Some people experience nesting before a baby by feeling the urge to clean and reorganize everything. I wish I felt that way, honestly. It would be wonderful to have that “nesting” drive all the time and to effortlessly have a pristine and organized home. Not being the most enthusiastic cleaner, though, I have been nesting by thinking about small stitching projects I can do a tiny bit at a time for once our little bundle of joy makes his appearance.
I’ve been wanting to try embroidery and figure this may be the perfect time! I am hoping that by having some embroidery floss or thread and a ready-to-go hoop sitting on the table next to the glider, I will have a little creative outlet while nursing and rocking and nursing and rocking (with plenty of breaks to gaze in wonderment at my little boy).
Yes, I’ve been nesting. I bought the Color Wheel Sampler by Rebecca Ringquist of Dropcloth, and a couple of adorable needle minders made by Amanda from What the Bobbin (the little house is one of them!). Alex from Aurifil was kind enough to send me a collection of 12wt embroidery thread–the Splendor 1920 collection by Bari J–to get me started in my embroidery adventures. I’m already in love with the smooth, gorgeous thread and am looking forward to expanding my collection (and it just may encourage me to do some more hand quilting, or even try using 12wt thread with 50wt in the bobbin for machine quilting!).
I’ve been slowly learning the stitches and so far I’ve completed the herringbone stitch section on the color wheel. Embroidery is awfully fun, and quite relaxing.
The Bari J Splendor 1920 collection of 12wt Aurifil thread is such a gorgeous rainbow of silky thread. After using embroidery thread and perle cotton for my initial embroidery attempts, using this 12wt thread is a dream. I love that it doesn’t separate into strands, and it is silky smooth without being twisty like perle cotton. At first, I thought I might need to use two strands, but one strand ended up being ample to cover the guiding lines. I’m definitely looking forward to working 12wt thread into my quilting projects, too.
For those of you who are seasoned embroiderers, do you have any tips to share with a newbie?
I’m linking up with Monday Makers, Design Wall, and Molli Sparkles’ Sunday Stash, since these are all gorgeous additions to my stash that have not yet been shared, and it seems like this week’s stash theme is thread! As an added fun little tidbit, my baby boy has a good chance of sharing a birthday with Mr. Molli!!
Night Quilter 
That sounds like a lovely version of nesting. I’m 29 weeks pregnant (also with a boy) and I’m nesting by making a nest on the couch and crawling into it! I’m hoping to put together some hand quilting and piecing in case I can multitask but embroidery looks like a lot of fun too. I’ll have to take a look at those threads 🙂
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Nesting with embroidery sounds perfect 🙂 The cleaning nesting thing isn’t always as good as it sounds… at 39 weeks I foolishly decided to use the carpet shampooer machine… And within 20 mins my waters had broken and then I ended up with an emergency c-section…. But at least my carpets were sparkly clean when I returned home with my new baby!
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Wow, how cool that Alex sent you the 12wt sampler! It looks beautiful and so perfect for you (rainbow!). I hope it is a calm and relaxing way to pass time when you are not in awe of your new little. 🙂
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Hey, you are preaching to the choir! Nesting for me was finally learning how to knit. I must have knitted 30 baby wash cloths, practicing my stitches and little patterns… We still use them today. 🙂
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The aurifil looks gorgeous – such fabulous spring colours. I love sachiko – the gorgeous stitching on navy (usually) fabric. I think it would suit you too.
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Nothing better than rocking and nursing, rocking and nursing. So sweet. How much longer till your littlest is due to arrive? I’m excited for the gorgeous pictures that you will (hopefully) share with us!
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Oh, I had serious nesting issues with both of my boys, although I don’t think I could have enough hormones running in my body to make me want to clean ; ) What a fun project to have before your little one shows up. Just don’t forget the third and equally important part of the equation – nursing, rocking… sleeping!
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Am I allowed to nest if I’m not pregnant?? I love the idea of curling up on the sofa under a handmade quilt and doing a little hand embroidery, joy! I too love Aurifil for machine quilting, but haven’t tried their heavier weights yet… added to the to-do list!
Good luck with the little one, hope all goes well.
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I sew and crochet, but just picked up embroidery this past week to make a Mother’s Day gift (my grandmother taught me when I was little, but I’ve never used it). I found it awesomely relaxing (I have 3 kids, 4 yrs, 18 mo, and 6 mo) and this is far more de-stressing than sewing or crocheting. I want to embroider all day now! 🙂
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I was really looking forward to nesting – finishing up some craft projects once I finished work at 38 weeks pregnant. Unfortunately, my son had other plans, and I had him at 36 weeks. The day before I went into labour, I had my baby shower and was given ‘What to knit when you’re expecting’. Needless to say, nothing was knitted. I’m looking forward to knitting something should the occasion arise! Embroidery is a lovely way to nest. Good luck with it all.
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I think needlework is a great medium for showing children they are loved. Each stitch is worked with happy thoughts and blessings for their life ahead. I’m working on a piece for my goddaughter right now, and it’s quite enjoyable!
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What a great idea to find sweet little handworked projects for after your little guy arrives. Kitty, I have no tips, being a newbie myself, but want to thank you for the “heads up” about that gorgeous 12wt Aurifil.
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Beautiful threads and embroidery. Enjoy this time nesting, it goes so quickly. I, woo plan to look into those 12wt threads! Thanks for sharing!
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Enjoy the nesting energy! You will have a very busy life post birth. Love your project – the colors of the thread are beautiful and your stitchery project looks so fun!
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never not making-a disease we both share. lovely nesting 🙂
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This is so pretty it makes me want to abandon my current embroidery project and get this to stitch on!
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How great that Alex sent you a sample box!! Lucky you! Your stitching looks great! I have done lots of embroidery when I was younger LOLL like 18-19-20 and i love it so much!! Hope your baby arrives safe and sound ❤
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That sounds like my kind of nesting! I love that pattern you’re stitching, it looks like a good way to learn a few stitches too. I’ve never tried the Aurifil 12wt, but then I have a huge collection of Perle and DMC stranded cotton so I’m not really in the market at the minute!
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I did a little bit of embroidery for my recent Love of Sewing BOM… and surprised myself with how much I enjoyed it. But I’m scared to take up another crafty hobby. I’m not sure my studio can hold more supplies. That Aurifil looks lovely indeed!
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