Jenn is marrying a guy named Patrick who goes by Pat. I wanted to include both their names on their pillowcases. Lucky for me I could shorten Patrick to Pat and Jenn is short - only 7 letters to stitch. I found some lovely lightweight linen fabric at my favorite fabric store in Brattleboro, Delectable Mountain. Pillowcases are very easy to make - just a giant rectangle with a few seams. Linen pillowcases are hard to find but they are so easy to make.
For the embroidery pattern, I wrote out both their names and then drew a little heart on a piece of paper. Using the directions in my book, I transferred the script and the hearts to the fabric using fabric transfer paper. Then I traced over the design with a blue water soluble marker. I used 3 strands of cotton embroidery floss in an aqua shade for the letters and worked them in a tiny chain stitch.
For the heart, I used 3 strands of embroidery floss in zinnia pink, chartreuse and salmon. I used a tiny chain stitch for the heart lines and filled the inner heart with French knots.
Then I decided to stitch a line of salmon running stitch at the machine stitch hem for a little more decoration.
This whole project was pretty easy to do and made a very thoughtful handmade shower gift. The amount of time spent on it wasn't overwhelming -- I worked on it at a couple farmer's markets and one evening. You can find directions for the top project in my book Colorful Stitchery which is for sale in my shop.
15 comments:
The perfect solution! Everyone I know already has all the "stuff" anyone'll ever need, now that we're so old :), but you still want to mark the occasion with a gift. They will treasure these.
--Elizabeth D
i think it is the perfect gift! handmade of love and personable! I will have to check out this on your book. A few months back i was lucky to fins 6 sets of old linen pillowcases unopened in their original packaging at a booth in our antique mall. I paid 1.25 per package (each package held a pair of cases) I was so excited, of course hubby just laughed at me but my mom understood my excitement... i mailed her 3 pairs.
Lucky Jenn and Pat! Hand made gifts bestow so much love, they're the best! Congrats to both of them.
--elizaduckie
How beautiful! Sweet - but not too sweet - bright and happy.
At the risk of sounding middle aged...it is so wonderful to see this idea used in this day and age.
Back in the 70's I can remember my mom making these lovely wedding presents for friends kids who were getting married. Thanks for reminding me what a great gift it makes!
Kristen!
Jenn (& Pat) will treasure your gift for years to come! How lovely!
I was an embroidery girl back in the late 70's- embroidered everyone's jeans, denim shorts, shirts and jackets. Also a lot of fun to see my artwork and original designs (and stitches) walking about on my friends.
hugs,
Cheryl in IN
WHOSYERGURL
Wow! Those are so beautiful! I can't think of a nicer gift for anyone other than something so personal and so lovingly stitched.
Your pillowcases are truly lovely - what an incredible gift!
That's a lovely present - something they will treasure always. I remember that my grandma had linen pillowcases, but it has never occured to me to make my own. Hmmmm, now there's a thought...
A very beautiful gift, imbued with such love and joy and attention.
Lucky lucky Jenn and Pat.
This a beautiful, heartfelt gift that is sure to be treasured for many years!
For my wedding shower, my mother gave me pillowcases that had been embroidered by her mother. I had to choke back tears in front of everyone, because my grandma had died of lung cancer when I was in the seventh grade. It was such a lovely way to be reminded that my grandma could still be a part of the wedding joy.
That is good, and personal gift. I would definitely make me happy:) and you can never get too many pillowcases.
Oh, love those -- treasured keepsakes that can be used every day.
Blessings,
G
Those are so precious! I should make some keepsakes for my girls! So much to stitch & knit, so little time...
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