Christmas Stocking.

Just finished one of my two Stitchalong projects. Here it is:



This started out as two sweaters from the local thrift store. I felted them and used one for the front of the stocking and the other for the back. I embellished the front pieces (stocking and cuff) with embroidery thread and little golden jingle bells, then constructed the stocking using the blanket stitch.

Here is the "before" picture of the pieces, taken in very poor lighting (sorry!):



I'm well-pleased with the finished result. I should mention that this is my first embroidery project ever, although I have been hand- and machine-sewing items and garments since I was a little girl.

Wallflower

The holidays are upon us and my munchikins need some fancy dresses!

I picked up these adorable little tops CHEAP! at Old Navy. I've added a little detail at the waist and they will be paired with a super cute plaid skirt. Pop on over to my blog to see more.

I now have Kristin's Book and am so anxious to begin a project.

Have gathered some fabric remnants, yarn, and needles, pictures of things I liked from magazines, etc. and my brain is 'turned on.'

Kristin, hope to see your pom pom wreath on here soon. It is so cool!

From Elementary School Art Students in Pennsylvania

Patricia Orner is the Art Teacher in Cornwell, Pennsylvania. She has used Kids' Embroidery to teach her students embroidery. They love doing it too! She shared these winter snowflakes with me which the 5th and 6th graders stitched. Aren't they great? And what a good idea for holiday projects and entertaining kids after the holidays too!

From Rags to Mittens

I felted an old knit coat of Julia's - I had knit it of wool and mohair in seed stitch. I traced a mitten shape around one of her mittens and added some extra because the felt was so thick. Then I decorated them with embroidery stitches - spider web, chain stitch, herringbone, french knots and lazy daisy. I stitched them together with blanket stitch.

I'm not sure she will wear them because they are a little tight and a tad too thick. If she doesn't, I'll use them to decorate a wreath or to top the tree.

Tree Bangles

Sunshine has posted a super tutorial for creating beautiful embroidered felt ornaments. I love the cookie cutter idea! I've got to pull out my collection tomorrow.

hello

I followed the directions and here I am. How do I proceed from here? New to blogging Old at life.

Stitcher On The Way

Fun to see all your contributions. I haven't been 'stitchin' in this embroidery mode for quite a few years as have been more active in the quilting arena, but have stopped now and then to do some beading (jingle-socks for my grandaughter), and a long history of any other kind of needlework known to man!

Will attach a pic of my last completed quilt which was a 3 year project that is just a joy to look at for me and for my friend who rode in many, many cycle races to earn all the t-shirts. I think the Muscular Dystrophy Regional office is going to display it before the big race this year.

I have ordered Kristin's book so will have to wait for it to come to begin doing other projects. In the meantime, I always have a quilt in process.

From Ellen Kelley via e-mail:

I made this acorn pincushion for a dear friend, who like me, is crazy for anything "acornish". I used wool felt and looked to Kristin's book for help in unearthing my long dormant embroidery skill. The cap and body of the acorn are encircled with herringbone stitch which was a really good choice as it reminds me of the patterns that occur on real acorn caps. All in all I am pleased with the results. Now I just have to return it to my friend!
Thanks for the help, Kristin.

Little Wing

I just made 12 of these!

I think I'm a little blanket stitched out right now. More projects on the way: Embroiderd dolls, that pillow for me and a pair of socks to finish!
Btw I'm having a drawing for three of the chickens. If you are interested in owning one of my little beauties just drop me an e-mail by 12/15 and YOUR name just might be pulled out of the hat! I will ship internationally.
togbean*at*charter*dot*net

Hearts for the Holidays

I made these little ornament sachets inspired by the pillow idea on Page 152 of Colorful Stitchery. I used felted and dyed blanket and sweater remnants. I cut out a bunch of hearts and the let my needle go wild with a different design on each. I stitched with a single strand of Paternayan Persian. I stuffed them with some felted scraps that I put a few drops of lavender oil and then added a few tablespoons of dried lavender. I added a loop so they could be hung on a tree or in a closet. They are little holiday gifts for Julia's teachers.

Hey Baby!

I don't have any pictures yet, not having started, but as a new, first-time mom I want to try embellishing two things for my little baby girl Pixie.

The first is a cute pea green kimono sweater (a Dale of Norway pattern) that I finished knitting that looks like it wants little stitched daisies on the bottom edge.

The second, more ambitious project is to embellish Pixie's first Christmas stocking, which I will be making from scratch.

Wish me luck! I'd like to post before, during and after photos, if that's okay...

Felted Crossover

While I admire the beauty of the stitches in Kristin's books on embroidery, the perfectionist in me is unsatisfied with how sloppy my stitches look. Still, I love the motifs and illustrations throughout all of Kristin's published works.

When experimenting with creating pieces of flat felt, I turned to Colorful Stitchery for inspiration; this design is on the inside jacket.

Everyday Is a Winding Road

A quick pic of the latest embroidery I've done. A simple monogram on a bag that I made for a friend



My newest project in the works. Although mine will be a bit more rustic and not so uptown and shiny.
Thanks so much for the inspiration Kristin!!

The Stitchalong Begins

I know there are many stitchers out there who have discovered the joy of hand-embroidery. I have been lucky to have two books published which feature my stitchery designs. I loved doing these books, developing the projects, working with the threads and the fabrics. I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity to share with others a craft I have enjoyed since I was a young girl.

I have heard from so many people who are having fun learning and creating with stitchery. I thought it would be fun to have a forum to share the colorful hand-stitched projects you all are making. I hope you'll join me soon.