It’s been a while since I started a new project, but when I heard about this SAL, I immediately knew it was something I wanted to do.
What is an embroidery SAL exactly? The word SAL is an acronym for the phrase “Stitch Along“, and it is an online embroidery project that is being stitched simultaneously by many stitchers, who share and compare their progress online. The pattern for a SAL is broken down and released in successive parts, the design only becoming complete once the last part is revealed.
A stitch-along is often coordinated by the pattern designer, who regularly shares live streams or photos of his/her progress on each part of the pattern, so anyone who joined the SAL can follow along with them and the rest of the group. There is usually enough time between two releases for the participants to finish that particular section before they need to move on to the next.
About this SAL
The SAL I decided to join is being run by Nichole and Teresa in their Snarky & Modern private Facebook group, and they have 5 bookmark designs to stitch. Every bookmark is inspired by a different literary genre, so if you happen to have a soft spot for books, do consider joining this SAL.
By the end you’ll have five beautiful, embroidered bookmarks for your favorite books in the following genres:
- Romance/Drama,
- Thriller/Horror,
- (yet to be revealed)
- Fantasy
- Sci-fi
Each design will be released every other week, along with stitch instructions, how-to guides/videos.
First Bookmark: Romance
The SAL kicked off with the Romance genre, and I already traced my pattern & selected my colors.
The color palette I originally decided upon was Luminous Canvas, SPA0588 with a few additional colors needed for the leaves & building:
However, I soon realized these are simply too many colors for this small design, so I used another stitch palette instead, White Queen Caladium. Here’s a picture of my final color choice:
There were no clear instructions on how to actually back this bookmark, but I wanted it to have a solid grip, with the fabric pulled tight. So I stretched my fabric around a piece of heavy-duty cardboard, and voilá:
I love how this turned out! Its size makes it perfect for medium to large sized books, and it’s not too bulky to push the pages apart too much.
To be honest I’m more of a sci-fi fan than traditional Romance (I can’t wait to stitch that one), but if you know of an excellent read that’s not too cheesy do let me know in the comments!
Now on to the next one!
I’ll keep this post updated with my progress so do come back next week to see how this turns out. And of course if you’d like to join, you can always do so in the Snarky & Modern private Facebook group.
I love the color choices! I got really excited for this SAL and went to a shop to buy the proper material…then…it was a combination of other projects/life getting in the way as well as fear. I’ve never embroidered before and I need to do some more looking at the different kinds of stitching as well as how to transfer the pattern to the material before I start. But your finished project might just be what I need to get me going! Thanks!
Oh no, never let fear interfere Megan! You really have nothing to lose and so much to gain. You can find tons of info online on how to transfer your design onto fabric. The Facebook group is also very supportive and you can ask any question there to receive immediate help. I myself have fallen behind on these bookmarks due to a number of reasons, but I’ll be catching up next week hopefully and post a few new progress pics!
This bookmark would be perfect with any books by Kate Morton.
I have read the first 6 books of The Seven Sisters series by Lucinda Riley. The 7th is due out later this year. They are more than romance, perhaps the drama category would cover them. Each one can be read alone and I would highly recommend them.
Thank you Valerie, will definitely look it up!
If you are game for a laugh-out-loud “romance” try “Not Quite a Husband” (The Marsdens Book 2) by Sherry Thomas. I haven’t read Book 1 yet, but it’s on my list. If you want a wonderful period “quest” or “road trip” book with realistic writing about the countryside, try
“News of the World: A Novel” by Paulette Jiles. It’s been made into a movie with Tom Hanks, but read the book first.
I wish S&M had done a bookmark for Mystery (almost rather than Horror/Thriller), maybe I’ll suggest it. My favorite mystery series is by Laurie R. King, beginning with “The Beekeeper’s Apprentice.” Fabulous writing, good mysteries.
Thanks Ann! I love a good mystery too, and I was also hoping for a bookmark for Crime, but we can’t have everything I guess!
I adore reading and blog and post about books ALL the time. For romance, you might try the Bromance Bookclub series (Lyssa Kay Adams) or the Reluctant Royals series (Alyssa Cole).
And for sci-fi/romance you might like the Consortium Rebellion series (Jessie Mihalik) or the Alien series by Gini Koch.
Thanks so much Jaymie for these! I’ve looked them up and I especially like the plots of the Consortium Rebellion series. Definitely something I could listen to while I’m stitching if there’s an audio-book version.
I am currently reading The Clockmakers Daughter, by Kate Morton. Upstairs
Downstairs, I am re reading (again) Jane Eyre
E-book (for out of house road trips, I’m starting the Bridgerton novels.
I would probably have a started book in every room of the house, in my perfect world!
Oh wow that’s a lot of books Ellen. Good choices, one can never go wrong with the classics!
Absolutely, I’m going to try and join the group.
This will be so much fun!