Thanksgiving Napkins

We use cloth napkins in our house (and cloth diapers too!).  We have a small collection of handmade napkins and a few that were gifts. 

(Here is where I refused to show a photo of our slightly stained napkins!)

While setting the table for Thanksgiving I noticed that I didn't have any fall/harvest themed napkins.  I wanted to make some napkins we could double as everyday napkins.  So... off I trotted to Target and picked up some plain green napkins.  I decided to embellish them with some simple hand embroidery.  

It's a perfect TV sewing project.  I like to embroider while watching Glee, The Office, or Parenthood!

I drew the design and transferred it with some carbon paper.  I used a running stitch so each napkin takes only about 15 minutes to sew. 

I used a variety of pretty colored embroidery flosses...

and finished my napkins just in time for Thanksgiving.  Our silverware is nicely tucked inside each napkin.

Because they're a bright grass green color - I think they will grace our table for Christmas and Easter too!

This would make a great holiday gift - it's always nice to have a few extra napkins around!

Embroidery Hoop Nursery Decor

I'm so excited to share some nursery decor a la cheap!  My favorite source of inspiration is Apartment Therapy - OhDeeDoh.  I drew the color palette for Lucy's room from this nursery featured last year.   It's so sweet and I LOVE the yellow crib.

Here is a close up of their embroidery hoop art.  So cute AND affordable!

The embroidery hoop art is catching on - like this one:

Or those circles in the corner:

Or behind this lovely yellow chair:

So I decided to use some of my favorite fabrics and make my own!  

It was very easy and I got all of the embroidery hoops at a local thrift store for a total of $3.50!

What I love most is that the fabrics are so easy to change and the whole project is sewing, glue, and staple free!  You just lay the fabric over the hoop and tighten!

Stay tuned for a tutorial on Embroidered Linen Nursery Art coming soon!  It's super easy AND might become my go-to-shower gift idea (besides burp cloths and a cute dress).