A Tender Year: May Embroidery Pattern

The past few years have challenged us in ways I couldn't have imagined. I find myself focused on the simple, steady pleasures of my home and family. In May in the Pacific Northwest, the lilacs have just about finished and everything is very green. I designed this little vignette to celebrate these sweet parts of our ever-changing days.

Finished size of design area: To fit a 5" x 7" (13cm x 18cm) stretched canvas

You will need:

• One 11" x 13" (28cm x 33cm) piece of Kona cotton in Pond
  
• DMC 6-ply cotton embroidery flosses
  
• One 5" x 7" (13cm x 18cm) stretched canvas
• One scant 5" x 7" (13cm x 18cm) piece of wool-rayon felt for backing
• Short thumbtacks
• Fabric glue
• Picture hanger
• #5 sharp needle(s) for embroidery
• Embroidery scissors
• 4" (10cm) embroidery hoop (for stitching)
• Fine-tipped water-soluble marking pen

This pattern includes:

• Stitching instructions
  
• Illustrated stitch tutorial for special stitches
• Black and white line drawing for tracing

Please click here for a tutorial on how I wrap my embroidery around a canvas.