Book Blog Hop- Retro Stitchery by Beverly McCullough

Today I have the privilege of sharing this project that I made using Bev McCullough's new book- Retro Stitchery- as part of her Book Blog Hop!  In case you don't know about Bev, you can find her website at Flamingo Toes.  She makes gorgeous projects, writes beautiful quilt, embroidery, and cross stitch patterns, designs the prettiest fabric, and so much more.  You can find here on Instagram @flamingotoes.

Back to her new book!  It has 13 embroidery patterns and are so fun and versatile.  Here is a look at the cover-

You can buy Bev's book in her shop- HERE- among other places, like Martingale, Amazon, Fat Quarter Shop, local quilt shops, and more.

Bev has organized a line up of wonderful makers who are each making a project from Retro Stitchery and sharing what they make.  I'm so lucky to be one of them!  Here is the schedule so that you can follow along on the project tour-

RETRO STITCHERY BOOK BLOG HOP

• March 24 – Mollie Johanson – Wild Olive
• March 31 –  Jennifer Long – Bee Sew Inspired
• April 7 –  Andy Knowlton – A Bright Corner
• April 14 –  Melanie Call – A Bit of Scrap Stuff
• April 21 –  Amy Smart – Diary of a Quilter
• April 28 –  Amy Chappell – Ameroonie Designs
• May 5 –  Jessica Dayon – Jessica Dayon
• May 12 –  Sarah Sheen – What Saysie Makes
• May 19 –  Stephanie Woodson – Swoodson Says
• May 26 –  Jessica Anderson – Cutesy Crafts
• June 2 –  Amista Baker – Amista Baker
• June 9 –  Jen Van Orman – Heritage Threads
• June 16 –  Lauren Wright – Molly and Mama
• June 23 –  Amanda Cotton – Sewing Cotton, Riley Blake Designs Blog
• June 30 –  Aurifil – Aurifil Blog

There were so many designs to chose from but in the end, I decided on Daily Priorities.  I just thought is suited me perfectly!  Here is what the design in the book looks like-

Here is my version of it

I had so much fun stitching this!  The design was easily transferred from the book to my fabric.  I used a Frixion pen and a light box to do that part.  I had such fun choosing the colors of embroidery floss and I'm happy with how it turned out!  I'm not very practiced at all of the stitches but the book has good instructions for each stitch so don't hesitate if you are new to embroidery.  You'll be able to make the projects in Bev's book by following her tips and instructions.

Once I was finished with the embroidery design, I decided to make it into an organizer for my hand work.  I love the fact that I'm going to be able to carry this with me and use it daily.

I went off the cuff and made this pattern up as I went so there is no pattern currently for the booklet organizer but if there is interest, I can work on it for the future.

The cover showcases the Daily Priorities embroidery pattern from Bev's book.  Then on the inside, I have some storage for hand work projects.

The inside cover and first page look like this-

Then next pages look like this-

The last two pages-

And finally, the back cover-

I used my long hoarded Lori Holt prints and scraps for this project and it was utterly joyful to actually use them.  I struggle with using fabric I love because I worry that I'll use it and then wish I used it for something different down the line sometime.  I'm trying to interrupt that type of thinking and make myself sew with my favorite fabrics all the time.  I sure am glad I used them here so I can enjoy looking at them daily while using this organizer.  And, the embroidery on the front makes this project even more special to me.

Thank you for following along with me!  I hope I inspired you to get a copy of Bev's book- Retro Stitchery- and do some embroidery of your own!  I think you'll have such a blast!

Talk to you soon,


Jessica