{tutorial: fabric-covered embroidery hoops}

I love tutorials because they give me such great inspiration to turn a project into something Gussy-like. I originally was inspired by a fabric-covered embroidery hoop tutorial by my blog friend Emily. She does the most darling projects, and this embroidery hoop project was featured on Apartment Therapy’s ohdeeoh site :]

Yeow, go Em!

This particular tutorial originally had “sewing” in the title, but sewing is now optional. Yes, I did sew the edges of this originally {in my teaser post a few days ago}, but since then I’ve cut those edges off. I like the end results much better. And since I’m in charge around here it is OK that I cut off the edges. Hah!

For this tutorial you’ll need

• fabric a few inches larger {on all four “sides”} than the embroidery hoop you are covering
• scissors
• rotary cutter
• embellishments
• string
• sewing machine & coordinating thread {optional}

Once I knew which embellishment and fabric combination I wanted for each fabric-covered embroidered hoop, I cut out the fabric. Then, when you’ve got your fabric between the two hoops {each hoop has two individual hoops}, gently tug at the fabric around the edges to make it taut. It’s so easy to place it over the hoop and then tighten it back up with the screws at the top.

Practice hanging them on the wall; hang; you’re done!

I chose to cut off the squared edges because once the fabric is on the hoop the edge becomes ruffle-like. Maybe you haven’t heard? I like ruffles.

My mom jokes I was born with a purse; I’m scared to joke that our firstborn will be born with a ruffle {please, please be a girl then!}.

For months this wall was a hodge-podge of special items and I’ve finally organized them all. The before-photo was so yucky I didn’t even take a picture.

My friend Lindsay made me the birdcage painting, the wire “Gussy” hanger is from this Etsy shop {I saw that name hanger and HAD to buy it because the sample name was “Gus”. Hello! ;] }.

I had a few posy pins from The Pleated Poppy and Joy’s Hope. I wanted to include Lindsey’s and Julie’s pins in my sewing room because they are great gals I’ve gotten to know through blogging and crafting.

The red & pink beaded heart is from Target, the Paul Frank cork-board is from my mom {droooool}. And a few other little items…

The edges of the fabric aren’t perfect; some are a little wonky but I like it that way. And when editing these photos I noticed some of the embellishments {Gussy hanger and beaded heart, not like I was taking notes, though} are waaaaay crooked. I’ll have to tell my photographer to get her stuff straight! Ugh :]

Finishing this project was great for many reasons. I’ve got cute stuff on the wall and another item checked-off my to-do list. Go Gus!!!

xo.