Thursday, September 29, 2011

About that kit...

Before my last "wildlife" post, I was chatting about the new Christmas kit (Sept. 22 post). Since I sorta "forgot" about this one, it is fast-tracking through the production process. Here's what's happened since the last post:


1. We are busy cutting fabric with the rotary cutter. Yes, it's dark outside. I was listening to Good Morning America, sipping tea (red mug on ironing board), and cutting fabric. Carmen (my part-time helper) arrived later to help.


2. After it's cut, we iron the wrinkly pieces. Thankfully, most of it is pretty smooth and escapes the iron. Then we fold the pieces, so kitting will go faster later. We're still expecting another shipment of fabric, but this batch is almost processed.

3. While I was in Colorado for my "moose" adventure, the frame arrived at my local needlework shop and Debbie framed it for me. I went straight to my photographer (he's in the same neighborhood) and shot it.  A professional photograph is expensive, but I really think it's worth it.  I don't have a great camera, lighting, or any of that. And the better the photo you begin with, the better the finished product!


4. I've also been working on the graphic design for the cover. Evidently you're not supposed to photograph your computer monitor, because it looks funky (see the strange texture that mysteriously appeared?!).  I really LOVE doing this part, playing around with colors, fonts and all that. I try to resist getting too many elements and busyness that will detract from the stitchery photo, but that's hard! 

I finalized this layout and emailed it to the printer. The next morning my husband Alan delivered the actual stitchery to the printer so they could match the colors more accurately. The printer will deliver a proof for our approval before we proceed with printing. That's when we can tweak the colors or anything else we're not happy with. We also delivered another file (the black and white stuff) to another printer. Different printers...different jobs!

Meanwhile, catch a sneak peek of the bottom of the design and ...BE JOLLY!



3 comments:

  1. Can't wait to SEE this one Linda! You are so creative!! Don't know how you do it all!

    Hugs,
    Tanya

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  2. It already looks too cute! I can't wait to see the finished product! I wish I lived closer so I could help you kit these up. I know it's alot of hard work, but somehow I believe we could make it "fun hard work";) So, when will they be available in our favorite needlework shops? I must stitch faster! lol!

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  3. It already looks too cute! I can't wait to see the finish product! I wish I lived closer, I could help you kit them up! I know it's alot of hard work, but somehow I believe we would make it "fun hard work";) So, when will they be available at our favorite needlework shops? I must stitch faster! lol!

    Mary

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