Rookie

Ava’s jacket

For the back of my jacket, I wanted to embroider a separate piece of tie-dyed fabric, which I would then affix with safety pins. I started off by pinching the center of the fabric and twisting it into a coil. Then I just tied some elastic bands around it. Follow the directions on the dye packet, then let the fabric soak in the solution. I let mine soak for about 45 minutes.

Once the fabric dried, I drew my rocking-horse design in pencil on the fabric. Here it helps to have previous embroidery experience, but the backstitch is pretty easy to learn. I used it to create a continuous line, and I added details, like sequin flowers, to the hair. The embroidery hoop you see below helped keep the fabric taut while I sewed.

For the collar I used some lace fabric that I bought at a thrift store. Fabric stores often have discount baskets for smaller swatches; otherwise, I recommend doilies or tablecloths. I cut the lace in half and pinned it to the jacket collar. (It helps to pin before you stitch to prevent mistakes.) For detail, I sewed an assortment of sequins into the lace. I did the same for the inside of the cuff.

I bought a couple of coin purses from the junk shop and used these for the elbow pads by turning them inside out, unpicking the stitches, and cutting them into the shape of elbow pads.

All done!