Wednesday Sewing - Embroidered Conversation Hearts

I used to keep a bowl of candy conversation hearts on the table for the few weeks leading up to Valentine's Day, but with the food changes I've had in the past couple years, that's a tradition I've let go.  Instead, this year I have some embroidered felt hearts!

These are great for practicing embroidery stitches you're learning or expanding your embroidery repertoire.  There are quite a few internet sites that are good sources for learning new stitches.  One of my favorites is Sharon B's Dictionary of Stitches.  I also like to carry a book of embroidery stitches when I don't have access to the internet.  There are quite a few - I have the DK Stitch Sampler by Lucinda Ganderton. 

Materials:
*felt
*embroidery thread
*fiber fill
*pattern found here

1.  Cut two hearts from each of the colors you want to use.  Embroider phrases from candy conversation hearts and designs.

2.  Pin together, add a border stitch that sews the two hearts together, adding fiberfill before closing.  Here are the four hearts I've made so far and the stitches I used.

Bullion knot roses, stem stitch for the words, lazy daisy leaves, cross stitch, and a running stitch to attach the two hearts.

Lazy daisy petals and leaves, French knots, stem stitch letters, and a running stitch to attach the two hearts.

Lazy daisy clover petals and leaves, stem stitch words, wings, and legs/antennae, satin stitch bee, running stitch in the wings, and cable chain to sew the two hearts together.

Lazy daisy petals and leaves, French knots, and blanket stitch to sew the two hearts together.

I sat little c down with a tapestry needle, embroidery thread (doubled and knotted so it wouldn't keep coming off the needle), and a felt heart for her first sewing lesson - not bad for a newly turned two-year-old!

Happy Creating!  Deborah