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

By on 8-17-2011 in Original photos, Places to See

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

Embroidered Alphabet

By on 8-17-2011 in Original photos, Places to See

Another wonderful alphabet to embroider from the McCall’s Christmas transfer book. This one features caps only and would be great used for monographs. A little book to hold and sort sewing machine needles would be a great gift for your quilting mixed media artist friend and would be theirs with their initial on the front cover. A special handkerchief or napkin would be pretty with this alphabet as well as gift tags made for a favourite somebody.

alphabet-1

alphabet-2

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

By on 8-17-2011 in Original photos, Places to See

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 8-17-2011 in Original photos, Places to See

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 8-17-2011 in Original photos, Places to See

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