What is a Kaleidocycle?

The kaleidocycle designs are available now.  They are available in the design packs mentioned, and also individually.      A while ago, a friend sent me a link to a website that discussed an unusual geometric form.Created by a math student, the form is called a Kaleidocycle... [More]

The Intermediate Embroiderer’s Bucket List

The Intermediate Embroiderer’s Bucket List Last week, I posted the Embroiderer’s Bucket List for newbies. If you missed it, click here.   Many of you commented on the list – some of you have already checked off all 10 items while others promised to work through the l... [More]

Freestanding Organza Leaves

I am fortunate to live in an area where I am surrounded by autumn's brilliance this time of year. With some water-soluble stabilizer, an applique design, and organza in shades of red, orange, and gold, fall leaves can be enjoyed well beyond their typical lifespan. Using the same Amazing Design... [More]

Crafty Cupcake Coasters

Make an assortment of cupcake coasters to bring a smile to your guests.  You can select fabric to reflect your favorite flavors or your party theme.  Supplies Dakota Collectibles Crafty Cupcake design pack #970443 or purchase the single designs.  I have used these 4X4” des... [More]

Keeping It Simple - Embroidered Book Slings

Do your kids love to read?  Ours do, but keeping track of the library books can be a challenge.   And while our daughter was reorganizing their schoolroom area she wanted a reading nook and a place to keep those library books.  Here is what we came up with:   The original ... [More]

Keeping It Simple - Create A Fabric Background and Embroider Some JOY

Have you ever just had an idea that kept calling out to you?  This is one of those projects.  More than a year ago I found this pile of blocks in the clearance section of a local department store.  The packages had been broken open and a couple of the lettered blocks were missing.&nbs... [More]

What’s on Your Bucket List? by Eileen Roche

What’s on your embroidery bucket list?  Want to get the whole embroidery experience?  Then write an embroidery bucket list.  You’ll find if you write it down, you’re apt to tackle some of those easy-to-put-off complicated embroidery projects. And once you do, y... [More]

Reversible Applique Towel

Take your applique to the next level by making it totally reversible. It is really easy to do with m [More]

Embroidery Advisor Presents: Ice Cold Beer

Football season has begun and you know what that means!  A lot of us will be glued in front of our HD TV screens watching and cheering on our favorite football teams and Fantasy players.  Sipping on an ice cold beer can really enhance the viewing pleasure though while your favorite team an... [More]

Keeping It Simple - Is it a Snake or a Caterpillar?

Now, here is a fun idea, complete with designs to make it, that would make a great stocking stuffer or busy bag learning toy for any preschooler on your list.  My daughter was looking for ideas one day and came across one of these cute little guys that had been made with colored felt squares.&n... [More]

Embroidered Notebook Covers

Make this from this    and this! It is almost back-to-school time and this embroidered notebook cover is a quick and easy project using a standard 50-cent composition book. It takes about a half-yard of fabric, or two fat quarters, and a few scraps for the applique. Best of all, you c... [More]

Simple Casserole Carrier

              These casserole carriers are simple to make and are perfect for upcoming pot luck gatherings.  You can make them different by using an assortment of fabrics (maybe from your “stash”) and embroidery designs. Materials: 2 pieces o... [More]

All Tear-Away is Not Created Equal

      There are differences in tear-away stabilizer besides their weight. I find that most embroiderers are very familiar with "firm" or "crisp" tear-away. But a wonderfully supportive tear-away is "soft" tear-away. Crisp or firm tear-away is made fr... [More]

Cutwork Poinsettia Napkin or Basket Liner

Cutwork is so very elegant, and it looks much more difficult than it really is. This project creates a holiday napkin or a gift basket liner or dinner roll cover. The poinsettia is part of the Christmas Cutwork Encore embroidery collection by Dakota Collectibles and it is available from Ann the... [More]

Keeping It Simple - Pillows with Flapped Edges

Our girls love to read.  So much that our daughter is making a special reading nook out of a closet in her schoolroom area.  The seven year old, who always wants to add her thoughts to a project brought me a picture.  The pillow had these different,  flapped edges and she asked i... [More]

Celebrate Christmas in July

We’ve just passed the halfway mark of the year, so it is time to get a jump start on your holiday projects. Whether you like to create to give or make things to decorate your home, this Christmas Tray is sure to please. Featuring the Baby Lock Enterprise 10-needle embroidery machine, our ... [More]

Hooping T-Shirts for Embroidery

Hooping and embroidering garments that don't open down the front, such as T-shirts and sweatshirts, can be challenging. Even when you get them hooped, it can be hard to get them on and off the machine. Watch this video for tips on how to do this more easily and take at least half the work ... [More]

How To Embroider Those Adorable Stuff Animals!

Following are the instructions for embroidering these cuties!  You'll need the following: Embroiderable Cubbie of your choice Temporary Adhesive Spray Water Soluble Stablizer Medium Weight Tearaway Stabilizer       CHECK OUT ALL CUTE CUBBIES AVAILABLE HERE
The Avid Embroiderer Presents - A Relaxed Hobo and a St. Puptrick's Day Design

The Avid Embroiderer Presents - A Relaxed Hobo and a St. Puptrick's Day Design

Last week I got an ad from one of my favorite stores saying they had "Relaxed Hobos" on sale. My first thought was that I did not know any hobos, especially ones that needed to relax. After all, how would they relax? Where would they relax? When would they relax? I am so confused!!

Then my doctor reminded me that walking was a great way to relax and hinted I need to relax and lose a couple of pounds as well. What better way that to have some great walking shoes to make it an inviting exercise. So, I found these - (don't you just love Gucci?)




and a less expensive shoe -




I also love a bargain. . .

However, I need to find something just a little more in my price range. What was in the back of my closet was my price point. They are a little 'used' but I thought I would try to create a design to match the more expensive shoe and have fun doing it.

I started with a star design and wanted to have the stars in different sizes. I can see that the Gucci shoe was embroidered before it was sewn into the shoe configuration. So, I am going to put together some stars and stripes for my shoes.

I used denim fabric, trim them and place on my shoes. I will use glue to complete the process. You know the drill.

Straight from AnnTheGran's Freebies, this star is one perfect 1" (25mm) dimension.


You may recall that it is always recommended that you never adjust a design more than 20%. If you want to change the size, by my guest, but I am just doing the star as it is.

Attached is a band for the side stripe similar to the shoe above. That too can be adjusted in your software, make it to the size of your shoe area. I will be gluing it to the shoe. My chosen colors make a white shoe the best choice rather than denim. After I saw how well it turned out, I am going out to find some real running shoes and place my embroidery on them. Easy peasy.




Here is my completed 'shoe.' After trial and errors, I would use something behind the stitching that is less noticeable. If placing on denim, using denim is just fine. However, these particular colors didn't show well on denim. Otherwise, I am pleased with the outcome and will be getting shoes and selecting colors for my walks. I am so running out of excuses for not walking.

NAILED IT!



The twinkle is not terribly obvious in the photo, but in person, it is terrific. I am using the Madeira Pack that is a great value -
 •  Durable enough for home decor, yet soft enough to add sparkle 
• 
3 boxes - 8 spools each (24 spools, several gold/silver variations)
 •  Classic metallic box - gives rich & elegant sheen to work 
• 
Soft metallic box - gives designs a special finish 
• 
Metal metallic box - gives sewing a shiny finish






Everyone who is reading this blog is getting a "3 fer" this time. The final design is for the upcoming holiday. I like to call it "St. Puptrick's Day." 

Star:  ATG13373.zip (9.2KB)


St. Puptrick:  ATG11876.zip (344.7KB)

Note: I used two layers of heavy cut-away and placed a baste stitch around it. It is a dense design, but I just love it.




Comments (1) -

We hope you enjoy these freebies and learn something in the meantime.

Would you please give your comments and picts of your creation(s)? Slip a comment here and tell us that you have posted your outcome of any of the freebies/paid designs you get from ATG in the Forum area.

YOUR input gives inspiration and perhaps guidance to others. Be a sharer of information.

Pat, The Avid Embroiderer

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