Tag: hobbies

I saw this beautiful and very simple art nouveau pattern in a pattern book I purchased at JoAnn Fabric. It was one of those impulse buys. I was waiting in the world’s longest line, which was not moving, for no apparent reason. But I amused myself by browsing through the book rack next to me. Always dangerous. I have a serious book addiction. But this was a seriously good pattern book, so I bought it! I used a really nice set of pillowcases that I ordered from J.C. Penney, in yellow, which doesn’t show up very well in these pictures, does it? The quality is great, and the pleated ruffle is adorable, but the fabric was a bit too stretchy for embroidery.

I did this set for Nanny, and I had her choose the colors she wanted. I’m not in love with the peachy color for the flower, at least not against the yellow pillowcase. Actually, it looks better in the photos than in real life.

I used DMC floss for these, but I have no idea what colors I used because I didn’t write them down. Besides, I wouldn’t use that particular color combo again, so I guess it doesn’t much matter.

This kit is called Whimsical Butterflies and it is from the company Dimensions.

I love how each of the critters turned out, so full. But I did have a little difficulty getting started with the contrasting edges. I couldn’t figure out if it worked best to do the edges first then the fill, or the other way around. I don’t think I ever decided. The puffy satin stitches makes such a neat texture. A lot of work, but worth it. I think these would be perfect for a little girl. I don’t have anybody in mind at the moment, so I just have this set stashed away for now.

By now you know I didn’t use the recommended colors, mostly because I didn’t have them, and partly because I liked these better. I love, love that green. This time I used regular embroidery floss.

Dark purple- DMC 3350

Light purple- DMC 3835

Bright pink- DMC 154

Bright yellow- DMC 728

Bright green- DMC 581

This set of pillowcases was a kit from Bucilla called Pretty Posies. Posies! I always think of my grandma Gloria when I hear the word posies.

I used DMC cotton perle #8 again. I have so much of that kind of thread, I’ll never use it all! In fact, three of the four colors I used on this project were new. I’m trying to use the old stuff up, but the colors just weren’t right. I’m so pleased with how this set turned out. The pattern is simple, but so pretty. I had intended to do this set for myself (a first) but when it was done I couldn’t help thinking about how much my grandma Gloria would like this set. She was very pleased when I gave them to her. Now I just have to do another one for myself!

I just love the look of this simple pattern. So earthy and natural.

I used only one color of floss, since it was variegated: DMC variegated green #94.

I did the entire pattern in stem stitch, which I am now pretty good at! But it did get a little boring. I think if I hadn’t been trying to get these done for Christmas, I would have worked on a different set at the same time, one with a different stitch to keep things interesting. I wish I could remember where I found this motif. Somewhere out there on the web.

All wrapped up for presents!

I did this adorable His and Hers set from a free pattern I found on Needlecrafter.com.
Thanks Needlecrafter!
I just loved these, although they looked a bit plain when I finished the stitches, so I added the dark green ric-rac.The great, strong colors of thread used:
DMC green #936
DMC red #355
DMC yellow #728