An event with Sweet Pea Embroidery Australia

Sweet Pea Embroidery specialises in "in the Hoop" embroidery and examples of just some of the designs you can make are shown on this post.

What is " in the hoop" embroidery? Well, usually embroidery is done on a finished article or a part made blouse front for example, but with this method you are making an actual piece of work which is fully or partially completed in the embroidery hoop.
The designs are perfect for people who want to expand upon the normal activities done on an embroidery machine. You need to see it to believe it!


It is incredible to imagine that all of these designs were made on an ordinary domestic embroidery machine, even this soft toy.
Sweet Pea go to endless trouble to produce thoroughly detailed instructions so you can follow each step closely with words and photographs.



There are designs for all sorts of cases and purses as well as tote bags, sewing kits, and handbags

There are panels which can be used as table runners or wall hangings, quilts, table mats and coasters. Bunting, bibs, hats - the list goes on!



And do look at this, what child of any age would not be delighted with it?
One point which I found interesting is that Sweet Pea allow you to sell your finished designs, something which a lot of companies forbid.



There are such a lot of beautiful designs to choose from so do go to their web site and take a look Sweet Pea website
Don't forget to sign up for their mailing list too.
Sweet Pea recommend BROTHER sewing machines which is why Brother are accompanying them on the  tour


This bunny purse is so cute don't you think? One thing I find amazing - and you won't believe this - but the zip is inserted in the hoop by the embroidery machine!

There are a few free designs to try on their website and Facebook sites so there is no need to purchase a design initially. Be warned though, Sweet Pea designs are very addictive as I am finding out!



I have of course tried a couple of designs myself. This is a pillow. I used a good quality craft cotton, wadding and a stabiliser. It is vitally important that you take care to hoop your fabrics tightly because the fabric needs to stay taught in the loop. If you don't then there will be a lot of wrinkles around the embroidered areas.
The instructions tell you step by step how to prepare your fabrics.



The first thing which happens is that the embroidery machine sews around the outside of the design to hold all the layers together.
Then the outline of the hill is sewn and you then need to take the hoop out of the machine and place the fabric for the hill over the outline, put it back , stitch it in place and then trim the fabric before satin stitching the applique in place. Each piece is added in the same way.
It is a little bit fiddly but the results are really worth it. It is not difficult and once you get used to working differently you will work through the designs quickly. It is so pleasurable you won't want to leave your craft room!


This is my finished design. I was amazed to find that the embroidery machine sews the side panels on too, still in the hoop!
Once the design was finished all I needed to do was to add some lace trim and sew the backing on with my regular sewing machine.It was simple enough to then  stuff it and slipstitch the opening closed.



And this is my finished pillow. I have some more designs to work, and I'll let you know how they progress.

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