Christmas, Gifts and Embroidery

Posted: Dec 19, 2011 |Comments: 0 |

Once the Thanksgiving rush is over, the real rush begins for many of us! Between shopping, cooking, baking and visiting, we also have our handmade gifts to finish up.

Because making quilts is so in depth and time consuming, I usually don't include quilts as part of my gift-giving this time of year. Instead, I take full advantage of all the creative and inspirational embroidery patterns that are now available. Some of them are time consuming, but I can do other things while the embroidery machine merrily stitches on its own!

For the very simplest gifts, I purchase towels in my recipients' favorite colors and then add a simple monogram. This is quick and easy, and creates a classy project for all ages and genders. When stitching on loopy towels, I add a layer of tulle (netting) over the top of the towel in the hoop. Then, when I stitch out the letters, the stitching stays on top of the towel instead of sinking into the weave. Once done, I gently tear away the excess tulle. Anything left is barely noticeable. This is one of my most important embroidery tips!

Gifts for co-workers are generally harder to decide on, so I stick with my tried and true choice of embroidery designs in the free-standing lace category. Ornaments are quick and easy to make in any color and are simply finished with a colorful ribbon for hanging. I always use two layers of water soluble stabilizer and the same thread in top and bobbin for the very best embroidery results!

My all-time favorite embroidery pattern for Christmas is one that creates a fabulously large stocking, all in free-standing lace. Each motif is stitched out and then zig-zagged together with the other pieces. A simple fabric for the back, and a beautiful, old-fashioned stocking is the result. This type of embroidery takes a while, but the results are well worth it. I fill my stockings with individually wrapped chocolates and other fabulous treats. I find it easiest to stitch the motifs together before washing out the water-soluble stabilizer!

Because most people have their own idea of what they want their home to look like at the holidays, I stay away from making home décor items with a Christmas theme. Also, it's always struck me as odd to give someone something to decorate their holiday home with on the actual holiday! Instead, I will make elegant tone-on-tone projects like doilies or napkins. Single-color designs are perfect for this, but it is a lot of fun to take multi-color embroidery designs and choose several tones of the same color to create a beautifully ornate project. Be sure to use the same color thread in your bobbin so that your project looks beautiful on both sides!

Christmas is the perfect time of year to search for new free embroidery designs! Digitizers are a generous group, and we all love to share … especially at the holidays. If you do find a free design that is your favorite for the season, be sure to let the designer know, and send pictures of your projects! This is the best way to show your appreciation.

Finally, don't forget to stitch a beautiful embroidery for yourself as well! As much as we love being able to create handmade gifts for others, it is important to remember to give a gift to yourself as well. Give yourself the gift of self-appreciation.

Happy Holidays!

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/crafts-articles/christmas-gifts-and-embroidery-5497528.html

    Article Tags:

    embroidery patterns

    ,

    embroidery

    ,

    embroidery designs

    ,

    free embroidery designs

    Free Embroidery Designs are available in a variety of patterns in numerous websites. You can search on the internet for thousands of patterns and designs that suits to your outfit according to the elegance you dreamed off. There are thousands of resources available on the World Wide Web and you can choose accordingly.

    By: wesociall Hobbies> Craftsl Dec 10, 2010

    Huge selection of Machine Embroidery Designs, Embroidery Design Services & Supplies. An exclusive gallery of all kinds of Embroidery designs. Excellent quality, great prices and service!

    By: opwembroideryl Hobbies> Craftsl Feb 03, 2011

    A good embroidery pattern is something that can be very easy for you to find. There are all sorts of different stores and even websites that offer different types of patterns for you to use. However not all of these patterns are going to be alike. You should take a look at some things with regards to getting a good embroidery pattern ready so that the project that you will be working on can look its best and most professional

    By: Roxanne Deanl Relationshipsl May 12, 2010

    In case you are creative and like stitching, there are many websites that provide totally free embroidery patterns. In fact there are plenty of on the internet that you can simply build up a great collection into any kind of market you want to mention.

    By: Mohamed Elmasryl Arts & Entertainmentl Jan 17, 2011

    Has embroidery been your passion or your favorite pastime? Or perhaps you are into a profession

    By: Miles Smithl Shopping> Clothingl Sep 22, 2010 lViews: 260

    Petals has recently launched an exclusive showroom at 100 ft road Indranagar. The new showroom offers their shoppers the free consultation month.

    By: SpirePRl Home and Family> Accessoriesl Aug 19, 2010

    Discover coconut oil benefits! Coconut oil is used in many ways. Some use it for making homemade soap. It has outstanding skin care properties. Learn different types of coconut oil and choose the best for you. Homemade skin care products made with coconut oil differ, greatly, from commercial products with harsh foaming agents. Don't miss this important skin care and soap making information!

    By: Susan Katchurl Hobbies> Craftsl Jun 01, 2012

    Ever since I was a child, it has always bothered me why certain disparities between men and women exist when it has long ago been established by the Almighty that every human being has been created equal.

    By: Jo Ellenl Hobbies> Craftsl May 28, 2012

    In my hometown, the natives of the land and the Malays would usually engage in trading and sell goods that are considered homegrown in their respective places. This is made possible because it would only take a ferry-ride to reach their destination. Hence, the bartering of goods usually happens on the shore; and, most of the time these goods would include textiles. They were not just ordinary textiles, though. They were first class cloths interwoven by the very hands of man.

    By: Jo Ellenl Hobbies> Craftsl May 28, 2012

    While origami is native to the Japanese, the reach of this paper craft has gone globally, even to us Americans who find the sequences of folding paper almost intoxicating. Of particular importance is how to follow the easy origami crane paper folding process; a treasured tradition that is almost considered holy in Japan.

    By: Alyssa Hendricksl Hobbies> Craftsl May 24, 2012

    In the event you like arts and crafts and choose to decorate your stuff at household then all you'll need is a computer, a printer and some specific waterslide decal paper. This short article explains the kind of tasks you could do and explains the way to do it. This article will explain to you concerning the four kinds of waterslide paper, their differences, how to use them and some well-known tasks.

    By: irfanuddin38l Hobbies> Craftsl May 23, 2012

    Free-standing lace designs are my favorite. From ornaments and coasters to bowls and even lampshades, there truly is something for every taste and style.

    By: opwembroideryl Hobbies> Craftsl Mar 29, 2012

    Now that I've decided on my design and have the particulars drawn out, I'm getting more artistic with it! The design process is mechanical and technical.

    By: opwembroideryl Hobbies> Craftsl Mar 20, 2012

    Some days I can't even insert a needle straight. Luckily, the automatic needle threader on my embroidery machine won't work if the needle isn't in place.

    By: opwembroideryl Hobbies> Craftsl Mar 03, 2012

    Every new design stitched or technique learned was a moment of delight.

    By: opwembroideryl Hobbies> Craftsl Jan 17, 2012

    For Christmas this year, why not use any type of embroidery design, but color it uniquely for the holiday? Red and green are beautiful, but blue and gold are also quite traditional, while still being different.

    By: opwembroideryl Hobbies> Craftsl Jan 03, 2012

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast