Beautiful, and long overdue

Isn't it amazing how quickly time passes when you get old? Because I can hardly believe that I waited 2 long years to share these with you. But there it is, the postmark on the envelope proving me wrong (or old). :) In any case, these two lovely floral patterns come from the generous Jane who maintains two beautiful sites dedicated to Japanese embroidery: www.nuido.org.uk and www.japanese-embroidery.blogspot.com. 2 years ago she sent me a package of loose transfers from assorted English magazines with dates ranging from the 40's to the 60's - these 2 were unidentified and undated, but my faves.

Don't you love that complicated, textured pattern above? It's delicious, even in black and white. I can just imagine my crafty friend Carina picking the perfect colors to make this piece come alive (and by the way she's hosting a giveaway featuring her amazing embroidery and a new book on her blog.)

Just as much as I love the complexity of the first pattern, I love the simplicity of the second:

I can totally see this pattern stitched beautifully using white or light-colored floss on natural linen...

Thank you so much Jane, for your generosity, and I hope you'll forgive me for how long I waited to share these, they are treasures!

Giveaway on Feeling Stitchy!

Hi all! I'm giving away one copy of The Kitchen Linens book over on Feeling Stitchy.

If you love vintage transfers or collecting vintage embroidery, this book is right up your alley, so go checkout the giveaway!

Frouffy Pillowcases

Because one always needs frouffier pillowcases. This was in a pile of scraps I had, no label, no manufacturer - it is green-lined. I even tried ironing one of them (there were 2) and it worked!

And yes, that's an actual new scan you see up there! It's fairly impressive considering I scanned it using an almost-dead hard drive. In fact, the sheer effort it took my sad, wheezing, clicking hard drive, sent it to the grave. That's right, people, I worked my computer to death. For you. Enjoy! :)

By the way, I've been getting a few repeated questions that I haven't been able to answer due to time constraints (and no computer). Please read the FAQ on the right hand side and that should answer any questions you have about transfers that have gone away.

Patterns from other peeps...

I know, it's been awhile since I've shared anything of my own. What with my personal life and my trusty Mac being on the fritz, I haven't been able to scan anything new.

So I thought I'd share some links to patterns from other generous people:
from doe-c-doe:
2 Spring flowers
3 cute teacups and kettle

from wee wonderfuls:
Spring cleaning Stitchette

from Badbird:
Hearts and birds (January free pattern)
Folk rabbit (March free pattern)
Bird and Flower sampler (November free pattern)

from Annie Oakleaves:
Buggy
Eenies
Cute animals

from Polka dot bunny:
Forest animals

Angel heads

Pattern here!

I've been itching to stitch this kitschy little angel head for awhile now, so I was tickled to see Julie's awesome version. Read more about her project on her blog.

Creepy cute, glassy-eyed animals

You want this acorn? You just try and take this acorn from me.

Ok, I know the intention was not to make these animals look creepy by leaving their eyes blank. The manufacturers just figured you'd fill that in with a satin stitch, so why waste ink. I love however, the unintentionally creepy, "Village of the Damned" effect it creates, and what with Halloween approaching, maybe some of you could work your creepy magic on these? Something along the lines of Zombie Jitterbug Girl? Just an idea....

Thanks again to Erin, for allowing me to share these from her collection! And creepy or not creepy, let me know if you stitched these! :) Also, thank you to Jessica from How About Orange for featuring this blog! Her blog is amazing and it's an honor to be featured. Welcome, everyone who is visiting thanks to her, and be sure to come back soon! :)

free patterns - click to get larger size and print!

Design 648 - Olden Days

free patterns - click to get larger size and print!

The summer is almost over! I don't know about you, but I still call it "summer" until the end of September, which is fast upon us. Here's some nice "Olden days" transfers from Erin to help you celebrate the last of it, "olden style". :)

I love the charming drawing style on these transfers, and the sleigh ride is probably my favorite... a nice cozy scene in anticipation of chillier times!

Thank you Erin!