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Folk Flowers

NEW THIS WEEK - July 11th, 2007

Folk Flowers

Free Project Instructions!

Today -- from Scandinavia to the Black Sea! Get on board for an embroidery tour, exploring four distinct, historic folk art styles.

Designs this week draw inspiration from art and handicrafts rooted in centuries-old European traditions. Elaborately embroidered folk costumes and decorative items will amaze with their timeless and beautiful motifs, each reflecting the pride of a distinct village or region.

Indulge in mystic interpretations of flowers, stylized into geometric patterns by embroiderers who are steeped in the rich, cultural history of Bulgaria. Transform linens and bedding into priceless old world-style heirlooms with dramatic one-color embroidery from Transylvania.

Perfectly shaped for a daybed or sofa, firecracker pillows are quick-to-stitch, speedy projects with stunning results.
Click here for free project instructions!

Dance your way to a Bavarian Oktoberfest with German floral art. Brighten someone's day with the beauty of Swedish folk art, and the popular Nordic Dala horse. Now, begin your tour of designs rich in cultural tradition, and celebrate the preservation of historic decorative arts this week.

Swedish Folk Art

With beauty and grace, Nordic blossoms are colorful and shapely. Sweden's "rosnaling" (related to Norway's "rosemaling") is evident in the symmetry and simple flourishes of flowers, buds, and vines. These traditional motifs were often used for hand-painted furniture, leather tooling, and textiles. Rekindled interest in these beautiful old patterns is bringing them to life in embroidery on apparel, household linens, and accessories. Abundant shapes will fit and frame on a multitude of projects.

Swedish Folk Art Square
Embroidered Swedish floral art is characterized by simplicity and harmony. The symmetrical design says "order," while the bright colors and vine-like flourishes speak to a quality of playfulness. Eye-catching on apparel. And, oh-so-pretty perched on sewing machine and kitchen appliance covers.

Available in three sizes:
7.80"X7.59" and 5.80"X5.67" and 4.80"X4.69"

Swedish Folk Art Circle
Graceful, vine-like curls pay homage to nature. In the spirit of traditional Swedish floral
paintings, the shapes in these designs are whimsical with flowers, spirals, and leaves.

Available in three sizes:
7.79"X7.80" and 5.77"X5.80" and 4.77"X4.80"

Swedish Folk Art Oval
Nature's primary colors are traditional for these Swedish designs. The bright, orange-red paint
(Falu rod farg) was originally a happy by-product of the iron and copper mining industry in central Sweden. This charming oval pattern is a natural to sew for chair backs or vertical spaces.

Available in two sizes:
5.86"X8.33" and 4.80"X6.83"

Swedish Folk Art Border
Graceful flowing lines make this rectangular shape an outstanding design to sew as a border.
Sew along an apron, sprinkle it down a shirt or trouser leg, or wrap it around a skirt. The
smaller size is formatted for the Endless Hoop, and may also be used in standard hoops.

Available in two sizes:
9.40"X4.78" and 5.98"X3.02"

Swedish Folk Art accents
Use the corners or sprays to frame a single design on a pillow or bedspread. Add floral accents
to a blouse. With a turn and a twist, or aligning together, these little accent designs will do your bidding on any number of projects from apparel to blankets and bags, totes to table linens.

Swedish Folk Art Spray		Swedish Folk Art Spray - mirror

Available in two sizes: 2.64"X9.40" and 1.92"X6.80"		Available in two sizes: 2.64"X9.40" and 1.92"X6.80"

Swedish Folk Art Corner		Swedish Folk Art Accent

Available in one size: 3.85"X3.82"		Available in one size: 3.84"X1.64"

A Swedish Folk Flowers Value Pack Ja, you betcha it's a great deal! The Swedish Folk Flowers are available in a value pack - priced at only $9.97! Click on the links or images below to see the designs included in each pack, and add the value pack to your shopping basket.

All designs smaller than 8 x 10	All designs smaller than 7.9 x 7.9	All designs smaller than 6 x 10


	All designs smaller than 5 x 7

German Floral Folk Art

Traditional Bavarian costume, dating back to the Renaissance -- the Dirndl for women and Lederhosen for men -- is still worn for many occasions in Austria, southern Germany, and Switzerland. The dirndl has a fitted bodice, often sleeveless, that is attached to a full skirt and finished off with a contrasting, and often elaborately embroidered apron. Men in their lederhosen (leather or wool knee-length trousers paired with long socks) opt for suspenders with colorful, outstanding embroidery as the main attraction.

German Floral Folk Art Square
The Bavarian King, Ludwig I, initiated the first Oktoberfest when he invited the public to attend the festivities of his wedding. Since that time, the Bavarian people have been celebrated for their hospitality and their devoted care of their rich cultural heritage -- their art, music, 100 different dances, and traditional dress. The light-hearted and colorful designs in this collection are meant to be danceable!

Available in three sizes:
7.80"X7.78" and 5.85"X5.86" and 4.87"X4.88"

German Floral Folk Art Circle
Flowers dance on tendrils for a design that can be embroidered repeatedly all over the
plain material of an apron, blouse, skirt, or dress to create a magnificent effect.

Available in three sizes:
7.68"X7.77" and 5.80"X5.86" and 4.81"X4.85"

German Floral Folk Art Oval
The suggestion of flowers dancing imbues this design with a
festive spirit, reminiscent of the designs on fine Bavarian porcelain.

Available in two sizes:
5.86"X8.30" and 4.82"X6.80"

German Floral Folk Art Border
This rectangular shape may be repeated again and again for a striking border.
The smaller size is formatted for the Endless Hoop, and may also be used in standard hoops.

Available in two sizes:
9.39"X4.66" and 5.97"X3.17"

German Floral Folk Art Accents
Richly decorated jackets and suspenders are the pride of Oktoberfest, the sixteen-day traditional festival in Germany. These spray and accent designs will do nicely on a vertical space like
suspenders or down the front of a shirt or jacket. Or, horizontally they make a border. Put them together for a lively frame to feature another folk art shape on a blanket, quilt, or accent pillow.

German Floral Folk Art Spray		German Floral Folk Art Spray - mirror

Available in two sizes: 3.47"X9.40" and 2.53"X6.86"		Available in two sizes: 3.47"X9.40" and 2.53"X6.86"

German Floral Folk Art Corner		German Floral Folk Art Accent

Available in one size: 3.87"X3.81"		Available in one size: 3.23"X3.23"

A German Folk Art Flowers Value Pack Dress your best, do a little dance, or celebrate any way you want when you grow a garden of savings with this sprightly art! The above German Folk Flowers are in a value pack - priced at only $9.97! Click on the links or images below to see the designs included in each pack, and add the value pack to your shopping basket.

All designs smaller than 8 x 10	All designs smaller than 7.9 x 7.9	All designs smaller than 6 x 10


	All designs smaller than 5 x 7

Bulgarian Folk Embroidery

The "Valley of Roses" finds its home nestled in Bulgaria in southeastern Europe. The region produces a large portion of the world's rose oil, found in many perfumes, and the importance of this beautiful flower can be seen in many other ways like stylized floral embroidery. Rich in diverse, cultural history, these elaborate and intricate traditional designs have a mystical quality, fiery with bright colors and geometric patterns. The beauty and gaiety of the style change by region, but its brilliance and magnificence is maintained in the eye-catching appeal of each expression.

Bulgarian Folk Art Square
Traditional Bulgarian embroidery often creates the illusion of a garden through stylized geometric
and floral designs.

Available in three sizes:
7.81"X7.81" and 5.86"X5.86" and 4.86"X4.86"

Bulgarian Folk Art Circle
The eye-catching whirl of full skirts in traditional Bulgarian folk costumes has
a dazzling effect with intricate embroidery in lavish colors and patterns.

Available in three sizes:
7.81"X7.80" and 5.86"X5.82" and 4.87"X4.85"

Bulgarian Folk Art Oval
Drawing from the fragrant roses well-known to the country, much of the
traditional embroidery features stylized floral motifs.

Available in two sizes:
5.86"X8.29" and 4.85"X6.85"

Bulgarian Folk Art Border
Traditional Bulgarian embroidery is characterized by regional and local diversity. For example,
designs from the Sofia region are usually symmetrical with elaborate combinations of geometric
motifs. The smaller size is formatted for the Endless Hoop; may also be used in standard hoops.

Available in two sizes:
9.41"X4.74" and 6.00"X3.30"

Rhythm, symmetry and contrast all play an invigorating role in traditional Bulgarian embroidery.
Spray, corner and accent designs create spirited adornments for button-up shirts, jackets, and more!

Bulgarian Folk Art Spray		Bulgarian Folk Art Spray - Mirror

Available in two sizes: 2.38"X9.40" and 1.76"X6.86"		Available in two sizes: 2.38"X9.40" and 1.76"X6.86"

Bulgarian Folk Art Corner		Bulgarian Folk Art Accent

Available in one size: 3.62"X3.61"		Available in one size: 2.51"X2.51"

A Bulgarian Folk Art Flowers Value Pack No passport, no boarding pass, and no travelers' checks necessary. Bring old-world style at old-world prices to your sewing room without even leaving home. The Bulgarian Folk Flowers above are available in a value pack - priced at only $9.97! Click on the links or images below to see the designs included in each pack, and add the value pack to your shopping basket.

All designs smaller than 8 x 10	All designs smaller than 7.9 x 7.9	All designs smaller than 6 x 10


	All designs smaller than 5 x 7

Transylvanian Folk Embroidery

Deep in Transylvania, a cluster of villages known as the Kalotaszeg region is home to folk art that flourished with rich embroidery. Even today, following centuries of tradition, skilled "writing women" draw the motifs on fabric and articles, which are later embroidered by others. The distinctive patterns once used to embellish clothing for the whole family, articles for the home, and decorations for the church now play a role in tourism for the area.

Elaborate ornamentation in a striking one-color style is often seen in red, cited as the color of freedom, but blue and black are also popular for this timeless folk art style. Make it your own with any color on pillows, bed linen borders, towels, tablecloths, wall hangings, and more!

Transylvanian Folk Art Square
Stylized floral motifs are dominant subjects, taking many cues from Mother Nature.

Available in three sizes:
7.81"X7.81" and 5.86"X5.86" and 4.86"X4.86"

Transylvanian Folk Art Diamond
Inspired by the almost braid-like look of traditional Transylvanian embroidery,
thick, rounded shapes and swirls create an organic appeal with basic symmetry.

Available in three sizes:
7.81"X7.81" and 5.85"X5.86" and 4.85"X4.87"

Transylvanian Folk Art Oval
Enjoy stitching traditional items like table runners and aprons, or add
a modern twist by embellishing cardigans, jackets, and even tote bags.

Available in two sizes:
5.89"X8.55" and 4.71"X6.85"

Transylvanian Folk Art Border
Perfect for decor -- pillows, curtains, and bedspreads become fine masterpieces with a dash of folk
art. The smaller size is formatted for the Endless Hoop and may also be used in standard hoops.

Available in two sizes:
9.41"X4.67" and 6.00"X3.26"

Basic lines also give Transylvanian embroidery youthful appeal. Flower shapes and curving lines are fun additions to children's bedding, skirt hems, and more. And corner and accent designs will find their places on kitchen and dinning linens, towels, and bedding.
Transylvanian Folk Art Spray		Transylvanian Folk Art Spray - Mirror

Available in two sizes: 2.91"X9.41" and 2.13"X6.89"		Available in two sizes: 2.91"X9.41" and 2.13"X6.89"

Transylvanian Folk Art Corner		Transylvanian Folk Art Accent

Available in one size: 3.51"X3.51"		Available in one size: 2.51"X2.51"

A Transylvanian Folk Art Flowers Value Pack Embrace the culture and heritage of Transylvanian folk art, free of jet lag! Get market-style savings when purchasing the Transylvanian Folk Flowers designs in a value pack - priced at only $9.97! Click on the links or images below to see the designs included in each pack, and add the value pack to your shopping basket.

All designs smaller than 8 x 10	All designs smaller than 7.9 x 7.9	All designs smaller than 6 x 10


	All designs smaller than 5 x 7

Design Request of the Week: Sweden's Dala Horse

The popular Dala horse dates back to the 17th century in Sweden's Dalarna region, where lumbermen and miners carved the little animals from scraps of wood. What began as a toy, is today an icon, still carved from wood and hand painted with brilliant, multi-colored designs in the kurbit style. So revered, the Dala horse has its own museum, the Swedish Wooden Horse Museum in Stockholm.

Many embroiderers have written and requested this popular little Swedish horse.
Here are just a few of the ways embroiderers have told us they would like to use it.

Sharon is ready to embellish bedding and clothing for her two Scandinavian granddaughters. She
and a friend also want to make a Swedish quilt to auction off at their Swedish Lutheran Church smorgasbord. Lollie will make an apron for a dear friend who paints Dala horses as well as for holiday gifts for her Scandinavian husband and his family. Bev wants the designs for a friend who makes Swedish costumes and who painted a large cement Dala horse for the Scandia museum.

Rachel always honors her mother's heritage with Swedish-themed gifts for her birthday or the
holidays. "So I'd love to use a Dala horse design to make a patchwork and embroidery quilt for her
for Christmas. I may also use the design on kitchen towels, napkins, chair covers, and a new valance
for my mother's sunny little breakfast nook. She'll be thrilled."

Swedish Dala Horse I
Originally, every carved wooden Dala horse was painted red-orange. Copper and iron mining in the
region offered a ready source for the red paint, which was used to decorate barns, houses, and toys like these. The orange-red was over-painted with graceful multi-colored folk designs inspired by flowers and nature. The little horses make beautiful finery embroidered on everything from jackets to home decor.

Available in three sizes:
7.98"X5.85" and 6.53"X4.80" and 3.85"X2.84"

Swedish Dala Horse II
The beloved wooden horse is now stylish in many more colors -- blue, black, purple, brown, turquoise, yellow, pink, etc. Begun as a cottage industry by carpenters and wood carvers, the Dala horses are still hand-painted in folk art style. The little icons are very sweet for children's wear and bedroom decor.

Available in three sizes:
7.52"X5.86" and 6.17"X4.83" and 3.86"X2.99"

Swedish Dala Horse III
Today the carved toy horse is made for sale in many sizes -- from one-half inch to two and a half feet
tall (you'll find that these embroidery designs are a bit more modest in size). The mane and traces are painted in the traditional kurbits style, folk art that was inspired by flowers and curling vegetable vines.

Available in three sizes:
6.11"X5.80" and 5.05"X4.80" and 3.85"X3.65"

More Folk Art Designs! Below are links to other folk art-themed packs filled with squares, circles, diamonds, borders, and corners to suit your embroidery projects. These designs will inspire new projects and great gift ideas for house warming parties, bridal showers, weddings, birthdays, and any special occasion. Looking for ways to use the designs? Visit the projects' site, www.EmbroideryLibraryProjects.com!
Gingham Rooster and Hen Medley	Turkish Fancy Geometric	Rosemaling Decor

Available in two sizes: 6.00"x10.00" and 5.00"x7.00"	Available in four sizes: 7.9"x7.9" and 6.00"x10.00" and 5.00"x7.00" and 4.00"x4.00"	Available in four sizes: 8.00"x10.00" and 7.9"x7.9" and 6.00"x10.00" and 5.00"x7.00"

Japanese Art Decor	Victorian Scrollwork	English Tea Roses

Available in four sizes: 8"x10.00" and 7.9"x7.9" and 6.00"x10.00" and 5.00"x7.00"	Available in two sizes: 6.00"x10.00" and 5.00"x7.00"	Available in two sizes: 6.00"x10.00" and 5.00"x7.00"

Kashmir Elephant (Crystals)	Kashmir Mirror Art	Geometric Mosaic

Available in two sizes: 6.00"x10.00" and 5.00"x7.00"	Available in two sizes: 6.00"x10.00" and 5.00"x7.00"	Available in five sizes: 8"x10.00" and 7.9"x7.9" and 6.00"x10.00" and 5.00"x7.00" and 4.00"x4.00"

Geometric Kaleidoscope	Fans and Flourishes Geometric	Wild Rose Geometric

Available in five sizes: 8"x10" and 7.9"x7.9" and 6.00"x10.00" and 5.00"x7.00" and 4.00"x4.00"	Available in five sizes: 8"x10" and 7.9"x7.9" and 6.00"x10.00" and 5.00"x7.00" and 4.00"x4.00"	Available in five sizes: 8"x10" and 7.9"x7.9" and 6.00"x10.00" and 5.00"x7.00" and 4.00"x4.00"

Art Deco Decor	Jacobean Peacock	African Art Decor

Available in four sizes: 8"x10.00" and 7.9"x7.9" and 6.00"x10.00" and 5.00"x7.00"	Available in two sizes: 6.00"x10.00" and 5.00"x7.00"	Available in four sizes: 8"x10.00" and 7.9"x7.9" and 6.00"x10.00" and 5.00"x7.00"

Thunderbird Medley	Southwest Desert Medley	Bandana Paisley

Available in two sizes: 6.00"x10.00" and 5.00"x7.00"	Available in two sizes: 6.00"x10.00" and 5.00"x7.00"	Available in two sizes: 6.00"x10.00" and 5.00"x7.00"

Want to see more? Click here to see designs released in previous weeks!