No – not Rosie and Dan – though the BIG DAY is now only a week away. These are different lovebirds. I’ve been busy making new bunting for my kitchen, digging deep into my stash and finding fabrics that I’d completely forgotten about, one of which was this large remnant of Nina Campbell Perroquet acquired from the remnants bin at a furnishings shop sale. Some of the lovely painterly roses and parrots went into my bunting, but I couldn’t bear to cut up this pair of lovebirds…..
And then I had an idea. I’ve recently discovered the joys of embroidering on printed fabric. No, that’s not quite true, I’ve always enjoyed embroidering on printed fabric – but have recently begun to really incorporate the fabric design into my stitching rather than simply working over it. My Bloom and Grow pattern in last month’s magazine is an example of this idea …
And so I thought I’d turn these two lovebirds into a little gift for the happy couple. Other than the text I didn’t draw up a pattern, but simply indicated with my erasable pen where I wanted to stitch and dived in …..
Bullion stitch roses with Anchor variegated floss – loads of fun!
From reading the comments on my giveaway (closes tonight, but there’s still time to enter if you’d like the chance to win a Bloom & Grow kit) I think others have enjoyed stitching on printed fabric too. I think that my first two kits – coming in the late summer/early autumn are therefore likely to be an embroidery kit with printed fabric and a softie. I can’t decide which softie yet, though I’m leaning towards a Humphrey – if anyone has any strong opinions then please do let me know. The softie kits will be available in limited runs only as I will need to source the perfect fabrics – usually vintage or recycled – which by their very nature aren’t available in large quantities.
But I’m getting over-excited and ahead of myself, so here to finish is the completed Lovebirds Hoop ….
I hope they like it!
I am sure they will Helen, I certainly would have!
Have a good week ahead and a wonderful celebratory day!
Thanks Petra xx
Perfect!
What a great idea. I’m definately trying this.
It’s absolutely gorgeous – the addition of the flowers really finishes the design off perfectly.
They definitely will love it! It’s precious, beautiful and darling and a lovely memento and heirloom-to-be of their wedding day! You are awesome! Enjoy the upcoming wedding festivities and be sure to post pictures! And remember to have fun!
Just beautiful.
Oh! How lovely, Helen! So unique and such a personal gift! Being a bird lover, I would have treasured the lovebirds, and I’m certain Rosie and Dan will too.
Very best wishes to you all on “The Big Day”!
X Linda
Gorgeous!!!!! Have a wonderful week ! Xox
These projects are just lovely, wishing Rosie and Dan many many years of happiness together, just love the beautiful love bird, they are so sweet.
So pretty they will love it I know I would. xx
Lovely!
I’m sure Rosie and Dan will love them, they are lovely, Wishing them much happiness in the years ahead.
Oh I’m sure they will love these gorgeous love birds. What a super Mum you are and hope your daughter and future son-in-law appreciate you 🙂 These will be joining the other fabulous gifts you have made for the happy couple.
This looks absolutely beautiful! Good Luck for the Big Day xx
Have a wonderful time this week.
I love reading your blog and seeing the amazing work you do. Love all the preparations for your daughter’s wedding.
Enjoy the moment
How sweet! This hoop is really beautiful. I’m sure they will love it. The embroidery really picks it up and makes it something special. I hope the wedding goes well and the weather stays fine for your daughter.
a lovely addition to a great print, your handwork only makes it more beautiful and worthy of being a keepsake for the lucky couple. Wishing them all the best for the future and please may we see photos of all the special things you made for celebrating the first day of the rest of their lives, they sound marvelous.
I hope they did like it – who wouldn’t; I absolutely adore it especially as they are like my 2 budgies! Hope you are going to put the pattern in one of your mags one day !! Xx
Hi Charlotte – thanks for your kind comments. No, I’m sorry but there isn’t a pattern as I was just embellishing an existing printed fabric. All I did was twine a few roses (stem stitch and bullion stitch) around their perches and add some satin stitch hearts. It was a great fun project though, and it’s well worth looking out for some suitable fabric where you are. xx