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.
