The more I delve into the embroidered boxes question, the more I find out about them. I'm obviously not the only person who likes the idea of hand-made boxes that are made from textiles (fabric, embroidery, etc.). Thanks to several readers who sent me links, I've discovered that there are actually kits available for making your own boxes. They are, for the most part, étui boxes, and some of them are really neat!
The first embroidered box kit here is actually a crazy quilted étui from Maureen's Vintage Acquisitions.
The kit is for a 6-sided étui. The sides open when the lid is removed, and pulls closed with a drawstring, before putting the lid back on. It comes with precisely cut chipboard and instructions, as well as a cross stitch pattern for the box (if you wanted to go in that direction). However, using your own fabric and embellishments in your stash, you can doll up the box with all kinds of crazy quilting, which is how the sample is shown on the website.
Another place to find kits for fabric boxes is Needleboxes, Etc. Here, you can buy kits with specific fabrics for different kinds of boxes, including étuis, or you can order a finished box custom made with your choice of fabric. Right now, I'm hankering to make my own box, but I was thinking the custom made boxes would make an excellent gift for a needleworker!
Even though the kits here are for fabric covered boxes, you can always substitute the cover fabric for an embroidered piece. The site features lots of specialty shapes and designs for boxes, too - from birdhouses to pyramid-shaped "baubles" to hold your needlework goods. They look fun!
Yesterday, I mentioned that Inspirations Magazine, Issue 65, features an embroidered box - it's actually a whole étui / needlework accessory set called Tiny Treasures. It's embroidered in cross stitch, in a Quaker style, and they offer the whole embroidered box kit on their website. A bit pricy! But if it's your heart's desire, and if making it ends up being your entertainment for the year, well... you might spring for it!
So if you're looking to go more the kit route in making an embroidered box, these resources might be helpful for you!
Yesterday, I also mentioned that I started another project. It's still in the planning stage, but later today and tomorrow, I plan to move it into the preparation stage, so I'll be showing you that soon. Yes, as a matter of fact, I'm planning for it to include a box. But first, the embroidery must be executed! The design? Well, I'm going with goldwork. Heh heh. It's about time!
Also, this weekend, I'll be setting up the glove project I mentioned in my whining post last week, when I didn't know what project to do next! (Finishing the rooster put everything else in a whole new light!)
On top of all that, I did set up a simple project earlier this week - another spring towel to use as a basket liner. It's a flop, though. I printed the design Way Too Large, because I thought I'd like a really Large design in a corner of the towel. But it's just too big - I'll start over on that eventually, but not before I get the aforementioned projects prepared to stitch on.
So that's what I'm up to. I hope you have a terrific weekend with your needle and thread. And keep your fingers crossed for me, that I actually manage to accomplish the things I have planned for the weekend! (Hey, if I get halfway there, I think I'll be pretty happy!)
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