Embroidery Shirt Ideas

Many people assume that once an embroidery project is finished their only option is to hang it on the wall. And what's wrong with that? Embroidered pictures lend warmth and character to any room. But why stop with the walls? You can take elements from the designs used in the wall hangings and, with a little imagination, create coordinating cushions and throw pillows that can really pull a room together. You can also stitch a matching fire screen if the room boasts a fireplace.

You can carry on in this manner by embroidering matching designs on tablecloths, napkins and table runners for the dining room. Throw in some hand-stitched coasters and placemats to complete the set.

Bedrooms can be enhanced by adding embroidery to pillow cases and duvet covers. You can do the same for bath towel sets also. The plain band that runs across the bottom of towels is a handy place to add names, monograms or nautical motifs.

I think, though, the best pieces for embroidery enhancement is baby items. Imagine the look of surprise and delight on the faces of new parents as they open your gift to find matching bibs, booties, sun hats, clothing and a beautiful afghan all lovingly embroidered by you. These are the kinds of things that parents save from their children's babyhood and become heirlooms.

Embroidery isn't just about creating new items. Embroidery can be an inexpensive way to revive old but 'still in good condition' items. Got a favourite shirt that's looking a bit tired? Try stitching a new, a la mode design to bring it up to date. Can't bear to part with your reliable, old tote bag but to ashamed to bring it out in public? There are loads of floral, animal and abstract designs you can use to make a new statement. You can even use embroidery to spark up notebook and scrapbook covers.

If you're new to embroidery you may want to start with an embroidery project kit. Kits are ideal for beginners because they come with pretty much everything you'll need to start stitching straightaway. The instructions are straightforward and complete with diagrams explaining how the stitches should be executed. They also provide tips on the best way to complete the design and how to display it afterward.

If you're more advanced and want to challenge yourself, there are design charts and books that cover just about any theme or concept imaginable. You can choose one complete design to stitch or you can mix and match elements from different designs to create a whole new look.

While embroidery supplies and kits can be found in craft shops and online stores, I prefer craft fairs. The atmosphere is alive with creativity and they're populated by kindred spirits. You can see what the latest offerings are in the world of embroidery and talk to people who are experts in the field and get loads of helpful advice. There are usually workshops that take place throughout the day where you can hone your skills or try your hand at something new. Best of all, you can usually get a better price if you buy from the exhibitors.

As you can see, there is more to free hand embroidery than meets the eye. You can use it to create soft furnishings for the house, decorate clothing and accessories and keep your imagination alive.

I was nine years old when I first became involved in needle crafts. In the 40 years that followed, my friends and relatives have received quite a few pieces of my work as gifts to mark special occasions or just because they took a fancy to something they saw in a book or magazine.