It's here! After many seasons in the making, here is the book that many of you asked for, including your favorite stitching project requests, those once shared here on the blog, plus some of my own favorites from way back when.
(Here's the first blog post announcement with more photos.)
Gathered together is a collection of small sewing projects inspired by vintage stitchery; a fusion of old and new ideas. Projects are organized into seasonal categories, but many of them can be altered just by changing the design theme to fit the occasion, so you have lots of project possibilities!
My full-color book is 146 pages, and offers 30 simple sewing projects (most with full-size patterns), detailed directions, a stitch guide, and over 100 embroidery motifs to trace.
Here are a few examples of what's inside. First of all, I love using vintage patterns for making children's clothing. Kimono's and jackets are darling, easy to stitch and lend themselves to cute trim embellishments like the one shown here. These clothing patterns are not included in the book, but easy enough to find at thrift shops, online auctions, and sometimes hidden away in grandma's attic. (Those are happy discoveries.) Also scattered throughout the book are LOTS of embroidery motifs that can be used to decorate other items like aprons, tea towels, tablecloths, linens, pillows and what have you.
There's a backstory for this one. Back in the mid 1970's my stitching adventures began with "Calico Kitty". It was one of the very first dolls I ever made. Over the years, the faces have changed, but overall it's the same pattern I started out with. I updated it again to include in the book and I love it even more. This is a project for which you can dip into your scrap bag to find just the right combination of flowers and prints, checks and dots, to make a happy statement! And a wonderful gift for a baby or small child.
My "Happy New Year Greeting Pillow" has a vintage vibe, but the basic pattern can be used with any other design elements to make it in a hundred different ways. Most of the projects in the book are basic ideas that are easily changeable to reflect your own style and ideas.
When I posted "Babe in a Bag" on my blog, I got so many requests for the pattern I knew I had to include it. The tiny matching quilt makes a sweet gift set. My granddaughters loved this! The tiny tote makes a wonderful reusable gift bag on its own too.
There are 12 "Theme Samplers" designed so that you can stitch them as-is and frame them, or pull out different elements to be used on other projects. Theme Samplers can be traced from the book or purchased separately as iron-on transfers from my Etsy shop: MeadowSweet WorkShop.
In addition, there's a word or two about setting up a sewing space, tips for tools and supplies, materials and techniques, an introduction to applique, and so much more! So hard to show it all to you here. But mostly this book contains lots of simple projects that are easy and hopefully FUN to make. It's a fine start for beginners and a nice resource for anyone who loves working with needle and thread. Embroidery Craft was designed, stitched and photographed by 'Yours Truly'. Another labor of love from me to you!
My book is currently available on Amazon:
Embroidery Craft: Stitching Through the Seasons
Publication Date: Aug. 19, 2010
ISBN/EAN13:1453600272 / 9781453600276
FULL COLOR - 146 Pages
Size: 8" x 10"
