Free-Hand Embroidered Deer

For Mothers Day this year, I wanted to make something really unique for my wonderful mom. I decided to embroider something that could be hung up in my parents room at their cabin. My maiden name is Buck, so I thought it would be nice to do something with the animal of the corresponding name. I found the picture below and had an idea of what I wanted to do, a sort of stained glass mosaic pattern on canvas.

I traced the deer onto the canvas and began embroidering triangles. I did these mostly free hand and did not feel the need to take the time to draw the lines on. I did draw lines for the legs at first until I got the hang of what I was doing. 

Close Up!

Extreme Close Up!

           I added a little outline of Minnesota to personalize it a bit. Oh Minnesota, my home sweet home.

The antlers were the most difficult, but I think they turned out well in the end.

I alternated colors and did a simple satin stitch for the insides of the triangles.

I left the Minnesota patch empty so that it would stand out and I liked the end result. 

Here is a close up of the filled in triangles. I forgot to take the final picture before giving it to my mom, but will try to get one soon! I framed it in a modern frame and it now hangs in their cabin bedroom. It was a challenging, time-consuming, but rewarding project. Plus I love the way it turned out. Making something like this for my mom made me appreciate her all the more. She definitely deserves more than a store bought gift and I think the hours I poured into this embroidery were well worth it. Love you mom!

Lovebirds Pillowcase

I love vintage embroidery. The variety is huge and themes range from a gal walking with a tomato (hilarious) to intricate floral patterns. I discovered the Vintage Transfer Finds blog a couple months ago and it is so fun! They are free patterns, which makes it even better. There is a big trend right now in the way of birds and owls, and I am totally on board. Put a bird on it! It will only make it better! So, I chose a sweet lovebird pattern, picked some random floss and got to it. Here are my results.  

I had some puckering issues and should maybe have used some stabilizer on the back.  I tend to become overzealous with the pulling fearing that my threads will be too loose, ergo...puckering! I am trying to calm down with the pulling. I decided to use neutral colors and it ended up looking like something from the 70's, which I like. I don't have plans to make a mate for this case, but maybe someday. I think this would make a cute gift for a wedding or bridal shower. Those birds are just too cute. Put a bird on it! 

Softie Bear

I managed to be very productive this weekend. I finally had time to figure out how to thread my sewing machine, and fill the bobbin so that I could actually change the thread color! I finished up the family portrait pillow with a blind stitch. I also stitched up this little brown bear softie. The ears are done by needle turn applique and I was happy with the end look. The face is hand embroidered. I like his little crooked smile!

Embroidered Pillowcase

A pillowcase with embroidered modern trees, flowers, and a blue bird. I used: chain stitch, back stitch, satin stitch, split stitch, and french knot. I did this free hand and can see that one of my trees is a bit lopsided.

Lightning Fast Sneakers

Ryan doesnt like to be left out. Here is his first attempt at embroidery. Not too shabby! Look at that satin stitch :-)

Family Portrait Pillow

Everyone should have a pillow with embroidered versions of themselves on it :-) My first attempt at embroidering people.

I also finally finished the side of the pillow with a blind stitch and added some little buttons for character.