My stitchy bug is still off buzzing around somewhere, but I have started a new project. I have started stitching a boutis scissors case from a kit. This is a class that is being taught at my embroidery guild.

Boutis is a form of quilted needlework from France. I found a brief description of the technique here, but this video on the Threads website is a great crash course in the technique, too.

Here’s a photo of what the completed scissors case will look like when completed from the kit insert:

The first step is to transfer the pattern onto the fabric and then baste the main fabric and the second layer of fabric together.

Here is my transferred pattern for the scissors case:

The pattern has a lot of little lines! I used a ruler to try to keep the lines as even as possible. I had a harder time with the circle end, so my circles are a bit wonky.

Once I had transferred the pattern, I could start stitching. You use a simple running stitch along all of the solid edges in the pattern. Although it is difficult to see in the photo because I am stitching with yellow thread on yellow fabric, I start my running stitches around the circles. Here is an extreme close-up of what it look like on the backside:

These are tiny, tiny little stitches. And, yes, it’s a bit wonky, but my stitches are getting more even as I go along and get used to it.

I have a lot of stitching ahead of me! Then even more challenges await before it’s done. I’m trying to get as much completed as I can before our November meeting. Fingers crossed that I can make some progress on this project over the next couple of weeks.

Karen J. of Averyclaire is teaching the class, and she has more examples of boutis on her website. Plus, she sells the kits on Etsy if you’re up for a challenge!