Wonderful Wednesday #45: Threadfolk

What a gorgeous Beetles and Moths PDF embroidery pattern this is - a wonderful artist series collaboration between Threadfolk and Oh Baby Bird. The stitching on this piece, and the colors are just delicious. I am itching to get my hands on this pattern - if only one could also buy the time needed to complete all my projects as well!!! :)

Update: I loved this pattern so much, I did buy it, and started stitching right away - and I love how it turned out!

I chose a deep navy blue thread and a pale silvery, almost white thread for contrast. The teal fabric you might recognize from my Vote pattern. :) I like revisiting and re-purposing the same fabric in different ways. And, it's thrifty. :)

Actually having the pattern in hand I can speak to its beauty - there are plenty of detailed instructions on how to approach your embroidery. I used my go-to red Aunt Martha's transfer pencil (which I've sworn to use until it wears out) and plain tracing paper to transfer. The lines were very light, so I traced over them with a disappearing ink pen.

I had never used satin stitch in this way before, and it's not one of my favorite stitches. I was intimidated by how small the shapes were (and the beetle I chose is particularly small) but it stitched up very quickly and looked surprisingly neat. Beginners, do plan to rip it out a few times if it's not to your liking - but I was ok with imperfection on my part.

I emailed Libby asking for her advice on stitching the flowers - if you purchase the pattern, note that the white flowers are stitched first, and the satin stitch around them. I wasn't sure how it would work, but it actually came out great!

I used a straight stitch outline on the inside of the beetle's wings, because I wasn't totally confident of the line my satin stitch made. Overall, this was a quick stitch and so much fun. I can thoroughly recommend this pattern, and I'd love to break it into small pieces, so I can slowly appreciate each shape. Thanks, Libby, for your prompt reply to my question, and thank you for designing such an inspiring pattern!