Inspiration

You bought your embroidery machine imagining all the wonderful things you would embroider. But after a dozen t-shirts for grandchildren, you are not sure what to embroider next. If you need inspiration, there are several good sources.

Many sites that sell designs have project pages, or show a finished project alongside the design for sale. Sometimes you can download detailed instructions, and sometimes they are simply photos from customers.

Pick up an embroidery magazine. If you are not a subscriber, go to Barnes & Noble or some other retailer with a wide selection of periodicals. My favorite magazine is Creative Machine Embroidery, but there are several other good ones. Even sewing magazines have embroidery projects in most issues.

Go shopping - online or at the mall. Look for embroidered clothing and other items (home decor, bags, novelties). If they can do it, you can do it. If you see something you like, but are not sure how it was embroidered, ask on a forum or embroidery email list. Someone is sure to help.

Next issue: fabrics for embroidery

from Mary Jane Allen of Perfect Little Stitches

These "in the hoop"
baby flip flops
are very easy to
make and they are
very cute...

too bad they aren't 
a little more
practical.