Saturday, August 19, 2017

Embroidered Kitten

     For the last 7 years or so my once-beloved sewing machine has taken a backseat to my paper crafting.  In fact, when I moved nearly 4 years ago, I left the embroidery attachment and the quilting kit packed away although I did unpack my actual sewing machine.  I've done a few things with it, mostly Christmas projects, but for the most part it has been tucked away in a corner, sad and lonely.

     Last weekend, I dug out the embroidery attachment because I had been given a new-to-me data card for the machine, filled with cute animals and insects and flowery patterns normally used for dressing up kids clothes or even household linens.  What I hadn't thought about was the possibility of making embroidered appliques but after testing one or two of the small flower patterns on some scraps of muslin, here's what happened (see card below.)  I think I may have discovered a new addiction (plus a way to combine my two favorite things - sewing and card making) !!


     What do you think?  Once I had the machine set up and programmed with the data card, it took about 9 minutes for the machine to make the kitten; I had to change thread for the kitten's ears and again for the butterfly (twice).  But it took me longer than all of that to hand cut the applique with scissors (Note to self - get your tiny embroidery scissors sharpened!) keeping the kitten and butterfly all together as one piece.

     Obviously, the "coloring" was done with the various threads instead of my usual markers but I did have to choose the threads.  Once it was cut out, I used white fabric glue to attach the applique to some scrap CS, then trimmed that to fit.  The CS acted as a stiffener so that the kitten wouldn't curl.

     I die cut the scalloped circle with a die from Memory Box and the scalloped frame was cut with a Sue Wilson die, then run through my 'Linen" embossing folder.  I glued the applique to the circle, then layered it onto the Sue Wilson piece, and all of that went onto a piece of dp from the Linen Closet stack by DCWV.  I chose papers that had beautiful Wedgewood blues to compliment the blue-gray of the kitten, but in the photo the blues look more "sky" blue.

     The only other thing needed was the little satin bow and it was finished.  I see many more of these in the future.  However, I'm now going to have to start budgeting for more data cards for the embroidery attachment.  Why does everything crafty that I love end up costing so much?  :-D

     Challenges:
Butterfly
Craft-Dee BowZ
Crafting by Designs
Crafty Creations
Kraftin' Kimmie
Outlawz Twisted Thurs.
Paper Shelter
Scrapy Land
SUYP Cats
WordArt Weds.
World Wide Open DT

     Well, that's it for me today.  I'm going back to the sewing machine and make up more appliques from some of the flower designs.  I'm sure with more practice I'll get better and things will go faster.  I've already promised myself that I'll make at least two of each applique design on that data card, using different color combos and put them in my stash before I go and buy another one.  The cards run from $35 to $75 depending on how many designs are on it.  See, I told you it would be an expensive addiction!  :-D  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

14 comments:

ike said...

OMGoodness - that is just so adorable. What a fantastic way to combine both your 'loves'. The kitten is purrfect - and looks amazing on that gorgeous card. What sort of sewing machine do you have ???
I hope you will come and play at SUYP Cats Challenges ?

Hugz
IKE xx

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Linda Simpson said...

WOW is all I can say Connie, a lady with many talents and combining them with card making is just awesome! Of course you know I adore this card with the cute kitty and butterfly 2 of my favourite things.
Hugs
Linda xxx

ScrappyHorses said...

Love this idea and that kitten is adorable! Oh my, will you ever leave your craft room now? You must have a million new ideas whirling around! Can't wait to see where you go with this idea! ~ Katrina

Annettes Hobby Rosettes said...

Wow you are extrmeley clever using threads to create you gorgeous cat. What a lovely idea and what a lovely creation too. Great work here.
Thank you for sharing with us here today at World Wide Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

Annette DT Registered Owners/Admin for World Wide Open Design Team Challenge


Patty Sue 2 said...

I am in love with your card and the way you combined your two loves. What a special card! A treasure to keep! Thank you for joining us at The Paper Shelter Challenge. Good luck and I hope you will play again in our next challenge!

Mrs A. said...

How cute. I love the way you have combined the embroidery onto your card. I too have an embroidery attachment for my machine but have never taken it from its box. So many things to try out and not enough hours in a day. Thank you for fluttering into the butterfly garden. Hugs Mrs A.

Donna Ellis said...

Aw, your little embroidered kitty is obviously very happy to have been sewn into existence! And atop this darling card, she is perfectly happy. Connie, is there nothing you can't do? I'm so impressed - and happy for you to have another new toy to play with. Darling! hugs, de

Lilibet said...

Love how you have used the cat on your card. Thanks for playing along at The Paper Shelter -Good luck, Liz (:(|)x

Kathy Barnett said...

What a darling card. Thank you for joining us in Challenge #348 at Crafty Creations Challenges. We look forward in having you join us again in the future. Good Luck with the Challenge. Kathy DT

Nonnie's Cards and Gifts said...

Wonderful work. I love the kitty. Thank you for sharing with us over here at World Wide Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

Vicki DT for  http://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com.au/...

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

WELL! I never, a Great card and love the embroidery, what a great way to combine your crafts as you say, I look forward to seeing more.
Faith
x

Lisa Lynn said...

I used to sew when my daughter was younger...now she is 24 years old and I started sewing for her again. She is a teacher and needs some projects for her classroom. Your kitten is GORGEOUS. I just love your card and that you made the kitten which is precious.

Gail said...

What a fabulous card. When you give this card to someone with a kitty, they are going to treasure this forever! A beautiful creation. Thanks for joining us at Craft-Dee BowZ! --Gail

Anne Temple said...

This is adorable! My mom makes quilts and this kitty is so similar to the ones she used to put on all her quilt labels (until she couldn't find any more of them). I love how you incorporated this into a card.