Two More Reasons to Love Embroidery

1. It's really fast! I completed this project in a few hours.


2. My kids can do it too! They are not ready to knit or crochet yet, but they have had no problem learning to embroider!

Why I Love Embroidery

I can't remember exactly what inspired me, but a few weeks ago, the embroidery bug bit me, and I am hooked. I have been crocheting for more than three years and knitting for more than two, so maybe it's just time for me to try something new, but I think it was a natural progression for a crafty type like me. I haven't had the time to do nearly as much embroidery as I would like, but I have been thinking a lot about what has attracted me to this medium. In no particular order...

• After teaching myself to crochet and to knit, learning to do embroidery was extremely easy.
• It is easy to pick up and put down and to transport.
• You can do a lot with a few basic stitches.
• There are a limited number of inexpensive supplies required for the craft.
• The color and design possibilities are endless.
• There are hundreds of free patterns available. Here are a few of my favorite sources: 1. Needle'n Thread and 2. Needlecrafter.com, and 3. the Hoop Love Vintage Transfers Flickr group.
• Simple line drawings can be traced and used for patterns. This is what I did for my first project. I Googled "fleur de lis," printed a clip art image, sized it using image editing software, printed it, and traced it onto my fabric using a water soluable pen.
  
  
• The supplies are generally readily available. I say generally because in the town where I live, I CANNOT PURCHASE EMBROIDERY FLOSS. Yes, you understood me correctly, and I am not mistaken. I live at least an hour-and-a-half from the nearest craft store! However, as you probably guessed, there is a Wal Mart in town, and it still sells fabric, so for that I am thankful. I got a really nice muslin there this week.
• Because I do a little drawing and lettering, I am inspired to create my own original designs, and I already have several in mind.
• Embroidery can be combined with quilting and sewing and other types of mixed media such as artist trading cards and art post cards to create wonderful, interesting artwork. Take a look at this!
• There is a great Flickr group with lots of inspiration.

I'm sure I will come up with more reasons to love embroidery. If you embrodier, WHY DO YOU LOVE IT?

FO: Anne Scarf

Here is my latest FO—a crocheted scarf I made for my friend, Angela, for her birthday. It's the Anne pattern. Raveled here.

Sneak Peek

Just a quick look at what I've been working on...

My first efforts at embroidery!