This past weekend, the summer embroidery projects from my kids’ embroidery classes were displayed at a fall festival. I thought I’d share a few photos, and then call that whole episode done, since the school year is now (!) underway.
I made a couple posters for the display and then laid out the embroidery projects across the table. Unfortunately, many of the girls didn’t finish their embroidered bags! It’s too bad, because they really were darling, and the kids who did finish them, loved them!
After putting together the first bag, and after realizing that I had plenty of lining material available, since only about one third of the students finished them, I decided to play around to see how I could get the lining to show a bit better. I managed to fiddle with the pattern until I got the kind of edge I wanted at the top of the bag. You can see the green one in the photo above – it doesn’t have a lining showing. It was the first one I put together. I still think it’s darling, and, in fact, it won a first place ribbon at the judging!
A few more embroidered drawstring bags…
There’s one of the display posters, with pictures of the two classes I taught this summer, and in front are a few of the felt notebook covers.
And there’s another part of the display, with the other poster and more book covers and bags. No people there yet…!
Some of the felt notebook covers a little closer…
And there you have it! Another summer embroidery class comes to a close, and a new school year launches…. and I’m already feeling behind!
I’ll post an update on the silk work sampler from the adults’ summer classes soon. We didn’t really seem to get very far, but it’s all relative, I guess!
What lovely work the kids did! How gratifying for you. It’s so much fun to stitch with kids, isn’t it?olmkvvwr
Mary, The children did a wonderful job. Thanks for sharing the display with us.
lovely work mary they will have some lovely embroiderys to grace their homes when they grow up thanks to your teachings
Wow, this is amazing!!! I’m just learning to embroider. Is there something out there that you would recommend in order to get started? A “sampler” pattern? These are wonderful. I loved the tutorial on video. I have tons of books, and I finally understood how to do some of the stitches I’ve been dying to learn. What’s the best way to get started? HELP~!!
Welllll…. there are heaps of books out there, that’s for sure, all of which can help you get started!
A lot of people start with doodle cloths, but I like starting with something that is more in line with a real project, only because it gives that sense of accomplishment when completed.
A sampler’s a good idea (it’s basically a doodle cloth with a little more organization).
Or you could try any of the patterns I have here – check out the index of patterns – and work one of them in whatever stitches you like, just as a fun practice, but with framing or finishing of some sort in mind.
I’d start on relatively inexpensive fabric, like a high count muslin, which you can find at a local quilt shop or fabric store. Use regular DMC thread, probably two strands at a time, with a #7 or #9 crewel or embroidery needle.
I like to use a hoop, and, when you’re just setting out, an inexpensive plastic Susan Bates hoop will work just fine.
To trace a design, the easiest and least expensive way (I find) is to use a mechanical pencil and tape your pattern to a sunny window with your fabric taped on top of it. Go lightly with the pencil. Then hoop up your fabric and you’re ready to start. The video tutorials will help you out with stitches as you go.
As you develop skill and move on to other projects, you can always upgrade to better fabric and tools that you will re-use, like embroidery frames and so forth.
Well, I hope that helps!