May's freebie is so late but here it is :)

 I know I planned on getting the freebie for this month up last week but I've been too tired to get on the computer. My allergies and the meds make me really tired but I do have May, June, and July embroidered. 

Follow this photo for flower placement or put them where you want.

I'm giving you some directions for the embroideries. You will need to know basic stitches and there are a LOT of youtube videos that can teach you any you don't.

1. Cut a square of your background fabric 5" x 5". This will be cut smaller later but this fits my fav 4" hoop. You can cut the fabric so it will fit in the embroidery hoop you like but make sure the birdhouse has enough room for the embroidery.

2. This step in optional but I like the stability. Now I add a square of Pelon Shape Flex interfacing. This is my favorite to use for all my embroidery designs because it's not stiff and it's easy to embroider thru. I cut the square of it slightly smaller the the entire piece. You can just add it to the center square if you prefer.

Most important!!  If you went ahead and traced the birdhouse do not use steam this can smear your tracing. I've used Pigma pens and had them smear slightly.

Note: I never use steam to apply the interfacing and it sticks fine.

3. Using a permanent marker like a Pigma pen or a Pilot Frixon pen, trace the design. You can just trace the house and roof. Use you own judgment for placement of the flowers.

Note that the Frixon pen will disappear when heat is applied. This is great if you made a mistake, just iron the fabric and start again.

 

4. The house can be appliqued like I did or just stitched with your favorite embroidery stitch.

-Trace the house on Heat n Bond by Therm-o-web. This is a product that makes appliqueing small pieces so much easier. TIP: Hold the iron on for just a few seconds or you will also melt the other side.

-Once it cools peel off the paper.

-Lay the fabric over the tracings and iron in place.

-Do a small blanket stitch with 1 strand of floss ( I used DMC white) around the entire house

5.  For the roof and base use 1 strand of floss (I used DMC 310) to make cross stitch X's over narrow ribbon to hold it in place.

Tip: you may want to baste the ribbon first. 

6. The opening is filled in with straight stitches using 3 strands of floss.

-Then use 2 strands to go around the circle with stem stitch.

-Use 3 strands to make a 3 wrap french knot. (I used DMC 310 for all 3 stitches)

7. Start with the vines. Use 3 strands of floss ( I used DMC 987) to do feather stitch.Fill in as much as you like. These are not on the tracing pattern.

8. The flowers are stitched with 3 strands of floss to make lazy daisy stitches. Put them in each of the curves of the vines. I used DMC white floss that I dyed pale yellow and pink.

 Right click the pattern to save it to your hard drive. You'll need to print a pattern for tracing.

©Billie Jo Heisler 2023

All rights reserved

 Disclaimer:

I drew this design by hand then used a software program to edit it.

Please consider the drawing copyrighted. You have my permission to print copies of the drawing in any size for your own use but not to share or sell. If you want to share the pattern please link to the blog pages.

The embroidery design is my own. I have not knowingly copied anyone else's work.

April's Free Embroidery

 

Wow, it's April already so here is this month's freebie! Follow this photo for flower placement or put them where you want.

I'm giving you some directions for the embroideries. You will need to know basic stitches and there are a LOT of youtube videos that can teach you any you don't.

1. Cut a square of your background fabric 5" x 5". This will be cut smaller later but this fits my fav 4" hoop. You can cut the fabric so it will fit in the embroidery hoop you like but make sure the birdhouse has enough room for the embroidery.

2. This step in optional but I like the stability. Now I add a square of Pelon Shape Flex interfacing. This is my favorite to use for all my embroidery designs because it's not stiff and it's easy to embroider thru. I cut the square of it slightly smaller the the entire piece. You can just add it to the center square if you prefer.

Most important!!  If you went ahead and traced the birdhouse do not use steam this can smear your tracing. I've used Pigma pens and had them smear slightly.

Note: I never use steam to apply the interfacing and it sticks fine.

3. Using a permanent marker like a Pigma pen or a Pilot Frixon pen, trace the design. You can just trace the house and roof.  Note that the Frixon pen will disappear when heat is applied. This is great if you made a mistake, just iron the fabric and start again.

4. The house can be appliqued like I did or just stitched with your favorite embroidery stitch.

-Trace the house on Heat n Bond by Therm-o-web. This is a product that makes appliqueing small pieces so much easier. TIP: Hold the iron on for just a few seconds or you will also melt the other side.

-Once it cools peel off the paper.

-Lay the fabric over the tracings and iron in place.

-Do a small blanket stitch with 1 strand of floss ( I used DMC white) around the entire house

5. Applique or stitch the roof like you did the house .

6. For the base use 2 strands of floss (I used DMC 310) to couch down 6 strands. Then I used 2 strands to back stitch along the top and bottom. 

7. The opening is filled in with straight stitches using 3 strands of floss.

-Then use 2 strands to go around the circle with stem stitch.

-Use 3 strands to make a 3 wrap french knot. (I used DMC 310 for all 3 stitches)

8. The flowers are stitched with 3 strands of floss (I used DMC 552) to make lazy daisy stitches. Make as many or as few as you want. 

- The centers can be beads or 2 wrap french knots with 2 strands of floss (I used DMC 745).

9. Fill in around the flowers with lazy daisy stitches for leaves using 6 strands of floss (I used DMC 989).

10. Fill in around the flowers and leaves with 2-3 wrap french knots using 3 strands of floss (I used DMC 554).

 Right click the pattern to save it to your hard drive. You'll need to print a pattern for tracing.

 

©Billie Jo Heisler 2023

All rights reserved

 Disclaimer:

I drew this design by hand then used a software program to edit it.

Please consider the drawing copyrighted. You have my permission to print copies of the drawing in any size for your own use but not to share or sell. If you want to share the pattern please link to the blog pages.

The embroidery design is my own. I have not knowingly copied anyone else's work.

Crocheting Real Leaves youtube video

I got this link in an email from Amanda. I've taken some of her art classes but this is SO different. May have to try this with some dried rhododendron leaves. 

Free wish upon a star art class from Ida!

 

I've been taking classes from Ida since 2020 and always look forward to the Wish upon a Star class. Here's the link: https://mailchi.mp/idaandersenlang.com/wuas-2023-spring

Embroider a bunny video

Aren't these so cute! I just had to share them. I have a crazy quilt piece in pinks I started the same time as a blue/green one that this will be added to. I did the fish embroidery from the video I posted a few weeks ago. I'll get the pic up next time. 

And I already have April's free embroidery done so yay!!! I'll get it up next week. I still need a pic of the finished piece.

3D - How to embroider a fish carp and water lily

Another fantastic embroidery video! I've been working on a crazy quilt based on water. The fabrics are blues/greens so it looks watery and in each section there will be fish plants , and shells. Now I have to add a version of these!

March's Free embroidery

 

Here's the freebie for March and I'm not all that late getting it up. Yay for me! This looks kinda tropical to me with the leaves on the roof and large flowers. There are 2 patterns for this one to print. One is for those who will be appliqueing the house and the other has the flowers and leaves.

 Here are the directions:

1. Cut a square of your background fabric 5" x 5". This will be cut smaller later but this fits my fav 4" hoop. You can cut the fabric so it will fit in the embroidery hoop you like but make sure the birdhouse has enough room for the embroidery.

2. This step in optional but I like the stability. Now I add a square of Pelon Shape Flex interfacing. This is my favorite to use for all my embroidery designs because it's not stiff and it's easy to embroider thru. I cut the square of it slightly smaller the the entire piece. You can just add it to the center square if you prefer.

Most important!!  If you went ahead and traced the birdhouse do not use steam this can smear your tracing. I've used Pigma pens and had them smear slightly.

Note: I never use steam to apply the interfacing and it sticks fine.

3. Using a permanent marker like a Pigma pen or a Pilot Frixon pen, trace the design. Use you own judgment for placement of the flowers. Follow the pic or draw them where you want them.

Note that the Frixon pen will disappear when heat is applied. This is great if you made a mistake, just iron the fabric and start again.

4. The house can be appliqued like I did or just stitched with your favorite embroidery stitch.

-Trace the house on Heat n Bond by Therm-o-web. This is a product that makes appliqueing small pieces so much easier. TIP: Hold the iron on for just a few seconds or you will also melt the other side.

-Once it cools peel off the paper.

-Lay the fabric over the tracings and iron in place.

5.Do a small blanket stitch with 1 strand of floss ( I used DMC white) around the entire house.

6. The opening is filled in with straight stitches using 3 strands of floss.

-Then use 2 strands to go around the circle with stem stitch.

-Use 3 strands to make a 3 wrap french knot. 

- the circle  is 3 strands using stem stitch (I used DMC 310 for all 3 stitches).

7. The roof is made with fly stitch leaves. Use 3 strands of floss ( I used DMC 16). Start with the center leaf, then do the 2 outside one, and finally the last 2 leaves

8. The flower stems are stitched with 3 strands of floss (I used DMC 989) to make stem stitches. Make sure to leave enough room between the stems for the flower petals. I over lapped some of mine but you may not want to.

- outline the leaves with 1 strand of floss doing stem stitch ( I used DMC 906).

9. The flower petals are outlined with 2 strands of floss doing stem stitch ( I used DMC 721).

10. Fill in  the petals with 3 strands of floss doing straight stitch ( I used DMC 722).

11. The center if filled in with french knots using 3 strands of floss (I used DMC 727).

12. The leaves are lazy daisy stitches using 6 strands of floss ( I used DMC 906).

 Right click the pattern to save it to your hard drive. You'll need to print a pattern for tracing.

©Billie Jo Heisler 2023

All rights reserved

 Disclaimer:

I drew this design by hand then used a software program to edit it.

Please consider the drawing copyrighted. You have my permission to print copies of the drawing in any size for your own use but not to share or sell. If you want to share the pattern please link to the blog pages.

The embroidery design is my own. I have not knowingly copied anyone else's work.

Fun tutorial -Dollar Tree DIY Stamp Platform 💚

I'm spending WAY to much time at youtube and came across this video. Never realized I needed something like this till now so went to the tree and bought supplies. I will be making this.

Have to admit that I'm so addicted to watching any vids that have Dollar Tree in the title. I'll even watch people showing off what they just bought there. I know it's a stupid way to spend time but I have found some things to buy I never would have considered.

The March embroidery is almost done!

update: I did make this stamp platform and it's terrific! Oh, and in case you didn't see, the March free pattern is up.

Yay! Finally the free Feb. embroidery

 

Second embroidery freebie 2023

At least it's in Feb. but not sure if I'll get the 3rd embroidery up right away in March. I decided not to do the houses in various colors. Instead I'm using white houses with black roofs now. The pic above shows the yellow house version I started with and the white version. From now on I'll only be doing just the white and black houses. I think it sets off the embroidery better. 

I'm still giving you some directions for the embroideries. You will need to know basic stitches and there are a LOT of youtube videos that can teach you any you don't.

Here are the directions:

1. Cut a square of your background fabric 5" x 5". This will be cut smaller later but this fits my fav 4" hoop. You can cut the fabric so it will fit in the embroidery hoop you like but make sure the birdhouse has enough room for the embroidery.

2. This step in optional but I like the stability. Now I add a square of Pelon Shape Flex interfacing. This is my favorite to use for all my embroidery designs because it's not stiff and it's easy to embroider thru. I cut the square of it slightly smaller the the entire piece. You can just add it to the center square if you prefer.

Most important!!  If you went ahead and traced the birdhouse do not use steam this can smear your tracing. I've used Pigma pens and had them smear slightly.

Note: I never use steam to apply the interfacing and it sticks fine.

3. Using a permanent marker like a Pigma pen or a Pilot Frixon pen, trace the design. Use you own judgment for placement of the flowers. Follow the pic or draw them where you want them.

Note that the Frixon pen will disappear when heat is applied. This is great if you made a mistake, just iron the fabric and start again.

4. The house and roof can be appliqued like I did or just stitched with your favorite embroidery stitch.

-Trace the house and roof on Heat n Bond by Therm-o-web. This is a product that makes appliqueing small pieces so much easier. TIP: Hold the iron on for just a few seconds or you will also melt the other side.

-Once it cools peel off the paper.

-Lay the fabric over the tracings and iron in place.

5.Do a small blanket stitch with 1 strand of floss ( I used DMC white) around the entire house. For the roof use 1 strand of floss (I used DMC 310) to  do a small blanket stitch.

6. The base is done in 6 strands to do a chain stitch (I used DMC 310). Then used 3 strands to couch lines at the top and the bottom of the chain.

7. The opening is filled in with straight stitches using 3 strands of floss.

-Then use 2 strands to go around the circle with stem stitch.

-Use 3 strands to make a 3 wrap french knot. (I used DMC 310 for all 3 stitches)

8. The flower stems are stitched with 3 strands of floss (I used DMC 989) to make stem stitches. Make sure to leave enough room between the stems for the flower petals. I over lapped some of mine but you may not want to.

9. The flower petals are lazy daisy made with 3 strands of floss ( I used DMC 602).

10. Make french knots with 2-3 wraps along the stems here the petals meet (I used DMC 727). 

----Add lazy daisy stitches in green if you want some leaves.

 Right click the pattern to save it to your hard drive. You'll need to print a pattern for tracing.

©Billie Jo Heisler 2023

All rights reserved

 Disclaimer:

I drew this design by hand then used a software program to edit it.

Please consider the drawing copyrighted. You have my permission to print copies of the drawing in any size for your own use but not to share or sell. If you want to share the pattern please link to the blog pages.

The embroidery design is my own. I have not knowingly copied anyone else's work.

Do like mystery podcasts?

 Ok, I'm new to pod casts. I just couldn't find the time to site thru them but when I got an email from iheart radio with  link to one called Bridgewater I was curious. There's a town in my county called that so I had a look. Once I saw it stared Misha Collins, Nathan Fillion (season 1), and Alan Tuduk (season 2)  I decided to listen. It's weirdly fun and I'm enjoying season 2 now with  new episode on Fridays. It's also great that most are only around 30 minutes. I don't have patience for much more than that. My brain starts to wander.

Bridgewater    Here's the link to Grim and Mild where you can find links to listen on various platforms.

BTW, they have other pod casts, too.

Here's the first free embroidery of the year!

 

First embroidery freebie 2023

I know I'm really late but if you've read my last post you know why  (covid ,YIKES!) but no matter because I'm finally ready to post the first embroidery freebie of the year. 

I'm still giving you some directions for the embroideries. You will need to know basic stitches and there are a LOT of youtube videos that can teach you any you don't.

1. Cut a square of your background fabric 5" x 5". This will be cut smaller later but this fits my fav 4" hoop. You can cut the fabric so it will fit in the embroidery hoop you like but make sure the birdhouse has enough room for the embroidery.

2. This step in optional but I like the stability. Now I add a square of Pelon Shape Flex interfacing. This is my favorite to use for all my embroidery designs because it's not stiff and it's easy to embroider thru. I cut the square of it slightly smaller the the entire piece. You can just add it to the center square if you prefer.

Most important!!  If you went ahead and traced the birdhouse do not use steam this can smear your tracing. I've used Pigma pens and had them smear slightly.

Note: I never use steam to apply the interfacing and it sticks fine.

3. Using a permanent marker like a Pigma pen or a Pilot Frixon pen, trace the design. You can just trace the house not the circles. Use you own judgment for placement pf the flowers.

Note that the Frixon pen will disappear when heat is applied. This is great if you made a mistake, just iron the fabric and start again.

 

4. The house can be appliqued like I did or just stitched with your favorite embroidery stitch.

-Trace the house on Heat n Bond by Therm-o-web. This is a product that makes appliqueing small pieces so much easier. TIP: Hold the iron on for just a few seconds or you will also melt the other side.

-Once it cools peel off the paper.

-Lay the fabric over the tracings and iron in place.

-Do a small blanket stitch with 1 strand of floss ( I used DMC 3689) around the entire house

5. For the roof and base use 1 strand of floss (I used DMC 602) to make cross stitch X's over narrow ribbon to hold it in place.

Tip: you may want to baste the ribbon first.

6. The opening is filled in with straight stitches using 3 strands of floss.

-Then use 2 strands to go around the circle with stem stitch.

-Use 3 strands to make a 3 wrap french knot. (I used DMC 414 for all 3 stitches)

7. The flowers are stitched with 3 strands of floss (I used DMC 3755) to make buttonhole wheels.

- The centers can be beads or 3 wrap french knots with 3 strands of floss (I used DMC 745).

8. Fill in around the flowers with lazy daisy stitches for leaves using 6 strands of floss (I used DMC 988).

9. Fill in around the flowers and leaves with 2-3 wrap french knots using 3 strands of floss (I used DMC 890).

 Right click the pattern to save it to your hard drive. You'll need to print a pattern for tracing.

 

©Billie Jo Heisler 2023

All rights reserved

 Disclaimer:

I drew this design by hand then used a software program to edit it.

Please consider the drawing copyrighted. You have my permission to print copies of the drawing in any size for your own use but not to share or sell. If you want to share the pattern please link to the blog pages.

The embroidery design is my own. I have not knowingly copied anyone else's work.

Happy New Year! Yeah, I know I'm late

I have a really good reason for being late, I finally got covid! It was like the worst head and chest cold ever. Just as I was getting over it the dh got it. We took tests that came up positive twice so I guess we can be sure we had it. I've been so careful with still wearing a mask when going out and using hand sanitizer. I went to visit family who assured me my SIL only had bronchitis. She really thought it was bronchitis not covid and never took a test so I'm not sure where I got it.

I did design this year's free embroideries and got the first one done. I just need to get a photo and do the directions. Maybe by next week. I'm back to walking dogs for a friend and that plus my own boys take so much of my time.

Speaking of embroidery I came across this you tube for a leaf that is so different from anything I've seen. Hope you enjoy it!