Happy 4th of July! I can't believe we are already celebrating the red, white and blue. This is one of my favorite holidays because of the family celebrations I remember with our family on the farm in New York. We would get together at the cottage on the lake and swim or fish...a little canoeing happened too. A great picnic with potato salad (my favorite), rhubarb pie, and Grandma Brown's baked beans (thick and sweet). We finished the night with fireworks over the water and a drive to the town firework show. Lots of laughter and tons of fireflies....oh summer!
Those memories of my summers at the lake with family are about as simple as you could imagine. I think if we could film them in the Kodachrome colors they would be called pure Americana. I feel lucky and very blessed to have the heritage I have and to remember my ancestors who came as pilgrims, Palentines's and immigrants to this country because they had a hope of something better for themselves and their posterity. It was their gift to us that we can be free.
I created this hoop-art embroidery Tis a Gift to Be Free as a free downloadable pattern for you to stitch an enjoy. The words come from an old Shaker hymn, which happens to be one of my favorite songs to play and sing. The materials for this project are super simple to pick up.
1. Click on image below and enlarge to the size you want. Print on home printer on paper or if you are using the Sulky Paper Sulvy, print the design off onto the paper.
2. Transfer design onto fabric using a Frixion Pen and a light table OR trim the Sulky Paper sheet to the desired size and stick to fabric.
3. Layer the fabric onto the cotton batting and place in hoop. Remember to tighten the screws and stretch the fabric to be "drum tight".
4. Begin Stitching...
Ecru - Back Stitch all lettering. Star Stitch three stars.
#3820 - Back Stitch flagpole, star, beehive, and Cross Stitch x's inside hive.
#321 - Back Stitch lines on flag. Star Stitch two stars.
#799 - Back Stitch square inside flag and Cross Stitch "stars" inside. Star stitch three stars.
5. If using the Sulky Paper Sulvy, lightly rinse transfer away with cool water. Let dry. If using a Frixion pen, steam the lines off and let cool.
6. Stretch back into hoop and enjoy! Remember we now have our Hoop Art Box Frames that would be darling to display this stitch in.
We hope you have a great time with your family and friends and thank your stars for the gift of freedom. Happy Independence Day!!!
