This Christmas, take home a book that will delight the whole family.
Adopted as a toddler, 12-year-old Abby Kennedy grew up as her Uncle Heath’s little shadow on the family farm. But lately, no matter how hard she tries, every effort seems to increase the growing distance between them.
When Abby’s horse Marigold disappears, her deepest fear comes to life. Everyone she loves goes away. At a time when Abby needs her family more than ever, a new friendship ignites years of simmering anger and the space between her and Uncle Heath stretches even further.
Abby is determined to find Marigold, but where can she search for a horse that’s vanished without a trace? Shedding light on a long-buried secret might help bridge the gap between Abby and Uncle Heath, but healing a family takes more than just words and horses.
Follow the steps below to make your own special keepsake. With thanks to:
Supplies needed:
Heat – or water – soluble pen
Large embroidery needle (chenille 20 pictured)
White and brown quilting cotton scraps
DMC thread in colours 310 (black) and b5200 (white)
Detail scissors
3” embroidery hoop and ribbon.
Step 1: Gather supplies. Brown fabric can be smaller, as long as it is large enough to be held in place by the hoop while stitching.
Step 2: Secure fabric in hoop. I find it easiest to load the hoop “backwards” so the design can be easily traced.
Step 3: Trace Marigold onto brown fabric. (Now is your last chance to make sure the white fabric is behind the brown)
Step 4: Split your thread so you’re stitching with three strands. It makes a nice weight line. All 6 strands can work, but the outline will look heavy. When the time comes for the fine details, use only one strand.
Step 5: Outline Marigold using a backstitch. Do not do the mane portion if you are making the intermediate version. If you are doing the beginner version, be sure to backstitch her mane at this point.
Step 6: If you are doing intermediate, now complete the mane by doing turkey stitch along outer edge. Secure and trim when finished.
Step 7: At this point, take your project out of the hoop and orient it the “right way”. Secure only the white fabric and keep the brown fabric loose.
Step 8: Carefully cut away brown fabric, leaving a small (2-3mm) allowance.
Step 9: If desired, fill in Marigold’s forehead patch with white thread, make any final adjustments to the fabric, clean up frayed edges and trim white fabric into a circle.
Step 10: Secure loose white fabric with a running stitch and cinch tight. Tie a ribbon to the closure of the hoop to turn your artwork into a cherished ornament!
