Readers are Makers - Part Three

Let's focus on reader embroidery today.

Here are some fantastic Embroidery School projects and some pics from a pattern challenge using one of my embroidery patterns from my online shop. 

The original Embroidery School series used two samplers to learn and practice 12 basic embroidery stitches. Here is the wheel sampler made by Dawn.

And here, Lisa (remember her from yesterday's post?) completed both samplers.

The second Embroidery School series was all about crazy quilt embellishment. Marcia G. not only worked the stitches but also made the actual crazy quilt blocks for a larger project.

Karen worked the downloadable sampler block to a T. Gorgeous work, huh?

Marcia G. also completed Christmas Embroidery School in record time! Here's her finished ornament pattern.

The members of Handmade Cooperative had a pattern challenge several months ago. It was a lot of fun trading patterns and making each others' designs.

My Fox and Bear embroidery pattern was made by two lovely makers. Here is Gail's work. She is the owner/maker of Skinny Malinky Designs. I am so touched that Gail has been a long time follower. I love her softies!

Jen of Ma & Me made this set up. I love how she colored in areas which really makes the stitching pop!

Dawn also worked up this Lavender embroidery pattern using some soft colors and a vintage look.

That's it for now. I eagerly await photos from makers of SweaterDoll patterns and projects. Has anyone made anything from the September or October pattern bundles?

Upcycling Tutorial: Owl Softie/Pillow from Knit Cap

Northern or southern hemisphere, beanies are on their way to storage and thrift store or being unpacked, knitted, or the object of a new op shop quest. Right now, beanies are plentiful. Oh, what to do with all those beanies!!

Introducing the Beanie Owl Softie! 

What you need: 

a knit beanie, any size

a square of fabric, square doily, or a granny square

a bit of felted sweater, yarn, or wool felt in yellow, orange, brown or other beak color

2 round fabric yoyos, very small round doilies, or other round materials for eyes 

2 largish buttons

cotton embroidery floss

sewing needle

wool fleece or other natural stuffing

What to do:

Stuff your beanie to a soft, pillow-like feel.

 

Pinch top edges together so you can center your square over the top so you have a full triangle on each side. Pin one triangle-side down to the owl front. Sew this on using 2 strands of matching embroidery floss with a running or tacking stitch.

Position and add eye backgrounds using matching embroidery floss.

Add a beak made of chunky wool yarn embroidered into beanie, a triangle of felted sweater or wool felt sewn on with a running stitch or blanket stitch. You can use any fabric bit that looks 'beaky' to you. Sew on button eyes hiding the thread knots under the buttons.

Pinch the tops together and sew a running stitch across the top or whipstitch closed. Fold the other half of the square flap down and stitch onto the back of the owl.

You can also sew the features on before stuffing.

Download a free PDF of this project.