From Russia with Love...

Before we dive into a new and adorable little embroidery project, I have an update on the silk shaded feather distance class by Jen Goodwin. After lengthy correspondence with Jen on the issues I had with her class, it became clear we would never see eye to eye on the project. I asked for a refund and, professional as Jen is, I became it. This wipes the slate clean. I, on my part, have learned that it is probably not wise to sign up for an online class when the end product is not shown. Now let's move on to some other embroidery!

I received this happy postcard in the mail through postcrossing and fell in love with the simple Russian dolls depicted on it! What if I modified the design a bit and tried out the new colours by Heathway Milano 100% merino crewel wool? Match made in heaven, I would say!

And this is the happy result! The design uses simple embroidery stitches and is worked on traditional linen twill. However, you could easily take any other densely woven medium-weight fabric. You can even swap wool for stranded cotton! As I seem to have been bitten by the beading bug lately, I couldn't resist adding some here. Especially the beaded daisies, as featured in 'Strawberry Fayre', are just too good not to use. Not having the embroidery supplies to hand? Let me do the legwork for you! I have a limited number of material packs available containing 10 skeins of wool, fabric, needles, beads, spangles and beading thread. You can find them here. If the packs sell out, but demand is still there; I'll add a pre-order option.

The best part of this new quick and easy design? I'll leave it up to you if and how much you'd like to pay me for it! I have installed a PayPal donation button in the right-hand column of this blog. If you like what you read each week, please consider making a donation. You can find the instructions for 'From Russia with Love' in my webshop. Add it to your cart and proceed to checkout as normal. You won't be charged! Happy creating and hope to see you next week!