This entry from WHN is a little different than what she has entered before in this contest- While she still loves to make small quilts for table tops etc, her love for machine embroidery has really taken over the work room.
This entry is a donation made in support of the Paws 2 people charity run by a very dear friend here in Blogville- Sue Sehi-Smith and her husband Steve, and closely supervised by the WDA- White Dog Army. The winner bid on the auction offering, which was a placemat with a pet portrait on it. WHN has usually done these using applique, but this year discovered a machine embroidery software that takes a very clear photo of your baby and converts it to an embroidery design. This is NOT for the faint of heart- the designs are stitch heavy (averaging 150,000 stitches) and depending upon the machine used, take approximately four hours to embroider.
To see how the process is accomplished, WHN created an Instagram posting of ten photos for you to peruse. It is not part of her entry but shows how this particular piece was constructed-
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| close up of the embroidery |
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| quilted backing and hanging |
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| finished front piece |
This year has been a particularly challenging one for our pack, especially the past four months. What has really turned our pack upside down and twisted back to front is that our Princess Regal Beagle, Sweetie, is an IVDD sufferer. Now, with our pack consisting of three dachshunds from DRNA, and a beagle, one would suspect that IVDD would rear its ugly head eventually. It did, but with our 36 lb Beagle! We had gone out to a medical appointment and upon our return, Sweetie was still stuck outside unable to use her rear legs. That was just over 6 weeks ago. To raise money for a wheeled cart for Sweetie, WHN is now selling these portraits to raise the funds needed to purchase a cart and to fund the extras an IVDD dog needs. Sweetie has adapted beautifully and lets us know when she wants out. Her appetite is as usual and with the exception of the rear paralysis, Sweetie is her sweet but demanding diva self again. The adjustment was a long one, but I think that we have mastered the major obstacles so far. She is still busy training us, and still enjoys time in the backyard.
Now, a quick peek at the very first embroidered pet portrait WHN has done! These portraits go well on the back of jackets or as wall hangings, and can be wrapped around a canvas and ready to hang on your wall- their versatility is endless.
