Friday, January 23, 2009

Silk Ribbon Embroidery

I had mentioned earlier in the week that I had done some silk ribbon embroidery in the past. Here is some of my work. I added the embroidery to two stretch velvet shirts I had purchased. I did the embroidery at the neckline and at the wrist of each sleeve.I also added some seed pearl beads which you really can't see in these photos. Believe it or not, these shirts have been through the washer and dryer many, many times! I'm amazed at how well the silk ribbon holds up.
I taught myself how to do this after I saw a beautiful piece in a quilt store while shopping with my mom. I still remember how amazed I was when I first saw it! I could not believe that you could embroider with silk ribbon...it just didn't seem like you would be able to pull ribbon through a piece of fabric! My mom assured me that it wasn't that hard to do. I already knew how to do basic embroidery because I had taken every sewing, craft, and Home Economics class that was available to me in Jr. High and High School and my mom had also taught me some things. I bought myself a silk ribbon embroidery book and went for it! It's so much fun...I would like to do some more of this some day! I sure wish I had more time to do everything that I love to do!
Update: These were done about 10 years ago!

66 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2009 10:17 AM

    Wow, that is so pretty, Cindy! I had never even heard of silk ribbon embroidery before. You are multi-talented, for sure!

    Enjoy your weekend!
    Karin

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  2. Joyce's JourneyJanuary 23, 2009 10:17 AM

    I don't know how you have time to do the things you do, let alone having time to do more things!!! You amaze me, dear Cindy. Do you ever sit and relax, watch tv, gab on the phone? I love hearing about your adventures and how you make sure you enjoy your life to the fullest. That's how to do it!!

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  3. Rabbit Hill CreationsJanuary 23, 2009 10:30 AM

    Such lovely work and I'm sure great therapy too...love your blog.

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  4. ROSE VINE COTTAGEJanuary 23, 2009 10:32 AM

    Cindy you are so talented!! You always amaze me with your work (; I did try this also and have to say I did okay but I don't have the patience for it, maybe once my kids are grown I will start crafting.
    Hugs~Kelly

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  5. just a little bit shabbyJanuary 23, 2009 10:50 AM

    Very nice, love the work and your composition is nice, also. I have to do something when I watch TV. I'm either knitting, needlepointing or surfing the net. I knit 5 mufflers for my co-workers for Christmas this year. Guess I just can't sit still ! Hope you have a nice week-
    end.
    Sandyt

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  6. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2009 10:53 AM

    Every time I think I can't fit another thing into my week, YOU inspire me with something new. This week it has been the upholstery book and now the ribbon embroidery!
    Yes, I have ordered them BOTH.
    Thanks Cindy!!!!!!!
    Tracey

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  7. MaryJanuary 23, 2009 11:04 AM

    Cindy, that is SO beautiful!!! You should embroider some handkerchiefs and put them in your etsy shop. :)

    Have a wonderful weekend!
    xoxo,
    Mary

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  8. GlendaJanuary 23, 2009 11:10 AM

    Oh, so pretty.


    ciao

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  9. kath@retromantic antiquesJanuary 23, 2009 11:44 AM

    Those are beautiful! Really adds an amazing touch to your tops. Hmmm. I may have to look into trying that. thanks, kath

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  10. MarilynJanuary 23, 2009 11:50 AM

    Cindy,

    Beautiful and oh, so feminine. I would love to be able to perk up some plain tops by adding some silk ribbon embroidery!

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  11. The Old Painted CottageJanuary 23, 2009 12:52 PM

    Very, very pretty indeed!

    oxox
    Jennifer

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  12. The Feathered NestJanuary 23, 2009 12:58 PM

    Cindy, this is absolutely GORGEOUS!!! I've done a little bit of it too and this makes me want to do it some more ~ hope you have a wonderful weekend sweetie! xxoo, Dawn

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  13. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2009 1:16 PM

    Cindy, I love this silk embroidering. Wow, you are indeed multi-talented my dear. I have taught myself to make flowers from ribbon. My mother-in-law got me started with that. I have some books too on ribbon work. I have made a teacup pincusion with them. I have two books by Helen Gibb. My mother-in-law also made a wreath with all ribbon flowers. Sooo pretty.

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  14. Lisa~A Cottage To MeJanuary 23, 2009 1:16 PM

    Beautiful work! I have tried it years ago. Nice that you still have it. You should make time to do more, you're very talented!

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  15. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2009 1:23 PM

    Hi Cindy! I was just over at Pats and saw your comment above mine so I had to check out your work too! It is gorgeous, you did a beautiful job on this shirt!!! I love anything with any kind of embroidery on it! It is getting hard to find the silk ribbon anywhere; I did see some at Ben Franklin's crafts but not very much of it! I'm kicking myself that I got rid of the extra I had!lol Maybe between you and Pat the stores will start selling it again when they see all the interest!!!! Have a fun weekend - Sincerely, Jeannette

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  16. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2009 1:23 PM

    Your silk ribbon embroidery is beautiful! It's nice to see this art is making a comeback in popularity (or maybe it was never "out"...) because it is so elegant. Years ago, when I used to do a lot of needlework, I wanted to try it but I was intimidated because it looked hard.

    Thanks for the info yesterday about Flickr searches. Your method seems to work far better at pin-pointing the types of photos I want to see. In fact, it works TOO good because I spent waaaay too much time on Flickr looking at photos! :D

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  17. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2009 1:26 PM

    What lovely handmade adornments...they look so pretty on the velvet!

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  18. DonnaJanuary 23, 2009 1:28 PM

    Oh my gosh, Cindy - is there no end to your creativity? That is beautiful! And look how decorative your hanger is, too... I love it all!...Donna @ An Enchanted Cottage

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  19. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2009 1:32 PM

    I discovered your site this morning while looking for furniture painting tips. Well, I was so drawn in that I've done nothing today except get thoroughly swallowed up in your blog. Great job!

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  20. UnknownJanuary 23, 2009 1:34 PM

    That is gorgeous! I saw something on DIY network about silk embroidery, quite a while back, and wanted to try it. You just inspired me to go for it. I think those roses would look beautiful on a lampshade or a hand towel. I could even see it on an apron...Okay, now my imagination is running away with me...

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  21. MimiGJanuary 23, 2009 1:36 PM

    Cindy-
    Lovely work! I may have to try this - may be a way to dress up a rather plain shirt/blouse; I especially like the idea of adding a bit of trim to the wrist area...
    MimiG

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  22. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2009 1:41 PM

    Beautiful.I have never tried.Maybe I will now.It's so lovely...ann

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  23. Manuela@A Cultivated NestJanuary 23, 2009 1:45 PM

    That's gorgeous Cindy! You have so many talents!

    Manuela

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  24. KarenBJanuary 23, 2009 1:46 PM

    I tried silk ribbon embroidery years ago when I sewed for my daughters. Back then I did heirloom sewing and smocking also. I stopped doing all that when they got too big. Later I started knitting when scarves were back with a vengeance. That's where I'm staying for now. We "project ladies" never have enough time to do all that we can think up.

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  25. HelenJanuary 23, 2009 2:02 PM

    Your handiwork is lovely ..... have a great weekend!

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  26. Beneath the EavesJanuary 23, 2009 2:02 PM

    Beautiful work Cindy. Needlework is my therapy. Silk ribbon especially. As I tell my husband
    all the ribbons cost a lot less than a "visit to the couch". LOL.
    Just wonderful work.
    Debra

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  27. SilviaJanuary 23, 2009 2:09 PM

    Naw Cindy, I am dizzy already from reading! How about you make these things and sell them to me - or I just send you a shirt and you do the rest...? LOL
    Very nice, but I am just so untalented, that I could never ever turn some ribbon into something pretty, let alone put on a shirt!

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  28. cottage farm villaJanuary 23, 2009 2:28 PM

    So pretty! .... Love what you did with the hanger as well!! ~Cheryl

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  29. PatJanuary 23, 2009 2:34 PM

    Cindy, thank you so much for showing my work on your blog post the other day...I've had lots of comments from your readers. I just looked at this post and there was your beautiful embroidery! You did a wonderful job. I also read the comments left here and I know you will join me in encouraging those interested to give this kind of embroidery a try...it's easy, beautiful, and an heirloom when finished. Cindy....THANKS!! Pat

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  30. UnknownJanuary 23, 2009 2:42 PM

    I've done some silk ribbon embroidery. You did a good job.

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  31. starrynightimpressionsJanuary 23, 2009 2:54 PM

    Hi MyRomanticHome,
    You just have one of the most prettiest blogs, and I just wanted you to know that you are on my list of fav blog award :)
    blessings,
    starrydeborah

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  32. Four Paws and CoJanuary 23, 2009 3:07 PM

    Beautiful Cindy! I like to make to make ribbon roses. They're just sooo sweet! ♥ Diane

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  33. American HomemakerJanuary 23, 2009 3:20 PM

    That's really pretty. I bought a ribbon embroidery book at a thrift store once, but I couldn't get the hang of it.

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  34. JojoJanuary 23, 2009 4:08 PM

    Cindy, I too love ribbon embroidery and have embellished items through the years but one of my most favorite items with ribbon embroidery is a bathroom rug I bought at BIG LOTS!!! Isn't that crazy? I wish now I had bought all the had as they would have been the loveliest gift for family and friends. The rug is just a small white cotten rug but the border is embroidered with multi-colored florals. Just goes to show that you never know what you might find at Big Lots.

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  35. LindaSoniaJanuary 23, 2009 4:13 PM

    Silk ribbon embroidery always just makes me stop and stare. It's amazing how beautiful and intricate it looks. Love it. I agree with the person who said put some silk ribbon embroidery on a vintage hanky and sell them to us!!! LOL LindaSonia

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  36. CathyJanuary 23, 2009 4:42 PM

    Gorgeous! Perfect addition to your tops.

    Cathy

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  37. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2009 4:45 PM

    I used to embroider too, now I'll have to get the ribbons out and do it again. Your work is lovely.
    MC

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  38. MaryJanuary 23, 2009 5:21 PM

    Cindy, I bought my Mom several books and a tape on silk ribbon embroidery for Xmas, now I'm going to have to borrow them! Your shirt is gorgeous and I thought it would have to be dry cleaned for sure. I may have to add this on to my growing list of hobbies. You are so right, there is never enough time for all that we want to do!

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  39. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2009 5:32 PM

    Hi Cindy. I LOVE ribbon embroidery, too, bought a quilt a number of years ago that ribbons of wreaths embroidered on it. I posted it on my site for my Christmas Tour as well as a post called The Absence of Red. Here's the link to the post with a close up photo: http://www.seasonsforallathome.com/2008/12/christmas-and-the-absence-of-red.html

    What a beautiful technique! Must find more! ~Arleen

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  40. CarolynJanuary 23, 2009 5:46 PM

    You do keep busy!I have never tried that but it does look pretty.
    Carolyn

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  41. BevJanuary 23, 2009 5:51 PM

    That is exquisite!

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  42. Mo..."Mo's Cottage"January 23, 2009 7:05 PM

    That is one think I would love to try...I have seen silk ribbon embroidery on a few things and have always loved it....
    Mo :-)

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  43. Glenda/MidSouthJanuary 23, 2009 8:22 PM

    Cindy - Your silk ribbon embroidery is beautiful. For some reason or another, I have not been able to accomplish a lot in hand work such as embroidery, knitting, etc. Lack of patience I guess.
    Have a great weekend.
    Glenda

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  44. The Vintage VagablondeJanuary 23, 2009 8:52 PM

    Lovely and you have an etsy now too..good for you!

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  45. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2009 8:55 PM

    It so beatiful!
    Really, really nice.
    You are a very talented women!
    Have a really nice weekend.
    Sending some snowy hugs from Vermont.
    Bodil.

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  46. tamJanuary 24, 2009 12:50 AM

    I love that ribbon embroidery-nice job! And the new headrer and look of your blog is beautiful too!
    I know what you mean about time-never seems to be enough!~Have a wonderful weekend!~Smiles~Tam!

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  47. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2009 3:42 AM

    CINDY,
    SO BEAUTIFUL...I THINK IT IS THE COMBINATION OF THE DARK VELVET WITH THE SILK EMBROIDERY THAT MAKES IT LOOK LIKE ROYALTY.
    BEAUTIFUL WORK.
    debbie

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  48. Southern Lady's VintageJanuary 24, 2009 5:47 AM

    Very pretty Cindy! I love silk ribbon embroidery! I have done a few small pieces. To me silk ribbon embroidery is such a romantic and feminine look. Great job!

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  49. akawestJanuary 24, 2009 5:58 AM

    I am impressed. Is there any creative pursuit in which you don't excel?

    I have always wanted to try ribbon embroidery, but am intimidated.

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  50. joanieJanuary 24, 2009 7:30 AM

    cindy -- do you ever sleep? i can't even imagine as many projects as you actually accomplish! the ribbon embroidery is lovely. and your site is still where i go for inspiration.

    best. joanie

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  51. ~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~January 24, 2009 7:43 AM

    I love this work too, and you did a lovely job. So pretty!

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  52. DenaJanuary 24, 2009 9:03 AM

    Hi Cindy,

    Jaw dropping...do you have any idea how amazing you are? I really mean that. You blow me away with your talents.

    Hope you are having a great Saturday.

    Hugs,
    Dena

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  53. SueJanuary 24, 2009 9:32 AM

    It's gorgeous. I am addicted to needlework, but have never tried this type. I'll have to give it a whirl sometime.

    I know what you mean about having more time to do what we want to do!

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  54. TanyaJanuary 24, 2009 10:02 AM

    This is so pretty. What a great gift this would be. I had better start now if I want to be done by Christmas!

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  55. Stephanie ~ Angelic AccentsJanuary 24, 2009 12:40 PM

    Wow, Cindy, that is gorgeous!!! And who but you would have such a romantic hanger?!?!

    You need to get busy & make you some SRE pillows!! Check out my girlfriend Shirl of Shirl's Rose Cottage & her selling blog, too ~ she makes awesome SRE pieces! She's on my sidebar. I'm lucky to have several of her pieces!!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

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  56. Maison DouceJanuary 24, 2009 3:05 PM

    I love silk ribbon embroidery, I bought a few books years ago to try my hand at it but then life got in the way... Your work is beautiful!
    Isabel

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  57. RosemaryJanuary 24, 2009 5:11 PM

    Hi Cindy,
    Just stopping by to check in.
    Lovely embroidery.
    Hope you are having a great weekend,
    Rosemary

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  58. Sandy~Romantique Inspirations~January 24, 2009 7:45 PM

    The embroidery looks wonderful. I look for things like this on clothing. So pretty!

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  59. ElzieJanuary 25, 2009 5:51 AM

    What a beautiful work. Can't believe it's ten years old. I've never tried anything like that.
    Hope you have a nice Sunday.
    Love Elzie

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  60. UnknownJanuary 25, 2009 3:25 PM

    OMGosh! Those are absolutely exquisite! Okay, THAT's IT!!! I absolutely have to learn SRE NOW! LOL! :)

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  61. MelissaJanuary 25, 2009 4:43 PM

    I just finished an embroidery project of my own, although it's nowhere near as lovely as yours! I will definitely have to check out how to do silk ribbon embroidery.

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  62. Tea Time With MelodyJanuary 25, 2009 5:55 PM

    Cindy, once again, you have proven how talented you are. I totally love your creativity.

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  63. AmberJanuary 25, 2009 7:56 PM

    Cindy, those silk embroidery flowers are beautiful! I am thinking they would be a perfect, sweet addition to the edge of a pillow or table runner? ;)

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  64. AnonymousJanuary 26, 2009 12:47 PM

    That's beautiful! I'm going to have to learn how to do this. :)

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  65. KayJanuary 27, 2009 12:12 PM

    Oh Cindy, that is so pretty.... I am a crazy quilter and I keep ordering silk ribbons and books but haven't had the nerve to begin.... I guess I better get to it....your work is lovely!

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  66. Laurie - Decorating FanaticJanuary 31, 2009 12:41 PM

    Just beautiful Cindy! Shows how multi-talented you are! The only one I know who can do this is my Mother-inlaw. It's rare nowadays. But if you ever do any of this to a pillowcase or the edge of a table scarf - you better put it in your Etsy store!! :) ~ Laurie

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Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a comment! ~Cindy