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Little Lambkins

March 31, 2026

Someone inquired recently about this adorable little lamb pattern that used to be available from a link on my original blog. So, with spring on the wing, it seems like a good time to revisit this again so here it is along with a snippet from my blog archives.

Posted April 2006: Last week we were driving through the countryside passing farms and rolling green fields; lambing season ended a few weeks ago and the ewes and lambs have been sent out to pasture, some of them only a few days old, but already romping in the grass and kicking up their heels the way young animals do in springtime. SO adorable to see.

Speaking of little lambs, I was going though some old patterns recently and found these hand-traced pattern pieces--for a lamb, tucked inside this old Simplicity envelope. I have no idea how old this is or who traced it, but these pattern pieces were well worn and full of pin-holes as if used many times. A clue to it's cuteness perhaps? I decided to find out. I omitted the seams and cut the pieces out of an old wool blanket I'd found in a thrift shop and stitched them together. It turned out quite adorable! Eventually, I made another one from fabric and was so pleased with these that I had to share them because I knew you would want to make them too.


You can find the Little Lambkin pattern in the FREE STUFF section. It was also featured in my first indie book BLANKET STATEMENT: One Thrifted Wool Blanket Repurposed into 40+ Projects, c.2008. (This book is currently out-of-print; used copies are sometimes available on Amazon).



Small Details

March 23, 2026

I get so excited when I find these little gems in unexpected places, like this little bunny. It had been hiding in a box for many years along with other old snippets and sheets of transfer patterns that had become separated from their envelopes.

Fortunately, it had enough identifiable information so that I was able to track down its origin: McCall's 1657 dating back to the 1950's for "Baby Clothes to fit the Tiny Tears doll". Looking closer, I see there are two motifs to embroider on dolly's outfits. How cute is this? Just looking at this makes me happy. Hope it does the same for you. Enjoy!


Stitched From the Heart

February 04, 2026

These sweetheart sachets are from my book, Embroidery Craft: Stitching through the Seasons (2010). They were featured as a winter project because they make lovely gift tokens for Valentine's Day. Little "conversation hearts" without the calories. Also a simple stitching project for beginners. And they are just fun to make!

The patterns can be traced from my book, purchased as a nifty hot-iron transfer pattern that's available here or you could easily make your own with personalized messages. Just be sure to add a 1/4" seam allowance and keep your design image within it. For the record, the pattern (below) was featured as a FREE-WITH-PURCHASE iron-on transfer and is still available as the February motif in the 2021 BONUS Collection.


BASIC DIRECTIONS:


1. Cut out the test pattern--leaving a margin of paper for pinning. Cut out a small piece of practice cloth. Set iron to Medium-High. Do not use steam. The transfer ink may go through the fabric and is fairly permanent, so cover the ironing surface with an old dish towel or a single layer of heavy paper like a brown grocery bag.


2. Place the test-transfer on the right side of your fabric scrap and place a pin in the margin away from the transfer lines. (If the paper slides the lines may be blurred.) Place the hot iron on the transfer for several seconds, taking care not to scorch. Check progress; leaving the pin in place, gently lift one corner to check that all the lines have transferred. If the image is too light or places have been missed, carefully replace the transfer, matching up the lines, and stamp again.


3. Make sure to stamp the heart sachet pattern on a piece of cloth that is large enough to fit inside your embroidery hoop. For the plain heart, stamp it first, then stamp the desired motif in the middle, keeping out of the seam allowance. Plain linen, cotton muslin or another natural light-weight fabric will do.


4. Work all the embroidery before cutting the heart-shapes out. Separate 6-strand cotton embroidery floss into 3 strands for the embroidery. Basic stitches are used. Use outline or back stitches for lines; lazy daisy for leaves and flower petals; and satin stitch for filling in areas.

5. Cut a 6-inch square of plain or print fabric for the backing. Place the right-sides together and pin in the center. Stitch all around heart using a 1/4" seam allowance and leaving a 1-1/2" opening on the side for turning. Trim the backing evenly to match the edges of the heart. Clip curves up to the stitch line. Turn right-side out and press from the back. Fill with potpourri or stuff with small scraps of quilt batting or cotton balls. Tuck the raw edges inside and stitch up the opening by hand with matching colored thread.