I have a quick update on the boutis scissors case embroidery project. I am still working on the running stitches around the edges of the pattern. I have completed the three circles that will form the flap of the scissors case, and I have finished stitching two out of the three border lines around the body of the scissors case.

Here are the photos:

First, here is an overview of the project. It is difficult to see the completed stitching in this photo so some close-up details follow.

The blue transfer pen that I used has bled a little into the fabric. I sincerely hope it will still wash out completely. If it doesn’t, I will be very sad.

Here’s a closeup of the circle area. You can make out the running stitches better in this picture:

I am definitely faster with the running stitch now, and the stitches are kind of/sort of/mostly even-ish…Heh.

Here’s the backside of the same area:

The trickiest part is starting and ending the threads between the layers of fabric so that the knots and ends don’t show. I broke the thread at one point trying to pull the knot into the fabric.

Also, I am finding that I can only work on this for short periods of time because I do not own a thimble and the tiny, pointed quilting needle pokes into my forefinger repeatedly, and I can only take so much of that in one evening.

So, when I have to put the boutis project down, I’ve been picking up my little cross-stitch ornament and adding some stitches to Ms. Deer:

Next week I hope to have the running stitches finished, and I would like to make a good start on stitching the broken lines in the body of the scissors case. Those are all supposed to be backstitched. And, I might have to break down and buy a thimble.

Happy stitching!