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

Thursday, September 19, 2013

I have always loved shirts

with a plaid or checkered design. 
 Especially an open black and white checkered design like this. 
It is the perfect "blank canvas" to an embroidery artist like me.


The first thing I decided to embellish was the pocket. I could just imagine stitching flowers, leaves, and vines, spilling from inside and over the top of the pocket.................
 
like this.


 
(click on photo for a better view)

Already, this ordinary shirt is taking on a new life. Next, I am going to stitch flowers that drape across the other shoulder and onto the the upper back............
what do you think??
How about you?
What do you find as a great "blank canvas" when it comes to embroidery??
I would love to hear!





12 comments:

lil red hen said...

My goodness!! How creative this is! And of course the work is outstanding! You have such good ideas.

Recently I've been seeing aprons made from men's shirts; as of now I have none available to use, but some day maybe?

Sandra said...

What a special way to dress-up a shirt and make it your own! Great work on the hand embroidery.

Cindy said...

That turned out so pretty! I would never have thought of it. I have tried doing embroidery on very small or lightly printed fabrics and want to do more of it. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness is right!!! Kathleen this is beautiful. I did a shirt way back in the 70s of favorite stuff but all over...denim shirt. But this, oh my gosh. Talk about dressing up and lady-'ifing' a shirt. You could do one or two for your shoppe...upcycling is so big. Or would you be able to take commissions in your busy time?
blessings, jill

Karen said...

So pretty and delicate looking!

Anonymous said...

A terrific idea, Kathleen! I love the spray of flowers, they really look so pretty.

Blessings for a colorful weekend,

Marianne xo

Bev said...

Oh that is so pretty! What talent you have

chrissie said...

What an amazing idea for the pocket. Your sewing is perfect.

Chrissie x

Paula said...

Oh~ that turned out beautifully, Kathleen!!! And what a wonderful idea that would be to re-purpose old shirts too~ I might start digging for some in the closet tonight! :)

Patty H. said...

I like that!! You are so creative.

letslearnembroidery said...

Flowers, leaves spilling out of a pocket?I'd never seen it before but it's a great idea and I loved it.

Preeti said...

That's a very artistic way of embroidery !!:)