From pin to reality | USA embroidery

In November I started a embroidery project that I can share about now. It was to become a Christmas gift for a friend.

link to pin

This pin sparked my itch to make something with a map.

So, I printed the US map on a A4 paper, which later made the whole project a bit complicated, but it turned out fine! I found this site where they have a broad selection of maps to print. 

I then used the old trick of parchment paper and pencil to first trace the map over onto the parchment paper. Then I turned it over, traced it again on the backside.

Then finally I began to trace the patterned over to my fabric. I just turned the parchment paper over to the right side and the pencil leaves a great pattern without being to harch.

I am sorry that this picture is a bit blurry. Here it is when I was finished with the embroidery part. I then cut all the loose ends of and ironed it. I knew I really did want to hae it in a hoop, but alas it was to big. So I backed it with some fabric. 

I thrifted this hanger and used it to hang the fabric from. 

I am super happy about how it turned out and besides the mounting

it is really an easy embroidery project.

From pin to reality | family cross-stitch

I actually had this one bookmarked even before Pinterest entered the picture. Finally I took some time and made it!

link to pin

This is a Martha Stewart idea and her website (where the link goes to from the pin) has several sheets of patterns you can print. I did just that and decided on which pattern I would use for my family.

I have lots of thread and fabric that I got after my grandmother, so I have a lot of colors to choose from. 

I made it in like 4 hours while listening to a book :)

I am happy and think it is cute.

from pin to reality - stencil pillows

(source)

i pinned the above image a while ago and then i didn´t think i had the stencils to make them myself. but then we cleaned out the spare room in our house and i found a alphabet stencil! 

so knew i some lyrics from an old swedish song that would be perfect on throw pillows for my sister and her fiancé. 

before i started i had cut and measured the fabric so that i just had to sew it together when the lettering was done. 

i used a fabric marker and i took about an hour to draw all the letters.

here they are all sewn and done. it was easy and very fun!
i can already see the endless things i can make using this technique!

some stitching + some good advise

i wanted to show you an easy way to transfer patterns to fabric using freezer paper. 

edited to add: here is a genious way to transfer patterns!

first i chose my pattern, in this case the saying be happy, printed it out on plain paper. 

edited: the cute font is called clementine sketch.

next i put the freezer paper ontop of my printed paper and just traced the letters with a pencil (this is important! you can´t use a marker!). then i turned the freezer paper and traced the letters on the backside (have a paper underneath at this stage!) 

next, trace the pattern from the right side this time onto your fabric.

voila! just stitch away! 

here are the hoops i did all together! 

:)

finished is good!

oh, how i love the feeling of missions complete!

i love my dad! ps.if you think that we both look kinda sick it´s because i used a effect i found on picknic.com :) and i used my new old typewriter! whohoo!

i don´t know if you see it, but for some reason i did a 2 piece layout :) i don´t know what came over me! i love that photo of my girl with my cute nieces!

have you tried these embellished hoop things? i L.O.V.E it! it is so much fun! i made these two last night infront of the tv, so they are easy and quick too! this past week i happened upon this blog post by ashley and it just made me finally do it!

grattis = happy birthday

there are so many possibilities with these and the hoops, which i buy at thrift shops, costs like half a dollar or something and the fabric are only scraps so thats no cost at all. plus it helps me get rid of said scraps since my wardrobe where i keep them is overflowing :)

oh, and here is another great post from ashley on hoops :)

introducing...

yes, once again i will celebrate a handmade christmas...and i will share it with all of you offcourse :) it is going to be a month and a half party full of preparations, gifts, decorations and other fun stuff like lists of gifts for all ages. i will start my posts in november and you are welcome to join me in the celebration!

Last year i did a 5 week newsletter, but this year it is all going to happen here on the blog. i promise it will be fun and it might even include a freebie or two for you ;)

obsessed

i have been in a cross-stitching mood lately. this might be this years christmas presents :) more about that in the next post, it is only 2 months until christmas you know, so we have to get started :)

yesterday i saw that you could win one of these lovely apron overlays. it is so cute i think! but as my luck in any games or giveaways are very bad i decided to make one for myself. not as pretty and perfect but i think equally cute :)




dixon liked it too!

i also made a few of these scarfs, they are so easy to make!

did you make anything this weekend?

i ♥ photos, the beach and crafts!

yesterday afternoon i just felt the beach calling my name, so i took my gang aka daughter and the 2 dogs for a spin.



we took a good long stroll down the sandy beach searching for stones, feathers and other treasures.






just above the shore i spotted this wonderful field that i just had to capture. i asked my daughter to take some photos of me...but then...



dixon the streaker came through :)




i love my copy of amanda soules new book handmade home. i has lot´s of lovely, simple and really handy projects. i started slowly with some easy potholders and then i made some new fall hats for my neices and my newphew. i have some more to make since my girl really wanted one too!





i might try a few other projects this weekend. otherwise i am planning ahead and thinking of what i´ll make for Christmas presents this year...and i have some layout shares too.

happy friday you all!

this will be my last weekend in my summer vacation, i start working on monday...it´s ok i guess. i just hope that the lovely weather could come back!
sadly i will also be very still this last weekend, because i was out working in the garden being a good girl and all, and then i hurt my foot so badly i have it in a bandage now and am limping on crutches. :(

onto happier things :)

i am loving this cross stitching buisness as of late! i have showed how a few projects before and here are 2 more.





and i just went thrifting today and found a lovely patterned with poppies :)

i am also working on a project much like the one cathy z is teaching in her class. i will be back tomorrow with that. i also have a wall hanging project to share, but that will too have to wait since we have dinner guests coming in a half an hour :)

have a lovely friday! ♥