06 July 2010

cross stitch trims

Today's patterns are courtesy of Sandro Ilg who lives in Berne, Switzerland. Sandro is a recovering English literature major who decided that wasn't the career for him and now plans to study fashion design instead. He sews and loves to shop for thrift store goodies—clothing, fabric, trims, and buttons. Especially buttons, which he admits he has an addiction to (me, too). Like we couldn't tell from the name of his blog, Mr. Buttons :)

Sandro found these vintage trims while thrifting and asked if I could turn them into charted patterns to share with my Stitch School readers. Of course!

original trims

The original trims are embroidered on white linen that's been hemmed top and bottom. I'd probably embroider them directly on a finished item rather than on something that needs to be attached. But, that will depend on your project. The flowers would be cute for a little girl's dress; the cherries for an apron, tea towel, or how about a row along the bottom of curtains in a cherry-themed kitchen?

cherry pattern
(Click through for a larger version)

The only change I made is to add a few yellow crosses in the center of the flower—it seemed to need something there but you can leave it out if you like. Done in a medium purple-blue colored floss, they look very much like a flower we call periwinkle or vinca. Use whatever colors you like. Try brown centers with a yellow flower (like black-eyed Susans).

flower pattern
(Click through for a larger version)

Thanks Sandro for sharing your treasures. If anyone else has a vintage hand-embroidered item they'd like to share, let me know. I'd be happy to convert it for you. And I'm always happy to post photos of your finished embroidery projects as inspiration for others. Let's spread the embroidery love!

7 comments:

Helene et Mahelia said...

and if ever you want other patterns, you can come and have a look at my blog : almost 50 free patterns, and also plenty of mini SAL + bonus patterns !! ;)

pls feel free to come and ask : it will be with a great pleasure that I'll help !! ;)

Hélène xox

Becky said...

thank you so very much! to both of you!

RobynLouise said...

Thank you! I was looking for something different to put on gifts and these are perfect :D.

donna!ee said...

just came across your site by blog love from inspire co. AND what a find you are! thanks so much for sharing your expertise...
us newbies appreciate it! ;)

Kelly Fletcher said...

Hi Janet

Just discovered you after googling woven filling stitch. Great stitch library - I've linked to you from my website.

Kelly

bed frames said...

I want to thank you for sharing those free patterns. I am going to put those patterns in my work. It is almost finish but I think it is going to look best if I put those patterns in the sides.

OregonPatchWorks said...

beautiful embroidery and nice way of depiction through draft :) one can easily try this out:)