Pillowcases to Art

Here is some background information on this project. I want to learn how to embroider for a number of reasons. First, it looks really cool. Second, it is just one more technique that can make something pretty or plain look even better. Third - and most importantly - when I was about twelve or thirteen I found a tin full of embroidery thread that belonged to my grandmother. I never met my grandmother and don't even know if she embroidered. Despite my lack of knowledge I have embraced this as a way to connect. 

If you are a thrifting shopper you probably come across embroidered linens often. I run across pillowcases constantly and although they are beautiful I do not trust myself or my children to keep from ruining them. On one shopping trip I found a beautiful pair of embroidered pillows and a couple of oval embroidery hoops.