Embroidery FO & WIP

I've been working on a few embroidery projects lately.  I've loved this tote design since the first time I saw it at Sublime Stitching.

My dad used to call me "Medusa" when I was growing up (on account of my untameable curly hair) and for some reason this design reminded me of that...Medusa...but pretty.  Now that I think about it, it is a bit symbolic, I guess. Growing up I hated my curly hair; I would have done anything to have hair like the "other girls". But now, I realize that it's very much a part of who I am.  In fact, I think many of my friends would say it's my best physical asset.  It's still a bit unruly, but I've accepted it, and even come to love it. Anyway, apparently, this design really spoke to me, and I'm really enjoying stitching it. The design is perfect for showcasing a variety of stitches & colors. 

And a few more baby projects.  Simple cloth diaper burp cloths.  These stitch up really quick (the truck isn't done yet) & that little dinosaur has stolen my heart. I want to stitch him on everything.  The car & truck designs are from the Sublime Stitching book I got awhile back; the dinosaur is a clip art image I found online.

First Baby Project

Ok, it's not sewn, but it is a project! I've been dabbling in embroidery--just working on flour sack towels & the like & decided to try my hand at a onesie.

The front says 'Baby Brother' (as you can see) and I put a couple little stars on there, too. On the back, I put our last name along the top & the number "03" in the center--like a jersey. I made the design in Photoshop Elements & printed it out. Then I traced it onto vellum using a transfer pen. Then I ironed it on & voila! SO CUTE. The transfer pen warns that it is permanent, but I found that there are only traces of it left on the back of the onesie, where the design was quite dark.

Embroidering on a knit can be a little like sewing with a knit--tricky.  I used the t-shirt stabilizer (also from Sublime Stitching--can you tell I'm a fan??) & found it to be very helpful.  There were a couple times that I had trouble, but it was a dull needle that was the problem.

I bought some little burp rags (the cloth diaper type) and I'm trying to see what I can find for solid colored onesies for some more embroidered goodness!  I'm also gearing up (hopefully!) to making quilts featuring embroidered blocks for both my oldest son & baby girl. :)  I've just got to decide on a pattern/design! :)

Because Sewing Just Isn't Enough

I love to sew. Taking a flat piece of fabric & transforming it into a 3 dimensional object with my own two hands is beyond fulfilling.

But it has it's shortcomings. It's a tad intense. I've succumbed to sewing only when the kids are asleep for the time being (and now that the baby is crawling, it's even more important that the kiddos be out of range when I'm sewing away). It's been better for everyone involved.

I found a doll pattern that I wanted to sew up (it's in progress) and the face is embroidered. Since I've never done embroidery, I decided to do some research. I came across the flikr embroidery pool and was blown away. I've never seen such exquisite stitching. This was not the embroidery I knew.  One thing led to another & I found myself at Sublime Stitching. Needless to say, I ordered the "Ultimate Embroidery Kit" and waited patiently for it to arrive.Once it did, this is what I stitched:

Mannequin from Craft-opia Pattern Kit (Sublime Stitches)

I like that I can sit in front of the tv with my embroidery hoop. I like that I'll be able to take it on vacations. I love that I will be able to embellish my sewing projects. It's going to be a great addition to my creative outlet arsenal.

Have you been lead to other crafts through sewing? Did another artsy outlet lead you to sewing?