Every once in a while (probably not nearly enough) I get to make a project just for fun. Not usually anything too big or fancy...until now.
I am going to launch some new products and I wanted to make some embroidery samples to showcase some of the designs that will be available. But what designs to embroider? on which fabric? and with what thread? hmmmm....?? Well they say 'necessity is the mother of invention' so that is where I found the answers to my questions.
Advent was quickly approaching and I realized that I need a Christmas tree skirt. I have a few yards of this gorgeous, red, brocatelle fabric, amazing gold thread that compliments it beautifully, and what else would you put on a Catholic Christmas tree skirt except emblems of the Holy Family? It all came together beautifully and the vision was born so I quickly went to work drawing the designs, then making up a pattern for a tree skirt, followed by the fun of chain-stitching.
Things slowed down a bit for a few days when I decided something this fancy deserves a proper rolled, blind-stitch hem. Yes, this can be done with a machine but I love hand stitching and it's so much more elegant. It is rather hard on the finger tips when you're working with heavy fabric but so worth it for the beauty and durability of the stitches.
After zipping through the hand stitching in three days (I was just having way too much fun!) I got to apply the final chain-stitched edge design. I decided to go with a design that was simple and elegant to frame and compliment the three emblems of the Holy Family, without drawing the eye away from them.
All of this adds up to what I hope will be a treasured family heirloom and, better yet, perfecting the process to launch some very lovely, traditional, handmade products for you. Stay tuned and let me know what you think in the comments!
PS - keep an eye on our social media accounts for pics of the completed project!