Autumn Embroidered Bookmark
7 Oct 2013
I have been working on a secret thing for a few months. I love secret things, but I love it even better when they’re not secret any more. When I first started cross-stitching in January, I saw a blank bookmark template at the craft store, and I picked it up with Eric’s mom in mind. She loves to read, and she loves a good bookmark. For a while I tossed around different ideas of what to embroider, but then it hit me: fall leaves and pumpkins! Eric’s mom loves fall as much as I do, so I thought it would be the perfect thing.
I used graph paper to roughly sketch out the designs, and then I got to stitching!
The graph paper was thin enough that I was able to reuse some of the outlines–an added bonus!
There was certainly some trial and error. I call this first pumpkin “lumpkin” because of its weird appendage on the right side. Ah well, not every pumpkin is symmetrical.
The next one sort of ended up looking like a menorah. A pretty one, to be sure.
And the last one is kind of boxy. It takes all kinds. I free-handed the vines at the top, and those were some of my favorite shapes. I should also add that Eric consulted on color selection, as any good collaborator would.
The leaves were easier to make uniform. I just changed their orientation each time.
I think the yellow one is my fave.
I doubled up on the thread count for the leaf veins on this one, since it was hard to see against the dark maroon of the leaf color.
I designed a little curlicue for the bottom and left my mark: “XO -C.” The bottom and top edges of the bookmark were roughly stitched, so I knew I wanted to cover them up. I used green and purple to add a bit of complementary color. I tied some tassels on the top, and I was done!
This was such a fun gift to make and give! I hope Eric’s mom will have many afternoons reading with this bookmark in hand.
Oct 07, 2013 @ 05:12:36
What a great idea! And I love the bookmark!
Oct 08, 2013 @ 23:00:27
Thank you! It was super fun to make!
Oct 07, 2013 @ 06:17:55
beautiful! I use to cross stitch but not anymore, but your little gift makes me want to dig it all out again.
Oct 08, 2013 @ 23:00:51
Really? I bet you were great at it! You are so good with details and small needles:)
Oct 07, 2013 @ 06:55:04
It’s beautiful! I think she will love your bookmark! I love cross stitching…then I get started and remember how long it takes me. Haha.
Oct 08, 2013 @ 23:02:03
Thank you! It was really fun to take it from design to completion. It does take forever, though! I am working on a sampler that I hope to finish sometime before I’m 40!
Oct 07, 2013 @ 07:30:23
that is so cute.
Oct 08, 2013 @ 23:02:14
Thank you!
Oct 07, 2013 @ 12:45:24
Precious! I’m glad your little fingers got to get back in there and finish this baby. Annette will love it!
Oct 08, 2013 @ 23:02:48
Thank you! I think she does:)
Oct 07, 2013 @ 14:42:54
It IS the perfect thing!!!!!!! I had no idea that you made your own pattern!!!!!!!!! Wowwweee, I have a one-of-a-kind original. 🙂 Not to mention that it combines so very many of my favorite things. . . and made with love by XO – C. 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Am I the luckiest girl on this earth, or what?
Oct 08, 2013 @ 23:03:38
I am so glad you like it! I had so much fun choosing the design and colors (and Eric helped!) Secret projects are a fun way to feel connected to someone beloved who is far away:)
Oct 07, 2013 @ 20:14:42
Can we still use bookmarks if we read only on a computer or tablet?
Oct 08, 2013 @ 23:03:53
But of course! As a line marker:)