large for the rolls for architect's plans (which would have protected them very well from the risk of shock and from water because they are hard plastic).
i would NEVER want anyone to have troubles of any kind, yet was gratified that perfect execution of the french knot did not come to fruition. i was eight years old all over again, crying over the STOOPID french knots. by the way your voice sounds much less stressed, echoing the beautiful music of your videos....
Cathy, your voice sounds so amazing! I can hear the strength and courage as you speak, I can hear you becoming more and more yourself, and I am so proud of you. It sounds as though your decision to take a step into a new, exciting, challenging adventure is exactly what your spirit has been asking for. Safe voyages, I can't wait to see your journey continue! ❤🧡💛💚💙💜
Yep. Like many others, i Noticed the change in your voices' timbre too, Cathy. My very very gentle suggestion to you is to pay it no mind now. It comes and it goes as a signal to you to listen to something in your mind. We must honour our body for as the Good Book says, "In a fear inspiring way, I am wonderfully made". You now know when you're voice changes, there's a message from within you ignore at your peril. 😁 If you don't honour it, your voice will signal more urgently. many of us have different signals which we think are chronic and must be lived with. I eat when I'm stressed and it shows on the scales. If i address that, weight drops as if by magic
Oh, to live the life of Cathy Hay; extraordinary artisan, confidence and elegance oozing from every pore, traveling the world and going to amazing places! best of luck!
So excited to see your progress on this project! I am fairly certain you can get DMC in cones, you might need to work with a wholesaler or with a retail store to see if you can get one in the color you need.
Oh Cathy.... The amount of times I've said that to my Dad too!!!! Mind you he gets his own back with Tech related projects for us! Exciting to see how these next few months go for you!!!! Thank you for sharing your journey.
Cathy, I made my own version of Sansa’s direwolf dress from Game of Thrones, which involved a lot of hand embroidery on velvet. I don’t know how historically accurate you’re wanting to go with your techniques, but I have some tips I want to pass along. I used a small rectangular lap frame made of PVC (available in the embroidery section at most craft stores) and put heavyweight non-woven stabilizer / interfacing in the frame. Then I used spray adhesive to stick the velvet on top without crushing it or having to sew it. Then I used water soluble stabilizer on top of the velvet to prevent the embroidery from sinking too far into the pile, it helps it lay more “fluffy” top. (you can trace the design onto the water soluble stabilizer, but I would recommend testing a swatch to see how it reacts to your stabilizer, thread and velvet.)
I wondered how she was going to transfer the design. I'm thinking she will sort of sew in with white thread perhaps the vines so that she does not disrupt the pile.
That first cut into expensive materials is the WORST! I always seem to second guess myself before that first cut. The old saying measure twice cut once really applies. Your new adventure of traveling should really stretch you. I'm such a homebody that would be an overwhelming chore. I'm looking forward to see how things go. I love watching and learning from you.😊😊
I would not worry about perfection while embroidering...as with quilting, there will be 'mistakes' but it will all blend together and look perfect to the eye!
Hey Cathy! Love the progress you've made so far, and I love the idea of a traveling sewing room! I hope that wherever you move to in the US is peaceful and kind to you. It's been really scary and hateful here lately so I hope you find a great place! Be safe, and best of luck!
Cathy I have not been part of your U tube channel for very long I find you to be an amazing woman. Your velvet embroidered coat drew me in. I cheat and do machine embroidery, so I have a very healthy respect for your hand embroidery and patience. I hope we continue to hear about your journey and how you are doing. Much success, wonder, fascination and love to you in all your travels. I loved seeing you on the train in Colorado, my grandfather was on the crew that built the narrow gauge railway in Colorado. Much love to you and stay safe.
So true, people just don't get it. My brother-in-law always asks me about my "cross-stitching" and my mother-in-law, slightly less annoyingly, always refers to it as needlepoint, no matter how many times I've told them what I do is embroidery.
Good luck on your new adventures. :) I hope that it expands your skills, and gives you insights that may have been out of reach before. I look forward to vicariously sharing your journey through videos and blog posts. I've been sewing for um... 53 years. I've used more variations of place, and tools than I ever expected. Some were okay, and... well... one bedspread will never be the same. I have to admit that I love my studio, and big cutting table with various nooks and crannies for everything. That said, I'm a member of the SCA, and I have my mobile sewing kit. It's a small basket with all the basic tools. I augment it with a market basket to hold the bits and pieces of the project I'm working on, plus any extras. It's imperfect, but it works. When it doesn't, I modify it.
Thank you so much you always push me to new project. I had been looking forward for a new video about this for almost 2 months. I cannot control my emotions you wark is splendid
I have a velvet coat on which I wish to do goldwork embroidery. Maybe in a year. Meanwhile, I am embroidering small projects so I can get the practice in.
Good for you for going on this adventure! Can't wait to follow along with you. And how awesome that your voice is getting better. I'm delighted for you.
Cathy Hay I would love to watch your traveling sewing videos. Your so inspiring and have helped me alot through my sewing I just wanted to say thank you.
I relate so much to skipping doing a sample (or in my case mock up) of what I'm trying to accomplish, then when I finish the project going I've learned a long the way and there's a marked difference between where I started and where I ended lol
It would be great if we all had the lovely huge spaces, I'm one of those who doesn't. I do however have a little room in the last number of years. The room & things I have are finally getting functional. I've gifted myself with 2 sewing areas, I use my living room as well so when I need to use the large cutting table I can haul it away from the wall & unfold it with freedom to move around it freely. These are just conveniences of age, used the floor for most of the decades that I've sewn. Happy and Safe travels love
I love the idea of creating a vintage traveling suitcase with a sewing room inside. Like one with little drawers and rails for fabric to hang. You can get frames with wheels to go on older suitcases. They don't damage the case as they're attached with straps
Dear Cathy, I love how honest and messy your sewing-process is! Thank your for displaying it this way. I wish you all your best on your journey- sewing and traveling! Very glad to be accompanied by you and glad to be accompanying you. You are one of the kind voices in my life, one that I always come back to. Best best best Geli (currently in Tokio, which is like really cool!)
Having moved across continents several times. Take everything with you is my advice. Cull things you don't need by all means, but take the collection of threads that took you years to collect. It might take you years to find that right colour again.
Amazing work!!! ❤❤❤❤❤ P.S. DMC Perle cotton 12 (Perle cotton type has this same twist the original thread have) can be a really good choice for leaves, and Perle cotton 8 can be good for stems.
I have started over with nothing several times, sometimes voluntarily ( moving abroad) sometimes involuntarily (house fire and other calamities) and the most important things to me are my photos and reference books. The rest is replaceable, even some of the books are too.
Hey Cathy, while I generally love seeing your progress on projects and everything else you do, I just wanted to say, I've seen one of your earlier videos where you talk about the struggles with your voice and how you're working on it, and I felt like there is a noticeable difference between now and your earlier videos so I guess I just wanted to say I hope you're proud of yourself, because I feel proud for you and wish you all the love in the world
How very kind of you, thank you!
I was immediately struck by the strength of her voice also. I hope it is an indication that Cathy is on the right path and getting stronger.
@@CathyHay - I tried to tag you in my comment, but I don't think it worked, so I'm highjacking this thread. :)
The historical garment looks like it was embroidered in a thread that has a twist, while the DMC does not. If you are striving for accuracy, I'd look for a crewel thread/yarn to use instead of the DMC.
Not trying to throw a monkey wrench into your progress, but wanted to throw that out there.
(I'm a knitter and embroiderer going back decades.)
Definate change in the voice even from the last video 😊
Big change in your voice! Hope you continue to progress! Love your videos!
Cathy, when you embroider a large project in one color it's best to purchase all of the embroidery floss you'll need at the same time. It's a big initial investment, however all of the floss needs to be from the same dye lot. The difference from dye lot to dye lot may not be apparent when you're looking at the floss, but the difference will be noticable as you progress through the project. This is a remarkable piece.
Please know that I appreciate all that you share with us. I'm thrilled that you're allowing us the privilege of joining you on your new jouney.
Wishing you tremendous success,
Linda
Years ago, I worked in a fabric store, when you folded the velvet I screamed NO! at my computer... but when you cut it in half and rolled it I audibly sighed. People who have never worked with velvet don't understand that folding it disturbs the nap and can leave marks that are nearly impossible to get out. Also, even after working with and cutting fabric for others for more than 15 years cutting out my own patterns terrifies me every time - which explains my backlog of projects lol. Safe travels and happy adventures.
In December 2020 I sold or gave away nearly everything I owned. I packed a couple of suitcases and moved to a different continent where I didn’t speak the language. I’ve loved every moment and continue to grow as a person as I learn a new culture. Enjoy your journey!
Last summer I went on a solo trip across Scotland and I carried my embroidery frame (about 40*50cm) all the way with me. I was doing wool tapestry needlework so it was fairly thick too. In terms of hassle, it was definitely more work than knitting but I'd say significantly less than dressmaking (where you have about two hundred pins on the fabric). But I'll never forget doing the embroidery on the train into the highlands, in Glasgow sunset, or in a hostel pub with a dozen German boys after coming back from my first mountain walk...I am looking forward to your travel videos!
Wow! I'll be doing a similar trip in a few years time - but with a 70 x 20 frame... yikes!
One-woman traveling embroidery show will be the next big thing, y'all just watch ;)
I just thought of another idea (for years I’ve made little cotton velveteen toddler coats with matching bonnets). That is how I learned the way to get the best effects out of your floss and how to work with a napped fabric. I used to mark the back of the velvet with a thread traced arrow to keep track of the right direction on the fabric. Especially if you are cutting up yardage to cut your pattern from. I only forgot that rule once and I had a hodgepodge of different colours on a coat where I didn’t mark the direction of the nap of the velvet. You can end up with part of the garment looking a totally different colour from the other parts. I even chalk marked an arrow on the back of scraps so that if I ruined a collar or a cuff and needed to cut a new one I didn’t have to work out the way the nap was running on the scrap pieces I had saved. I suspect you know all these things already but I’m saying it anyway in case there’s a tiny bit you hadn’t heard of.
It's been a while since I've seen you... Your voice seems to slowly be coming back. It makes me very happy! I'm looking forward to watching this! I love embroidery!😊
Cathy, did you know that DMC does its 6 strand floss on 100 and 500 g cones? MUCH better for large projects!
I think using your punches on a self healing mat will extend their sharpness compared to pushing them into hard wood. I’m loving that purple 💜.
I have a travelling art studio, its a dubbel tool chest on wheels with a handel to pull it, much like a modern suitcase. One box goes on top of the other and snaps in to place so you end up moving both of them together.
In the bottom box i put all the heavy stuff and in the one on top holds my pencils, brushes and so on.
Make sure you get all of one dye lot for the embroidery thread colors. Otherwise they will all fade or wear differently over time. I do a lot of embroidery with silk ribbon and with many different fiber-contents of thread. I also wanted to mention you should use a nice rubber mallet to strike your wool felt punch. Won’t be as harsh on the wood base and your punch won’t need sharpening as often.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who hates cutting into new material! Also, the cutting process in general always takes SO much longer than I think it will. So much planning and measuring, and I always have a sneaking suspicion that I will still probably get it wrong! Hate it. I always breathe a sigh of relief when I FINALLY get to the actual sewing! Love your beautiful content, Cathy!
I agree! The sewing is the enjoyable part. Everything else, that's work, that's maybe educational, and maybe pushes my craft to a new level, but its not fun. It's stressful. I always have to have an emotional support buddy with me. Usually my lovely husband, sometimes my sister, the really hard projects I might even have both of them, like when I made a skirt with 11 yards of tulle in 6 hours the day before I needed it.... sewing with tulle is officially on my never again list. I've decided I will try the heat set rhinestones next time, but never again will I sew tulle. Lol
It's literally the reason that I mostly knit and don't sew much. Scary!!
Especially, if it's really expensive fabric and you only have limited yardage! Nerve wracking!
When using DMC embroidery thread a tip for you is to separate all the strands in the length you are using to embroider. Put them back together. This eliminates the twist and will allow a nicer stitch and less likely to knot or coil on you while working. Also use a pin to hold that leaf strand where you want it, put your thread behind it, make your stitch and then remove the placement pin when you go to tack the leaf strand down. It helps to keep them closer spaced and more even. Hope these tips help. Love you ❤ and your videos. Good luck and have fun in your travels. 🥰❤
I wish I'd known this when I undertook my last significant cross stitch project. Oh well, I'll have to take on a new project to utilise this piece of knowledge.
nevermind separating the strands on the floss or your very useful tips, those leaves (and possibly the whole thing) should really be done in perlé to get closer to the original coat ,and it would incidentally be cheaper
The thread in the leaves on the original have a wonderful twist that gives them more dimension and movement and is even more evocative of a real fern blade.
@@hectorrobertocontrerasmiranda good idea 👍
Annie Oakley, 1860-1926, American sharpshooter, member of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, lived out of a trunk and sewed her own costumes, moving from hotel room to hotel room. In her biography I read that she packed everything, including her sewing machine, in one trunk. I thought you might be interested. I wish you well on your new adventure. ❤️
I strongly recommend that you acquire a very large amount of the colors of DMC you are using beforehand. Due lots can vary and you don’t want to face that problem. I always am looking forward to all your future videos. Safe travels!
Or just order a cone? They're not terribly enormous, and worth the space as you won't have to worry about dye lots, or skeins getting ratty from grubbing around in a project bag.
Thanks to all of the historical creators on UA-cam. Together, you talked me into making my own garments. The things I discovered I knew just from watching all of you has been incredible! I made my first walking skirt (from a pattern and cotton broadcloth), and I feel amazing swishing about in it at least once a week! I'm so proud of it (and the mistakes I made along the way), and I can only say thank you for encouraging us to at least try. Thank you, Cathy for your time and knowledge and encouragement
I live in a very small apartment and we are talking about going into a tiny house. Most of my sewing supplies are in a vintage tool boxes and my sewing box. Tool boxes are great. They can take a beating and still protect the contents inside. They have locking closures, so if they fall, nothing spills. And they have compartments for sorting things. They may not look as romantic as the trunk but they work. 😊
Yes! I use either tool boxes or train cases for most of the tools that I use on a regular basis (one for sewing, one for my medical supplies, another for my computer repair kit, etc). I find it to be really practical.
@@TiffMarche absolutely! And train cases are so cute! I have seen a few makeovers for those that look absolutely spectacular!
I have really noticed an improvement in your voice, you have been working so hard on yourself and your projects, and I hope that you are in a much better place in your life these days, as well as proud of how far you have come! This project is great and I can't wait to see it finished!
I know this isn't the case, but I find it a little humorous that my two favorite introvert UA-cam sewers are you and Bernadette, and Bernadette recently moved to the UK from the US, and now you are going to be moving to the US from the UK. I know that distance is no object to true friendship, but I promise, a single country is large enough for two introverts to be friends in, you don't have to be on ACTUAL opposite sides of the planet!
I would love to see you moving from space to space, and when you do move here to the US, I hope we get a video tour of your new home!
I thought that was couching! I don't do it very often, but it is still a part of some of my cross-stitch patterns. Your embroidery is looking fab, Cathy! I'm also not over the irony of Bernadette moving to the U.K. and you moving to the U.S.... :-)
Yay! Taking a Cathy Hay break from figuring out a quilt design I am working on. I am making a quilt for the local Children's librarian at my local library, who is retiring in a few months. She was the librarian when I was little. She used to read to me when I was really little, and when my kids were really little she read to them all the time. She is still really close to my kids too.
I too am working on a quilt…that punch flower gave me a 1000 ideas thank you so much can’t wait to see the final results as well as your traveling
Librarians make an impact most people won't notice....unless the impact was on you! I still see the librarian I had in elementary school. I love her
That's very sweet & kind of you to thank her! You're giving her a treasure of memories from you & your family. What a wonderful legacy & gift.
Hi Cathy, I think you might need a Perle thread to embroider the velvet. The DMC hasn’t got the same sort of weight. Also, you might find a big eye quilting needle really helpful in keeping your stitches neat and even. I use the Roxanne brand between needles. I use an 11 sized needle, but those would be too small for this work.
I agree, the Perle has the necessary twist like the original.
@@herbertlongfellow7702 I agree with you. I noticed it as well when she placed them side by side.
The real reason you decided to travel was to find all if the thread you will need for this. It is looking fantastic.
That's a reel reason all right! Tee hee
Honestly England is pretty good for special threads. England and Japan. It's annoying how much I order thread from abroad.
Hey Cathy. I'm not sure when you'll be cutting all the flowers, but it may be worthwhile to try cutting many of them at a time. We used to do this at the upholstery company where I worked whenever we needed to cut a bunch of circles for upholstery buttons. It was a similar metal cutter, but just circular. We'd cut about a dozen or more squares of fabric (sometimes more but usually limiting the stack to about an inch thick of fabric), then cut through the entire stack in one go using a button press. The main advantage of this method is that the vast majority of the pieces will be cut really nice and crisp around the edges (whereas the last one on the bottom of the stack sometimes tends to cut slightly unevenly). The disadvantage is that there's a bit more waste around the edges. I can't wait to see more of this project. That light green, the gold, contrasting with that purple... it's going to be gorgeous.
You should try a Colonial knot to make the center of the flowers. Colonial knots are used most in Candlewicking embroidery. The Colonial knots make much lovelier knots than French knots. The Colonial knots will stand up better than French knots. The Colonial knots are more uniform than French knots and won't tangle up like that French knot made with wrapping so many times at the beginning of your video. I love your videos! Thanks for letting me vicariously create with you!
Cathy, the gorgeous purple velvet was a perfect choice for this project. It looks so rich, like royalty. Likewise, the embroidery is so professional looking. Thank you for these videos! Even an accomplished seamstress can learn something from you. Wishing you well on your decision to go on the road with your classes and other endeavors!
I’ve noticed something changing in you-beautifully so. There is a different, comfortable confidence in you that is so calming and comforting. Not to say you weren’t those things before, but you seemed a bit more… guarded? in the past. I hope you don’t mind me saying this, it’s just wonderful to see you following your passions and finding happiness while healing and shedding the limitations you may have felt from previous experiences.
Oh my, Cathy, not only are you beyond talented, you are so courageous!! I love your sense of adventure, and grateful you're taking us along!! ❤
This is turning out amazing! Have you thought of using a ball stylus on the flower petals to heat them up to form a slight cup in them? I think that might give you the look of the original coat without distorting the flowers too much or damaging the delicate nature of them once they've been cut.
Some light steam and pressure might get the same or similar effect, its how wool hats are made, steaming and stretching. Excellent idea by the way, the ball stylus to round the petals more.
that would work great on wool felt, not sure about regular felt since its plastic. but that does sound smart!
I think one of the differences is also that the flowers on the original are more crowded, overlapping and thus tend to lift their petals more.
@Erin Delaney I don't think Cathy would use plastic felt on a reconstruction project
This does work, I’ve used the tip of a tiny iron for the same effect for wool flowers I made for my cousin hair for her wedding… works like a charm and gives life to a stiff fabric…
I love that you're minimizing! It's so freeing.
Unromantic as it may be, a stacking rolling toolbox may be your best bet for a practical, easily transportable sewing room.
I'm working on my senior prom dress while watching this! It's my biggest project yet, and I'm self-taught, so it's really thanks to you and other costubers that i even vaguely know how to put something like this together. So just thank you! I love your videos.
Congratulations & best wishes for your prom dress! I hope you have an enchanted night! & create beautiful memories!
Dear Cathy, I have to thank you so much what you have unknowingly done for me. And no, you did not bring me into wearing historical clothes. But you (among others) somehow gave me the confidence to get into costume/fantasy armour. It took several years, but now I have reached my goal of becoming Boba Fett (yes, as a female). I do not know for how many years I can do this. But I am so happy doing it!
And it got worse...I am now on my third costume (or harness, as they say). All of these three are very different from each other. Maybe it has also something to do with childhood dreams...but it feels right.
I'm so happy for you, Internet Stranger!!!!
I haven't watched one of your videos for awhile, maybe a year (I fall in and out of youtube and was in an 'out' for a long stretch)...I'm so THRILLED to hear the power and confidence in your voice from the jump in this one. You've obviously made so much progress inside and out and wow, this beautiful new embroidery project AND traveling lifestyle! I know high fives are very american, but HIGH FIVE girl, you are kicking BUTT. :) Happy travels!
Yay! America gets Cathy Hay! I welcome you with open arms! Greetings from California ❤
Thank you so much for sharing all of this, including the "I dont usually make a sample" as someone with ADHD that likes to do embroydery for larp kit I felt so heard when you said just that. Also, getting into some more serious sewing, I started making all sorts of samples etc. before committing to the actual fabrics since watching your videos, and it upped my end results so much. Thank you again.
Thank you for your beautiful work. I just wanted to affirm the change that I can hear in you. You have more peace and your voice is following the peaceful journey. May you be blessed as you move to the US. Shalom from Tennessee. 🥰
Hey! If you have a shipping address, I'll send you all the 738s I can from my craft store. ^_^
Same! 😂
I'm so excited to come along on your new adventure. Stay safe, stay joyful, stay inspired!
Also, you're never too old to go to Dad and say 'hey, can you help me build something?' I now have an awesome pegboard on my wall holding so much yarn that my dad helped me build, and it's one of my favorite things in my room.
I’m just jumping in now so maybe you’ve mentioned this before, but I wanted to ask before I forgot…😉 Just wondering why you chose stranded DMC rather than perle cotton? Looking at the photos from your phone as you were comparing your stitching to the original, it looks like the original is a perle thread. Since perle is thicker it would take fewer strands to achieve the original look on the coat and might prove more durable. A size 8 or 12 would be delicate. Really just thinking out loud. Oh be still my heart! That purple velvet!!! It’s so stunning!!!! 😍 This is such a beautiful project. I’m so glad you’re sharing it with us!!!! Ok, back to my stumpwork project. Thanks for joining me over lunch 😁
Hi from Guatemala! My sewing room fits in a dresser drawer, I hand-sew everything, and cut on my tiled floor (a challenge). I am looking forward to your adventures and watching how you handle the challenges that will come your way! Your embroidery looks fantastic, and I can't wait to see more.
I was in London last week and did see this coat in reality.
Now I can't wait to one day see your recreation of it :)
Your voice is so much more vibrant! Happy your hard work is paying off❤. Love your work!
You need to watch Sarah Homfrey. She has excellent embroidery tutorials. Her French knot video is brilliant.
Your voice has gotten so strong. I have loved hearing you find your voice again. I use your videos as soft background noise when i have a migraine so your voice has always been soothing. Im happy your hard work is showing in spades! Love from America
I jumped to push play and realized it's a teaser🙄...can't wait for the full video. Love love love you so much. You're such an inspiration to us all. ❤️ 🤗
I too was so excited, that it made it fullscreen!
Me too mate! 😂
Me too
I really admire your "guts" to just pick up and undertake your journey! AND, your samples are really well done. SO beautiful!! 😊
You and Bernadette, switching countries
This is just perfect! I've been watching historical clothing videos for quite some time now and only recently discovered just how much I enjoy recreating some of the items I see.
And now just as I planned some time off work this videos launches, so I can be up-to-date while attempting to recreate something myself. Your appreciation for all those details (and your work in general) is stunning!
Some bold moves you are making it sounds like it will be an interesting journey.
I held my breath when you were cutting the velvet! Having been on my own 'spiritual' journey (mine started in 1989), it's wonderful to see you following your spirit. I wish you all the very best with your Journey and your travels (and of course your project). I very much look forward to joining you via your videos.
I'm right with you- I always used to hate french knots!! I may just not have the best screen definition, but it looks slightly like the thread forming the lower portion of the leaf may also have couching added to it, showing the lower leaf as textured, and the upper leaf as smooth?
I love your project Cathy, and it's so lovely seeing this big project come together in real time, around real-life events. I wish you the best, and I'm looking forward to seeing where our travels take you :)
I thought I was crazy for thinking the leaves aren’t done as one stitch for both sides but with straight stitches on top and couched (and slightly less dense) stitches on bottom giving a more dimensional look.
If I was going to have a travelling sewing room, I think I would try to bring along my vintage mini sewing machine - it does chain stitches, as opposed to lock stitches, but it would be quite convenient if I needed to sew quickly in a pinch lol
Your embroidery is so beautiful! I recently tried a Japanese embroidery class and that was such an experience. Especially creating the thread
It is soothing to watch your gracefulness as you create this new chapter in your life.
🎉 😮 on the road! Stay safe! Much love! Enjoy each day! You are an amazing person and such an inspiration to us. ❤🪡🧵 ✨️
My gosh Cathy....you have put in a lot of time on the purple coat. I can't wait to see it when it's finished! Also Cathy...an idea for the long pieces/poles for your embroidery........they making fishing pole cases that might be able to carry them in....just an idea of how to transport those long embroidery rods.....
Great idea! Maybe check in a local fedex shop for long boxes -usually triangular so they don’t roll around and stack better. Former shipper! Lol!
To protect the rolls of fabric, I had thought, for my part, of the bags for yoga mats because I think that their diameter is too large for the rolls for architect's plans (which would have protected them very well from the risk of shock and from water because they are hard plastic).
WOOHOOOO!!! Cathy joining Van Life... In America even! I am over the moon!!! Happy trails, Lovely!
Your voice is so strong, determined, excited, and beautiful.❤ Will love watching you on your journey
Great to see you working in one day . Amazing skills. Love both you and Cathy . You are both so skilled. Keep working your magic...both of you!
i would NEVER want anyone to have troubles of any kind, yet was gratified that perfect execution of the french knot did not come to fruition. i was eight years old all over again, crying over the STOOPID french knots. by the way your voice sounds much less stressed, echoing the beautiful music of your videos....
Cathy, your voice sounds so amazing! I can hear the strength and courage as you speak, I can hear you becoming more and more yourself, and I am so proud of you. It sounds as though your decision to take a step into a new, exciting, challenging adventure is exactly what your spirit has been asking for. Safe voyages, I can't wait to see your journey continue! ❤🧡💛💚💙💜
Yep. Like many others, i Noticed the change in your voices' timbre too, Cathy. My very very gentle suggestion to you is to pay it no mind now. It comes and it goes as a signal to you to listen to something in your mind. We must honour our body for as the Good Book says, "In a fear inspiring way, I am wonderfully made". You now know when you're voice changes, there's a message from within you ignore at your peril. 😁
If you don't honour it, your voice will signal more urgently. many of us have different signals which we think are chronic and must be lived with. I eat when I'm stressed and it shows on the scales. If i address that, weight drops as if by magic
Oh, to live the life of Cathy Hay; extraordinary artisan, confidence and elegance oozing from every pore, traveling the world and going to amazing places! best of luck!
So excited to see your progress on this project! I am fairly certain you can get DMC in cones, you might need to work with a wholesaler or with a retail store to see if you can get one in the color you need.
Oh Cathy.... The amount of times I've said that to my Dad too!!!! Mind you he gets his own back with Tech related projects for us! Exciting to see how these next few months go for you!!!! Thank you for sharing your journey.
Cathy, I made my own version of Sansa’s direwolf dress from Game of Thrones, which involved a lot of hand embroidery on velvet. I don’t know how historically accurate you’re wanting to go with your techniques, but I have some tips I want to pass along.
I used a small rectangular lap frame made of PVC (available in the embroidery section at most craft stores) and put heavyweight non-woven stabilizer / interfacing in the frame. Then I used spray adhesive to stick the velvet on top without crushing it or having to sew it. Then I used water soluble stabilizer on top of the velvet to prevent the embroidery from sinking too far into the pile, it helps it lay more “fluffy” top. (you can trace the design onto the water soluble stabilizer, but I would recommend testing a swatch to see how it reacts to your stabilizer, thread and velvet.)
I wondered how she was going to transfer the design. I'm thinking she will sort of sew in with white thread perhaps the vines so that she does not disrupt the pile.
"Wow, she is so confident with her french knots! Look how many times she wrapped the thread!.....Oh never mind."
Glad you got it figured out haha.
Congratulations 🎉. Delighted for you to begin this journey and grateful you’re sharing it with us ❤
That first cut into expensive materials is the WORST! I always seem to second guess myself before that first cut. The old saying measure twice cut once really applies. Your new adventure of traveling should really stretch you. I'm such a homebody that would be an overwhelming chore. I'm looking forward to see how things go. I love watching and learning from you.😊😊
I would not worry about perfection while embroidering...as with quilting, there will be 'mistakes' but it will all blend together and look perfect to the eye!
Hey Cathy! Love the progress you've made so far, and I love the idea of a traveling sewing room! I hope that wherever you move to in the US is peaceful and kind to you. It's been really scary and hateful here lately so I hope you find a great place! Be safe, and best of luck!
(as someone currently trying to figure out how to move *out* of the US, I concur!)
I admire you for getting rid of everything,not something I would ever do ,but why the U.S .A of all the country’s you could go to.
Cathy I have not been part of your U tube channel for very long I find you to be an amazing woman. Your velvet embroidered coat drew me in. I cheat and do machine embroidery, so I have a very healthy respect for your hand embroidery and patience. I hope we continue to hear about your journey and how you are doing. Much success, wonder, fascination and love to you in all your travels. I loved seeing you on the train in Colorado, my grandfather was on the crew that built the narrow gauge railway in Colorado. Much love to you and stay safe.
I feel like it is a dying art. When I mention embroidery, so many think they know what it is, however they don't.
So true, people just don't get it. My brother-in-law always asks me about my "cross-stitching" and my mother-in-law, slightly less annoyingly, always refers to it as needlepoint, no matter how many times I've told them what I do is embroidery.
Trust me if they ever want you to do something for them they will get your craft right. My family does it all the time
Good luck on your new adventures. :) I hope that it expands your skills, and gives you insights that may have been out of reach before. I look forward to vicariously sharing your journey through videos and blog posts.
I've been sewing for um... 53 years. I've used more variations of place, and tools than I ever expected. Some were okay, and... well... one bedspread will never be the same. I have to admit that I love my studio, and big cutting table with various nooks and crannies for everything. That said, I'm a member of the SCA, and I have my mobile sewing kit. It's a small basket with all the basic tools. I augment it with a market basket to hold the bits and pieces of the project I'm working on, plus any extras. It's imperfect, but it works. When it doesn't, I modify it.
Spiritual adventure, bravo! I will be wishing you the best, and encouraging you from afar!
Thank you so much you always push me to new project. I had been looking forward for a new video about this for almost 2 months.
I cannot control my emotions you wark is splendid
I have a velvet coat on which I wish to do goldwork embroidery. Maybe in a year. Meanwhile, I am embroidering small projects so I can get the practice in.
Wow Cathy. That is quite a shift. You hadn't long moved into this house. Happy travels. Looking forward to your new adventures
Good for you for going on this adventure! Can't wait to follow along with you. And how awesome that your voice is getting better. I'm delighted for you.
Wow! What a change! This is so exciting, I can't wait to see where you go. Thank you so much for doing a beginner course, I signed up right away!
This was excellent! I'm so excited for you to start your new journey on the road with your incredible project. Can't wait to see it all done.
All very exciting ✨ And your voice is noticeably stronger 🥰 Clearly, you're on a True path. Brightest blessings
I am always so impressed with the amount of thought and care you put into each endeavor you accomplish.
Cathy Hay I would love to watch your traveling sewing videos. Your so inspiring and have helped me alot through my sewing I just wanted to say thank you.
Dye the flowers with tea. ❤️
I really admire you. I so enjoy your videos. Thank you for teaching us. ❤️🧵🪡
I relate so much to skipping doing a sample (or in my case mock up) of what I'm trying to accomplish, then when I finish the project going I've learned a long the way and there's a marked difference between where I started and where I ended lol
Excited you're coming to the US. Glad your getting to travel, following you dream is wonderful. 😉👍💖
It would be great if we all had the lovely huge spaces, I'm one of those who doesn't. I do however have a little room in the last number of years. The room & things I have are finally getting functional. I've gifted myself with 2 sewing areas, I use my living room as well so when I need to use the large cutting table I can haul it away from the wall & unfold it with freedom to move around it freely. These are just conveniences of age, used the floor for most of the decades that I've sewn. Happy and Safe travels love
Oh my goodness! Your voice is coming back! Love you and your videos! ❤
I love the idea of creating a vintage traveling suitcase with a sewing room inside. Like one with little drawers and rails for fabric to hang.
You can get frames with wheels to go on older suitcases. They don't damage the case as they're attached with straps
Anxious to watch this! It's going to be beautiful!
I am SO THRILLED (and excited) for you! How awesome and inspiring! I wish you the very best!
Dear Cathy, I love how honest and messy your sewing-process is! Thank your for displaying it this way. I wish you all your best on your journey- sewing and traveling! Very glad to be accompanied by you and glad to be accompanying you. You are one of the kind voices in my life, one that I always come back to.
Best best best
Geli (currently in Tokio, which is like really cool!)
Love this! Looking forward to this journey WITH YOU!
Having moved across continents several times. Take everything with you is my advice. Cull things you don't need by all means, but take the collection of threads that took you years to collect. It might take you years to find that right colour again.
I just need to say that it fills me with an inestimable amount of joy to know I'm not the only one who has issues with french knots.
Amazing work!!! ❤❤❤❤❤
P.S. DMC Perle cotton 12 (Perle cotton type has this same twist the original thread have) can be a really good choice for leaves, and Perle cotton 8 can be good for stems.
Your voice is sounding much improved. Congratulations on your hard work.
I have started over with nothing several times, sometimes voluntarily ( moving abroad) sometimes involuntarily (house fire and other calamities) and the most important things to me are my photos and reference books.
The rest is replaceable, even some of the books are too.