Ghosts of embroideries past...

So, while I wait for all of my embroidered gifts to be opened so that I can share them here on this blog, I thought I would share my 1st 3 embroidered pieces.

All 3 pieces were done while I was working at the Saratoga National Historical Park in the summer of 1998. I had just completed my BA in History from SUNY New Paltz, & applied for an Interpretive Seasonal Park Ranger position. The other interpretive rangers were well versed in re-enacting, while I was just getting my feet wet as a tour guide. While out at Stop 2- the Nielsen Farm, I was getting tired of reading books waiting for visitors. So, I picked up embroidery & have been doing it ever since.

Blue crewel wool on cotton

Pink and green crewel wool on cotton

Yellow and orange floss of cotton blend

Reverse close-up of above flower

Next posts will be showing off all of the great projects I completed for friends & family.

Christmas gifts for California cousins

The one bad thing about having family & friends "like" your Facebook page & follow your blog means that you can't post projects until after they have received them (unless you are cryptic). OK, they follow my blog because I post it on Facebook.

I can post these though because the California cousins (i.e. my nephews Connor & Aidan, aged 9 & 8 respectively) do not follow my blog & are not on Facebook...

 Here is Aidan's...

Using a light box and pencil to transfer design to t-shirt

For the name I used the "Broadway" font  in all caps. I think the size is 120.

surfboard and name successful transferred

The surf board and tree design I found online for free.



 

crayon tinting on gray jersey

 

I tinted the design using regular Crayola crayons. You can even customize a box of 64!

 

embroidery time

 Using the stem stitch, I embroidered the outlines. I like to use DMC #3021. It is a brownish-gray that reminds me a pencil lines. Plus, it's not as harsh as black.

completed design

 Here is the final design. I can't wait 'til my mom sends me a picture of Aidan & his shirt. I will be sure to post it & Connor's completed shirt too!

Happy Holidays! & keep embroidering... only 6 1/2 days left!