Embroidered Toddler Tees: Faux Pockets w/ Sunglasses & Monogram

My mom got these two button up tops from Crazy 8 for Harlow and asked me to embroider them.  I decided to do the sunglasses appliqués from Lynnie Pinnie.  I skipped the appliqué on the pocket.  I wanted it to look like a matching pocket instead of using a different fabric that would stand out.

I got the raglan tee from Walmart for less than $4!  Use ebates to get that cash back!

I used the Monogram Sketch Font from Lynnie Pinnie and resized and positioned it in Sew What Pro.

I've mentioned in previous blog posts that I purchased some thread that has been difficult to work with.  I won't repurchase the thread when it's used up, but I didn't want it to go to waste.  I posted my issue in an embroidery Facebook group, and several people suggested getting an oil that helps keep thread from unraveling and breaking.  I picked up Sewer's Aid at Joann's (order through ebates for cash back).  It has made all the difference!  I highly suggest this if you have problem thread!

Embroidered Fox Raglan Tee

For Harlow's third birthday, we had a pumpkin patch party.  For her first birthday, I made a pumpkin shirt, but I don't really want to dress her in a pumpkin shirt once December gets here.  I wanted something that wouldn't look out of season once fall is over.  I thought this fox design was perfect for a fall birthday but would still be cute through spring!

The fox design is actually an appliqué, but I skipped the appliqué stitches on my embroidery machine and just did the satin stitches (or whatever they're called) that you see.  I did the H the same way, skipping the appliqué.  The H is also from Planet Appliqué, and (if I remember correctly) it's the Landon Alphabet.  Side note: I got the fox and alphabet for free!  Planet Appliqué offers free files on occasion.  Follow her on Facebook and sign up for emails to know when free files are available.

I used Sew What Pro to resize the fox and H and to remove the overlap stitches.

The raglan tee is from Walmart for less than $4!  Be sure to order it through ebates to get cash back!

I paired this top with a fox bow that was from my boutique I owned.  When I found out I was having a girl, I immediately bought the bow from the lady that made them for my store!

A toddler in a fox shirt is about the cutest ensemble.  And raglan tees-- the best!

Embroidered Pillowcase

We converted Harlow's crib to a toddler bed several months ago, but it wasn't until a couple months ago that I added the quilt as a light comforter.  I made the quilt when I was pregnant with her and haven't used it much until now.  The only sheet on her bed is a fitted sheet.  I knew she was ready for a pillow, but I wanted to keep the pillowcase neutral to go with any sheets or blankets.

I got this pillowcase at Ross and decided to embroider the edge of it.  It jazzes it up a bit and definitely adds a personal touch.  The embroidery font is Releigh from Boutique Fonts.

No, I didn't iron the pillowcase for these photos.  Yes, I took these photos at night so there is no natural light.  Real life, y'all.

All that matters is that Harlow likes it and feels special. :)

Handmade + Embroidered Easter Dress

My mom made Harlow this dress for Easter.  The pattern is McCall's M6872.  The website says the pattern is out of print, but you could probably find it at Hobby Lobby or JoAnn's.

The fabric is some I've had stashed away for a few years that I bought at Hancock Fabrics (RIP Hancock).

The embroidery font is the Interlocking Vine Monogram from Boutique Fonts.  I enlarged it in Sew What Pro embroidery program.

I got the shoes a few weeks ago at Ross and have had the bow since Harlow was a few months old.  The cardigan is Carter's (shop through ebates for 2.5% cash back).  We've had the cardigan for awhile, so I'm not sure if it's still available.  It may have come as a set with an outfit.

My off-the-shoulder dress is from Ross.  I got it for $7, because someone ripped out both sides of it when they tried it on.  I had to sew the sides shut, but it was an easy fix and well worth the $7!  My shoes are Gianni Bini from Dillard's, and I've had them for a few years.  My leather strap necklace is from E. Leigh's.  Colin's shirt is a TailorByrd that I scored for around $14 at T.J.Maxx, and I don't know offhand where his pants and shoes are from.

We had a great morning at church and a good time at our house with all of Colin's family over for lunch and egg hunting.

I hope you all had a great Easter!  He is risen!

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Easter + Spring Embroidered Tops

How many Easter outfits does one almost two-and-a-half-year-old need?  Apparently 3.

Today I'll show you two outfits I embroidered for her to wear to see the Easter bunny, hunt Easter eggs, or just plain wear to whatever this spring and summer.  The third outfit is her Easter dress for Easter Sunday, and I'll post that later.

Spoiler alert-- one of these embroidery designs is FREE!

My soon to be sister-in-law (Katie is marrying my brother in about two weeks) gave this top and the shorts to Harlow earlier this year.  They are from a brand called Renkitten.

I embroidered the top with this design that seems vintage and classic and just plain sweet.  It's a free design from Kreative Kiwi.  You'll have to subscribe to her newsletter to access the design, but it's worth it-- she has lots of freebies!

The shirt, skirt, and shoes in this ensemble are all from Crazy 8.  We love that store!  The oval frame and monogram are both from Lynnie Pinnie.  She also offers free designs and frequent sales.  I got one of these designs for free (offered for a limited time) and the other for a deep discount.

Now I have to go embroider that Easter dress!  Happy Embroidering!

Embroidered Bird Nest Onesie + Monogrammed Makeup Bag

I made this little onesie for a friend's baby that's on the way!

This Bird Nest Alpha is from Planet Applique (click HERE for 20% off your first Planet Applique order).

I hand stitched a little bow onto the birdie's head.

The customer supplied the bag and picked the embroidery font.

The embroidery monogram is the Diamond font from Herrington Designs on etsy (order through ebates for 1% cash back).

I like the look of this monogram, but be aware that the design has a lot of stitches-- meaning it will cost customers more for this monogram font than for other fonts I generally use.

Video: Step-By-Step Embroidered Monogrammed Cloth Napkins Using the FLOATING METHOD

New to embroidery or been doing it for years?  This project is fun for all levels of machine embroiders.  For beginners, I walk you step by step of how I monogrammed these cloth napkins.  The possibilities are endless!

I used a 75/11 ballpoint needle.

Tear-Away Stabilizer

Brother HE1 Embroidery Machine

Embroidery: Baby Girl Gifts

I made this little onesie for my neighbor's granddaughter.  The P arrow design is from Planet Applique (click HERE to get 20% off your first order at Planet Applique).  I skipped some of the stitches to just stitch the design instead of doing an applique.  I wanted a little more of a clean look.  The other letters are Natalie font, also from Planet Applique.

I made this banner to send as a thank you to gift to someone's little girl.  I used Sweet Pea font from Boutique Fonts for her name name.  The Split Alpha design is from Planet Appliqué.  I used lace for the applique and like how dainty and sweet it is. (I took the banner pictures at night, so they're a little grainy from the artificial lighting.)

Girly stuff is so much fun!

Monogrammed Pleather Purse (that crashed and burned)

Have you ever had a project that you had really high hopes for and were really excited about sharing the final results...only for it to crash and burn?

Here's the story of making lemonade out of lemons.  And not throwing the lemons against the wall like you really want to do.

If you machine embroider, you are probably in groups on Facebook where fellow embroiderers (is that a word?) share their projects, ask for help, and offer ideas.  If you happen to be one of those people, then you have seen this Walmart bag all over those groups.  I have read every post and thread about embroidering this bag.  I have watched every YouTube video.  I have asked questions and read what others did wrong.  I bought the proper needle.  I gathered my materials. I was ready to conquer.  And then the fun began.

I was told to use a 75/11 needle.  It broke.  I used a regular one and a ballpoint needle.  Both broke.  I wound up only having success (as in it not breaking) with a 75/11 needle intended for leather.  This is not leather, so I was not supposed to (as I read over and over) use a leather needle.  I adjusted tension.  I paused my machine and tried to give it breaks.  The monogram was supposed to have three letters (like the black bag in this photo).  As you can see, I stopped at one letter.  The thread broke a few times, so I had to continually rethread the machine.  I had to back up the machine a few stitches to restitch when the thread would break.  I have used the font design before, so I know it's not the design's fault.  It was my machine.  Or me.

This bag is reversible, and all along I had planned to make a patch to go on the reverse side to cover the back of the embroidered side (to cover the back side of the threads).  I made the patch and used E6000 glue to attach it to the pleather.  The patch is the only thing that went according to plan.

In the end I don't really know what wrong.  I know people have made these over and over on the same exact embroidery machine that I have.  I followed every single direction and step.  No one could have been more prepared.  I guess it was one of those days and one of those projects that just simply went wrong.  Thankfully these bags are affordable.  I wish I would have had a comparable fabric to practice on first, but I don't have a reversible pleather laying around.  I really wish I could nail down what to fix so I could successfully embroider these bags.  They come in several colors and have so many embroidery options.  You can find them in store or online at Walmart (use ebates for 1% cash back).

If you have success with these bags, I'd love to know your tricks!

I wound up with some tart lemonade, but that's better than moldy lemons, right? 😆

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Custom Embroidered Pillows (from a skirt and antique pillow)

I made these pillows a few months ago for a customer, but since one of them was going to be given as a Christmas present, I though I should wait until now to post them.  They are both remade from former things-- one an antique pillowcase made into an accent pillow and the other a skirt made into a throw pillow.

 

The first pillow started as a pillowcase.  The embroidery was done by hand, and it was very old!  The pillowcase was incredibly soft due to its age.  The customer wanted the initials cut out and made into a new pillow.  She wanted the pillow to be green to match her other decorative pillows and decor.  I found the green fabric at Walmart.  If I remember correctly, it was the Waverly brand, and it was a quality fabric with a nice texture and thickness.

I had to take a few deep breaths before cutting the antique pillowcase, as I knew I couldn't undo the cutting!  I made sure several times that my measurements were right before making the first cut!

The pillow is rectangular, but I overstuffed it quite a bit, so it's coming across in pictures as though there are points at the top.  You just can't see how pudgy of a tummy it has ;).  I like to overstuff as the stuffing can be pressed down over time.

I used the original hem of the pillowcase (at the bottom) and recreated the hem around the other three edges.  Then I topstitched around the edges to attach it to the green pillow I made.

The second pillow was made from a skirt that belonged to the customer.  I disassembled the skirt so that I could cut two matching square pieces-- cutting it as large as I could.

I machine embroidered the recipients' wedding date in black-- keeping to their black and white color scheme.  The numbers are from Herrington Design and the dots are from The Itch 2 Stitch.

This fabric was thin and didn't have much structure, but I stuffed it into submission!

Always keep in mind that you can remake something into something else!  The customer really wanted to display the antique hand embroidery but didn't want to use it as a pillowcase anymore.  She had the great idea to turn it into an accent pillow.

She also loved the print on her skirt and knew it would match her daughter's decor, so we made a pillow for their bedroom.

If there is a fabric you love that isn't working in its current state, make it into something else!

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