The more I delve into the embroidered boxes question, the more I find out about them. I'm obviously not the only person who likes the idea of hand-made boxes that are made from textiles (fabric, embroidery, etc.). Thanks to several readers who sent me links, I've discovered that there are actually kits available for making your own boxes. They are, for the most part, étui boxes, and some of them are really neat!

The first embroidered box kit here is actually a crazy quilted étui from Maureen's Vintage Acquisitions.



The kit is for a 6-sided étui. The sides open when the lid is removed, and pulls closed with a drawstring, before putting the lid back on. It comes with precisely cut chipboard and instructions, as well as a cross stitch pattern for the box (if you wanted to go in that direction). However, using your own fabric and embellishments in your stash, you can doll up the box with all kinds of crazy quilting, which is how the sample is shown on the website.



Another place to find kits for fabric boxes is Needleboxes, Etc. Here, you can buy kits with specific fabrics for different kinds of boxes, including étuis, or you can order a finished box custom made with your choice of fabric. Right now, I'm hankering to make my own box, but I was thinking the custom made boxes would make an excellent gift for a needleworker!

Even though the kits here are for fabric covered boxes, you can always substitute the cover fabric for an embroidered piece. The site features lots of specialty shapes and designs for boxes, too - from birdhouses to pyramid-shaped "baubles" to hold your needlework goods. They look fun!



Yesterday, I mentioned that Inspirations Magazine, Issue 65, features an embroidered box - it's actually a whole étui / needlework accessory set called Tiny Treasures. It's embroidered in cross stitch, in a Quaker style, and they offer the whole embroidered box kit on their website. A bit pricy! But if it's your heart's desire, and if making it ends up being your entertainment for the year, well... you might spring for it!

Note: (added Feb. 20) Upon hearing from readers in the UK, I thought a little warning about customs fees appropriate! For readers in the UK, you might want to look carefully into custom fees before ordering kits from CB. One reader was charged, above and beyond the kit and shipping, a £32 customs duty! Yikes!

So if you're looking to go more the kit route in making an embroidered box, these resources might be helpful for you!

Yesterday, I also mentioned that I started another project. It's still in the planning stage, but later today and tomorrow, I plan to move it into the preparation stage, so I'll be showing you that soon. Yes, as a matter of fact, I'm planning for it to include a box. But first, the embroidery must be executed! The design? Well, I'm going with goldwork. Heh heh. It's about time!

Also, this weekend, I'll be setting up the glove project I mentioned in my whining post last week, when I didn't know what project to do next! (Finishing the rooster put everything else in a whole new light!)

On top of all that, I did set up a simple project earlier this week - another spring towel to use as a basket liner. It's a flop, though. I printed the design Way Too Large, because I thought I'd like a really Large design in a corner of the towel. But it's just too big - I'll start over on that eventually, but not before I get the aforementioned projects prepared to stitch on.

So that's what I'm up to. I hope you have a terrific weekend with your needle and thread. And keep your fingers crossed for me, that I actually manage to accomplish the things I have planned for the weekend! (Hey, if I get halfway there, I think I'll be pretty happy!)

Labels: embroidered boxes, embroidery links, embroidery resources, needlework websites

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Needlework magazines are a great source of inspiration, but there are only a few that I subscribe to faithfully. Among them is Inspirations Magazine, "The World's Most Beautiful Embroidery Book," to which I've subscribed for quite a long time now. Well, when the current Inspirations hit my mailbox, I was glad to see I wasn't the only one on an embroidered box kick. And hey, if Inspirations can feature an embroidered box, then I suppose I'm in pretty darned good company!

Inspirations is published by Country Bumpkin in Australia.

Now, it's true. It's not an inexpensive magazine. In fact, it's an expensive magazine, as magazines go. But for me, it's worth it! Take Inspirations Issue #65 that just came out. It's packed with twenty beautiful projects. Each project comes with photos of the finished piece (the photos in their magazines are stunning!), complete patterns, materials lists, and step-by-step (illustrated) instructions for completing the project. Twenty! Although each issue doesn't always feature a full twenty projects, they do feature many projects from start to finish - enough that they call the magazine a book rather than a magazine.




Ok, enough slathering over the magazine itself. What I wanted to get at is this: I'm not the only one with my mind bent on embroidered boxes. Perhaps there's a trend here! On the cover of Inspirations #65, there's a wonderful little embroidered box - an etui - with lots of little needlework accessories that match. The style of the embroidery is definitely Quaker, and the box is really beautiful!



Inside, there are step-by-step illustrated instructions for completing the box, as well as the embroidery pattern and materials lists. I love it! I want to make it! Or... I want to make something similar, anyway.

Of course, there are other projects in the magazine that bear mentioning, so what the heck? I might as well mention some of them!



There's a crewel work project that's very pretty, while at the same time being small and manageable.



There are some other needlework accessories to make - this scissor case and fob feature a small needlepainting design that is quite striking.



There are a couple leeeeetle stumpwork projects that are manageable in size - perfect for trying out stumpwork without launching into a complicated design. The ladybug above is just that - a ladybug on a leaf.



There are several designs to stitch and use in paperweights, like the little goldfish in the photo above. Instructions for finishing the project - installing it in the paperweight - are thorough and clear. The larger goldfish on the left is a promised project for an embroidered blanket in the next issue.

Aside from these projects, there's a darling embroidered crib set, an embroidered doll with heaps of curly hair, an appliquéd and embroidered quilt, and on and on!

This was a great issue of the magazine - I don't think there's anything in it that I don't like! And so many ideas for projects!

But back to the box - I was happy to see the box on the cover, and even if I don't stitch that exact pattern in that exact style, the instructions are really helpful.

If you're looking for some project inspiration, you might consider purchasing an individual copy of the magazine if you aren't up to subscribing. Individual copies can be had through various local outlets - check your local needlework shop to see if they carry the magazine, or maybe call a nearby bookstore that might carry it. In the US, Wooly Thread carries individual copies. And, of course, you can always order straight from Country Bumpkin (to which I have no affiliation, beyond being a fan!)

Now, back to my needle 'n thread, because guess what? I've started a new project....

Labels: embroidered boxes, Embroidery Projects, embroidery resources, hand embroidery information, Inspirations Magazine

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Why not embroider boxes? This is a good question! And it also happens to be the title of a book on embroidered boxes. When I started contemplating making an embroidered box, I knew I'd have to do some research first, and then I'd have to figure out techniques. Little did I know that two books existed that are particular suitable to the topic. The first I've already reviewed - Making Hand-Sewn Boxes, by Jackie Woolsey. This second book is called Why not Embroider Boxes? by Daphne Ashby and Jackie Woolsey.

Why not Embroider Boxes? was somewhat hard to find here in the States, but it is available through used book sources online, so I tracked a copy down. The book is the collaborative effort of embroiderer Daphne Ashby and box-maker Jackie Woolsey. I heard from Jackie after reviewing her book Making Hand-Sewn Boxes, and she told me about this book which she thought would be more tailored towards fulfilling my quest for embroidered-box instructions. She was right! It's a great a little book, and perfect for the ideas that are gurgling about in my head.



The book is small - 6" x 8" - but packed with good content, including instruction not just in box assembly but also in embellishment.



And hey, look! It's spiral bound! I love instructional books that are spiral bound. The book begins with instruction on basic box making. If you happen to have Making Hand-Sewn Boxes, this section is a bit repetitive, but it's still essential for the book, and it's always good to re-read initial instructions before launching into projects, anyway!

Keep in mind, though, that the projects and the types of boxes within this book are not the same as those featured in Making Hand-Sewn Boxes. Each box in Why not Embroider Boxes? is different from those already covered in the previous book.



For each project in the book, we're given instructions on making the particular type of box, and then instructions on making embroidered embellishment for the box.



The embroidery design is given in the book, as well as instruction on the completion of the embroidery. Some of the embroidery is perfectly suited to beginners, while some of it is directed more for those seeking a challenging project. This stumpwork lily pad and dragonfly design is gorgeous and would be terrific for anyone who is keen on stumpwork.



Notice the coordination between the fabric on the box and the design on the embroidery. Most of the box projects in the book are created this way - the fabric is chosen first, and then coordinating embroidery motifs are designed for the embellishment of the box.



I love the variety of the boxes in the book. Details are given on how to make stays (that keep the hinged lids from flopping all the way open), dividers and hinges, all necessary components of this more complex box, which would be ideal for stationary and writing supplies.



Note the coordination between the two flower motifs and the fabric on the box carcass.



For many projects, the embellishment is something added separate from the actual covering of the box. In this case above, two little medallions are embroidered to match the fabric covering the lid and the rest of the box; then the medallions are sewn onto the lid fabric. While I'm more inclined to want the whole cover embroidered (or the whole box, for that matter!), I do like this treatment a lot. I love the way the little medallions pick up the fabric.



Honey, anyone? The bee box features honeycombed panels on the sides (canvas work) and stumpwork bees populating the surface of the box. I like the hexagon shape of the whole piece.



And I just had to let you know that there's a rooster in the book.

There is.

I can't get away from them!

If you're considering making an embroidered box, this is probably a book that you'll want to have on hand! Look it up through used book sources to see if you can grab a copy! You'll be glad you did!

Labels: book review, embroidered boxes

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  Last week, I mentioned the wonder of making an embroidered box and provided a link to a project featured on the V&A website. This week, I'm revisiting the subject because the whole notion of making an embroidered box has caught my fancy, and I believe it's more than a passing interest. This bodes well - I believe I will actually make one, and if I do, I'll certainly step-by-step the process here on Needle 'n Thread. My interest in making an embroidered box is more fixed, thanks to you readers out there who expressed enthusiasm for the topic, and especially for those of you who recommended some books. I was able to lay my paws on two books that were recommended in the comments section of the previous post, and today, I want to show you one of them - Making Hand-Sewn Boxes, by Jackie Woolsey.

Making Hand-Sewn Boxes is a terrific how-to book! And even though the author is not specifically illustrating how to make an embroidered box, the techniques are exactly what an embroidered-box-maker would use to make a box. I love this book!



The copy of the book that I was able to pick up is an ex-library copy. It's in good shape. The book is apparently not in print anymore, but you can find it online through various booksellers.



The book features all different types of boxes, from the simple rectangular box to more complex boxes with drawers and trays. For each type of box in the book, the author takes us step-by-step through creating the box, from the materials list, through the assembly of the box, using clear diagrams and color photos.



Boxes of different shapes - from square, to round, to octagonal and hexagonal - are all covered. (No pun intended, honestly.)



The whole notion of constructing the actual box is what intimidated me whenever I contemplated an embroidered box. But this book practically eliminates any worries along those lines - the text instructions, the diagrams, and the photos all work together to clarify the process of finishing.



One of my favorite sections to read was the chapter on making a Victorian étui. While this isn't exactly the type of box I have plans to make at first, I love seeing how it is made. Tanja Berlin's blackwork étui was the first box I saw like this, and it fascinated me. And now I've got this wonderful book that shows me exactly how to make my own!

At the end of the book, the author provides a photo gallery of all kinds of hand-sewn boxes. Once the techniques of creating different types of boxes that include different features - from trays to drawers to doors - are understood, all kinds of box possibilities spring to mind! And they all seem accessible, because the author covers pretty much every possibility of box construction in this book.

I reiterate - this is a great how-to book! If you're interested in constructing an embroidered box and you can get your hands on this book, it's a worthwhile investment. If you just want to take a look at it, check your local library! If they don't have it, they should be able to get it for you.

There are a few new and used copies available on Amazon:



Later on, after I recover completely from the Wog and get caught up, I'll show you what I do to books that I want to use as references while working on something from them. That's probably the only drawback of this particular book - it doesn't lie open easily. When I'm working from this type of book, I like to have it open in front of me while I work. In order to achieve that, I demolish the book. Well, not really! I'll show you what I do, once I have the chance to do it!

In the meantime, start dreaming up a box!

Labels: book review, embroidered boxes, finish work

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