I have been having way too much fun working on embroidery items.  If you have read any of my previous posts, you know that I am trying to learn various embroidery software programs.  I have to say that practicing really is the best way to learn. There have been some boo boos and several projects that have gone into a pile for "future" upcycles.  Here are a few of my recent items that I got finished and felt pretty satisfied with.

I found this apron at Harbor Freight (no affiliation)  It cost around $4.00 so a definite bargain.  The denim is not too thick and easy to embroider on.  I wanted to make something for my husband and since he is the "Grill Master" and thought this would be great to keep his clothes protected when he is cooking for us.  The pocket on the apron is sewn on with a long stitch so it was easy to pick out one side of it, hoop for the design and then reattach.  I used my software to digitize the little grill.

Once I had the apron done, I thought a mopping towel would be another helpful thing when he is cooking so I digitized the bottle and the fire extinguisher with my software and used the same grill from the apron. I think this is so much fun and a griller would love to have it.

The apron was such a big success that I embroidered another one for a relative. He absolutely loves "Uncrustables" (no affiliation) and there are several family jokes surrounding his affinity.  I have seen other similar designs referencing chocolate on the internet so I swapped it out.

I even did a little applique of an "Uncrustable" on the pocket after moving it to the lower right side of the apron. This way he has a place to stash his snacks. I love how it turned out. I used a very soft and fluffy fabric for the bread so it really simulates how it would feel. This picture was passed around the family via text and we all had a lot of fun picking on him but he was a great sport.

I made this little holiday pin for myself.  It is done completely in the hoop with canvas material on the front and back.  The inner layer is quilt batting.  All of the design stitches and the last outer line that sews attaches the back piece.

Once finished, I trimmed around the edges and used a small brass brush to fray all of the edges. Kind of like a chenille brush.  I picked up mine at you guessed it "Harbor Freight" for around .87 cents.  I also did a small tack stitch to add a safety pin onto the back so I can wear it.

This wall hanging was really easy to do since most of it is text. The internet is a treasure to find the cutest sayings.  I had some leftover stretch denim and I embroidered the design first.  Once completed, I cut the front and a back as well as some batting for the middle.  They were sandwiched right sides together and sewn around leaving a space to turn.  The hanging ribbon was sewn into the seam as I went around and then a top stitch was sewn to close it up.  An elf button and yarn tassle completed the project. All of these were short and easy and would make fantastic gifts.  If you are learning how to use your sewing/embroidery machine or software and have gotten a little frustrated, don't give up. I will usually start simple, complete a project and then give it away. Each time, you will learn more and get more confident and if you see the enjoyment on the receiver's face, it will make you want to do it again. I hope you have enjoyed this post, share what you learn and are generous with what you make. Someone will appreciate your hard work.  

 A tissue box cover is one of my absolute favorite things to sew and then give away.  They are really easy because all of the fabric cuts are rectangles. If you can sew a straight line, you should be able to create as many different varieties you want.  There are many patterns on the internet.  I decided to add pockets to my cover because I always seem to have small items near my bed or couch.  I thought the pockets would be a great way to keep up with small things. If you move your box of tissues to another room, all of your stuff moves with it!

I designed this one for one of my favorite people and as you can see they live in Louisiana.  So an applique with the state was a great way to personalize.  These covers would be an awesome gift for any time of year.  You could use the seasons, hobbies, monograms or professions. I mean really the possibilities are endless.  Tissues are kind of universal.

I have a download below with the measurements and several color photos showing my process.  The seam allowance is an exact 1/4 inch. That is the only thing that I would advise you to stick to. When you make your cuts, anything more and the cover probably won't slide on the box. You may want to measure your brand of tissue and make sure the measurements will work for you just in case. I tend to buy whatever brand is on sale and haven't had any issues but you never know.

My receiver had a little extra "Lagniappe" tissue holder. I sewed a quick personal cover that they can either keep in a separate area of their home or in their car.  I used the flannel material from the applique for the inside of the cover.  Like I said this is a wonderful universal gift.  They don't take long to sew either. If you are looking for a project to donate to your local retirement homes this would be fantastic. Also, your dentist, veterinarian, doctor, hairdresser etc would love to have something like this. If you have embroidery software and can personalize for their business, they will be thrilled.

I hope you have enjoyed this post, share what you have learned and are generous with what you make. Someone will appreciate your hard work!