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Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Banjara Embroidery
Banjara Embroidery
Banjaras or the nomadic tribes of India have typical embroidery styles influenced by many cultures, themes and availability of raw material. Their clothers are embellished with intricate mirror work and bead work. Shells, ivory beads, and colorful threads are a treat to the senses.The banjaras though gradually coming in the main stream still tend to keep in touch with their traditional crafts. The needle craft that was earlier limited to colorful traditional skirts (ghagra), blouses and men's jackets can now be seen on bags, belts, bead spreads wall hangings and living room decors.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Free Embroidery Instructions - Illustrated, Step by Step Decorative Embroidery Stitches
The art of embroidery is old but still popular today. It’s fun to create and by knowing how to make a few simple embroidery stitches using a needle and thread, one’s ideas may be expressed in luxurious handmade articles. Try all these basic stitches; in fact make a sampler of them, using heavy dark material, linen is best, and white or golden yellow embroidery thread.
Outline or Stem Stitch — This stitch is worked from left to right. Bring needle up through fabric to right side on the line to be outlined. Holding the thread toward you as shown (or the thread may be swung to the left away from you), take a short slanting back stitch along stamped line. Make the next and each successive stitch from right to left and bring the needle out to the left at the end of previous stitch. Repeat along Line, keeping stitches small and uniform.
Whipped Stem Stitch — Outline design in outline stitch; then, in contrasting thread, whipstitch over the stem stitch.
Running Stitch—This stitch is used for outline and padding. The needle is carried in and out of material making small up and down even stitches. Take several stitches on needle before drawing it through.
Threaded Running Stitch—Outline design in running stitch, then weave a thread in and out of running stitch. A contrasting thread may be used if desired.
Whipped Running Stitch — Outline design in running stitch, then whip stitch over running stitch.
After you have learned to make each of these stitches and have become intrigued with the idea of embroidery, you will want to make something useful and pretty right away. The wide selection of thread available on the market today makes it much easier to create something different from the ordinary. You may wish to embroider with metallic thread, nylon or rayon threads, pearl cotton, as well as regular embroidery floss which comes in a rainbow of colors. Contrasting color gives an interesting effect. Embroidering with wool yarn on felt jackets, purses, belts, glass cases, etc., is very pretty. You can make guest towels, pillow slips, aprons, washcloths, luncheon sets and many other gift bazaar items.
All stitches are started on the wrong side of material by making two or three small stitches one over the other to anchor thread—never make a knot.
Chain Stitch—Bring thread to right side of material, hold thread toward you with left thumb, take a stitch into same hole where thread was brought up, forming a small loop. Do not pull thread tightly. Bring needle out a short distance forward and over the loop. Make a second loop overlapping the first one. Continue along marked line.
Back Stitch—Take a small running stitch, insert needle at end of running stitch, thrust needle through to wrong side and over twice as much space as original stitch on wrong side; bring needle to right side and repeat.
Threaded Backstitch—Outline design in simple backstitch, then weave in and Out with one or two contrasting threads.
Crossed Backstitch or Shadow Embroidery—On the right side, this stitch resembles two rows of backstitch and on the wrong side the catch stitch. Slant the needle the same as if making a catch stitch, make a single back stitch, first on the lower side and then diagonally across on the upper side. Work this stitch on transparent material so the crossing of threads show through to right side. This stitch is often called herringbone stitch when crosses are worked on right side.
Lazy Daisy Stitch---Bring needle up at inner point of petal, hold thread toward you. Thrust needle down at inner point of petal, 1 or 2 threads to right of point where thread emerges; bring point of needle out at outer end of petal, going over thread. Draw loop up to cover petal, thrust needle down outside of loop to fasten it in place. Bring needle out at inner point of next petal to left or right.
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Cross Stitch--- Crosses are stamped on material, or a design may be worked on material of a uniform weave like monk's cloth, or on checked gingham. Make slanting stitch from lower left to upper right corner of cross. Make a second slanting stitch from lower right to upper left corner of cross. All crosses should be worked the same way to give a uniform appearance to the work. In working long rows with the same color, all stitches slanting in one direction may be made across the row, then work back, crossing all stitches in the other direction.
Double Overcasting---With a heavy corded embroidery thread, overcast the turned hem edge with even, slanting stitches one-fourth inch deep. Finish edge, turn fabric, and work a second row, matching the stitches at each end.
Double Overcasting Stitch (left diagram)
Couching Stitch---Hold a heavy thread or cord or several threads along the line to be followed. Bring needle, threaded with finer thread, up close to cord. Thrust needle down on opposite side of cord to make a stitch at right angles to it. Bring needle up to left in position for another right angle stitch. Continue taking stitches over cord, spacing them evenly.
Interesting effects of the couching stitch may be achieved by working over several threads in (A) blanket stitch, (B) chain stitch and the (C) feather stitch.
Bokhara Couching Stitch---The thread to be couched is laid across the space from left to right; using the same thread fasten down with small slanting stitches at even intervals. Practice and enjoy this wonderful craft.
Learn Shadow Embroidery too...Click Here
Shado Iw Embroiderynstructions - Illustrated lessons
Complete illustrated instructions on learning this lovely, delicate craft as well as a beginner's project are featured on this page. Enjoy!
Photo (A) Photo (B)
Shadow embroidery was developed as a Whitework technique. A revival of this dainty stitch on dress accessories, infant’s clothes, lingerie and household linens creates a delicate trim.
The stitch is worked on sheer, transparent or firmly woven fabrics. Select organdy, voile, batiste, fine linen or muslin, sheer silk or a synthetic for the ground fabric. Shadow stitch motifs may be worked on ready-made clothing too.
Work double back stitch (Fig. 1) on right side of fabric. This forms a close herringbone stitch (Fig. 1) on wrong or reverse side of fabric. These stitches produce the shadow effect (Photos A and B above).
When stitches are worked close together, a solid shadow appears through right side of fabric. Back stitch holes are shared and create a continuous out-
line (Fig. 1). If stitches are not placed close together, a "lacy" shadow effect appears on right side with a distinct outline of tiny, separate stitches following design.
For fine detailing use one ply of embroidery floss with number 7 or finer crewel needle with a hoop or frame. Silk and cotton embroidery yarns make best shadow effects. Additional plys will make colors stronger. Stems are worked on right side of fabric in very fine back or chain stitches (Fig. 2).
Flower centers are worked in French knot clusters (Fig. 3) on right side of design. Petals and leaves are filled in
with shadow stitch. Subtle effects occur when white floss is used on white fabrics. Thread may be matched to background color. Greens may be used for stems and leaves while flower petals may be stitched in colors. Shadow embroidery works best on designs where petals and leaves do not overlap. Block letters for monograms adapt to shadow stitch. Parallel lines in design aid in structuring shadow effect. Check transfer patterns or sketch your own designs. Choose a design, transfer to wrong side of sheer material and try shadow embroidery!
Make a MINI PILLOW with shadow embroidery.
To make a mini-pillow you will need two 9 inch squares of sheer fabric, daisy design below, embroidery hoop, embroidery floss, number 7 or finer crewel needle, dressmaker’s carbon paper or hot iron transfer pencil, one yard ruffled lace or eyelet edging, matching thread, plain muslin and small amount polyester fiberfill.
Using hot iron transfer pencil or dressmaker’s carbon paper, transfer design to center of wrong side of pillow top.
With fabric in embroidery hoop, wrong side facing, work petals in shadow stitch using 1 to 3 plies matching embroidery floss. Use close herringbone stitch with fine stitches sharing holes as stitches outline petals. On right side work flower center in French knots.
Press finished work with right side on terry towel.
Stitch ruffled lace or eyelet edging around perimeter of pillow top. Using 1/2 inch seam, stitch pillow top and bottom together. Be sure to include raw edge of ruffling and leave one side open for pillow filler. Trim seams and corners. Turn right side out. Press.
Make small pillow filler of plain muslin. Stuff with polyester fiberfill. Place inside embroidered pillow. A small sachet of potpourri may be put inside filler pillow. Close open edges with fine hemming stitches.
Think small to large. Iron or press smaller details such as pockets, collars, belts, etc. first. Then move to larger areas.
Use your iron sparingly when touching up wrinkles on pockets, cuffs, collars and other details of your garment.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Kalamkari block prints
The real block prints that have been produced in India since centuries. These are vegetal dyed on wonderfully soft voile cotton, that you can wear right out of the box and that just keep getting better with each washing. These are hand made in villages in A.P. The voile sarees all come with blouse pieces, the printed Gunturs are 6 yards.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Eye care
- Dip wads of cotton in a chilled mixture of cucumber and potato juice. Keep this on your eyelids for 15 to 20 minutes and gently wash it off. Apply a little baby oil.
- For long eyelashes.., apply a thin coat of castor oil every night. It strengthens lashes and cools your eyes.
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Massage a few drops of coconut oil around the eyes to get rid off dark circles.
- To reduce puffiness of your eyes, grate a potato; tie in a cloth and place the cloth over your eyes for about 15 minutes.
- Add a small pinch of salt in water and wash for bright and sparkling eyes.
- Mix tomato juice and lemon juice in equal quantity and apply around the eyes. After 30 minutes wash it off with cold and hot water alternatively.
- Make a paste of sandal wood and nutmeg. Apply the paste around the eyes before sleeping and wash it off in the morning.
- Crush a cucumber and take the juice. Add a little rose water and apply around the eyes and wash it after 30 minutes.
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Place cotton wool swabs dipped in cold milk on closed eyes for removing dark circles.
HEALTH TIPS
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To avoid diseases like hepatitis and Typhoid, eat 5 basil leaves everyday.
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For tooth ache, keep a clove on the affected area.
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Have a mixture of gingelly oil and egg, for 3 days, for menstrual disorders.
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You will get a great relief from menstrual pain , if you have a gooseberry daily.
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Boil the leaf of Malabar nut, squeeze its juice and add egg white. It subsides cough.
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Eat the powder of dried ginger and cumin with sugar for relief from cough.
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Have the mixture of mustard paste and honey for good relief from cough.
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For a good relief from cough, mix equal quantities of basil juice, honey and ajwain juice and drink on an empty stomach.
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Are you suffering from urinary infection? Drink a glassful of water with a pinch of cardamom powder.
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Chew some cumin and sugar for relief from stomach pain.
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Have a mixture of lemon juice and honey when you are suffering from cold.
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If you have bad breath, drink at least five glasses of water in the morning.
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Stop nose bleeds by putting a few drops of pomegranate juice into your nostrils.
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For nagging cough and chest congestion, boil 3 cups of water with 2 fresh betel leaves and 4 crushed peppercorns, till the water is reduced to half. Strain and drink every morning and night with a teaspoon of honey.
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For relief from toothache.. Take two basil leaves, a grain of salt and a pinch of pepper powder and press against the affected tooth.
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For minor rashes on the skin.. add few basil leaves in your bathing water before you bathe.
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To get a fair baby, Mothers can drink saffron added to milk during pregnancy.
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For fever and cough of children, give some honey mixed with water.
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The juice of carrot and tomato, mixed with a little honey is good tonic for children.
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A teaspoon of the powdered pomegranate skin taken with water early in the morning will not only purify the blood but also will serve as a good de- worming agent
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Chewing raw guava leaves is an excellent quick fix for diarrhoea
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If you are suffering from acidity, drink a glass of water with a piece of jaggery dissolved in it, after meals.
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Drink basil water everyday, it helps in keeping throat infection and cough at bay.
For good Health
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Add vegetables and fruits in your diet chart.
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Drink 12-16 glass of water daily.
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Avoid excess eating of fried things.
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Try to buy meat which contain less fat.
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Avoid excess sugar in tea and coffee.
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Slice vegetables into big pieces, so that it won't loose vitamins.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Knee Length Dress
| Knee Length Dress |  | ||
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Banana - The alltime favorite and affordable fruit.
Bananas have been the alltime favorite and perennial fruit for hundreds of years now. It has many curative properties. This fruit is affordable by anyone and is available in plenty in India. All the varieties available are beneficial in their own way. Banana is rich in fiber content and also contains natural sugars like sucrose, fructose and glucose. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet. |
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Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier. PMS: Forget the pills -- eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood. Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia. Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect way to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke. Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that t the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert. | |||
.healthtips
Health and Fitness has now become one of the major concerns. Earlier humans used to hunt for their living, due to which their body had to undergo a lot of physical exercise. This made life active and alert. Now, life has become more simple and easy. Everything we need is just a phone call away. This easy life has restricted humans to do that bit of physical exercise which is required to keep the body fit and healthy. We get instant, spicy and variety of food which lose their nutrition during the process. How do we ensure that we have all that we need to have a healthy living? This is a big question among everyone. We need proper nutrition and a fit and belathy body. Good Health is all that one craves for. Becoming healthier and fitter though not very difficult needs dedicated efforts. Nutrition and Health Diet |
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The basic foundation for a healthy individual starts from his foetal stage with proper and healthy nutrition derived from his or her mother. Hence, a pregnant woman's diet stands atop all diets.
Sumptous nutrition is available in fruits and vegetables. Fruits have the capacity to give all that a body needs. How to consume? What to consume? Which fruit helps in which way? The answers to these questions can be found in our Nutrition and Healthy Diet Section | |||
Your food shall be your medicine.Tuesday, March 10, 2009
ADITI
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| Aditi |
AMODINI
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| Amodini |
Monday, March 9, 2009
Leaf Stitch
This is a pretty way of filling in a leaf shape. Starting at point of leaf, make a straight stitch part way down center. Bring needle out on left edge. Leaving a loop of yarn, insert needle on right edge. Now hold down loop with a small stitch over centre.
Feather Stitch
Feather Stitch
Start a little to left of guide line. Holding thread with left thumb, work a small slanting stitch to the right and a bit below where thread emerged. Needle points to the left. Pull the needle through over thread loop. Make a thread loop on the left of the guide line and work a stitch as before but with needle pointing to right. Pull needle through over thread loop. Make thread loop on left of the guide line and work a stitch as before but with needle pointing to right. Pull needle through over thread loop.