I don’t know about you, but even when I’m trying hard not too at times I get caught up in the “compare” game. Jessica from Cutesy Crafts is here today sharing a free embroidery pattern that is not only gorgeous but also contains a great message. If you like this project then you may also like this Gratitude Embroidery Pattern.
I was browsing around social media when I came across a graphic with a flamingo and a peacock that said, “Admire someone else’s beauty without questioning your own.” It really inspired me. No one doubts that a flamingo and peacock are beautiful, but they are beautiful in completely different ways.
You can be happy for someone else’s beauty, creativity, parenting skills… whatever it is, without questioning your own. It’s a great reminder to try and be genuinely happy for other people. Unfortunately, I don’t know where the quote originated, and the graphic has been redone many times, otherwise, I’d love to give someone credit. I’m sharing my version of it with you in this flamingo and peacock embroidery hoop. I love how it turned out, and I’m excited to give you the free embroidery pattern today!
Supplies:
To make this flamingo and peacock embroidery hoop, you’ll need:
- Flamingo and Peacock Embroidery Pattern- CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
- 7-inch embroidery hoop
- white linen fabric
- embroidery floss (DMC colors: 3799, 834, 911, 991, 3808, 824, 963, 894, and 3706)
- dressmaker’s carbon paper for tracing (optional)
- felt for backing (optional)
Instructions:
The flamingo was definitely the easiest part of the hoop. The body is just a stem stitch, and I changed thread colors at different parts using dark, medium, and light-colored pink floss. I noted on the pattern where to make the color changes. Just remember that the dark and light pinks always have a medium pink in between them.
The peacock was a little more difficult, but you can add as much or as little of the details as you want. I used a lot of single strands of floss, which made it hard to tie knots in the end. You could try out some knot-free methods for securing the thread, and that would probably help. I think I might have broken some kind of embroidery “rule” using one strand of floss, but I really wanted the feathers and other parts to be more delicate. It was all worth it because I love how he turned out.
Here’s a nice close-up of the feathers for you. I used three different colors of green on the feathers, which I have noted on the pattern. I didn’t know what stitch to say the dark blue center was, so I just called it a “straight stitch.” You are basically just making a “V” with the thread. I didn’t include the lines for the feathers on the pattern because that made it difficult to trace. Just fill in the feathers on both sides with evenly-spaced straight stitches.
The back of the peacock has a loose fly stitch, with no tail, to make little scallops. If you are a beginner, this is something you could easily leave out.
The letters were done using a full strand of floss for the thick parts and a single strand for the thin parts. You could also use two strands for the thin parts, but I really liked the contrast using the single strand. I included two images of the pattern, since there is a lot going on in the instructions. I figured it would be easier to trace the one without all the words and arrows.
We are all beautiful in our own way! Hope you love this pretty reminder as much as I do.
About the Maker:
Hi, I’m Jessica, and I blog at Cutesy Crafts. I’m a stay-at-home mom to four cute kids, and I love all things crafty! My blog is filled with all kinds of crafts, mostly for my kids and my home. I believe that handmade items are special because of the details and special touches that a machine can’t reproduce. For that reason, I’m also a big fan of hand embroidery. I hope I can inspire you to be creative!
Take a look at these other projects from Cutesy Crafts:
ger says
To the Andrew Lack of NBC. CBS anchor Otis Livingston that i met told me scary story when he had private contact with Andrew Lack’s spouse, Otis Livingston also wants to destroy Andrew Lack’s spouse if she will open her mouth. Andrew Lack and his famely must becareful of Otis Livingston!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Charlie says
Hi Melissa, you have indeed created the “V” stitch in your feathers. It is gorgeous!
Ivory says
These are fabulous. I especially love, love, love the two little girls. I would love to own one. Happy Holidays.
Cheryl Seaman says
I am trying to download the pattern/directions for the Peacock and Flamingo but I can’t get through your “thing” to get to downloads. It says that I am already a member so I am in error!??!