In the hoop Doodle it! - A Creative Medley, Sevens Emporium and Dreamcatcher Designs

When i first saw a doodle-it I had no idea what it was for. Here is what I found out-

"Doodle-Its are a softie design you can stitch on cotton fabric and kids are able to color in the lines with washable markers, fabric markers, or crayons. When done throw it in the washer to remove ink and then color again and again. Possibilities are endless. Use permanent markers to create your own one of a kind design that will last forever."

Awesome idea!! I couldn't wait to stitch one out for my little ones. Even better was that three of my favorite in the hoop designers had released them in a collaboration. A Creative Medley, Sevens Emporium and  Dream catcher Designs all have these designs in different characters and themes available on there websites. The most common question asked about doodle it's is- What kind of fabric should I use? Whilst i used calico (I'm from Aus), homespun and drill the designers recommend poly-cotton, cotton quilting fabric/muslin, twill, and cotton knit. All have worked well. So.... I decided to test one doodle it from each designer and here is my reviews: 


Doodle it Pig

Created and developed by: A creative medley (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $5.00 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available: 4x4 inches, 5x7 inches, 6x10 inches, 7x11 inches, 8x11 inches

Instructions: Yes, written (No pictures but honestly it is soooo easy you do not need them)

Skill level: Beginner to advanced.

Time taken: 15 min after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away. 

 

The doodle its are easy to stitch out and are really quick as well. I used a medium weight calico and a fleece for the back. There is two stitches to this in the hoop design so you can't go wrong. My advice would be iron your fabric first. If you have any wrinkles then it is hard to get them out afterwards. Also i am not sure if it is just this design but there is a third stitch to get you back to the middle. DO NOT RUN THIS STITCH. With a quick and easy stitch out I will definitely be purchasing more as it kept my 5yr old entertained for about 30min (and then later on again after I washed it!) and can see these being a hit at parties. 

My very arty 5yr olds creation on the right!

Doodle it Carousel Horse 

Created and developed by: Sevens Emporium (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $3.00 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available: 4x4, 5x7, 6x10 and 8x12 sizes

Instructions: Yes, written and a picture of each stitch (generic design)

Skill level: Beginner to advanced.

Time taken: 20 min after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away. 

 

This design, as above was quick and easy. I stitched this onto natural homespun with a fleece background. With the stitching of this design please be aware that it is different from the other two designers just in the order that it stitches out so make sure to always read the instructions before you start.I loved the intricate design of this horse, and the stitch out was once again flawless. I loved that the second stitch of this design shows you the closure line so that when you are hand stitching it closed, you have something to guide you. Another favorite at parties! 

I may have started this one....mindfulness coloring is all the rage at the moment! Very relaxing :)

Doodle it Robot doodle

Created and developed by: Dream catcher designs  (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $5.00 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available: 4×4, 5×7, 6×10, 7×12 sizes

Instructions: Yes (Written, as well as a fact sheet)

Skill level: Beginner to advanced.

Time taken: 15 min after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away. 

 

One of the biggest problems I have as a business is providing a variety of boy products. So I was VERY excited when i saw this on dream catcher designs. Hopefully you have worked out now that these designs are quick and easy and this one is no exception. This doodle I stitched out on a natural drill and between calico, homespun and drill this was probably my smoothest and easiest to iron and color on fabric wise.A tip with not only this but with all the doodle-its is use matching bobbin thread for a nicer finish. I tried to take a photo to show you the difference:

On the Left is matching bobbin thread and on the right is where I just used my standard white. Definitely worth changing it to match!

I can see this design being given a lot as gifts and the perfect stocking stuffer!  

Best photo i could get of my 5yr old...was too excited coloring and playing with her 'iron' robot ;)

PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO VISIT AND LIKE ALL THREE OF THE PAGES ABOVE ON FACEBOOK (That's where new releases will be shown and coupons announced) AND WHEN YOU LIKE THEIR PAGE LET THEM KNOW NANCY SENT YOU!

Build a Sundae felt play food embroidery design- Creative medley

The other day I was looking for a quick present for a 4yr old. I suddenly remembered that she had a felt board on one of her easels and wanted to make something to go with it. With help from miss 5 we decided on this fun and creative felt ice cream set. 

Created and developed by: Creative Medley (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $4.99 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available: 4x4 Hoop
                       5x7 Hoop

Instructions: Yes (written steps for each component!)

Skill level: Beginner to advanced.

Time taken: 30 min after fabric cut out( I made a cone and three "flavors")

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away. 

 

 

Upon opening up the instructions each component is divided into its own separate instructions. For $4.99 (US) you get designs for an ice cream scoop, plain topping, topping with sprinkles, cherry, cone and bowl. I wanted to make a cone and three flavors so used different color felt for each one.To get the chocolate look I did use fabric on top of the scoop bonding it with heat and bond lite. Each design is finished with a second layer of felt underneath. A tip that I read on an embroidery forum was to use the stiff felt that they use for handbags. This makes them a bit stiffer and easier for little hands.I loved that you can make many variants and colors and the birthday girl loved it!!   

In the hoop review

Kids are tucked up in bed, coffee is on and I have a few hours to review one of the many in the hoop products that I have purchased over the years. Now before I start I want to point out that I am by no means a writer so if you are super fussy by miniscule spelling errors and incorrect sentence structure, I apologize now! I want this blog to be as easy to read as possible so i have kept it simple.

PEEK-A-BOO BUNNY

Created and developed by: A creative medley (http://www.acreativemedley.com/)

Cost: $7.99

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topez 20

Size Available: 4x4, 5x7, 6x10, 7x11, 8x14, 8.8" square

Instructions: Yes

Would i buy again and recommend this pattern: Yes

Skill level: Beginner to advanced as there is lots of pictures and i found the creator to respond and be extremely helpful in answering questions/advice.

 

With Easter approaching i thought i would start by reviewing this cute peek-a-boo style bunny. An egg which turns into a cute adorable bunny what could be more awesome. Upon opening the instructions i find lots of pictures (Yay, says the visual learner in me!) I also find a separate file with the amount of fabric to cut (double yay). Choosing the type of fabric for these adorable guys is a bit harder as i want it easy to turn for my littlies hands but i also want it tight, not saggy looking. After paroling her Facebook fan group page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/ACreativeMedley/) I find lots of hints and tips. I decided to do a mix of cotton and fleece. (A tip for beginners my machine JUST made it over the fleece and cotton in the final steps so i wouldn't recommend using a heavy weight fleece or doing this project all in fleece.)

I find the instructions to be brilliant...lots of pictures, easy to follow steps and tips (which stops me from making a few errors as i like to sometimes go rogue and skip ahead). It takes me on my first go around 45min after cutting out the fabric but i can see i would be able to go quicker after i have a few under my belt.

My little guy turns out almost perfect first go. I didn't use heat and bond lite on the accents so found them to be a bit wrinkly so would definitely use it next time as recommended by the creator. I also feel i need to stuff him more. I used editing software (Embird 2010) to add on a year to his foot. Another thing that i liked was that i was able to choose a "lite" stitched version or a completely "filled" version for the bunny's feet. It would mean I could create him quicker and use less thread if I wanted to.

Edited to add better pics as the sun came out :)


NOTE: I am in no way affiliated or paid by the creator for this review.