I was sent this kit to review for an article at "Craft Critique". I had to make and then write a review on the instructions and the finished project. If you want to know the pros and cons to this particular kit, I recommend checking the article out at this link.
This really fun pillow cover kit is from the "Handmade Embroidery" line by Dimension Needlecraft (from the E.K. Success product lines). I like the company slogan "with a few simple embroidery stitches and a little applique, you can create a heartwarming project in just a weekend with our Handmade Embroidery line". Which is true, this kit is easily finished in one weekend and is great for those with limited free time to work on embroidery projects but want to enjoy the relaxing fun of doing embroidery. This is also a nice kit for introducing embroidery to beginners. The project is cute and the fabric and appliques are good quality cotton.
This really fun pillow cover kit is from the "Handmade Embroidery" line by Dimension Needlecraft (from the E.K. Success product lines). I like the company slogan "with a few simple embroidery stitches and a little applique, you can create a heartwarming project in just a weekend with our Handmade Embroidery line". Which is true, this kit is easily finished in one weekend and is great for those with limited free time to work on embroidery projects but want to enjoy the relaxing fun of doing embroidery. This is also a nice kit for introducing embroidery to beginners. The project is cute and the fabric and appliques are good quality cotton.
The "Bird on a Flower" pillow cover kit is designed by Erin Ries. The kit is designed to fit up to a 14" pillow which is not included in the kit but easy to find at any local craft supply store. It is a colorful and fun crewel embroidery project that I am very excited to make.
The contents of the Bird on a Flower Kit are:
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| Pillow Cover |
- pre-printed cotton fabric pillow cover in 100% cotton
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| 100% heavy cotton |
- pre-printed cotton fabric appliques
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| Applique sheet |
- color coordinated cotton thread
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| color coordinated thread and thread holder |
- one needle
- one set of brief but simple instructions
To finish the kit, you need to purchase a 12" or 14" pillow to fit inside of the cover.
The instruction booklet and the Dimensions website do have some simple instructions and diagrams for their versions of the following stitches and knots:
● buttonhole stitch
● running stitch
● back stitch
● stem stitch
● french knot
The first step was to lay out the supplies to see what I had to work with and iron all the cotton pieces to remove the wrinkles. Then I cut out the appliques.
These are really nice appliques that do not seem to unravel easily but I decided to apply a
little fray check to the edges of the pieces (just in case).
The instructions on how to apply the stitches and appliques onto the pillow are very brief, as you can see in the photo below.
This is great for me, I like my instructions short and to the point. However, since this kit is being promoted as good for beginners, it might cause someone who prefers more in depth instructions some small discomfort.
So the next thing is to begin to applique the different fabric die cuts onto the pillow cover.
The kit directions for the actual stitches are far more detailed than the project directions and
include diagrams that are easy to follow to finish the different appliques.
So once I had finished all the stitches and appliques, I added some buttons to personalize the pillow cover to add a little more dimension to the finished project.
It is cotton and will wrinkle easily. However, I like the casual look of wrinkled cotton so this look totally works for me.
Overall, this would be an easy project to introduce someone to applique work and basic embroidery stitches. All the supplies are included (except the pillow) and the directions are very brief and simple to follow. It is also a great kit for short trips or just to do on a weekend. You can also add to it by adding buttons, stones, ribbons, etc.
Overall, this would be an easy project to introduce someone to applique work and basic embroidery stitches. All the supplies are included (except the pillow) and the directions are very brief and simple to follow. It is also a great kit for short trips or just to do on a weekend. You can also add to it by adding buttons, stones, ribbons, etc.
Tips:
- Always keep the color picture, you can use it as reference, just in case the diagrams do not make sense to you.
- Utilize the color coded card that is included in this kit to perfectly match the colors to the diagrams.
- Place all the parts in a ziplock for an easy and inexpensive traveling kit. Just grab it and you have something to work on when the opportunity presents itself.
For other kits by Dimensions, check out Amazon.
