I bought a sweatshirt on sale at Target and decided to use it as a new sampler background. The sweatshirt had some pencil lines, "New York", and bits of color on it to start, but it looked more like I had spilled Kool Aid on it than an intentional design. I took it as an excuse to stitch away. Here's a better look so you can see what I'm talking about.
I'm going to try to show some restraint and stop stitching on it now, but it's not easy when you are addicted to adding bits and bobs. Off to find a sweater, or apron, or birdcage cover or a skirt to stitch on...oh, the possiblitlies are endless, aren't they? And, in case you were wondering, it's already been through the wash too and came out A-ok.
That's such a great idea. This would also be a great thing to try out with thrift shop finds that maybe aren't in pristine condition and could use some sprucing up.
Posted by: lisa h. | May 30, 2009 at 06:18 PM
LOVE IT! Especially since when you're finished there's a real application for it, to wear it and look so adorable!
Posted by: Karen B | May 30, 2009 at 06:26 PM
Too Kool...you spruce up a shirt that some might think to throw away and you turn it into a work of art...I love the little cherries, & the daisy like flowers..I can see how it might be an addictive craft that you can put down...I might have to try this myself...thanks Pam for the inspiration & for showing us your masterpiece in progress...have a honey of a night - sweet dreams! Grace & Peace 2 "U" Marlene :O)
Posted by: Marlene Haveron | May 30, 2009 at 07:46 PM
How fun!! Very creative idea and you did a great job!
Posted by: Julie | May 30, 2009 at 07:59 PM
Fabulous. I don't think you should restrain yourself at all!!
Posted by: Colette | May 30, 2009 at 08:02 PM
C-U-T-E !
Posted by: Laurie Giberson (flickr "morningk") | May 30, 2009 at 10:26 PM
That is gorgeous! Well done! It looks superb.
Posted by: Woollywotnots | May 31, 2009 at 03:40 AM
Oh how fabulous it is looking. Can't wait to see what else you put on it
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | May 31, 2009 at 05:50 AM
Every time I stop into your blog for inspiration, you never fail me. Your work and endless creativity amazes me! :) I don't comment very often but I've really been enjoying all of your stitching projects.
~ Jennifer
Posted by: ~ Junkyard Jennifer | May 31, 2009 at 09:39 AM
Love your sweet stitches!!:) What a great project...I have an old grey sweatshirt I would love to try my hand at...I love all your samplers of the stitches..you have such a wonderful way of combining color and patterns that is so magical. Thanks so much for always openly sharing your ideas...:)
hugs, Amy
Posted by: Amy Dabbs | May 31, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Gorgeous! What a fantastic idea. Love your choice of stitches, too.
Posted by: Rebecca G. | May 31, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Really cute! You've motivated me to start one for my 14 yr old who LOVES hoodies. Hopefully I'll have it finished by the time school starts up again (O:
Posted by: Lisa | May 31, 2009 at 12:15 PM
omg, i just love this! I am so going to try this. So fun to show off in the end too!
Posted by: Candice Carpenter | May 31, 2009 at 01:44 PM
LOVE IT so cute!
what a great idea for really plain clothes found in thrift stores :)
Posted by: Jasmine | May 31, 2009 at 02:59 PM
This is such a good idea. My daughter can do this over the summer when school is out and she thinks she has to buy new clothes...she loves to stitch and is still too young for the sewing machine so giving her a needle, thread and bunches of buttons and lace is perfect. Thanks
Posted by: Jeanette Carlstrom | May 31, 2009 at 03:15 PM
Ab-FAB! I wanna BORROW IT!
Posted by: susan gilman | May 31, 2009 at 06:16 PM
2 thUmbs uP CuTe Girl!
~cOnNiE
Posted by: connie | May 31, 2009 at 10:23 PM
That is Sooooo CUTE!! I LOVE it!!!
Posted by: debi | May 31, 2009 at 10:33 PM
would it work on jeans?
Posted by: shawn | June 01, 2009 at 03:55 AM
oh don't stop..let's see how far you go with your beautiful stitches..
Posted by: bettyann | June 01, 2009 at 10:01 AM
oh my goodnes.. *clutching pearls* there is no way to stop is there..??
Posted by: grrl+dog | June 01, 2009 at 04:25 PM
I'm a lurker but I ALWAYS love your stuff. I WANT ONE!!!! I LINK TO YOU ALL THE TIME... You're JUST gorgeous! I'm totally going to learn how!
XOXOXOXOXOX
Posted by: lalanii | June 02, 2009 at 07:43 AM
I was at Pringle Hill and here I am just smiling at this sweet thing you have created!!!
What fun! Blessings.
Posted by: amy faldet | June 02, 2009 at 01:05 PM
I just happened upon your blog via creature comforts. You sure turned this sweatshirt into something unique and one of a kind. I like the bohemianess and feminity about it.
Posted by: Melissa A. | June 02, 2009 at 01:54 PM
You know Pam I have wanted to do this to so many of my clothes, especially ones that have little stains or rips here and there. Thank you so much for the inspiration! You truly do inspire me <3
Posted by: Modern Crush | June 03, 2009 at 12:42 PM
simply fantastic!!!!!
Posted by: Amanda Elizabeth | June 03, 2009 at 02:25 PM
I LOVE your stitching, Pam! You've inspired me to start a Sampler of my own.
HUGS to my first, and Best (well, only too, but Best anywhere I'm sure) Journal Teacher Ever!
Sheila
("Alum" Art Fest '07)
Posted by: Sheila at Halo Hill | June 03, 2009 at 09:07 PM
Hi Pam! LOVE this! Just wanted to let you know that I've started a Sampler and posted about it on my blog today. I just wanted you to know, since I'm talking about you!
Hugs,
Sheila
Posted by: Sheila at Halo Hill | June 06, 2009 at 12:03 PM
this is super-dooper cute! what a great way to make it look like you got it at an expensive botique. thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Kristin | June 17, 2009 at 07:23 PM
That's such a great idea. This would also be a great thing to try out with thrift shop finds that maybe aren't in pristine condition and could use some sprucing up.
Posted by: La Martina | May 30, 2010 at 03:27 PM
This is nice
Posted by: La Martina | May 30, 2010 at 03:30 PM
This is nice post
Posted by: La Martina | June 02, 2010 at 01:12 PM
I'm a lurker but I ALWAYS love your stuff. I WANT ONE!!!! I LINK TO YOU ALL THE TIME... You're JUST gorgeous! I'm totally going to learn how!
Posted by: La Martina | June 09, 2010 at 10:59 AM