Let’s start a new hobby ~ embroidery!

When my daughter was little, she used to play in my sewing room while I worked on my latest quilt. Sometimes Haley would read to her dolls and stuffed animals, but sometimes, much to my delight, she’d let her artistic side shine. She was especially fond of using the rotary cutter with the pinking shears blade installed. Haley would cut fabric into little pieces and come up with some ingenious way of hand sewing simple purses or pillows, even adding buttons. I thought I had a budding sewist or quilter on my hands, but over time, her love of outdoors and being active won out.

When I began crocheting last year, I thought maybe I could hook her into that hobby. Instead, she took up hand knitting and made lovely, chunky blankets for her home. I pester her often to join me in quilting or crochet, and she jokingly replies that she doesn’t need to, as she is often the recipient of my projects!

Recently, the tables turned. Haley decided she’d like to take up embroidery and asked me to join her. Naturally, I jumped right in! We visited my local quilt shop (Paisley Threads) and picked up some DMC floss and hoops. We watched a few YouTube videos to learn some basic stitches, and then we were off to the races.  Haley’s first project is an autumn scene with a Gilmore Girls vibe.  It is very detailed and challenging, so she is still working on it. I began with a simple Christmas tree, which is a free tutorial from Why Not Stitching. For my first tree, I leaned into my love of pink. I think it will look darling in my sewing room this winter, next to my Christmas tree covered with pastel crocheted ornaments.

For my second tree, I chose more traditional colors and finished it in a small wooden frame, rather than the hoop. I like how festive it looks when displayed with my Joy mini quilt.

I have to say, I am really enjoying embroidery.  In a short amount of time and within minimal expense, we can create something so lovely. Haley and I used quilter’s cotton in off white for our first projects.  For my second tree, I used Robert Kaufmann’s essex yarn dyed linen in the color flax. In both cases, the fabric was from my stash, which is another bonus!

Just in case you missed my last post, I want to remind you that you can purchase any of my patterns on my Etsy shop at 15% off if you sign up for the newsletter of this talented lady: Jodi Nelson of Pleasant Home. You must subscribe to her newsletter to get the code, and the discount is only good for the month of October 2025. Visit this link to subscribe.  (Once you subscribe, you will receive an email from Jodi to confirm your subscription. Be sure to check your junk or spam folder if you don’t see that email. You must confirm your subscription.) Jodi’s business model includes pattern design, machine quilting, and being an all-around inspiration. I know you’ll want to give her a follow. I’ve shared a picture of Jodi below, and you can learn more here.

What projects are you working on this autumn? Are you sewing in season, or preparing for the holidays? In the evenings, I am binding and working on a new pattern.  I will have more to share in the coming weeks. One of the quilts I am finishing is a baby quilt for our first grandchild on the way! Woo hoo! Our son Luke and his wife Emilee are expecting a girl, and our entire family is just thrilled! What a blessing!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope I’ve tempted you to dabble a bit with embroidery. It’s a soothing and rewarding hobby. I’m so glad that my daughter was inspired to get us started! Take care and God bless!

Taunja