Did you plan on stitching some gifts for Christmas this year, and do you find yourself running out of time? Well, Rouge du Rhin has a solution, in their embroider-what-you-want kits. Sounds a bit bizarre, I know, but let me show you what I mean! I think this is kind of a neat idea for making a personalized embroidered gift that’s already half-way there.
Rouge du Rhin puts out a line of even-weave linen pieces printed with various designs, one of which is the above Christmas wreath. The idea is that you can enhance the printed area with a little stitching if you want, or none at all. For example, you could set off the snowflakes on the piece above in metallic threads, or embroider just the red berries – and in the center, you can stitch a message, like “Merry Christmas,” or a monogram, or something of that nature.
There are three “printed wreath” designs available, and you can either stitch them according to your own whim, filling the center with designs you have on hand (gridded alphabets, surface-style monograms, small alphabets, messages, and so forth), or you can also purchase the cross stitch charts produced by Rouge du Rhin for working the printed wreaths.
Here’s a close up of the berries on the Christmas wreath, where the even weave of the fabric and the crisp outlines of the printing are evident.
Leaves, stems, and berries can be filled, outlined, or left as they are.
Here’s one of the samples on the cover of the package. The berries are embroidered in red over the printing, the central message is stitched, and the snowflakes are worked in metallics and white threads. But the rest of the wreath is left alone.
I haven’t stitched the wreath yet, but the linen it’s printed on is very nice, and I think that it would make a pretty piece to present as a gift, with a simple monogram stitched in the middle.
If you’re looking for a quick Christmas gift to stitch up, you might check out the Rouge du Rhin printed wreaths at The French Needle. You’ll find the printed wreaths available there, as long as the cross stitch patterns and stitch instructions booklet (which includes diagrams for other surface stitches as well).
Just a thought…. if you’re starting to feel the crunch!
Interesting! I have a book about embroidering on painted cloth, but I think* it is geared toward doing your own painting also. This is a nice compromise, especially for those of us with rusty painting skills.
I think this is a great idea as it allows you to also work your thread like a paintbrush ie: using the thread as a highlighter or definer. It’s a way of adding another dimension. And yes it is great for finishing a few projects fast. I use this technique on old recycled print fabric too when it is looking a little wan and washed out.
If you have several stitchers in the family, set it up on a stretcher/stand with thread and needles for anyone to use. The more the merrier, and the more valued a truly ‘family’ heirloom it might become.
This is similar to an old embroidery kit I purchased at a yard sale; I discovered that in the early 1900’s embroidery kits became very popular to attract all skill levels, and many were painted on fabric so the crafter could do as much or as little as she wished and still have a handmade piece to be proud of. I’m happy to know there is a source today. I also like the earlier comment about having family members contribute to the same project!
Thanks, Crewel Lady!! Yes, that is exactly what it reminds me of as well – and I think it’s a neat idea. The nice thing is, you can stitch the whole thing, if you’re keen to have the whole thing embroidered. I also discovered that, with the wreath that I have, the edge is hem-stitchable. So it could very well be made into a nice centerpiece doily, with the center left blank, and a candle holder put in the middle of the wreath. Kind of like embroidered greenery for the table! ~MC