Christmas Stockings In the Hoop- Five star fonts

With 8 months to Christmas I know everyone will be asking "Why in the world would you bring up Christmas this close to having just got over easter!!". Well a tip that I read in a book about organization suggests that you should always be planning for events...even those 8 months away. If you own your own embroidery business or like to just embroider for family and friends imagine how nice it would be December 1st and you already have your stock/gifts done. Yes...All done!!! Start now. Make a decision every week or month from today, depending on how much needs to be done, you are going to embroider something for Christmas. Which brings me to today's post! Christmas stockings!  

Created and developed by: Five star fonts (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $9.99 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available: 4x4 Hoop - 2.99 x 3.89 Finished size - 2.85 x 3.75
                       5x7 Hoop - 4.74 x 6.98 Finished size -4.60 x 6.85
                       6x10 Hoop - 5.65 x 8.66 (fits Hus D1 & center of ART Mega Hoop) Finished size - 5.45 x 8.50
                       6.25 x 10.25 Hoop - 6.19 x 9.49 Finished size - 6.00 x 9.30
                       7x12 Hoop - 6.90 x 10.58 Finished size -6.75 x10.40
                       8x12 Hoop - 7.60 x 11.65 Finished size - 7.45 x 11.50

Instructions: Yes (In color and well written!)

Skill level: Beginner to advanced.

Time taken: 30 min after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away(Instructions say to use a cutaway but i just didn't tear it from all the little spaces between the stitches and it worked OK)

I love Five star font designs as they are always accompanied with detailed instructions and pictures! This stocking is no different. When you open up the instructions there is information on supplies, advice on what to use and fabric measurements to prepare before embroidering.This design has 4 quilting styles included- Diamond, Stipple, Channel Vertical, Channel Horizontal. I chose the diamond style for my sample piece. Throughout the instructions I liked that it prompted you on when to add in your own personalization so you didn't have to guess. To add a name onto the stocking you do need to have software (I use Embird) and basic knowledge on how to add in a font. If you just want to do plain stockings that's fine too.

Following the steps is very easy and throughout I had no problems or questions. The only thing that I would emphasize is make sure you iron when it says so that your seams lay flat when it is turned inside out. (I thought I wouldn't bother and it was a touch bulky but my second one I did iron and it was perfect) 

Here is my version:

I used these at Christmas time as place settings. I put a fork, spoon and knife in each and a serviette at the back. They were a hit!

Rapunzel Set Over Sized-The little stitch shop

Created and developed by: The little stitch shop (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $5.00 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available: File includes head, arms & legs.
Dimensions of Head: 3.51" x 3.63"
Dimensions of Arms: 2.39" x 1.50"
Dimensions of Legs: 1.45" x 1.80"

Instructions: They are in individual jpg stitch files-arms head and legs

Skill level: Beginner to advanced

Time taken: 15 min after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away 

 

This in the hoop design is a fun design which you can use to add flair and individuality to your hair bows. Each body part is in individual folders and is quick to stitch out with the included instruction stitch files. These stitch files show you which colour is coming up next and which stitches it correlates too. If you have ever done felties before this is an easy design and you won't have any trouble. If you are a beginner and this is your first feltie the owner of the little stitch shop is very helpful and can help you with any questions you have.

 

Some of the tips after stitching this design is don't forget to put your backing on the head before the second last stitch, not the last. Also I didn't even think about it but in my pictures below my feet are actually backwards! Whoops. I love this Rapunzel based bow (as did my 5yr old) and will be purchasing lots more in all the different characters and designs!!

In the right picture I did a close up of my bling pascal!

Monogram Coffee Sleeves from Embroidery garden

Created and developed by: Embroidery Garden (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $11.99 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available: Actual design dimensions 3.52" x 10.15" (fits Brother and husqvarna 6x10 hoop)- please message Embroidery garden if you are not sure if it will fit in your hoop.

Instructions: Yes (In color and well written!)

Skill level: Beginner to advanced

Time taken: 40 min after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away 

 

When you open up the pdf instructions included in this design it first goes through the supplies and fabric measurements that you need for this design. Included in the purchase of this sleeve is 2 blank sleeves, one has the trendy applique circle that you can add a different initial to and one that is blank. (Handy if you want to do lots up in advance for craft shows). For this design i used cotton material, a thin cotton batting and 1/4" elastic. 

 

 The steps that follow are really easy to understand and perform. I had no problems with any of the steps and liked that they included little measurements on the pictures so i didn't have to guess how far anything had to be placed. If you notice in my picture, I didn't trim close enough with the circle applique so make sure you don't forget to trim closely and carefully all around before doing the satin stitch.

 

Once you have completed the coffee sleeve you turn it once and give it an iron (Don't skip this step!!!) It will mean that you get a nicer crisper edge when you turn it through again. You do not have to stitch closed the opening where you have turned it as after the second turn it is hidden nicely. You do however just need to sew on a button to finish it off. I put my coffee sleeve on a normal coffee mug that I had at home and it fit perfectly!   

 

Don't forget to check out Embroidery Gardens gift ideas at the bottom of the coffee sleeve purchase page :)

 

mmmmm...hot chocolates here I come!

 

 

I AM NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE COMPANY OR PAID FOR THIS REVIEW

DigiStitches-Easy Tea Bag Holder

The next major in the hoop embroidery event of the year is Mothers day so I thought today's review should be on something that would make an awesome gift for this holiday.

Created and developed by: DigiStitches (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $10.00 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available: 5x7 hoop

Instructions: Yes (In color and beautifully written!) - I like also that it includes a link to a free snap tutorial if you are a beginner and are not sure how to do them.

Skill level: Beginner to advanced

Time taken: 30 min after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away 

 

Upon opening up the instructions on this design it immediately shows you what you will need and at what measurements to cut your material.For my outside and inside pockets I used cotton and found this the best to use. At this point, to make it easier and quicker latter on, I just used a sticky note (post-it) to label each piece on what it's size was and if it was interior/exterior and pocket 1/pocket 2.

 

Each step of the Easy tea bag holder shows a color photo of what you need to do.  It has lots of tips as you go along and even includes which color number it corresponds with. (Really handy if your child wakes up mid embroidery and you have to go back but cant remember what number you are up too!)

 

Once you have followed each of the steps you turn the design inside out to the correct way and poke out the corners. Give it a good iron. I found until I ironed it it didn't have that nice crisp fold in the middle but being cotton it irons easily.  Lastly you put on your snap clip. Make sure you mark out where your snaps have to go otherwise they will not match up.

This tea bag holder holds 6 tea bags (or sugar sachets!) and a lovely gift either by itself or paired with a matching mug rug and mug!

 

I put a gift card in this gift as well!

 

ITH Bobby Pin Butterfly Feltie Embroidery Design

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

Cost:  $4.00 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available:  4x4 and  5X7  (single and sorted)

Instructions: Yes

Skill level: Beginner to advanced

Time taken: 15 min after fabric cut out(5x7)

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away 

 

Having two girls with thin hair we are often fighting flyaways and an untamely fringe. To help hold the hair better I love using bobby pins but wanted to 'jazz' them up a bit which was why I was excited when dream catcher designs released their in the hoop bobby pin range.

This in the hoop design basically stitches out the pattern in two halves, leaving an opening down the middle to insert a bobby pin. If you have ever sewed felties these are even simpler but if you haven't there is instructions in the file. For this design I used felt and a medium weight tear away. A few tips is: If you are using all one color felt on top and bottom and don't need a placement stitch, to save time and ease of tearing away stabilizer I just double the felt and float them both on top, making sure all the hoop is filled. I them skip step one and go straight to step two. This saves time and also means i don't have to tear stabilizer from the middle part.

Overall this is by far one of the quickest and easiest hair accesories i have done. As they are fairly small I usually stitch out a whole hoop full and then keep them as gifts, favors for birthdays or to add an extra something, instead of a bow when wrapping a present or an order.


Here they are:

Embroidery Machine Hedgehog ITH Pattern

Who doesn't love a soft and cuddly toy! Today's review is on one very cute hedgehog which would be a perfect gift for a new bub or a child (Or actually anyone!- one of my friends claimed the second one pictured below!!).

Created and developed by: Dolls and Daydreams (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $10.99 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available:  8x12 hoop - Creates a 10.5 tall softie
                           7x12 hoop- Creates a 9.5" tall softie
                           6x10 Hoop – Creates a 8.5" tall softie
                           5x7 Hoop – Creates a 7" tall softie
                           4x4 Hoop – Creates a 3.5" tall softie

Instructions: Yes (VERY comprehensive with a list of fabrics, fabric sizes and colored pictures)

Skill level: Beginner to advanced

Time taken: 40 min after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away and a water soluble over the top in the fluffier areas.

Dolls and daydreams puts together a very comprehensive tutorial on this cute little hedgehog stuffie. Upon opening the tutorial you find an easy to follow table on all the different sizes and how much material to cut for each element.  For the body I chose fleece for my first one and fur for the second. You can also use minky or anything else stretchy. The limbs I did in fleece and then cotton to see which would look the best but found they both worked perfectly. The tummy on the hedgehog is done in either a diamond stitch or a basic stitch. Don't forget if you are doing the basic stitch to use a heat and bond and not trim too close to the edge otherwise it may fray away at the edges.


The hedgehog is stitched in two hoopings. The first is stitching out the limbs. The second is the body and putting it together by adding the arms and legs one at a time. A tip is when you are stitching on the limbs, slow down your machine and make sure your fingers are well clear of the needle (I speak with experience!!!).Once this is done you need to turn it and stuff it. The turning is a bit of a patience thing. Don't be tempted to use anything too pointy as it will tear the fabric. I use a thick plastic chop stick but you can purchase specific turning implements which will help make the job easier.  

Lastly you will need to do a ladder stitch to close. I love that a tutorial is provided on the dolls and daydream website if you are not sure how to do it. Here are my cute hedgys.

The first one is 6x10 and the second is 4x4..so cute!!

Buggalena- Butterfly BuggaBand

Sunday morning is set aside for me and miss five to do a project together whilst my husband watches miss destruction almost two. I wanted an in the hoop design which she could personalize but easy and quick to stitch out. What could be better than a butterfly buggaband!

A buggaband as described by Katherine, owner of Buggalena is "A headband accessory embroidery design. It is designed so that when you are finished stitching it, it will leave an opening between your layers of fabric which allows you to slip a headband into. They are super easy to make. The two key things are to use the same color thread for the last two steps and add felt to the underside of your hoop for the final step!" 

Created and developed by: Buggalena (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $5.00 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available:  4x4 & 5x7

Instructions: Yes (Its a generic one for all buggabands but using this and the stitch guide its easy to do)

Skill level: Beginner to advanced

Time taken: 25 min after fabric cut out (I had a 5yr old helping me though so probably could get it down to 15min)

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away.

The first thing you need to decide before stitching this design out is what size headband you want to use. In my picture below i used a 3/8" purple headband i purchased from my local $2 shop. Included in my butterfly buggaband is a variety of openings to fit various size headbands all in letter categories- A= 3/8" B= 5/8" AND the butterfly design includes a "C" BONUS SIZE for 1" headbands! Once you have decided which size you want to do then it is just a matter of stitching it out like a big feltie.


If you have never done a feltie before the basics are - outline stitch, details stitch (This is where you would open up your PDF stitch file (included)to see what color goes to which detail and in what order), but with a buggaband you have an extra step of doing the tiny bit of outline on the front side (DO NOT PUT YOUR FELT ON THE BACK FOR THIS STEP- as it wont then have a hole to thread the headband in) then lastly you put the felt on and stitch the last step.


The above is all described in the instructions with pictures so you understand more but all in all it is very basic and a lovely quick stitch out. I used sparkly Vinyl from my local spotlight store and then miss five added her own personal touches with various gemstones. This would make a perfect and inexpensive gift and I LOVE the range of buggabands Buggalena has as you can get a design for every occasion or interest.

 

Miss five chose all her own colors and added gemstones for her own personal touch!