Modern and Traditional Embroidery Dress

Hi everyone! I am really loving this stitchalong idea - I love checking into our pool and these comments and seeing all the creative ways you've been interpreting this design. I love how you leave things out, flip the design around, the different colors you choose - this has been so much fun!

So, as you saw last week - I spent most of my time changing my mind and choosing blues to contrast with the bright pinks:


But once I made up my mind on the basic colors I would use, my stitching really took off quickly:


Aside from a simple back stitch in dark turquoise on the stems, I used the same 2 stitches from week 1week 2 - lazy daisy and french knot.

I added extra french knots wherever I wanted to add a little more texture, and before I knew it, I was done!


For the last week of our stitchalong I'll stitch a matching pillowcase, wash and iron my work (and hope it doesn't fall apart), and take a photo for all of you. :)


Here's what you guys have been stitching!

jodycourt used the design to make a pretty embroidered cuff:


Kim thinks her stitching is a bit wonky, but I'm sorry Kim, I have to disagree - look at those beautiful stitches!


I love the tone-on-tone design elliefunkhandmade is doing:


Gorgeous bright colors on this cloth stitched by annalea hart:


ninimakes is stitching her pattern onto a handmade top (love the stripes!)


Allie reinterpreted the design as a heart:


Last but not least, I love the bright contrast daddys_little_hurl used:


So, do we have any takers for our last week in the February stitchalong? Just add your pics to the pool, or leave a link to your blog in the comments and we might feature your work next week! Thanks for stitching along with us, can't wait to see your work!

Hey guys! Here we are at week 2 of the vintage pattern stitchalong and I was so excited to see so many of you joining in and adding your pictures to the pool!

Need the pattern? Download here (thanks, Claudia!)
Want to see week one? Here you go!

Last week, I started off doing all the lazy daisy stitches in the large flower design (and whoa, were there a lot!)


Step 5: French knots

Next, I tackled the French knots in the middle of the flower:


Now, I know French knots are kind of the most dreaded embroidery stitch, but once you get the hang of them, they're not bad at all!

Need some step by step instructions on making the perfect French knot?
The Purl Bee: French knot tutorial
Sublime Stitching: Fool proof French knot
Needle n' Thread: French knot tutorial (video)


Step 6: Changing My Mind

Predictably though, after looking at my stitching, I changed my mind about the colors I'd picked:


I was inspired by the blues I used on the French knots (and my bright blue sheets), so I picked out the outermost row of pink lazy daisy stitches and made them a bright turquoise blue instead:



Next week, I'll take you through the rest of my stitching, but before I go I want to show you some of the awesome projects you've been posting to our Flickr pool!

Nicole printed the design on notecard paper and made cards:


Eeva rose modified the pattern into this lovely design that fits perfectly in her hoop:


Lisa transferred her pattern to a dark fabric and started with some vibrant peaches, pinks and reds:


Jen modified her design to include clusters of French knot flowers with stems, and satin stitch details:


Gorgeous stuff, you guys! If you've joined in, why not add a picture to our Flickr pool and show us?

Here's another idea - if you're stitching along on your blog, why not leave a link to it here? Then next week I'll also feature projects from the blogs you link to here! Thanks for joining in, and let's get stitching! :)

Hi guys! Are you ready for our first stitchalong ever? Now for those of you who don't know what to expect, don't worry! The truth is, I've never done a stitchalong, either, so I'm just making this up as I go along. :)

The basic idea is: we'll all create something based on that lovely vintage pattern above (generously scanned and added by Claudia) - get the pattern here. You can work the whole design, part of the design, or modify it in any way you wish! You'll have the entire month of February to stitch this in whatever way you like and add it to the Embroidery pool.

As we go along, I'll be here to answer questions, show you my progress bit by bit, and feature your awesome work as you add it to the pool. That sound fun? I hope so! :)

So, here we go, week 1 of our stitchalong!


Step 1: Transfer the pattern to your fabric.

Here's a very quick and easy way, if you have a computer screen:


I slipped my fabric over my laptop screen and traced the pattern with a pencil.
Edit: Be sure to be very careful and press very lightly when tracing. If you think your screen might in any way be damaged by light pressure, don't do it! A printout is much cheaper than a new computer screen. :)

You can also use a transfer pencil (or transfer pen) - see my tutorial
Or, print the pattern, tape it to a bright window, hold your fabric up to trace over it.
Or, use transfer paper (or carbon paper).
Just a few ideas - be sure to share if you have any better ones!


Step 2: Choose your colors

This step actually takes up A LOT of time for me. I also find myself plucking out stitches and re-stitching, so don't feel bummed if you end up doing the same.

I started off with 4 bright colors to complement the really bright fuschia fabric I'd be working on:




Step 3: Open Lazy Daisy stitches

I started off with the open-looking Lazy Daisy stitches along the outside of the large flower (they look sort of like little horseshoes:






Need step-by-step directions for Lazy Daisy stitches? Here you go!
Stitch School: Lazy Daisy or detached chain stitch
Needle n' Thread: Lazy Daisy stitch (video)

Here's the finished outer row of open Lazy Daisy stitches:



Step 4: More Lazy Daisy stitches

Next, I did the inner row of Lazy Daisy's which are your regular, closed variety:


Last, I did the inside row:


Whew! That was a lot of pictures and stitching!

How is your stitching going?

If you join us, be sure to add your pictures to the Embroidery pool and tag them: FebStitchalong so I can find them! Remember you can stitch this in any way you like - I'd love to see any creative ways you use this pattern! Let's see some stitching! :)