Knotty Solutions

By 2am my stitching had French knots in abundance – the knots were either on the back of the fabric, halfway down the thread or had disappeared!

There I was doing a pile of ironing in what I call my scullery, absent-mindedly gazing at my pretty shelf, and looked at my dear little 1950s embroidered pictures properly for the first time in about four years. A connection came to me at once!

Some time ago I unearthed the most fabulous sample books of hand-dyed silk threads, originally created by Lucy Coltman’s Designer Silks. I mentioned this when I last created some Vintage Notions boxes, where I used up all the lovely subtle colours. I had been pondering how to use the bright, zingy-coloured threads I had left, and suddenly I knew they were screaming out for a vintage-style project with some cross stitch, lazy daisy stitches and some pretty knots. The result is this new Treasure.

I am sure that many of you will need no suggestions to make use of the treats in this box, but for us less imaginative mortals I have come up with some traditional line drawings to tempt you. I have added them along with some general instructions.

My vintage pictures include a lot of French knots – I can tell you a story about those! Years ago, I was working on the finishing touches of a book for Publisher David and Charles. As always it was 2am in the morning and I was completing a games sampler. The crib board had French knots in abundance and by the time I had finished, the knots were either on the back of the fabric, halfway down the thread or had disappeared! I have to admit to having a real paddy and made the decision to crack French knots for once and all… 

The instructions for French knots supplied in the box are the result of my bad temper. Having said that, I am aware that many of you still pull faces when French knots are mentioned. I am suggesting Colonial knots as a substitute and I have prepared a little video of me making this pretty stitch.

Try my guide to Colonial knots and let me know how you get on.

Other Jottings  you might enjoy…