Hi friends! Long time, no see. July was mostly a blur, so I can't really account for my time but I'm happy to be back here with a quick and easy project that adds another personalized touch to our nearly-completed den. This project incorporates two of my favorite things: monograms and embroidery.
During the same thrift store trip, I found a small 2" x 3" gilded frame (also 95¢) which pushed me to create a monogram for hanging. I chose an "H" for our last name, naturally.
To go about tracing the letter pattern on a linen remnant I had, I relied on a bright window to serve as a lo-fi light box. I traced the letter with this disappearing ink marking pen. The ink goes on purple and disappears completely within a few hours (perfect for quick needle crafts like this).
Once the monogram was traced, I was ready to start stitching. I've been into embroidery for awhile so I had floss in variety of colors on hand. If you don't, that's okay--embroidery is a pretty inexpensive hobby since needles, floss and scissors are only a few dollars total.
There are many different stitches I could have used to approach this monogram; this time, I sewed a very simple back stitch with three strands of floss.
(via Sublime Stitching)
If you're interested in recreating this simple project but haven't embroidered before, check out these easy-to-follow tutorials from Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching that break down each stitch.
Stitching by hand is, honestly, one of the most relaxing hobbies. I stitched--half paying attention--while my husband watched a stinker of a Phillies game and was done within a half hour.
And when I was done, I had this lovely piece to add to the mantel in our den:
I love it. Just another handmade touch to add to our home, which we are slowly making our own.
And, if you're on the fence about embroidery because you're convinced it's uncool, let me present photographic proof that one of the coolest men ever knew his way around a needle and thread:
Looks so fun, I want to do this on some napkins :)
ReplyDeleteNice! And can't resist Paul Newman - who knew he was crafty.
ReplyDeleteLove the post - and embroidery in general. Highly under-rated, I think. And I didn't need the photographic proof...but I appreciate it! :)
ReplyDeleteJust perfect in that little gold frame against the gorgeous navy!
ReplyDeleteAnd Paul Newman is perfect no matter what he does.
Camille
I can't speak as I'm fainting over your blue walls. Dying! And I love that you are Paul could have gotten crafty together.
ReplyDeleteummm I cant comment on the new art because my focus is on the walls- DO SHARE!
ReplyDeleteHa! I love your H and your home is looking absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeleteThat blue is perfect! Have you shared the color and I missed it? Pretty please!?
ReplyDeleteUncool, please!!! :)
Angela--I'm many things, but uncool is not one of them...haha. THe wall color is "Gentleman's Gray" by Benjamin Moore. Full reveal of the den will come as soon as I have my last piece finished for the room(an ottoman that needs to get reupholstered).
ReplyDeleteSo stinkin' adorable! And I see the blue is up in that room. Awesome.
ReplyDeleteI found your tutorial using a Google search. I am fairly new to machine embroidery but am about to try monogramming some towels for my son and his future wife. The towels are red and beige, and I had planned to use beige thread on the red towels and red thread on the beige towels. But then I thought about how the back would look since I've always used white bobbin thread in the bobbin. Should/can I use the same thread top and bottom, or is this a no-no? And am I over thinking this?!? LOL Thanks for your help and your tutorial!
ReplyDelete