My family has had a Mahjong set for as long as I can remember. My Dad bought it back from a trip when we were kids and so we have been playing it as a family for ages (Although to be honest, I might of been mostly interested in the pictures on the flower pots and season tiles until I was in middle school..)

My sister especially likes to play. So when I saw the pattern in Embroidered Effects for a table runner I knew I had to make it for her.

I bought a simple plain white table square and arranged the pattern pieces so there was a tile in each corner, the "Mahjong" piece in the middle of each edge with the "wind" on each side. The book only came with 3 different tiles, so for a fourth one I cut the center of the tile out (the part with the pattern) and hand drew a green dragon tile on it (as best as I could)

I used nice bright primary colors for the stitching, and used only basic stitches (running, back, and french knots) I love how it turned out. I left the center open so if she wants to use the cloth while playing the embroidery will not interfere. 

Christmas Countdown Day 6!

I have had this idea in the back of my head for a while. I think almost since I saw this pattern from Sublime Stitching, and then when I found the silk lame braid by rainbow gallery I knew it. 

I gathered up a bunch of wooden hoops I found at thrift shops and arranged them in a row and cut out all the ornaments and played with the layout. When I was happy I got some plain white cotton, ironed some interfacing on the back (to help it hold it’s shape) and then transferred the pattern.

I stitched it all with the silk lame, mostly in back stitch with satin stitch and french knots for details.

Once that was done I pressed the pieces again and then centered (just by eye) the pattern in the hoop. Trimmed about an inch away from the edge and then, using button hole thread and a basic running stitch I sewed around the edge. I pulled the fabric in tight and knotted it to hold the piece in the hoop.

I used fuchsia ribbon to attach each hoop to the next. And then tied a long loop to the top hoop. It goes over the top of the door and hangs off a hook on the back.

I love it! Bright cheery colors, the slight sine of the silk and the sparkle of the metallic bits. Very Festive.