Getting The Hang of Hardanger!

Here is another doily (making this my 3rd) that I made and it measures approximately 14 x 14. 

My second Hardanger embroidery piece

The finished piece is approximately 12 x 12 and the accent color is a steel blue. This was done on 22 count white Hardanger fabric.

Almost done!

I am getting so close to being finished with my first piece. I've made several mistakes which means I wont be giving it as a gift, but I'm still pretty happy with it!

I finished my first piece!

Another Craft!

As though I don't have enough half finished projects laying around, I just HAD TO start another one and this time it's worse...it's a new craft. I'm learning Hardanger Embroidery.  This is also known as White Work. It's typically done on white cloth with white thread and it's gorgeous.  I'm talking Heirloom kinda gorgeous.

So, I went out and bought a book "Beginner's Charted Hardanger Embroidery with complete instructions" by Susan Meier and Rosalyn Watkemo.  It has the different stitches in the front and does explain them.  Then it has some patterns and very nice patterns they are. But. and I do mean BUT, the instructions are so cryptic
that I'm glad I joined a Hardanger Forum, I will need them to help me figure out the instructions *sigh.  For a complete beginner leaving out one or more sentences in order for an explanation to be made in 20 words or less is not so helpful.  Example (this is word for word) "Trim around the edge after it was been secured with the sewing machine." ummm huh? "secure with the sewing machine"?  How exactly would one "secure with sewing machine" the border of this piece?