Seektober 2023: Lottiepot’s Stitches Through Seektober

[Lottiepot]

Hi friends!

A warm welcome to my first ever Seektober challenge. I am terrible at drawing so there was no way I was going to be able to get through this on artistic talent alone. I am however somewhat able to sew and as my sewing machine is currently broken, I’ll be attempting hand embroidery instead.

I can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to finish as hand embroidery takes a considerable amount of time but it’s worth giving it a go right? As my options are a little more limited, I’ll be doing the Aparecium challenge so I can pick from the other categories.

Hope you all enjoy and good luck to my fellow challengers!

Lottie

Challenges Completed 30/30

1. Pink • Umbridge #13
2. Lumos • Quirrell #9
3. Peacock • Lockhart #30
4. Polyjuice Potion • Moody #11
5. Slytherin • Umbridge #3
6. Forbidden Forest • Quirrell #28
7. Seeker • Lockhart #7
8. Tea • Umbridge #1
9. Halloween • Quirrell #24
10. Weasleys’ Wildfire Whizz-Bangs • Umbridge #21
11. Purple • Quirrell #17
12. Imperio • Moody #26
13. Valentine • Lockhart #21
14. Obliviate • Lockhart #25
15. Author • Lockhart #4
16. Electric Blue • Moody #8
17. Toad • Umbridge #9
18. Dragon • Moody #29
19. Dragon Egg • Quirrell #27
20. Unicorn • Quirrell #14
21. Flamboyant • Lockhart #16
22. Crucio • Moody #14
23. Werewolf • Umbridge #27
24. Flying Keys • Quirrell #29
25. Goblet of Fire • Moody #4
26. Verdimillious • Quirrell #23
27. Ravenclaw • Quirrell #3
28. Friend • Moody #23
29. Cornish Pixies • Lockhart #12
30. Cats • Umbridge #14

[Lottiepot]

Prompt #15 - Author

SPOILER!!: Books Galore

Despite trying to do numerous prompts in one sitting, I have decided to be a little kinder to myself and concentrate just on outlines for these next few. I love how satin stitches make a design pop but it takes SO MUCH time. Maybe towards the end I might go back and fill them in. Anyway, for now I present to you all a collection of books. There’s not really much else to say about it really . The stitch used for the outlining is a ’Whipped Back Stitch’ which is easily my favourite for creating a bold and seamless line.

Prompt #16 - Electric Blue

SPOILER!!: Lightning

Is there actually a general consensus on what colour ‘Electric Blue’ is supposed to be because every single website I looked on describes it a little differently. As the colours varied and because I didn’t really know what to do for this prompt, I decided on a lightning bolt in an ombré of three different blue threads varying from that deep royal blue to more of a cyan. The stitch is really simple again and is just a ’Back Stitch’. If you want to embroider and only learn the one stitch, let it be that. You can do just about anything with the knowledge of a back stitch.

[Lottiepot]

Prompt #17 - Toad

SPOILER!!: Sir Croak-a-Lot

Yes I am fully aware that he more closely resembles a frog rather than a toad but it is about as much as my artistic talents will allow me to produce. Drawing is not my forte but I think you can just about figure out what he is supposed to be! I’m certainly no realist when it comes to my work and so have adopted a cartoon style. The type of stitch I have used is a ’Split Stitch’ which helps to create a seamless outline whilst also giving it a braided type of effect that I really like. The only problem being that it is quite difficult to go around curves and corners with this type of stitch, annoying but overcome by doing the teeeeniest of stitches. Just used three threads out of the floss too so that the outline was a little thinner. The eyes were made using a ’Satin Stitch’ to fill in the whites and a ’French Knot’ for the pupils. Once again if I have time in the future I might fill him in.

[Lottiepot]

Prompt #18 and #19 - Dragon & Dragon Egg

SPOILER!!: Welsh Green

Yes I may have taken some liberties with merging these two prompts in together but it’s getting late and I wanted to try and catch up as quickly as possible. Went relatively simple with the design featuring a very badly drawn dragon who has clearly eaten one too many sheep. No filling in/shading with this one. I did start to add detail but it just became a little messy so I unpicked it and stuck with the silhouette. The whole Dragon is made using the most basic ’Back Stitch’ as there were a lot of curves to contend with and this particular stitch is the easiest to go around corners/bends with.

The Dragon Egg is teeny tiny. Also made using the back stitch however the design is made using only a single strand of thread. It’s actually deceptively hard to do these super mini designs as often the needle is too large. If I’d had the patience I’d of probably switched to a much finer needle. The colour thread used is as close to a gold as I could get.

[Lottiepot]

Prompt #20 - Unicorn

SPOILER!!: Pastels

This was possibly one of my favourite designs to work on because these colours absolutely scream me. I obviously went for a pastel princess approach rather than a HP style unicorn because realism is clearly not in my vocabulary. I’m really pleased with the way this came out and when I’m not restricted by a deadline I think I’ll do a larger version of a unicorn just for myself. Might even invest in some sparkly thread.. Anyway, there are several different stitches used here. Outlined using a ’Whipped Back Stitch’, filled using a ’Satin Stitch’ and the centre of the ears are several ’Fly Stitches’ graduating in size.

Two-thirds of the way through the challenge!

[FearlessLeader19]

So many pretties in here My faves are the lavender, toad and dragon prompts are my faveee! *__* I just love how you're able to stitch so neatly and the patterns are easily discernible!

PS: look at you making your way through these prompts!

[Lottiepot]

Today has NOT produced my best work and so I am going to lump all three into this one post and pretend like nothing has happened Hopefully tomorrow will be a better sewing day. Getting closer to the end so won’t have to push for getting three done in one go.

Prompt #21 - Flamboyant

SPOILER!!: Swirls

This wasn’t my favourite prompt in the world and my mind was spinning going through ideas for how to portray this one paper. Or rather cotton. I went for ‘flamboyant colours’ which in my head are bright and fun. Also went a little rogue and tried a swirly pattern in a ’Running Stitch’ which gives it this cool disjointed look but I really am not happy with the outcome and might unpick it later on. Ignore the pen marks, they will wash off when the piece is all finished. I was also so close to the edge that I was unable to use my hoop and the material puckered. So all in all, a disaster really!

Prompt #22 - Crucio

SPOILER!!: Unforgivable Pt.2

Saved my fingers and stuck simple with this design. Switched up my font (which made sewing easier, smooth curves are HARD). Changed the stitch on this one too, it’s a ’Stem Stitch’ which creates a rope like texture.

Prompt #23 - Werewolf

SPOILER!!: Hooowl

If you know me well, you’ll know I work with dogs. That must mean I’d be able to draw a decent dog right? Wrong. As much as I’d love to produce a detailed Wolf design, my limitations with a pen and paper resulted in a semi-recognisable blob of a dog howling at a yellow tinted moon. A variety of stitches used here, namely ’Satin Stitch’, ’Back Stitch’ and ’Whipped Back Stitch’.

I TRIED

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

So many pretties in here My faves are the lavender, toad and dragon prompts are my faveee! *__* I just love how you're able to stitch so neatly and the patterns are easily discernible!

PS: look at you making your way through these prompts!

Thank you! The homeward stretch will probably be the toughest but let’s do this!

[Lottiepot]

Prompt #24 - Flying Keys

SPOILER!!: Wonky Woo

Oops. We went a little askew with this somehow. Not sure if the material wasn’t stretched out properly or I was just getting tired. Didn’t align it properly either but other than it’s clear uniqueness, it’s okay. Just two stitches used to make this design. The wings are ’Split Stitches’ and the key is tiny little ’Satin Stitches’.

[Lottiepot]

Prompt #25 - Goblet of Fire

SPOILER!!: Burn, baby burn

This might be my favourite creation so far. Made solely using ’Satin Stitches’ to create a seamless edge. I used two different gold colour threads to give it a little dimension and alternated the direction of the stitches to vertical on the lip of the goblet to create a greater 3D effect. The flames were made with an ombré of stitches. It’s obviously an oversimplified design from the goblet depicted in the movies but who has time for all that detail?

[Lottiepot]

Prompt #26 - Verdimillious

SPOILER!!: The Green Charm

I’m currently away from home looking after a very lucky Pug and have only brought a limited selection of colours with me to do my challenges. I was having a bit of a meltdown working out what I could do and came across the Verdimillious Charm. So I literally did what it said on the tin, a wand with green sparks coming out of it. I have such little space left that I could squeeeze it into hence why it’s so tiny. Might add some different greens in the future for a little extra pizzazz. Might be teeny but used three different stitches, ’Back Stitch’, ’French Knots’ and ’Running Stitch’.

[Lottiepot]

Prompt #27 - Ravenclaw

SPOILER!!: Caw Caw

Guess who has finally caught up?! Somehow accomplished a seemingly impossible task and number 27 is actually one I’m pretty proud of. I’ve always been a hatstall between Slytherin and Ravenclaw so to have these two houses as prompts was pretty exciting. Instead of doing the Ravenclaw emblem or something to do with the colours, I went with an Eagle design. As I said in my previous post I’m not at home so only had the one brown to work with and had to be somewhat clever with my design to distinguish where the wings were sitting flush with the birds body. The whole thing was made using ’Satin Stitches’ and with a small ’French Knot’ eye. I’m quite pleased with this little guy.

[Lottiepot]

Prompt #28 - Friend

SPOILER!!: Special Socks

This one is unlikely to make sense unless you know The inspiration behind my design was my Hogwarts student Aurora and her Bestie Anna (sweetpinkpixie). The pair have these super silly and yet adorable socks whose magnetic hands join together when they stand next to each other. The pink obviously represents Aurora whereas yellow is for our Hufflepuff friend (although Aurora insists Anna is yellow because she brings the sunshine to the school). Created using ’Satin Stitches’ in alternating directions.

[Lottiepot]

Prompt #29 - Cornish Pixies

SPOILER!!: The Land of Pixies and Pasties

The idea of sewing a Cornish Pixie was a little too daunting but as Cornwall was my home for many years, it felt wrong not to represent it in some way. The flag in the design is the flag of St Piran, the Patron of Cornwall and therefore officially the Cornish flag. I just about managed to muster up some creativity to have the Pixie peeking out from over the top. Only ’Satin Stitches’ of varying lengths have been used to create this design.

[Lottiepot]

THE FINAL PROMPT! And oof what a journey this was. I was pretty proud of what I’d managed to accomplish over this month although I’m not sure I’d do it too often. I love embroidery but I’d rather take my time with it and work on one project at a time. I’ve also just bought a load of material so back to making dog bandanas and collars I go Tomorrow I shall post the full piece and a little tutorial/sample of the different stitches I’ve been doing so they hopefully make a little more sense. Thank you all for sticking with me.

Prompt #30 - Cats

SPOILER!!: Meow

Of course I left my favourite prompt to last. Anyone who knows me well will know that my life revolves around animals. I work with them and I am the proud mother of 3 dogs and 5 beautiful kitties. This particular design was inspired by two of my boys who are both ginger. This little guy was made by outlining with a darker orange thread in a simple ’Back Stitch’ and filling in with a slightly lighter orange and a cream in a ’Satin Stitch’. The eyes are just two ’French Knots’ which if I was doing it again I’d probably do tiny little stitches instead so they look less beady.

[Suziella]

OMG Lottie. Idk where to begin here.

First, Congratulations for finishing your prompts list! I am so proud of you for getting it completed. It can be difficult come up with something new everyday.

Second...holy cow these are all so adorable I can't wait to see the full piece! Like I told you before, I am so impressed with this kind of needle work because I would never have the patience for it. You are so talented and everything turned out so cute!!

I hope you participate next year as well!! Great job hunny!!!

[PhoenixRising]

OMG .... you did it !!! These are soooo beautiful, Lottie!!! I think some of my favorites are the snake or the dragon / egg ... but they're all adorable that it was really hard to pick those two. But they definitely stood out. The toad too, though. And the werewolf.... gosh, nevermind, I can't choose

[Felixir]

fasten your seatbelt, I'm doing some major catching up here and might have to pick out some faves and/or use a spoiler cut - but first of all, congratulations on completing seektober! and all in embroidery projects too. unreeeal.

SPOILER!!: future felix here to say that a spoiler cut + picking favourites was indeed necessary

that little snitch (initially typed 'stitch' whoops) is so cute, I really like the contrast between the smooth/solid snitch and the feathery effect in its wings. and the TEA. it really screams umbridge (but without the Horrors). I may be a maverick brit who dislikes tea but i'll take ten of yours. the flower and the teeny tiny leaf are so cool. I think the firework might be my joint favourite (along with the tree) so far (the only firework I approve of ever) even though it's relatively simple compared to some of the others. such a cool effect the way the sparkles seem to fade out as it moves outwards, and I love those colours.

love the little lavender. so dainty and sweet and just really lovely. as for the imperio, even without looking at the blurb I could see what you were doing with changing up the font. I really like the M. that's an effective M.

I think the effect of just the outline of the books really works well for that prompt, even if it was just a decision made in the interests of time. and the DRAGON (and egg) is fantastic, in my humble opinion. stared at that one for a good while. I'm also lowkey in love with your unicorn prompt; excellent choice of colours. it's making me crave ice cream (and/or refreshers).

I'm in love with the werewolf prompt. that's such a cool effect in these stitches, with the moon behind and everything. I know you're not too happy with the result but I think it works so well! definitely a recognisable moon-pupper. love all the details in what looks like a v small space too.

and i looove the goblet of fire. the ombre in the flames caught my eye first, but then I also saw how you've got the roundness of the goblet itself in there by using those stitches. so good. and the eagle??? hello???? it's amazing. (and from one slytherin/ravenclaw hatstall to another, I approve of the determination to use both prompts). so much detail and just so neat and expressive. and the stitches used in the beak so you can see both parts of it. so clever. nailed it.

big fan of the cornish pixie prompt too, with the flag incorporated. I do not trust that pixie though. it looks ready for mischief. I think it came out so well even working so small. and. and. AND. that CAT. it is absolutely amazing. I want to wear it like on a hat or something. hat cat. so many details and so interesting (as will all your prompts) to see how you use each stitch to get these effects. definitely another of my faves

okay, all done. congratulations again! you stitchseeker you. would love to also see some of your embroidery work when you've had more time to devote to a piece