Whenever I go on holiday, I always pack a little stitching to do, as we were away for nearly four weeks this time I took several projects, a cross-stitch kit and also two pre-printed embroidery panels. The panels proved great for the trip as all I needed was a bag of threads, no pattern to fiddle with on an airplane or to blow away on a breezy ships deck.
The first project was the embroidery to go on the lid of a sewing box. It’s a kit I bought at the Knitting and Stitching Show last autumn by Sew Enchanting. You could buy a kit which included everything to make the box but I decided to just get one with the embroidered panel and instructions. I’ve just googled it and it’s available at Craft and Create at the moment.
I took a selection of DMC threads with me, both plain and variegated ones – I do like a variegated thread! I varied the stitches slightly from the instructions – instead of detached chain stitch for the leaves, I used fishbone stitch. I felt if I used chain-stitch the chances of me covering the printed lines were slight…and I like fishbone stitch for leaves. Otherwise it’s mainly back-stitch and French knots.
It’s about 10″ diameter, it’s going to be made into a zipped drum shaped fabric basket using bosal to stiffen it. I’m thinking of using a batik fabric for the outside which has blues, greens and purples in, I need something fairly practical as it’s going to live next to my chair in the lounge for when I’m sewing in front of the TV. I need to buy a 36″ double ended zip and also check I have enough bosal in my stash. The box in the pattern is plain inside but I am tempted to put pockets round the sides inside the box, it helps keep little things like threads or embroidery scissors tidy.
So this is the finished top…
I finished it midway through the cruise, I’m pleased with it, it’s a cute design and it has lots of happy memories stitched into it too.
I’ll be linking up with Kathy’s Quilts tomorrow for Slow Stitching Sunday, please follow the link to see what everyone else has been stitching.
thecraftycreek 
Gorgeous and lovely use of the variegated threads. Lovely reminder of your hols too
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Thanks Jane, I do like a variegated thread 🙂
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It’s so pretty, perfect for the top of a sewing box. Happy stitching!
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Thank you, hopefully it will be well used.
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What a great topper for a sewing box! Love! 🙂
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Thank you.
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I love variegated embroidery threads, too. Your finished sewing box pretty is gorgeous.
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Thanks Kim, I’m pleased with how it’s come out
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It’s lovely and I’m so impressed that you managed to get it finished whilst on holiday, what a lovely reminder of your trip.
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Thank you, with 4 long flights I had plenty of sewing time!
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Your posts always leave me a bit breathless at your industry and ingenuity. A beautiful top for what sounds like a rolls royce of a sewing box.
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Thanks, I just need to get it made up now.
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That’s going to be a lovely size.
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It looks quite a practical size for a work basket.
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This is so pretty. I like your idea of pockets for the interior. I am always looking for items with pockets or cubby holes for my craft projects.
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The embroidery is so pretty! Maybe next Sunday we’ll see the finished box? Happy stitching!
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Beautiful stitching, I love the project.
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What a gorgeous design, just the thing for your bits and bobs. I’m looking forward to seeing your finished bag, guess that will take you a wee while. Where did your cruise take you to?
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Hi Jenny, our cruise went from Sydney then round New Zealand and back to Sydney, we had a great time.
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