Handmade Giving
I wasn't going to post this until tomorrow, but hopefully the birthday girl won't be peeking. I love giving handmade gifts and it's even better yet when you are giving to someone you know appreciates the time that goes into it.
I used a free vintage embroidery template which I found online doing a simple google search. Then traced it onto my purchased pillowcases ( I would have made my own, but I was already running short on time ), and hand embroidered away.
I really loved how these turned out. A simple set of two makes a great gift that I'm proud to give and know will be loved for years to come.
I think I'm starting to get hooked on this whole embroidery thing! Have you embroidered anything lately? Do share!
Jennalou
Handmade really is the best kind of gift - shows you really put thought and time into it. This is so beautiful! I can't do embroidery, I've tried to do some very simple things but I think I lack the patience to learn it better. It looks so beautiful done right though, that I might have to give it another go and practise it :)
Posted by: Katja | July 26, 2008 at 03:00 AM
These are beautiful :) It's lovely when you can give gifts to people knowing they will appreciate the time and effort that goes into them. My sister is so mercenary - I once gave her a gift that I had spent a lot of time creating and was told that although it was lovely, she wants "shop-bought presents only" in future!
Posted by: Gem | July 26, 2008 at 05:03 AM
It's so pretty and such a thoughtful gift. I love it and I'm sure she will too!
Posted by: waisze | July 26, 2008 at 06:19 PM
They turned out lovely! I am sure the birthday girl will love them! I wish I had more time for embroidery!
Posted by: caroline | July 27, 2008 at 05:09 PM
Funny what your sister told you Gem, it is somewhat like what happened when I gave my sister handknit dishcloths for Christmas. She loved them until she realized that I made them, then she said that they were too good to use. Why she could use them if they were made by some underpaid person in the third world, but not if they were made by her sister, I don't understand, but I'm going to stop making gifts for her!
Posted by: kate | July 27, 2008 at 10:29 PM
They are absolutely beautiful! I'm sure your friend will treasure them!
Posted by: Penny | July 27, 2008 at 11:45 PM
Those are so lovely! I'm also drooling over that quilt! I recognize at least 3 of the fabrics in it, from my own collection too!
So glad to have found your blog!
Posted by: Annette Pedrosian | July 28, 2008 at 12:07 AM
I've seen that embroidery pattern before and it's nice to see how it looks all stitched up. You did a beautiful job!
Posted by: Patty | July 28, 2008 at 01:45 AM
Hi, I found you by way of Craftzine.com blog this morning and I have to tell you how beautiful your pillowcases are. What a wonderful, personal gift! I used to embroider when I was a teen and am seriously thinking of trying it again. Thanks for the inspiration. I look forward to reading your blog. I'm sure your friend will LOVE this!
Kate in Costa Rica
Posted by: katemeri | July 28, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Those are beautiful! What a wonderful treasure to receive as a gift. I'm totally linking to this in today's DIY via CraftZine.
Posted by: Rachel | July 28, 2008 at 01:15 PM
I've done some freehand embroidery and I love it! It's just like drawing on fabric - your pillows are so adorable! Well done!
Posted by: iHanna | July 28, 2008 at 02:05 PM
wow... those are absolutely gorgeous. it is like something my great-grandmother would have made (meant completely as a compliment).
Posted by: Ren | July 29, 2008 at 07:49 PM
So lovely! You do beautiful work!
Posted by: Sara | July 30, 2008 at 02:19 PM
No, I haven't embroidered anything lately but you're making me want to! It looks like you spent a lot-a lot of time on these...
Posted by: allyson | July 31, 2008 at 08:34 AM
That is so lovely, great job :-)
Posted by: Angie | August 01, 2008 at 04:30 PM
This is such a thoughtful gift. I'd be thrilled to receive something like this. And the pillowcases are beautiful - dainty, sweet, and just the right amount of embroidery. You've made me want to learn to embroider. Seriously. :-)
Posted by: Kathy | August 04, 2008 at 02:58 PM
They are really pretty, so girly and summery and your embroidery is great. I love giving hand embroidered gifts, it's so personal.
The site says the link doesn't work though for the pattern :-(
Posted by: Steph | August 05, 2008 at 02:42 PM
SO pretty!!!
Posted by: Laura | September 06, 2008 at 08:56 PM
If life doesn't get too much in the way I have a goal to make many of my Christmas gifts this year. Your pillow cased turned out so beautiful. What an inspiration.
Posted by: Selena | September 10, 2008 at 11:22 PM