Dear Friends, There is nothing as sweet and special as a new baby. If you are celebrating a new birth, Baby’s 1st Christmas in the hoop ornament and gift tag makes a beautiful keepsake. Stitch an in the hoop baby’s first Christmas in pink and blue if you want to steer away from traditional Christmas colors.
Added bonus is My 1st Christmas embroidery design, perfect for stitching on onesies or a ruffled baby bum diaper cover.
Also new today is Our First Christmas Together which can be stitched as a coaster, Christmas ornament or gift tag. You know, we have a wedding coming up this July so I have wedding ideas on the brain these days.
I’m so excited to share with you the the new sew-along, embroider-along series begins this month, August 14th.
Y’all were so much fun to make coasters with and I really enjoyed seeing all your finished projects. #embroideryitsewalong We did coasters for a full year and now it is time to switch things up.
Let me tell you a bit about what you can expect.
Friends, we are going to do machine embroidery on paper. The plan for the next 12 months is to do cards. Unlike the past 12 months where everything coordinated, this time the only common denominator will be the card itself. Each month we will do different techniques to the cards. Some months, like this month, we will actually be stitching on the paper itself. Other months we will make an embellishment to add to the paper card. I’m going to try to give you some techniques and different things to try that perhaps you haven’t tried before.
Lets talk about the card itself. You can purchase blank cards to stitch on. What I am doing is using a regular weight cardstock that is 8 1/2″ x 11″. The package itself does not list a weight of the paper. I’ve purchased this package at Michaels craft store.
Cut the cardstock in half and then fold the paper in half. This makes your folded card size 5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″. Your card will now fit into an A2 size envelope which is 4 3/8” x 5 3/4”.
Now let’s discuss our needles. When we do a project, like this month, where we are stitching directly on the paper itself, you will want to use a size 75/11 embroidery needle. You don’t need a brand new needle. In fact, use one of your needles that you have used for a bit. When you are changing out a needle to get ready for a new project yet you know there is still some life to it, that is the needle to use. Not one that is burred or bent, but one that has some hours of use already on it. So start saving those needles.
As for the stabilizer you want to use, here is the good part. In my directions, I specify a cut-away stabilizer as we will cut it away on the back side of the card. But really friends, when we stitch on paper, use the stabilizer you don’t like. The card itself is stable. It isn’t going to pucker like fabric. All you need is something to hold your card to the embroidery hoop. Perhaps you bought some stabilizer for a specific project and you know you will never use that type again. Use it. It doesn’t matter if it is wash-away, cut-away, tear-away etc. Use the junky stabilizer you thought you thought you’d never use again. It is PERFECT for this project. So even if you choose a tear-away or a wash-away, we will still be cutting it away from the back side of the card.
You will also need something to cover up the stitches on the inside of the card. You can use any piece of paper cut to the size of 5 1/4″ x 4″. I’ve used scrapbooking paper but you could use typing paper, construction paper, even a pretty photo cut from an old magazine.
Don’t forget some sort of double sided paper tape.
Next let’s go over the design. There are two sizes in the design and there will be in ALL designs. There is a large size for your 5 x 7 hoop and there is a regular size for those of you with 4 x 4 hoops. If your machine can use a 5 x 7 hoop I recommend this size just for ease, but don’t feel left out if your machine’s largest hoop is 4 x 4. You CAN do the too!
This is what the regular size will look like.
Here is what it will look like for your 5 x 7 hoop.
The butterfly or design itself fits in the 4 x 4 hoop. It is the same size in both designs. What is different is the placement line.
If using a 4 x 4 hoop, you will need to center the design a little more carefully. Holding the hoop up to a window or light will help with this.
If using a 5 x 7 hoop, you can just place the front of your folded card within the placement line.
You will use painter’s tape to hold the card in place.
To complete the card, you may embellish it as desired using ribbons, bows, etc. I used a rubber stamp to stamp the inside of my card. You could write in a sentiment or leave it as a blank note card. It is all up to you!
So this gives you the needed preparation information. We will stitch the card together over on the Embroidery It Facebook Page on Tuesday, August 14 at 2:00 PM Eastern time.
The final piece of information you need is where to get the design. You can get the design FREE right HERE. It will remain free throughout the month of August. After that point it will be for sale in the Embroidery It store and we will be doing another project.
Thank you to those who have been joining me live over on the Embroidery It Facebook page on the second Tuesday of each month. For those of you who don’t know, you can stitch right along with me, real time. And I’m there to answer your questions. The applique coasters we’ve been doing are geared for the beginning machine embroiderer, but anyone and everyone of all levels is welcome. It is just a fun environment to stitch with others. It is the next best thing to actually being side-by-side with you stitching.
I also create a YouTube video of the project we are working on. Often times, I record the YouTube video the day before. This is a great way for me to work any bugs out before I videotape it live with you. Ha! And yes bugs to happen. Sometimes I’ve forgotten to have my scissors handy. In this video, I forgot to turn off the phone. I’m only human. 🙂
Anyway, here is the recording of the Watermelon coaster. And here is the link to the free design.
This link will only work during the month of June. If it has passed, there will be something else going on here that you can join in on. And if you miss it when it is free, it is only $1.50. Just enter the store to purchase.
Our Spring Celebration is coming to a close today. As I type this, the sun is just peeking up over the horizon and it is a lovely 19 degrees Fahrenheit out. Sarcasm. Not lovely at all. It is frigid and I’m ready for warm weather.
Well, I will go to church and then I will stay inside where it is nice and warm. We’ll have some family time today and I’ll even get some stitching done this afternoon.
I’ve saved the best for last with today’s daily deal. Until 9:00 AM tomorrow you can grab the full Easter Mason Jar Alphabet set for only $1.97. It is designed to fit on a wide mouth mason jar. Stitch on cotton fabric. Then cut a 6″ circle around the design using your pinking shears. Sandwich the fabric between the lid and the ring of the jar. A bow finishes it off!
Just fill with your favorite Easter goodies or other small items like colorful spools of thread and you have an beautiful gift.
The design is adorable on an infant’s onesie or child’s t-shirt.
You can find the Easter Mason Jar Alphabet Set HERE.
Happy Saturday! What a lovely, yet cold, day today. The sun is shining. The robins are building their nests and as I type this, I can see 5 or 6 squirrels out in the woods just having the time of their life. It is a good day through and through.
So I want to share with you today’s deal of the day plus a bonus design. Woot Woot!!
Today is a set of 8 designs for you to turn into plant pokes or plant cards. They are for your most common occasions. Stitch these up ahead of time and then you will always have one ready to go. Here are the sayings:
Blank for you to personalize
Best Wishes
Congratulations
Get Well Soon
Happy Birthday
Thank You
Welcome New Baby
With Sympathy
Plant cards are stitched on felt and made in your 4 x 4 hoop. It truly makes a heartfelt gift
In celebration of the first day of spring it is time for some fun. Embroidery Its Spring Celebration begins today and runs through Sunday with all new designs, daily deals and some free goodies to make it a true celebration.
Today’s design set will get you ready to get your garden started and filled with beautiful flowers. It is an in the hoop Seed Packet Pocket Set.
3 Designs in this set.
For those of you who collect your own seeds, just place your seeds in an envelope and tuck inside the seed packet pocket. Or you can purchase your favorite seeds to tuck inside. Then, the seed packet pocket can be placed in a card and given to a special friend.
This would also be lovely to give at a garden party or ladies luncheon.
New designs will come out tomorrow 9:00 AM Eastern Time.
Just a heads up to remind you that the Embroidery It sew along is this Tuesday, December 12th at 2:00 PM Eastern Time over on the Embroidery It Facebook page. It will be live so you may ask questions and join in the chat. This is PERFECT for machine embroidery beginners as you will see “real time” the making of this coaster.
This coaster is a free design for the month of December and the link to it is in the newsletter. Not a newsletter subscriber yet? Just sign up now. You will get the newsletter tomorrow so you can be prepared and stitch right along with everyone.
This is a great way to use up those little scraps and make a sweet gift.
I also show how to turn this coaster into a sweet ornament!
As a reminder, this design coordinates with the other sew along coasters we’ve been doing. The previous designs are available in both the Embroidery It Etsy store and Zibbet Shop.
If you are reading this and the sew-along is over, never fear. There is always something going on here at Embroidery It and like I said before, the newsletter is the best way to keep up-to-date with all the latest happenings.
In Michigan the snow is coming. We have about 4 inches and it is expected to continue much of the weekend. This means it is a good weekend for hunkering down at the embroidery machine. Today’s afternoon schedule at our home has me in the kitchen making Christmas cookies followed by making some embroidery gingerbread men as well. The plan is to make plates of cookies for the neighbors and include one of these little candy cane sliders in with each plate. A sweet finishing touch.
Here are several embroidery candy cane ideas. They stitch up quick and easy. And they are perfect for giving to co-workers, neighbors, club members and attaching to gifts and packages. Add them to your tree or tuck in a stocking.
The Snowmen Candy Cane Sliders were part of last months Embroidery Bee club designs. To find out more about the Embroidery Bee Club, just click here. You will get fresh and fun designs delivered to your inbox on the 1st of each month.
The candy cane sliders just add that special homemade touch to your Christmas gift giving.
Thanksgiving will be here in the blink of an eye. Make a basket full of these sweet machine embroidery designs to give to your children, grandchildren and friends. Stitch these quick and easy, in the hoop designs in your 4 x 4 embroidery machine hoop.
Customer, Dawn, chose to turn these into an adorable fall bunting! What a great alternative to candy.
Eliminate the final color which is the eyelets and turn into coasters as another fun way to use these designs.
I hope you are waking up to a beautiful day. For my Florida and southern state friends, oh gosh, please know my family and I are lifting you up in prayer. I’ve shared before that our home was affected by hurricane Charley back in 2004 when we lived in the Sarasota/Bradenton area of Florida. It didn’t have near the severity that you are dealing with, but I remember watching the water rise in the living room and pour in through the ceiling light fixtures and the door frame of one of the bedrooms. Buckets were strategically placed all around to catch the water. Stay strong. And for my Texas friends, I hope you are finding your way into a new routine and getting your repairs taken care of.
On another note, I want to let you all know the Embroidery It sew along is tomorrow at 2:00 PM Eastern Time zone.
This is geared to the new embroiderer, but EVERYONE is welcome. So if you are new to machine embroidery and would like to try a simple project where you can learn how to applique and make an in-the-hoop project, here is your chance to embroider right along with me and ask any questions as we go along. All you will need are a couple pieces of felt and two small scraps of fabric.
The design is free for newsletter subscribers but just through the month of September. Just sign up here on this website and I will be sending you a link to the design as well as a supply list.
The apple was August’s design. If you missed it, you can get it HERE in Etsy or HERE in Zibbet. All monthly designs will have a similar feel to them so you can make a fun coordinated collection perfect for gift giving.
Please share your finished coasters on Facebook and Pintrest and use the hashtag #EmbroideryItSewAlong
This way we can all find you and see your finished work!
One more thing, I would truly appreciate you letting your embroidery friends know about this so they can join in and learn about Embroidery It. ~ Thank you!!
Dear Friends, Last month’s Embroidery Bee designs included these sweet Quilt Block Nugget Squares as the Candy Holder. The Quilt Block Baby Nugget Squares were a bonus that if done in the same colors as the Quilt Block Squares coordinate perfectly.
I just want to give you some happy “eye” candy this morning. 🙂
4 designs in the Quilt Block set. All are made using a 4 x 4 hoop.
These nugget squares were done in a very light pastel pink and blue. Sadly the photo doesn’t do them justice as they look stunning in person. You will just have to take my word for it. Perfect soft colors for a new baby.
5 Designs in the baby set. “It’s a Boy”, “It’s a Girl”, “It’s Twins”, “?”, and a Blank one for you to personalize as you see fit.
Both sets above done in the brighter colors.
Embroidery Bee member Dawn added a ribbon loop before stitching on the back and turned them into little Christmas ornaments.
And Dawn also made some for her sewing friends. Look at what is peeking out of them! LOVE this idea!!
And Elaine was busy for a new mama expecting Twins!
The Quilt Block Nugget Squares can be found HERE in Etsy and HERE in Zibbet.
I’m so excited to share with you that an in the hoop, applique embroidery sew-along is coming Tuesday August 8th! This will be a monthly sew-along on the second Tuesday of every month. This Wednesday’s newsletter will have all the details so be sure to sign up and get notified. Also I appreciate you sharing this with your embroidery friends and letting them know so they may join in too!
Here is a short video that tells just a bit more about what to expect.
I can’t wait to stitch with you!!
Also, here is the link for more information about the Embroidery Bee club mentioned in the video.
I realized I hadn’t shared with you last month’s Embroidery Bee designs that are now available for all.
The candy holder is the Christmas Lollipop Holder Set.
And the alphabet is the Bird Monogram Alphabet Set.
If you remember, throughout 2017 the in-the-hoop project will always be some type of candy holder along with a full alphabet set and all Embroidery Bee designs are made in your 4 x 4 hoop with the occasional exception that a bonus design might be thrown in that requires a larger hoop.
Get a head start with your Christmas gift giving. The Christmas Lollipop Holder Set is a set of three designs Make a basket full to set by the door for guests, Tuck them in Christmas stockings, or place them on the Christmas table. They stitch up quickly and easily using just felt. Make them for your child or grand child’s Sunday school or classroom friends and get lots of Oh’s and Ah’s from everyone.
This beautiful and delicate alphabet is perfect for an heirloom dress or linen napkins on the table. Stunning! It is made with four thread colors, but for an elegant look, just advance through the design without changing the colors.
Consider the beauty of tone-on-tone matching the thread to the fabric.
Friends, if you haven’t yet, give some thought to joining the Embroidery Bee Club. As said earlier, each month you will receive a full alphabet set and a candy holder at the cost of only $5 a month which is a savings over the regular price. The designs will arrive on the 1st of every month in your inbox. It is easy, simple and fun!
Immediately upon joining, so your sewing machine doesn’t have to wait to happily hum, you receive this fun Bee Bold candy wrapper design.
Creative Country Happenings
I’m reading and learning how to make Kombucha. Have you ever heard of that? It is basically a fermented tea which is supposed to be full of probiotics and nutrients. Bottles of kombucha may be purchased at health food stores or maybe even at your local grocery store, Costco also carries it, but they are costly little buggers so I’m going to do it on my kitchen counter. If you’ve tried it, what are your favorite flavors. I want to add fruit to mine but not sure what to start with.
Welcome to the final day of the Embroidery It Birthday Party.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support, kindness and generosity. I truly appreciate each and every one of you. It is through you that my dreams, goals and visions are coming true. I sincerely thank you.
As we wrap up the birthday party, it is Sunday, a day of rest. I hope you will use these inspirational teacup coasters as a gentle reminder to enjoy each day and all life has to offer with its many blessings.
Make a set of 4 or 8 coasters for yourself, or they make a lovely gift bundled up and added with some tea, a teacup and a homemade muffin or small box of chocolates. Give as a hostess gift, housewarming, get well, birthday, retirement gift and the list goes on. There are 8 designs in the set.
These are stitched on felt and made in your 4 x 4 hoop.
You will find the Inspirational Teacup Coasters HERE in Etsy
So happy to have you here today on Day 6 of the Embroidery It Birthday Party
Today’s Birthday Party Special is a good ol’ fashioned Gumball Machine.
It is made using your 5 x 7 hoop and is stitched on felt and clear vinyl.
For the clear vinyl, you will find that at your local fabric store or Walmart carries it too in their fabric department. You will find it in the section where they sell tablecloth fabric. Just get the thin cheep stuff and you only need 4 inches wide so get 1/8 of a yard.
The candy goes in and out the dispenser opening at the bottom of the design. I know what you are thinking….the candy will fall out. Nope, it doesn’t. You pinch it a bit to get the candy to come out.
Here in the photo I’ve filled them with Skittles, but you could use M & M’s or other small candy or small gumballs.
Also in the photo, I’ve stitched it with both red felt on the back as well as clear vinyl on the back. It just depends on the look you want.
The hanger is optional.
This really is a quick and easy design and only uses two thread colors.
Welcome to Day 4 of the Embroidery It Birthday Party!! Woot Woot!!
You’ve been asking for this and here it is as today’s party special……
Banner Numbers and Ampersand to go with the free banner letters.
This will be a fun addition to the banners you are making.
For those of you new to Embroidery It, a new letter is offered free on the main page each week.
Just scroll down to the bottom of the page to instantly download it. After one week, the letters are then placed for sale in the Embroidery It Zibbet store. You may find all previously released letters HERE.
Friends, if you haven’t yet, just subscribe to the weekly newsletter. It is a nice reminder that the new alphabet letter has been released. Also, a couple times a year, newsletter only subscribers get a little som’in – som’in. Just say’in. 🙂
