I cannot count my day complete
'Til needle, thread and fabric meet.
~Author Unknown

Sharing a common thread with those who love the art of hand embroidery

Monday, June 23, 2014

Embroidering, embellishing, and making it you own.............


You have selected the perfect towel.............

and have embroidered the perfect design onto it..............
but even though it is pretty...........does the design look to small for the towel.....
causing all of your creative work to look.........
plain??
Sometimes, I feel this way about something I have embroidered...........




How about adding a small flower.....here and there......around the design?
Looks much better........don't you think?
But look at that bottom edge.............


How about adding a simple crocheted edging and then a strip of coordinating fabric?
Just cut a 4 inch wide strip of fabric, fold in half..........turning under raw edges........
cut it the length of your towel and stitch it on to the towel........
underneath the crocheted edge.

and your towel will look like this.............

the hen has been stitched the same way

and now the perfect " his and her" towel set!





This design is very pretty.........but once again.......
it looks very small on the towel ...........

but by adding a few small rose buds...........

coordinating crocheted edge and fabric edging...........

the towel has turned out lovely......
don't you think?

Sometimes the design is big enough or busy enough and extra things are not needed........
but there is that plain edge again..................

\
a coordinating crochet and fabric edging
makes the set complete!

It does take a little extra time..........but you can make your embroidery stand out and look more lovely by just adding a few extra touches.
What do you think??
I would love to hear!

14 comments:

The Tea Lady's Journal said...

You really know how to bring out the best. I love how the borders add so much to the finished look. It might take longer; but definitely worth the time. I love all your towels you have shared today.

lil red hen said...

I think this is an excellent idea. I have often thought the bottom edge needed something more on my embroidered work. Love your designs!

Cindy said...

What a difference your extra work makes! I really like those tiny flowers you added.

Bren said...

Your work is so nice! Thanks for opening my eyes to what may look plain, now it looks plain with potential beauty. It's amazing how one person's work inspires another.

Gina E. said...

They are all gorgeous, but you know which ones I love best! I checked them in your Etsy shop and notice that you are selling them, so I'm hoping I won't be too late if I want to buy them! I didn't hear from you about the other cloth (selling without the glassware) so I assume someone else bought the lot complete.

Bits of Stitching! said...

They are lovely! I've been wanting to embellish some embroidered towels with crochet scallop edging and/or fabric strips,... I too think mine look kind of plain with only the one embroidered motif. Will have to give it a try in the near future. Thanks for sharing!

A Peaceful Homemaker said...

Thank you for sharing these ideas. I'll have to try them on future tea towels I do.
-Shiralee.

papel1 said...

Great suggestions. I just bought a yard of handkerchief linen and am making hankies and maybe towels so I might try your ideas.
Judy

KathyB. said...

You're right, the extras really do take the towel from simple to simply lovely !

Of course I especially love the subject matter of your embroidery, chickens !!!!

Lady Linda said...

Your extra efforts make all the difference. So cute and inspiring.
Love your blog.

A Colorful World said...

These are really inspired! Just love all the added touches!

Anonymous said...

Love them, Kathleen! I really like the little flowers in the background...they make the towel 'come alive'. I do hope your shop is doing well.

Blessings for every success,

Marianne xo

ladycobblestones said...

What great ideas you share! Thank you. And your work, as always, is so wonderful to look at.

James said...

I'm not a blogger but I always enjoy peeking in on your beautiful expressions of embroidery. Thanks for sharing. I always leave feeling as if I've visited with a friend and always, always come away inspired. Thanks again, Deborah K in Texas