There is an old saying that spring has arrived when you can put your foot upon seven daisies at once. On that basis, spring is definitely here in Devon!!
Spring has also arrived when the sun shines into the darkest corners of your home, those neglected nooks and crannies, and reveals (if you’re anything like me!) the somewhat sketchy nature of your winter dusting. So, the spring cleaning continues apace here in Coombe Leigh, and my latest task was to dust and reorganise my books. I am a bit of a magpie with books, having been a keen reader from a very early age, and certainly more have entered my home than have left it over the years!
One of my most treasured volumes is my 1930’s edition of Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches, passed down to me from my grandmother through my mother, both of whom were keen needlewomen. I remember as a child being entranced by the tiny images next to some of the descriptions …..
I am certain these don’t appear in modern editions – but I think they’re wonderful – so representative of their era, and some at least are crying out to become embroidery patterns in their own right. So, when I grew tired of dusting (which didn’t take very long!) I decided to turn one of my favourites into a springtime embroidery – the little girl with the daisy chain you can see above. The original illustrations are tiny, no more than 1″ square, so I had to scan the original, then play around a bit in photoshop before I had an image both large enough and of good enough quality to transfer to (yes I couldn’t leave it alone for long!) my wonderful vintage linen.
After embroidering the little girl and her daisies, I added a border of feedsack scraps, then after lining for strength, turned her into a patch pocket on the front of a linen bag (lined with Cath Kidston fabric). I think she’s adorable, and if you’d like to have a go at embroidering her yourself, then just click here to download the free transfer.
What a cute way to use your embroidery! Thanks for the transfer. I always love them!
I have the complete set of the Mary Thomas's books. I just love those little pictures.
Julie xxxxxxxxx
Just a quick note to let you know that a link to this post will be placed on CraftCrave today [11 Apr 02:00pm GMT]. Thanks, Maria
stop! stop! stop! How on earth can I ever finish my list of projects when you keep tempting me with such fabulous embroidery! Seriosly, thank you once again – I love it!
Jille x
Gorgeous. Reminds me of Mabel Lucy Atwell images.
Love the bag!
I totally agree with Jille!
Beautiful embroidery!!!!!Thank you for the transfer,
Also love vintage linens, I often use old mangle cloths and tea towels
I just received the newsletter and the April bunny is so cute!
Suzanne xxx
I love the bag and post. I really like your blog and all your lovely projects. I have a lot of material that my Mother has kept for years; which I have lately become the lucky recipient of. It is on the verge of vintage… maybe not quite. You have given me inspiration for some great ideas. Thanks
Pam
how cute! love the daisies…sure wish mine were those and not dandylions 🙂
http://patchworkposse.com/blog
HI, I JUST FOUND YOU BLOG AND I LOVE IT! EVERY THING THAT YOU DO IS HAPPY AND MAKES ME SMILE! I DOWNLOADED YOUR HYACINTH IN TEACUP DESIGN AND CAN'T WAIT TO TRY IT. THANK YOU.
Magnifique!!