Intro to Embroidery

Hello all!

This week, we're going to take a little look into the fun world of embroidery!  
.... If that sounds awful, hang in there... I promise it will be fun!

So, do you remember cross-stitching an owl in your 6th grade home economics class? (Does home ec. still exist??)

If you do remember it, and hopefully it brings back happy memories ;), then congratulations!  You already know the basics of embroidery!  

For me, embroidery is a way to make things more beautiful, more personal and more special.  You can create something to embroider, or embellish something beautiful that already exists!  Today, I'm going to give you some resources for learning how to embroider and a quick intro to what you'll need to make it happen.  

Note: There are so many hi-tech sewing machines available that make detailed embroidery quick and simple, but I have to admit that I'm partial to hand-done embroidery.  I promise, it's easy (and way cheaper than buying a machine to do it!) ;)

First, I want to share with you some books that have been incredibly helpful (and inspirational!) to me. I have a wonderfully talented friend who inspired me to jump into embroidery, so I have to say that she is my greatest resource!  But, since I couldn't text her questions 24/7, I checked out a few written resources. :)  
I think these books are pretty fantastic.

Embroider Everything Workshop, by Diana Rupp

This is the first written resource I came across in the book store. The cool thing about this book is that the author does a fantastic job of breaking down and explaining each type of stitch, and even includes reusable iron-on transfers with the patterns for her fun project ideas.  I LOVE this book--- if you're interested in embroidery, please check it out! If you live near me, you can borrow mine!

Stitched for Fun, by Fiona Goble

Seriously?  I'm totally sold by the cover.  :)  This book is full of completely adorable embroidery ideas for home decor projects and gifts.  I love her creativity!

Sew & Stitch Embroidery, by Alyssa Thomas

Oh.  My. Goodness.  I cannot handle the cuteness in this book.  Check out the table runner on the cover.  Don't you need a fox table runner??  

OF COURSE YOU DO.  

I absolutely love her ideas--- this is proof that embroidery can be modern, fresh and incredibly fun.  You're only limited by your imagination!

Ok, once you have your books and your inspiration, you need supplies!

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Embroidery floss is so good for the soul.  You can find it in every color of the rainbow.... and it is incredibly inexpensive... like $0.30 inexpensive.  So go ahead, stock up.  :)

The colors are numbered, so if you have a specific project that tells you what colors you'll need, you'll be able to find them easily!  If you check out the first book I mentioned, she does a great job explaining the kinds of thread/floss you can find and what to do with them.

Ah, the possibilities. 

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Hoops!  These come in all sizes, oval or circular, made of wood or plastic, to secure your project and suit your needs.  These are pretty inexpensive, especially the wooden hoops. Bonus--I love embroidery as art, hung on a wall in a hoop. Lovely!  You can totally make one of these!

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Embroidery needles are another piece of the puzzle, and, of course, they come in a variety of sizes for different project.  These are the needles I use the majority of the time; they are just a bit more dull and have a bigger eye than your typical needle for sewing.

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Next, you can check out the embroidery/ needle arts section of your local craft store for some awesome iron-on transfers.  You can always trace or draw your own pattern with a fabric marker/pencil (I do that a lot); or you can use these super fun, ready-made iron-on transfers.  I remember my mom using these Aunt Martha's transfers when I was a kid for all kinds of projects, so they're definitely sentimental to me.  You can still buy Aunt Martha's retro-fabulous patterns, but there are even more available on the shelves now... be inspired!  All you need is an iron, and you're all set!  Obviously, these iron-on transfers work better on lighter-colored fabrics.  Once you iron the pattern, you just have to "trace" over the lines with your needle and thread!

  

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Now, there are certainly more fun tools you may want, but with these basics (plus a pair of good, sharp scissors), you're ready to get started and try your hands at embroidery!  Check out the books I mentioned for more information about the tools of the trade. :)

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Stitches: 
Now you're ready to give it a try!

Here are some good you-tube instructions for some basic stitches, if you're interested!

Running Stitch:

Backstitch:

Split Stitch:

Chain Stitch:

Stem Stitch:

Satin Stitch:

French knot:

Ok, that's a lot of information, but hopefully it will be a good reference for you!

Get creative, and start playing around with embroidery-- you'll love it!  

It's one of my favorite ways to "unplug" and clear out my frantic spaghetti brain. :)

Here are some examples of fun and relatively quick projects I've worked on lately!

Monogrammed Napkins, Personalized Baby Blanket,
Wedding Handkerchiefs

Apron Embellishment

Pillowcase Personalization 

Thanks for reading!  We'll be working on a fun gift next week!

Patriotic Paper Pinwheels

Happy Independence Day Week! :-)

Since the 4th is rapidly approaching, and we all have a date with ESPN at 4pm today to cheer on the US men's soccer team, we're doing a craft quickie today to celebrate the stars and stripes. :)

I think these are just what you need for you futbol viewing party today! 

Or, think about making a few of these cute pinwheels to put in your flower pots or on an adorable wreath like this for the 4th!

Ok, ready to make some fun and easy pinwheels?

Let's do it!

Materials:

Paper

Ruler

Scissors

Thumb tack or small hole punch

Brads

Drinking straws

First, cut a square from decorative paper or card stock.  I cut a 5"x5" square, but you can play with the size.

Use the ruler to draw a straight, diagonal line from corner to corner.

Cut along the lines, stopping ~1/4" from the center.

Now, use the thumb tack or small hole punch to make a hole in the right-side corner of each of the four segments.

Make a hole in the center of the square as well.

Now, pull out your collection of brads.

What?  Everyone doesn't have a small collection of brads?  Oh.  Well, I highly recommend checking out your local craft store and starting one.

:)

Now use the holes you made with the tack/hole punch and insert the brad.

Make a hole in a drinking straw, and push the end of the brad through the straw.  Now you can secure the "legs" of the brad, and you're done!

*You could also use a bamboo skewer instead of a straw!  Just secure the brad onto the back of the pinwheel and use hot glue or tape to attach the skewer.  This would make it easy for you to put your pinwheels in the ground, your flower pots, or even your hair.  Why not?

*Note: these pinwheels sadly won't spin in the wind, but they are still incredibly cute!  

Come on, don't deny that you're humming The Star Spangled Banner right now.

Embrace it.

GO USA!!!!!

Have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend!

Paper Potpourri

Hello all!

As I'm writing, I'm watching the US play Germany in the World Cup, so I'll go ahead and apologize for any typos....I have one eye on my computer and one eye on the tv. :)

Today we're going to look at a few small paper crafts, just to give you some ideas of easy and fun paper possibilities.  

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Easy Paper Flowers

First, let's look at some quick and easy paper flowers.

All you'll need is paper, scissors and hot glue.

First, use a paper punch or scissors to cut out a circle of any size, at least 3.5-4" in diameter. (Obviously, the bigger the circle, the bigger your flower will be.) 

Next, cut a swirl from the outside of the circle towards the center.

Now, start wrapping, from the outside in, using your hot glue gun strategically to secure the paper.  I used a crochet hook to help roll the flowers and keep the glue off of my fingers. :)

After your flower is rolled, you're ready to apply it to anything you want!  Glue the flowers to bamboo skewers and make a bouquet!  Cut out some leaves too, and they become even more lovely!  I used these to embellish some personalized bunting.

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Paint Chips

I never realized the possibility of paint chips until I met a few crafty friends in a small group a few years  ago. Think about it, paint chips are free, available in all colors of the rainbow, sturdy like cardstock and perfectly sized for small crafts or embellisments.  Note: I am not suggesting you clear out all of the paint chips at Home Depot. ;)  Just make use of the paint chips you grab when you're thinking about painting something, or grab a few for a specific paper project you have in mind.  ;)

Check out what Pinterest has to offer: Paint Chip Crafts

This is a sweet paper mosaic card from one of those crafty friends... what a great way to embellish a plain white card stock! 

I used some leftover paint chips to make some gift tags and to cut out some triangles (of course) for a card.

Just be creative, and the possibilities are endless!

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Sewing on Paper

So, I've seen sewn paper all over the place, garlands, cards and other crafts.... some hand-sewn, some sewn with the machine.  It sounded doable.... but I decided to try it for myself this week.

Making cards is so fun for me.  I love being able to use up bits of ribbon, paper, buttons or whatever I have handy, to make something special for someone.  I also hate spending $4 on a Hallmark card. :)  Sometimes craftiness is inspired by frugality.

Anyways, check out these examples of sewn cards from Pinterest:

All you need is card stock, glue stick, sewing machine, and whatever paper/stamps/ribbon/etc. you need for your design.  

First, fold your card stock (or whatever sturdy paper you have on hand.)  I have approximately 300 leftover wedding invitations (long story), so I use these frequently for cards. :)

Next, cut out whatever you're going to use and glue it onto the card to hold it in place.

I practiced on another piece of paper, and the machine sewed beautifully.  Adjust the tension on your machine to make sure the stitches look the way you want them.

Now, go for it!  I backstitched at the end of my kite string, but I don't know if that's completely necessary for paper.  Habit. :)

Now, you're done!  Write a nice message, send it to a friend, and you're done!

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Now go, grab your scissors and make something pretty with paper!  Have fun!