Hoop Love : :

Inspired by a clock design in the book Sew Liberated, I decided to give hoop embroidery a try. I had all the right materials ~ a whimsical design, a natural fabric, a wooden hoop, and the need to try something new. I do quite a bit of hand embroidery already on my dolls and dollhouses, but there is something so delicate and charming about the way this type of embroidery is created. Holding on to hoop, weaving in and out, nothing fancy ~ it all felt a little Laura Ingalls Wilder to me and I loved it! Actually, I think I may be an embroidery junkie already, since immediately after finishing the project I called my local craft store and asked her to reserve for me all the wooden hoops she had in stock and I would be there asap. I have sketched several new ideas that will be in the works this week, and even have my boys doing their own embroidery project (more of their work soon).

Haila couldn't wait to hold it when I was finished...

For a moment I thought about putting it on my etsy...

Here is that wonderful sweater again, that I used for a backing. I thought that was pretty clever, if I do say so myself...

...But, I couldn't part with it (after all, it is my first.) So, here it hangs on our wall. More to join it soon enough...

I hope this inspires some of you to give hoop embroidery a try. If you feel like you may not be able to do the embroidery, but love the look, here's another beautiful idea from purl bee.
Would love to hear your thoughts and any creative ideas on hoop embroidery. Let me know if you give it a try.

On another note, I am a featured artist on indie junction this week, so be sure to stop over and give them some love.