Fabric Sources

One of the most frequently asked questions that I get is, "Where do you buy your fabric?" I am very lucky that where I live in North Alabama there are several excellent fabric stores. We have "S&R Sewing Center" in Decatur and "Barb's Sewing Center" in Huntsville. When we travel I make sure that I have checked for stores along the way to stop at. I usually know right away what I want to make from the fabric, so I carry a notepad to write my ideas down. There are also many websites that carry everything I could possibly need. Some of my favorites are, http://www.heirloomsewingforchildren.com/, www.sews.com, http://www.adriannes.com/, and http://www.elegantstitches.com/. Some of the shops will send fabric swatches on request and are also very helpful in suggesting matching trims and companion fabrics.

Snips and Snails...

When looking for an idea for a new embroidery design for little boys I always stop and try to think of what my boys would have liked. That would have been anything that crawled or wiggled, including a smiling snail! This classic bubble is made from a gold micro check with a white Imperial batiste collar trimmed with piping. A strip of gingham added to the bottom of the collar added a touch of color. The snail is hand embroidered using DMC embroidery floss and a few simple stitches which are all included in the Heirloom Embroidery Book. Feel free to use this snail design to add some summer fun to your sewing project!

Embroidery Stitches

Body: Backstitch
Shell: Chain Stitch

Eyes: Straight Stitch

Trail: Running Stitch