A New Challenge for Gifting …

I wanted to try something I’ve been eyeing for a while.

I gave myself a challenge to make something new; never attempted.

I have the creator gene. Both of my parents had it too. It especially activates leading up to Christmas.

In September, I made a goal of using embroidery to specialize a piece of clothing for two of my granddaughters.

I’d noticed this method of printing a pattern onto sticky paper, affixing it to fabric and then stitching.

First, I found an adorable pink jean jacket at a clearance price at Gap. I couldn’t have afforded the retail price, but the reduced price made it worth a try! I ordered the jackets early, so I didn’t back out of the unknown process: setting myself up for success with the challenge. At my age, I know what I need to accomplish goals, and one of them is taking a first step to encourage the rest!

My two nearly 3-year-olds love Mickey and Minnie! One has been to Disney twice already, and there are plans to go again. The other watches Mickey Funhouse at my house and knows all the characters by name, but her favorite is Minnie! The princesses are important too, but our little Minnie stuffy gets a lot of love.

I set out to find an appropriate and uncomplicated pattern. There are plenty on Etsy for a few dollars. Many of these patterns are designed for embroidery sewing machines, but you can also use the outlines for hand embroidery!

I knew I wanted to put something on the pockets and perhaps on the collar and maybe the back and/or cuffs of the jacket. I knew it wouldn’t be worn forever, so I avoided a huge, complicated pattern.

After I chose the pattern, here is how it went …

I sized the images according to the pocket size in Pages. You can use whatever software you have.

This is the pattern paper…

Then I printed the pattern onto the stabilizer paper on my printer …

Took the backing off …

Lined it up and stuck it to the jacket …

Then, I stitched with colors and types of stitches of my choosing. This is the completed embroidery…

I used the directions and run cold water over it. I did a section at a time. After a short time running water over it, the white pieces loosened, and I could easily pull them off!

I decided not to embroider the collar, but wanted a pop there, so I ordered buttons on Amazon. I used buttons so that they would be washable.

TADA … the finished product!!

This was a simple, easy project. The hardest part was sewing down inside the pockets. I did this to myself!

I’m considering using an iron-on patch over the back of the embroidery for longevity, but haven’t decided yet. I’ve done this when I embroidered pillowcases, so hands wouldn’t get stuck in the threads. Also, to keep it preserved through multiple washes.

I’ve seen this method used on all kinds of clothing, even just a little flower on collar tips.

Have you ever tried something like this? I’d love to hear.

Are you working on any type of Christmas project?

Tis the season! The holidays are upon us! Don’t forget to enjoy it!