Owls, three of the perkiest little fellows sitting on a branch

By on 7-11-2011 in Embroidery, Vintage Patterns

These owls were published in the McCall’s Needlework and Crafts 1965-66 Fall Winter magazine. Made of metal in this version, I can see them made from paper. How cute would they be painted in a border along a chair rail in a country cottage kitchen? Matching cushions on the wooden chairs would be so cute embroidered on linen.

owls

owls

I have redrawn the owl in Photoshop using layers and then filled with patterns. I then used a different sized stroke around each layer and bevelled each one differently. I then filled the background with black. He is too cute.

Owl created in Photoshop

Cross stitch Alphabets …. for the words in your embroidery projects

By on 7-11-2011 in Embroidery, Vintage Patterns

This alphabet was published in the McCall’s Christmas Iron On Transfers,Vol-II-1976. It is a smaller size and could be used throughout the year. Mother’s and Father’s day cards using embroidery floss, fancy recipe cards using a permanent marking pen are great ways of using these in mixed media. Little muslin samplers made into personalized ornaments and gift tags would be quick to do and give a personal touch in any season.

cross stitch alphabet

Vintage Steam Trains…..the last of the series

By on 7-11-2011 in Embroidery, Vintage Patterns

More McCalls transfers from the Memory Lane book…the last of the trains. I love steam trains. They are such large black beasts, playing a large role in the Victorian period novels. Wouldn’t they look good on a pillow for dad on father’s day? How about a book cover or a fabric bag … it would be just for the man in your life.

vintage locomotives to embroider

vintage locomotives to embroider

Alphabet Embroidery Patterns from Women’s Work Basket

By on 7-11-2011 in Embroidery, Vintage Patterns

Here is another alphabet set. These set is wonderfully vintage. They were published in the Women’s Work Basket magazine, a little book of all things needlework whether it was embroidery, sewing, knitting or crochet. These wonderful letters would look great on a child’s t-shirt or pillow case. Your grandchildren would love a quilted plaque using an enlarged letter either embroidered or painted. It could also be couched using a bright coloured yarn or cord.

Women's workbasket alphabet-1

alphabet

More vintage ladies for your embroideries

By on 7-11-2011 in Embroidery, Vintage Patterns

Two more pages of Godey Ladies for you. These ladies along with the earlier page are all from the same vintage McCall’s transfer book. I love them all. They remind me of “Gone With the Wind” with the ladies and their long, hooped, swishing skirts.

Vintage Godey Ladies

A set of tea towels embroidered with these lovely women would make a great hostess gift to take along with you when you attend your next holiday party. One could also adorn a journal cover as well.

Vintage Godey Ladies

Redwork or bluework could make your lady stand out on a crisp pure white cotton or muted earth colours on an ecru background would give them a vintage appeal.