I talked about the challenge (and last year's) at the half way point in this previous post. I also shared the first three projects I had created by that time, two hoop projects and one sewing project:
I had purposefully left the door open to any kind of stitches when I started the challenge but I got totally engrossed into embroidery and that's all I did in the second half! After the minute work required by the Yumiko Higuchi pattern (in red above), I found the outline embroidery of these three mermaids relatively easy:
(inspired by a stamp image found on Pinterest)
In the meantime, I discovered more and more talented artists on Instagram and found several patterns that I was dying to make. When I asked if a beginner could handle them, I usually got the answer that with patience and a willingness to learn, you can embroider anything. So I went ahead!
My next two projects were purchased as PDF patterns on Etsy. As with my very first project, I received detailed supply lists and stitching guides with each of them.
This LOVE one by BrynnandCo was challenging but at the same time I love it so much that all the efforts and frustrations were totally worth it! I undid and redid many stitches until I got it right. The satin stitch (which is the one used the most here) is notoriously difficult to master.
I am still currently working on my sixth project even though I was hoping to be done for day 100. I had transferred the previous patterns using a fabric pencil but for this one, I purchased a water soluble material that you can put into your printer and stick on your fabric (it's like this one but I found mine at Daiso!).
This pattern by Thread Folk is actually easier than it looks and is very forgiving. I'm doing it one color at a time and it is a bit of "Color by Number" or "Where's Waldo" fun! I'll make sure to share it again when I am done.
If you would like to learn:
1. It is not an expensive hobby to start. All you need is a hoop, needle, threads and fabric. I bought everything between Michael's and Joann's (with coupons of course).
2. I am self taught and you can too, thanks to You tube! Less with the last two projects, but I have watched and re-watched may videos showing the different stitches. Just look up the stitch you need to learn.
3. I love the fact that you can take projects anywhere with you (something I am not able to do with my paper crafting). I took one on vacation in a tiny little tote. You can embroider pool side or in the car...
4. I recommend you choose patterns that excite you. That is what will get you through the frustrations and the learning curve! You can find a lot of free patterns online but I liked buying mine on Etsy because they came with very helpful stitching guides.
I was a complete novice and each one of these designs taught me something different. I didn't realize it when I picked them but they turned out to be a great array of work style and stitches. I figured at the start that I could learn embroidery in 100 days and I believe I now have a pretty good grasp on it. I would call it a success :) Even better, I have developed a fondness for modern embroidery and will most likely continue to enjoy it!
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