I can't wait to try this pattern! He is from a pattern packet that my grandma had. I don't know how old this pattern is, but it is on one huge sheet of paper and the individual pattern pieces have not been cut. I think I will scan this and work from a copy so that I can keep the pattern sheet as is: 
In the same envelope, there is a pattern for a large cat - those pieces have all been cut out. I would love to make the cat too! 
She also had these embroidery pattern transfers - there is an Aunt Martha "pillow slips" transfer, a Walker's Old Mexico and a Walker's Initials for Monograms. 
There is also this beautiful needle package - I just LOVE the graphics on this:
here is a nice close up view:
and an even closer view:
The double knot stitch is the latest stitch I have learned from 
Next, bring your needle back below the stitching line and make sure the working floss is coming around to the right of your needle like this:
Now run your needle under the floss, again not piercing the fabric just going again under the stitch. Notice the needle tip - after it has passed under the stitch, make sure it goes over the working floss:
Pull all the way through and to the right to complete the double knot:
That is all there is to this stitch. To continue, you set up your next stitch to the right of your first knot:
Continue in the exact same way as the first stitch. I did the first couple of stitches really far apart so that my demonstration would be easy to see. However, I really like the look of the stitching line when the knots are closer together. I would space them more like this:
Just continue forming the stitches in a line at your preferred spacing until you have a beautiful line of stitching:
Perfect for outlining any shape!
This stitch leaves a very nice and neat underside as well:
Not only is the pink color beautiful, but so is the texture. You can see the shine:
This gorgeous pink floss is satin floss - DMC #S899. I am using this floss on this valentine key embroidery
so much that I used it on all three keys!
This floss is really silky and slippery and takes a little practice and patience to use. I think it is well worth the effort for the beautiful results.
By using the checkered chain stitch - the latest stitch I have learned from 
Fun and very easy. I love the way that it works outlining this 
To stitch the checkered chain stitch, you will need two contrasting colored threads. For my demonstration, I used red and blue:
You only need one needle, which you thread with both floss threads. Knot them together at the other end:
Come up through your fabric:
Now take a stitch, just like you are setting up a regular chain stitch:
but now the special part of this stitch. Only one colored thread goes under the needle. The other color just lays on top:
Now set up for the second stitch just like you would a regular chain stitch:
Bring your needle through just like a regular chain stitch:
But now...bring the other color under the needle and let the first color lay on the top. Here are two views:
pull through to complete the second stitch:
Now set up for the third stitch and this time the first color goes under the needle again and the second color lays on top:
Pull all the way through:
and you are on your way to doing the checkered chain stitch!
Here is a picture of the underside of my fabric: this fun stitch looks nice on either side of the fabric!
I have sketched this simple diagram to show the size and layout. This sketch shows the five eight by eight inch squares that will each have a different embroidered snowman:
I have two of the snowmen stitched up and ready to go and I have started on a third. I have transferred the patterns of the remaining two onto fabric so they are ready to stitch. The rest of the squares will be four by four inch. I am also going to stitch some of the embellishment patterns onto some of these random squares. The four by four squares will all be in these fabrics - the red and white polka dot, powder blue and red:
I hope this works out! I love the color scheme and I am excited to start the sewing squares together part of the quilt! When everyone is sewn together, I think I will add some decorative embroidery stitches too. I will keep the blog posted on my progress!
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