52 Week Challenge: #6 Embroidery Hoop Art

I've said this before, but I just love anything that is embroidered. There's is just something about the colors, textures and of course lines that is just so delicious. Here's some of my favorite pieces from Etsy and around the web that I found particularly inspiring.

And I couldn't do an embroidery post without mentioning 365 Lucky Days and her craft challenge. Go check it out if you haven't already. seriously.

1/2/3/4,5,6 & 7

I've been playing around with embroidery for a bit now, making ornaments and other objects, but I had never used a hoop. Something about it's presentation just kind of intimidated me. Like it had to be perfect or something, because is hung on a wall. So here's my first attempt.

1. First I drew my design on paper, and then traced it onto the canvas. I used a disappearing fabric marker to make my design.

2. Then I centered the design in the hoop.

3. I used a satin stitch for my chevron design, and then a backstitch for my lettering. DMC actually has a really helpful guide to embroidery stitches for newbies like me, you can find it here.

4. When I finished I used some q-tips and cotton balls to erase the marker with water.

What do you think!?

I hope you have all have a wonderful weekend!