4 Seasons of Embroidery Gifts!

Is it better to give or to receive? For us crafters the answer is neither; the real joy comes in the creating! Embroidery is one of the most satisfying ways to share this joy. The mesmerizing rhythm of stitching both soothes and stirs as a once-empty cloth becomes a beautiful field of texture. Best of all, embroidery projects make wonderful gifts because they are truly one-of-a-kind heirloom treasures!

This year we plan to use our new 4 Seasons of Embroidery Packet as a starting point for all kinds of unique gifts, starting with this monogrammed 40 Minute Tote! Our master embroiderer, Erin, used our woodgrain alphabet transfers to stitch this lovely monogram on a cool gray linen-cotton background. The silvery tones of the delicate embroidery transform this simple tote into an elegant carry-all with a personal touch!

If you’d like to make your own version, the pattern for the 40 Minute Tote is right here, plus you’ll need the following materials:

• 1/2 yard of Essex in Grey for the outside fabric
• 1/2 yard of Essex in Ivory for the lining
• DMC Embroidery Floss in color 3865
• Sangle Cotton Webbing in Natural
• 100% cotton thread in colors 1040 (to match the lining)  and 4900 (to match the outside fabric)
• A 4 Seasons of Embroidery Packet

We also stitched up a lustrous wintery version of our autumn tree pattern, a November tree, if you will. This pearly gray motif is a beautiful way to embellish bags, pillows, tea towels, table runners, or anything else special; or for an equally stunning gift, frame your tree in a simple embroidery hoop! To make your own version you’ll need: 

• 1/2 yard of Essex in Grey
• DMC Embroidery Floss in colors 3865 (for the tree), and 3866, 3033, 762, 415 (for the leaves)
• A 4 Seasons of Embroidery Packet 
• An Embroidery Hoop and needles

Here’s to the simple pleasures of creating this holiday season!

PS- Our 4 Seasons of Embroidery Kit, which contains all the transfer patterns, a hoop, fabric, and thread, as well as our Packet, which is just the patterns, are also great gifts for the fellow crafters on your list!

Comments

[Olof]

I just started stitching again. I had had enough of stitching after stitching 3 stockings for my nephews but now I'm making one for my own son.

http://www.knittingwitholof.com

[Nickie]

Love these embroidery panels! Which pattern is the grey knitted scarf?

[Ruth]

Just beautiful. I love your blog - thank you for bringing me so much pleasure and inspiration.

[Katrin]

Beautiful colors and textures! Love your shots ...

[purl bee]

Hi Nickie-

Here is a link to the scarf pattern. Thank you!

http://purlbee.squarespace.com/easy-hand-knit-scarf/2008/12/2/very-special-scarf-easy-mistake-stitch.html

Molly

[Jane]

I'm curious. Are the scarves knitted with your new Purl Soho yarn? They're lovely!

[purl bee]

Hi Jane-

They are actually knitted with Jade Sapphire 12 ply cashmere:

http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/3436-Jade-Sapphire-12-ply-Cashmere

But you could use our new super soft merino if you adjusted the needle size accordingly, it would be very lofty and soft!
http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8944-Purl-Soho-Super-Soft-Merino

Thank you for your question!

Molly

[Shelley]

Hi, for the tote bag, it says you used the Sangle Cotton Webbing in Natural, but it doesn't seem to come in Natural, did you use white? or is the natural color not available for purchase?

Thanks!

[purl bee]

Hi Shelley-

We are currently sold out of the natural webbing but it should be back in stock soon. If you'd like to be informed when it comes back in stock please send an email to customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com.

Or, if you'd prefer not to wait you could certainly use the white.

Thank you for your question!

Molly

[Susan]

This is stunning! I can't stop staring at those little metallic leaves.

[Alex]

I would love to see these embroidery patterns sold in a PDF version which would be much easier for us overseas's fans! It would save on shipping costs but more importantly I could get stitching much quicker! ;) Just a thought, Alex x

[purl bee]

Hi Alex-

Unfortunately since these are iron-on transfers they wouldn't work as a PDF but thank you so much for your suggestion!

Molly

[Jennie]

Do you have a pattern for the colors you used for the wintry autumn tree? I got the embroidery kit and ordered the embroidery yarns in the colors indicated, but how do I know which colors to use where in the pattern?

Thanks!!

[purl bee]

Hi Jennie-

The trunk and branches of the tree are stitched in color 3865, the leaves are the remaining four colors. I had a great time stitching the leaves, the four colors are used without any pattern or chart which lends an organic feeling to the end result, just like a real tree!

Thanks so much for your question, happy stitching!

-Erin

[Ragini Sharma]

Very nice embroidery design The background color and stitching thread color is very nice.