Just as I imagined…

Today I completed another small part of an upcoming One Day In May design…
For months I have dreamed of applique "faux doilies". I have designed three, and have just finished stitching the first. It's come up just as I had imagined.
Doily One Day In May 1
Cotton doilies are something that I have adored since I was a teen.
We would often take trips to the historic, goldfields town of Maldon in Central Victoria as a family, and my favourite shop to visit was always the lace shop.
As I'm working on a project with an old world feel, these memories of doilies simply had to play a role.
Doily One Day In May 2
The central embroidery has been kept simple, using only back-stitch and a few straight-stitches in the centre of each flower. I love the shape of these petals and didn't want to distract from them too much.
I've tried to replicate the look of a simple scalloped edge, using a few stitch types. There has been a bit of experimentation before settling on this combination of back, satin and lazy daisy stitches along with some french knots.
Doily One Day In May 3
Doily One Day In May 4
I'm looking forward to stitching the next two doily designs I've drawn up.
They have different shapes, central designs and edges… lots of variation to keep it interesting.
Doily One Day In May 6

Opening rose bud One Day In May
Our first roses are beginning to open. My daughter picked this one this afternoon… absolutely beautiful.
I would love to hear about what you've been working on, whatever kind of creating it is.

Until next time,
Melissa  x 

14 Responses

  1. love this doily Melissa,well done and what a beautiful rose that your daughter picked,have a lovely weekend.

  2. Absolutely beautiful, so crisp and yet so dainty.

  3. Absolutely love it Melissa, it is beautiful!!!!

  4. Gorgeous doily. I love it.

  5. Verna Grace

    This is gorgeous. I love doilies, too, crochet and cotton. I’m working on a redwork “sister”s embroidery by Red Brolly as a gift for my only sister. Have a great weekend and Happy Thanksgiving from Canada.

  6. Melissa, that is beautiful, can’t wait to see the rest of the designs & be able to buy a copy. I have been working on preping a few stitcheries to take with me on a 2 week holiday, conference in Melbourne then relaxation in Tassie. Isn’t that rosebud just perfection! Happy stitching, Tracee xx

  7. Hi Melissa! Gorgeous design! I am selecting the fabrics for your Roses quilt. I want to sew it with brazilian fabrics. I am finishing a sampler quilt for a quilting class. I am begining a Drunkard’s path quilt to learn how to sew curves. Yes, I can’t work in one project a time. 🙂
    Brazilian kisses…

  8. Mmmmm the doily is simply gawjus Melissa, I love the olde worlde feel of it too. I’m working on a bunch of things right now and really should settle on just one lol … it keeps it interesting ;o).
    Hugs,
    Joy ;o)

  9. TinaD

    Really lovely and nostalgic, evocative of a romantic and genteel bygone era. Recently bought Kathleen Tracey’s Book The Civil War Sewing Cirlce, showing quilts and sewing accessories inspired by the era. Thoroughly enjoying immersing myself in the history of the time. Tina

  10. kel

    Just beautiful, I think you’ve really achieved that vintage look you wanted.
    I’m working on a stumpwork garden fairy for an intermediate course – assessment is next month so I’d better hurry up and finish!

  11. carolsteffensen

    Love it, Melissa!

  12. Jenny

    Its gorgeous Melissa, I too am working on a bunch of things including the Lilly Pad needle keep. The problem is I keep seeing beautiful things and just have to do them. I also scrapbook so I am constantly fighting with myself over paper and fabric! Jen x

  13. Melissa, this is absolutely gorgeous. I love old doilies, but this looks sensational. You are amazingly talented … hoorah for you xxx

  14. Melissa, this is absolutely beautiful. You are such a talented artist. And I say artist with a capital “A”!!! Here’s something for you: It is not only the month for Halloween, but breast cancer awareness month!!! Treat yourself or a loved one because you care! I am just stopping by with a reminder to do your self breast exam.
    Here’s a fun place to start! Everybody loves boob lube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p8pIHy2GRI