Peacock Embroidery Pattern

I finished stitching up the 2nd shirt that I bought at Kohl's a few weeks ago.  I used a peacock design from my collection of vintage embroidery patterns:

I used 2 strands of DMC embroidery floss for the peacock and for the tail, I added 1 strand of a variegated blending filament.

If you would like to stitch the pattern, here it is:

I guess I have to go back to Kohl's now and pick up a couple more shirts.  These are really pretty and perfect to wear in the Summer months!

I'll leave you today with a new photo of my Cotton:

This little white kitty is always into something!

Crazy Quilt Quarterly Magazine - Sneak Peek of Summer 2016

I thought you would like a little "sneak peek" of the Summer 2016 issue of Crazy Quilt Quarterly Magazine which will be released on May 1st, 2016:

Our cover girl for this issue is Betty Pillsbury!

And here is a look at the contents page:

It's a wonderful issue!!!

Embroidered Dress Shirts

I've always loved wearing my husband dress shirts in the Summer months.   I don't tolerate the heat well and because they're loose and not so fitted, they're more comfortable than my own clothes. I decided for this Summer, I would buy a couple of my own men's dress shirts and stitch on them.

I have a large collection of vintage iron-on embroidery patterns so I sat and looked through them and decided on bluebird's for the 1st one:

I traced the pattern onto the shirt and stitched the design using 2 strands of DMC Embroidery floss.

The pattern came from an old Superior Transfer pattern Peacocks and Bluebirds:

I found this one at a flea market a couple of years ago.  The pattern is complete and uncut!  I love when I find them that way!  Anyway, if you would like to stitch this pattern for the bluebirds, here you go:

I converted it to black/white so it's easier for you to trace.

My next shirt will be the peacock from this same pattern!

Umbrella Wall Quilt Update

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I was making a little wall quilt for my bedroom.  I had a stamped embroidery piece in my drawer (from my mom's stash) of an umbrella with flowers.  I finished the stitching and all I have left to do on this is to add some little seed beads for the flower centers and on the umbrella:

Unlike the cat quilt piece that I did a few weeks ago, I don't think this piece is vintage.  I think it's newer.  I'll have to ask mom.

Anyway, it's just about done.  After Easter, I'll take a day and start putting it together into a quilt.

Free Patriotic Cross Stitch Pattern

In light of our current events, both domestic and international, I've decided to re-release a counted cross stitch freebie that I designed back in 2001 after the September 11th attacks here in the United States.  My sentiments remain the same as they did on that day:  United We Stand!

You will have to download each page individually.  Right click on each image and save to your hard drive.  Feel free to share the design but please, if you post this on your blog or social media, include a link back here to my blog.