I’ve never been able to get into embroidery. Which is particularly funny considering how a couple years ago I decided I wanted to learn how and so in true Erin style I dived right in, bought a hoop, needles, special scissors, a rainbow of DMC floss colors, and a handy carrying case to keep all my embroidery supplies in…all before I had tried one stitch. I am crazy like that.
I tried to do a couple things over the years but couldn’t really get excited about anything. That is until I came across a free vintage pattern I found on the internets. (The pattern takes a few clicks to get to and is part of a multi-page vintage embroidery booklet but I found the pattern here.)
I was really excited about this project but then became daunted by the idea of transferring the pattern from paper to fabric. So, I put it aside and the project stalled until last weekend when I needed a distraction from my current project and so I figured out what I needed to do and got to work.
A week later…
I am in love.
As you may or may not know, peacocks are male. Mine is named Arnold. I think he is very regal looking. See what I mean?
My favorite part of the embroidery is the feathers. I used only one strand of floss (as opposed to the two stands I used for the rest of the project) to give them a light feather-like feel. I also love the gold floss.
For the most part this was a fairly simple embroidery. I only used back stitch and french knots. It was an easy beginner project but so satisfying because the end result looks more advanced. And just in case you are wondering, embroidery = super fun + really easy. Perhaps my embroidery supplies investment wasn’t such a crazy idea after all.
Okay, I need to know where you got this pattern. I’ve been on an embroidering kick for a while and would love to try that one out!
And I feel you on the transferring – it’s the worst.
Arnold, you are fabulous!
I just ordered an embroidery book this past week and you have given me hope that I can get through the learning process! Arnold turned out so well.
LOVE! I’ve been embroidering lucha libre handkerchiefs for Ryan (who thinks I’m completely weird) and it’s tons of fun! This is beautiful!
I’m a total transfer cheater. I usually just trace with a pencil.
It is a beautiful peacock and you are a great salesperson for embroidery.
I’ve been stuck at the pattern-transfer stage for months. I really ought to push on.
I tend to do the same thing when it comes to new projects. When I discovered screenprinting I went all in despite the fact I had no idea what I planned on screenprinting.
Love your finished project. I makes me want to dig out my own embroidery projects.
Gorgeous! You are so talented at everything you try!!
I think I love you, Arnold! What will your future hold?
Arnold is lovely! Please share the pattern source.
Nice work. And seriously, you excel at everything you try. You are amazing.
Wow, that looks amazing!
Beautifully executed and well thought out piece of embroidery! I think about going back to embroidery and needlepoint, but I’m too immersed in knitting. Thank you for sharing your many talents!
Great job! Of course.
He’s fantastic. I need to dig up my supplies – like you I collected everything necessary and then stalled. I’ll echo another commenter, too – where did you find this pattern? Love it.
That’s lovely & it looks rather vintage-y, too. Well done, but please share the link!
wow,t hat is utterly beautiful!! looks amazing.
I freakin love it! Arnold is very regal. Funnily enough, I opened my stash of embroidery patterns recently, and I’m working on a couple of projects. It’s a fun diversion from my routine, and I’m glad you thought so, too.
That is gorgeous! I can’t believe that is your first embroidery project. Amazing! It looks so intimidating. You really did a beautiful job.
Very impressive and what a beautiful pattern!
I started an embroidery project a while ago and I was so gung-ho. Then it fizzled. You have inspired me to get back to it. Arnold is gorgeous. I absolutely love the color. You are a true artiste!
stunning.
just stunning.
gorgeous! What did you do with it?
So pretty! Best use of French knits ever!
Really good. I’m looking for new crafty ideas to take up and never thought of embroidery until now………
That is so pretty. Thank you for sharing. I think Arnold will have a family sprouting up very quickly.
I am very impressed! I would not give up on your new hobby
B-eautiful! what is this going to become…a picture, a pillow or what?
I’m with Jo — will Arnold become a cool pillow for your sofa, or a wallhanging, or something else? It looks awesome!
Do you have a next project in mind?
you are ridiculously talented.
just so you know.
GORGEOUS!! “Crazy Erin” sounds a whole lot like “Crazy Margaux” too.
Wow! That is wonderful.
beautiful! He is quite beautiful! great job! I used to do counted cross stitch and attempted embroidery a few times but french knots never turned out the way they where supposed too.
Oooh! He is gorgey!
Whoa, Erin! That is so impressive! I like emroidery, too. And I did the same thing, went out and bought a ton of stuff before even doing a stitch!
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Hi, I am so impressed by your peacock embroidery and it is really inspiring.Thanks for the description and it is so wonderful..
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