The Craft Chronicles is a new series I started in June, where I’m exploring one creative modality at a time and making things that have been on my to-make list for ages. I’ll be recapping what I create each week/month here on the blog, but if you want to see it unfold in real time, make sure to follow me over on Instagram. (@xomadewithlev). July’s theme is embroidery!
Last week, I announced over on Substack that I’d be focusing my creative efforts for July on paper crafts because I could do them with my kids and it would take a lot less mental effort than sewing did.
And I was excited about that.
Like, really excited about that.
Of course, life and my creative muse had other ideas for me. A pair of pants that I love got a hole near the back pocket. When I was figuring out what to do with those, I rediscovered a shirt that had been sitting around just waiting to be patched and mended.
So I picked up a needle and thread and began to sew.
And realized how very much I missed doing embroidery and the creativity it inspired in me. And that, friends, is how July’s theme chose me and not the other way around.
So this month, I’ll be focusing on a different kind of sewing and will be slow stitching my way through July. I’ll be playing with embroidery, appliqué, and whatever else tickles my fancy.
Some ways I want to play with embroidery in July:
- Visible mending — so far, I’ve added a bright yellow embroidered sun to my favorite pair of jeans and am working on a white butterfly on the sleeve of my shirt. I still have another spot to mend and am excited to pick something fun to go there. Maybe a flower or another butterfly to keep things consistent.
- Patches — I’d love to stitch up a few patches for clothing or bags. I even have the iron on backing to use for it since I have been hanging onto this idea for a while. Anything you’d like to see on a patch?
- Brooches and Pins — I love the little vignette style brooches that have flowers or landscapes or other fun scenes. I also love funky faces and cats and animals and … okay, I like it all and just want to play.
- Embroidery hoops — I’ll probably revisit creating an embroidery piece based on a Tuesday Collective theme at some point this month. I do miss taking part in those and always loved what I was able to make based on the themes. If you’re a creative and looking for a fun way to challenge yourself and build community, this is the group for you.
I’ll leave you with a little teaser of what I stitched on my jeans over the weekend. Behold, the yellow sun in all her glory. That matches the yellow stars on the front. Next hole (if there is one) will be turned into a moon. BECAUSE I CAN.
