For the past two years, I’ve created a year-in-review featuring the most popular posts on Brown Paper Bag. I’m keeping with the tradition for 2018 because it’s always fun to remember the incredible things that were created in the span of 365 days
Check out the top posts, below. They’re based on traffic numbers, and for the second year in a row, one thing is clear; ya’ll really like embroidery. It’s great news for me because I love writing about it!
10. Ponder along with these charming planters
As I write this, I am drinking out of a Two Hold Studios mug, so writing that their pondering planters made the top-10 list seems very appropriate. I also have one of these charming vases, which features a portrait of a person whose hand rests on their chin. (It’s perfect for air plants.)
9. Fashionable ladies are camouflaged in their equally-as-stylish environments
Sasha Ignatiadou illustrates portraits of women that are a collision of pattern and color inspired by cultures around the world. The visually complex compositions feature fashionable ladies who are as dizzyingly detailed as their environment.
8. A creative couple traveling the world and chronicling it through embroidery
Elin Petronella and Charles Henry remember their travels differently than most; they chronicle them through embroidery! Although each is an avid stitcher, the images they produce reflect how differently they process those experiences. Since writing the post, I’ve had the chance to Skype with Elin and Charles as a guest on their podcast, and they’re totally lovely. They’ve also created a pattern program so you can stitch their architectural embroideries along with them.
7. Dense embroidery on tulle transforms clothes into wearable bouquets
Tulle had a moment in 2017—more than a third of projects on that list were embroidery on tulle. In 2018, Ignacia Jullian continued the trend and stitched colorful blooms on the translucent fabric. The result transforms ordinary garments into wearable bouquets.
6. Meticulously stitched and felted embroideries remind us to ~ chill ~
Hygge by Nikitina is drawn to the meticulous side of hand embroidery. Her countless French knots and felt wool fibers form idyllic landscapes that remind us to just sit back and relax every once and a while.
4. 10+ punch needle embroideries that’ll inspire you to set down your sewing needle
The punch needle became an increasingly popular embroidery tool as 2018 wore on. If you’re unsure of what the heck that is, a punch needle is a hollow needle that creates loops of thread on fabric. The visual effect is similar to rug hooking. If you want to try, check out these inspiring embroideries to get you started.
3. The best free embroidery patterns you can download and sew right now
If it’s for free, it’s for me, right? DMC, the purveyor of fine threads and yarns, regularly releases free hand embroidery patterns. The best patterns are creative collaborations with illustrators and indie embroiderers who lend their imagery to the designs.
2. Illustrate your life with these creative products
Real talk: I’ve been compiling my weekly list of 7 creative products for years, and I’m frankly shocked by one making the top 10 list. (Especially at number two!) But, the numbers don’t lie. There’s something about this collection of items that resonated with ya’ll this year!
1. Hand-embroidered hats let you root for your favorite team… flowers
Lexi Mire had an amazing year—her hand-embroidered hat business went viral! These stylish caps ushered in an entire trend of stitching flowers on hats, and it seems like everyone (including me) wants one. I first wrote about her work in May 2018, and I interviewed her later in the year to see how she keeps up with such high demand. If you’re thinking about a side hustle, she gives some great insight into how she runs her business.