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.  

When A Store Bought Gift Just Won't Do

Pillows for the great nephews.  These are done on duck cloth with ticking for the cording and back.  They are machine embroidered and some are appliqued as well.  Zipper in back for ease of washing.

I must say they didn't go over great -- think they wanted toys!!  Oh well, some day they may appreciate them!

Pillows

I've not done a lot of sewing for me lately, but have been doing some home sewing.  I needed pillows for window seat in bay windows.  These three are machine embroidered.  The first two are done with Mosaic Tile designs from Husqvarna Viking.

The third is done with African Jewels designs from Hatched in Africa.