I used to embroider things when I was young. One Christmas ( I was 12) I made my mother an embroidered pillow with the different Christmas symbols on it. Yes, the pillow was a bit lumpy and mis-shapen, but I loved making it. I used to take Shaun’s (my brother) baby food jars and make embroidered covers for the lids and then give them to my friends. (I’m sure they were thrilled) There is just something about it that is really appealing to me. I think I like it for the same reason that I like Folk Art. It is just so charming. Here are some reasons you should try embroidery:

1. It is fairly easy.

2. You can do it while watching your favorite show.

3. It is cheap.

4. It will be an heirloom someday. Wouldn’t you love to have one your grandmother did? Your children or grandchildren will love to have one that you did.

Here is how to do it: (if you don’t already know) You will need a needle (any sewing needle will do, but I’ve found the ones made specifically for embroidery work best), some embroidery thread (you can get it at any craft or sewing store) and some fabric. That’s it. Well, that is all I use. I think some people use those things that stretch the fabric out, and I can see how that might help, but I don’t have one.

Decide on what you want to embroider. You can draw it lightly with pencil directly onto the fabric. If you don’t want to draw it, you can trace something or use a stencil. Then just stitch over the pencil. It is as easy as that. I made these pillowcases about 2 years ago for the girls. They have been washed who knows how many times and are holding up great. The girls love them. I just got the pillowcases for DIRT cheap at Ikea and embroidered directly on them.

For these ones I chose the girls favorite songs (at the time) and used them for inspiration. Ella’s is one by Laurie Berkner that goes “I’m a little frog and my daddy loves me, I’m a little frog and my mommy loves me.” Rory’s is from the lullaby “All the Pretty Horses” which is one of my favorites. They loved to look at the pillows and feel the stitches while I sang them the songs.

The other two I just did their initial, with their favorite shapes. I think they turned out cute.

So get sewing! Or let me do the work for you! Christmas is coming up. . .