wearable embroidery by Helen

Following my recent post on embroidery on clothing, I was contacted by one of this blog’s regular readers, Helen. Helen has embroidered many pieces of clothing and enjoys wearing her embroidery. She sent me some photos of her creations, which she has kindly given permission for me to share with you.

Helen: “Embroidery is what I do; embroidery is me. I would wear my thimble to bed and take a needle and stitch the sheets during my sleep if only the gorgeous man I have lived with for the last 45 years did not complain, but alas he prevents me from being a completely obsessive lunatic. He’s worth his weight in gold.”

Following is a selection of Helen’s work. She’s very kindly included details of where she has sourced the designs. Helen is a nurse by profession, so enjoys using other people’s designs rather than creating her own, though she is not afraid to adapt when necessary!

Glamour Girls waistcoat: designed by Sue Thompson of NZ.

Jacobean waistcoat: from a bag in an old Embroidery and Cross Stitch magazine. This was one of Helen’s first attempts at Jacobean embroidery, about 8 years ago. Helen personalised the design by adding the bee, ladybird and butterfly.

Frivolous Scarf: This design is by Nikki Delport Wepener, and was from a class that Helen took at Koala Conventions. The scarf was fun to make and has been much admired.

Chook Cardigan: This cardigan embroidered was for one of Helen’s grand-daughters. It was much loved, and has since been passed on to the next grand-daughter who also loves wearing it! The chooks were from a design in Inspirations magazine.

Red flower jacket: This is another design from Sue Thompson. When Helen saw the jacket in her local shop, she knew just what she could do with it!

Thanks so much to Helen for kindly allowing me to share these photos of your gorgeous embroidery with the White Threads readers. It has been very inspiring!

Perhaps you also have embroidered clothing that you’d like to share with White Thread readers? Just email me as I’d love to hear from you. 🙂