Memorial Day Weekend Project (that won't take the whole weekend)

It's a time for BBQ's and beer, friends and family, relaxation and fun! But I know a lot you like to take some time to do stuff around the house, hence all the Memorial Day Sales going on right now at places like Lowes. 

I thought this would be the perfect time for my first, artsy project. 

Embroidery Hoop Wall Art!

This is literally a 5-10 minute project once you've got your supplies which consist of: 

1. 1 or more embroidery hoops (whatever shape/size you prefer). When doing multiples I recommend you follow the rule of odds: Always group things in odd numbers, it just feels and looks better. Weird but true. Unless you are going to make a grid pattern of sorts, or really know what you're doing, anyway, let's continue, 
2. Fabric of your choice (Washed and ironed. I didn't bother for this post cuz I'm trying to hurry!)
3. Super Glue or fabric glue, even white glue (if you choose to use it)

I got these and more for around $2 at a thrift store, they gave me a good deal. Anyway, you can buy them new too, but they cost a lot more, and why buy new if you can reuse? Thrift stores are also a great place for artsy fabric. Only you usually don't find fabric by the roll, you find it in the form of sheets and pillowcases!

Be sure to think about where you want to hang these, and your current decor. You can find lots of fabric you like, but it may not work in your in space. Always go shopping with a specific color or pattern in mind, and remember you maybe have to shop around a bit, especially when buying 2nd hand. Patience is key. 

• Can't find what you like while thrifting, try your local fabric store and hit the clearance/remnant section!
•  Also keep in mind the kind of fabric you use. Jersey fabric is often cheap but stretchy. Often the design will stretch and become distorted, just be careful to not over stretch. 

This is my fabric, and it happens to be a pillow case! 

Someone brought this pillowcase in, along with a bunch of other blankets and towels, as a donation to the clinic. I thought it was cool, and since we really don't use pillowcases I brought it home. Oh, and this might be a good time to mention to make sure you have enough fabric.

• Depending on the size of your hoop or hoops a pillowcase might not be enough. 
• If it has a pattern/design you might need extra fabric to center it correctly in your hoop.

Your fabric will lay nice and flat because you ironed it, right....?

Ok, so now you have your fabric. Move the embroidery hoop over it until you find something you like. I chose the section of fabric where the solid color meets the pattern. I thought it worked well with the oblong hoop. Obviously if you have a solid/1color piece this will be a snap! If you haven't already, take apart the two pieces of your hoop, and put the fabric between them, then just push down. 

Now tighten the screw.

• As you tighten the screw, you may need to pull on the fabric so it's taut. This could mess with your pattern or centering, (especially depending on fabric choice), and it may take a few tries to get it right. 
• If you want to be sure the fabric stays in place you can add a small amount of glue around the outside of the inner hoop and the inside of the outer hoop. But you don't want to use too much because then it might spill over onto your fabric, so be careful. If you get your hoops tight enough, you really don't need the glue, that's why it's optional. 
• Remember, once it's glued you can't reposition it if you don't like the way it looks. 

Ok, done? Flip it over and cut off excess fabric. TA DAA! Just hang on your wall! 

My Living Room, see, rule of odds.

I hung three, in decreasing sizes, with thrift store fabric. The picture is a little dark, overcast skies today, but you get the idea. The chair in the pic needs to be upholstered, I'm still searching for the right fabric. I love a good hunt! 

Where to hang your hoops?

• How cute would these look in a nursery. Over a crib, or wherever with a cute pink or blue print. Or really get creative and embroider his or her name on it. 
• How about hanging 3 large ones over your bed, instead of a headboard, which I might do next. 
• Really get creative and hang 7 or so in varying colors and patterns on that big wall that's empty! 
• Add buttons
• Sew on flowerrs
• Go to the scrapbooking section of a store and look around. They have flowers, ribbon, letters, etc. So many things to that you could sew or glue on. (I love Hobby Lobby, and there's almost always a coupon in the paper or online - hobbylobby.com) 
• Draw on them with markers. You could even get the kids involved!

ceknits.etsy.com

Use your imagination! I would love to see what you come up with! Email me, innovations.by.c@gmail.com, and I will post them!

Have a safe, relaxing weekend!