Fun Embroidery

I recently (and by recently I actually mean about 6 months ago) got my first embroidery machine. I wanted it so that I could add personalization to my projects and gifts, but never used any of the built-in designs. In my opinion, most of them are just too much like something someone's un-hip grandmother might use for handtowels--just not my style. I kept wishing that there were some trendy sites online where I could download contemporary designs for crafty chicks like myself, but I Googled and Googled with no luck. (Apparently I don't know the official "keywords" for finding "hip embroidery downloads".) Then, one serendipitous day, I came across Urban Threads. Finally! This is what I have been searching for! Hip, contemporary designs for the crafty gal in us all. No more embroidery samplers from the 19th century (not that there's anything wrong with them, they're just not for me.)

The first design I fell in love with was this one.

This little robot might be one of the cutest things I've ever seen! I decided to put him on this baby onesie. Isn't he precious?




I actually gave it away in the Etsy Spring Baby Shower and the recipient loved it so much she decided she wanted a couple more onesies. She chose two great designs which are just as cute and they are one their way to her right now. I hope she loves them!





I'm pretty crazy about the little squirrel now, too. I might even put him on a tote bag or something for myself. He'd also make a great gift!

Besides the fact that the site has such fantastic embroidery designs, it's also extremely inexpensive. I think that all of the designs are under $5 a piece. How great is that? Also, if you don't have an embroidery machine and you're into hand embroidery, you can download most of their designs in that format as well. So really, there is no limit to your craftiness! I really loved this little hedgehog and decided to hand embroider him onto a coffee cozy. It only took me about 30 minutes, which was super quick craft satisfaction. Don't you love quick crafts? I sure do!

I will be working on a hand embroidery tutorial for you soon. It's super easy and tons of fun. All you need is some Aunt Martha's Hot Iron Transfer Paper and transfer pencils (I think I got mine on Amazon), and your pattern, of course.

Happy embroidering!