Do you applique’? I find that when I do applique’, I usually add some type of embroidery to my work. Whether it is simple veins on a leaf, a stem for a flower, eyes to a person or animal, a short line from a poem or a quotation or textural element – most of my applique’ quilts include embroidery.
I love adding texture to quilts. It’s not as difficult as you may think.
Here, simple straight rows of a variation of red and burgundy thread adds dimension to the piece. Notice how the look changes with the color of the background fabric?
It’s a simple process… load your needle with 2 or 3 strands of floss, then take small stitches in either a straight line or scattered area. Repeat… over and over. NOTE: This is easy work to do while watching television.
As a quilter, I collect embroidery thread just like I do fabric, only it is much less expensive! I try to keep it organized in a little case, and label each card that I wind it on with the number of the floss color. I stick with DMC so they are all the same quality.
What have YOU embroidered lately? Share with the Michigan Quilts! readers using the comment section below. Feel free to include a link to a picture of your own embroidery. We will love you for it!