Saturday, September 27, 2008

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!

Friday, September 26, 2008

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?

Thursday, September 11, 2008

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.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Sneak Peek

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

My first efforts at embroidery!