Look What I Won!

I entered the Threads Magazine (website) book giveaway last month and I was one of two winners!  Now I can't say I never win anything.

Stitch-Opedia looks like it will be a great reference tool.  They also have some projects you can do.

 I was hoping to get some ideas and also (new to me) techniques to apply to the jacket I'm embellishing.  I've only done a little bit of embroidery before so this should help me allot!  I only have one other embroidery book and it's been packed away.  Right now I'm almost done with the blanket stitches around the edges and collar.  I wanted to embellish the pockets, too with some type of flower design.

Here's the content page:

They include some history of the different techniques included in the book.  Throughout the ages they sure did some beautiful work!

I always liked stumpwork (padded applique) but I didn't know that that is what it's called until I got this book.  I did a wall hanging in high school where I batik dyed the fabric and did some embroidery and stumpwork on it.  Wish I still had it; I probably sold it at a garage sale!

This pic isn't in focus, sorry.  Wow, such tedious tiny stitches.

Amazing what artisans do with fabric, a needle and some thread!

That's all for now...

Decisions, Decisions

I got this jacket for a steal and since it's plain, I thought of embellishing it and embroidery came to mind.  It is mostly wool and acrylic flannel fabric and very soft.  Perfect for winters here in So. California.

Here are the color choices for the edging.  Amazing what happens with the lighting and taking pictures.  These all match better in real light.  Go Lighter or darker than the fabric, hmmm, not sure.  Haven't decided on what I'm gonna do exactly.  Go around the edge and then maybe flowers on the pockets???? 

Here are some new colors chosen for the potential flowers.

Worked on it a bit last night but still haven't decided!