What I Should Be Doing Instead of Blogging Right Now
PLEASE DON’T LET ME LOSE YOU HERE. Some of you just read the word embroider & almost took off running like your hair was on fire to the next post on your list of favorite blogs. You CAN embroider. Even without a machine. It’s actually really easy & I think you’ll love the results if you just give it a try. This tablecloth makes a great wedding gift or housewarming gift or a gift for anyone who likes to entertain. If I had thought of it sooner, I would have posted this several weeks ago so some of you might have been able to make one for someone for Christmas. However, this is kind-of a lengthy project, so unless you do have an awesome embroidery machine or you’re snowed in somewhere with nothing to do between now & Christmas, I’d recommend giving your BFF something that takes less time.So here’s all you need:*A white bed sheet big enough to cover your table (You can even choose to make a table runner or a table “scarf” to just cover part of your table). And yes, it needs to be white. Or at least ivory.*A sharp pencil*A sewing needle (not too small of an eye)*A large embroidery hoop*Several skeins of embroidery floss (You know the kind they sell at Wal-mart. It comes in a blue million colors for like .25 each)* A pattern of your chosen quote that you print from your computer.The first step will be to choose your favorite quote about friends. The ones I’ve done in the past are:
Now you’re ready to start the embroidery. I use a satin stitch for this project. Here is a diagram I borrowed from Martha Stewart with some simple instructions.
Satin Stitch
Made at an angle or straight across, these side-by-side stitches known as the satin stitch fill in the outlines of a design that incorporates shape or width. Insert needle from wrong to right side, coming out at 1. Insert needle at 2, and pull it back through at 3, right next to 1. Keep the stitches tight and flat to ensure a smooth finish.
When preparing to do this stitch, I recommend cutting a length of embroidery floss approximately 18″ long. First, separate each of the 6 strands, then take 3 of the strands, line them up, smooth them together & thread them through the needle.Whew! Still with me? Typing all this out makes it seem hard, but seriously, it’s not. To begin, you need to place your embroidery hoop over the area where you plan to start. Doing this will make you feel a little Grandma-esque, but keep going. It’ll be fine.Now you can start embroidering your phrase, following the simple guide above. As you finish one section, move your hoop to another until you’re done!
The instructions for the backstitch are below. I use this stitch for the names & dates. 
Backstitch
The backstitch is the easiest embroidery stitch. Insert needle from wrong side of fabric, coming out at 1. Insert needle at 2, pull back out at 3, and pull thread tight. Insert needle again at 1, and pull it out past 3 at a distance equal to length of the previous stitches. This is the first step for the next stitch; insert needle into 3, and continue.
Here are a few pics of my old tablecloth from my previous house. On this one, I used a lot of different colors for the different names.
You’ll be amazed at how the embroidery stays true to the original writing!
Here’s the signature of John Phillips, the Bible Commentary author, when he came to our house for dinner:
And here’s the one of President George Bush. What? You can’t see it on this pic?
I should have waited until mine was finished to post this, but I thought someone out there may be looking for a project to do over the holidays. And now I’m going to go sit by the tree & listen to Christmas music & see if I can finish mine!

December 18, 2009 @ 8:27 pm
Love this, Jule! I am sure you make it look easier than it really is! Maybe I'll give it a whirl…
December 19, 2009 @ 1:45 am
yep, I love it, too. Wish I had time to do this for Christmas gifts! Oh well, there's always next year.