Pillows!

I haven't used the embroidery attachment to my machine in so long, I was afraid I was getting rusty. Below are two pillow I did for Christmas. The first, St. Nicholas, embroidered on vintage French linen, was a hostess gift for a special sister who hosted Christmas this year. The back is a soft velvet with one of my favorite hidden zipper applications. 

The "Jack" pillow is for a grand nephew. The embroidery combines designs from Hatched in Africa, their African Jewels collection. 

I very seldom follow recommendations for thread, I use whatever I have at hand that appeals to me, though I did stick to all rayon for St. Nicholas. On children's pillows, I like to use regular cotton thread since it is likely to get washed and dried, and I think it stands up better to wear and tear.