I love embroidery because of its potential to transform things.  Whether it’s a simple, subtle design or an ornate, over-the-top one, embroidery is a sure way to enhance your wardrobe and home décor.  If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make gorgeous stitches by hand, here’s the top reasons why you should make 2019 the year to give it a try:
 
1. Beginner’s supplies don’t require a huge up-front investment.
Some hobbies require you to shell out hundreds of dollars for equipment just to give them a try.  Luckily, that’s not true for embroidery.  A few skeins of floss in your favorite colors, an embroidery hoop, a pattern, and fabric are all you need to start your first project.  Consider sewing on a canvas or Aida fabric pre-stretched on a frame so your piece is ready to display when it’s finished.  

2. You can create your own designs or choose patterns.
If you have a specific design in mind, you can draw it and transfer it to fabric.  If sketching isn’t your forte, you can purchase patterns.  DMC’s website offers free pattern downloads.

​Here’s a design that I made with a kit:

​These mandala designs are my own: 

3. Embroidery plays well with other crafts and artforms.
Embroider a DIY greeting card or the cover of a handmade journal.  Paint a canvas and stitch on it.  Hand build a clay piece with holes in it like Aida cloth and embroider it.  Mix beads with embroidery.  The possibilities are endless! 

​Now that you know why embroidery is great, you’re ready to start learning how to do it.  If you’re new to the craft, this Design*Sponge blog entry gives a good crash course on how to embroider along with some free pattern downloads.  If you already embroider and would like to expand your arsenal of stitches, check out this guide from Mollie Makes.  

​Sentimental, dramatic, and ornate—nothing compares to Victorian valentines!  Since I’ve been digging myself out of a snowbank for the past few days instead of designing a project, I’m sending my love by sharing some of my vintage paper collection with you.

​May you love who you are,
May you enjoy what you do,
May you feel appreciated by those who know you!