The Embroidered Closet

By Alexandra Stratkotter

A recent trip to the book store found the book “The Embroidered Closet, by Alexandra Stratkotter” on the front shelf. Being an embroidery enthusiast I had to pick it up and have a look.

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The book touts the idea of hand-stitching to help you upgrade or upcycle your wardrobe, including shoes, canvas bags, sweaters, collars, jean jackets, back packs, etc. The book is an idea generator to help you get your own mind thinking about the possibilities you have in your wardrobe or home you can make look more beautiful or unique.

If you don’t have your own ideas after reading this book, the book has plenty of beautifully made patterns that aren’t complicated. There are also suggested colors to use when embroidering, as well as stitch instructions, tool suggestions, ideas to you transfer the patterns onto your desired pieces, and fabric suggestions.

I really like this book because, Alexandra Stratkotter encourages you to use your mind to come up with your own freestlye pattern to embellish your wardrobe or bring a little personalization into your surrounding world.

I think one of the most beautiful patterns within this book is the “Folky moth camisole” pattern.  It’s just a simple moth drawing that you can transfer onto any piece of cloth, and the colors she chose are absolutely gorgeous. (See photo below)

Another of Alexandra Stratkotter’s patterns that I found to spark my imagination is “Greenhouse backpack”.  I love the outline. The simple outline in her pattern reminds me of stained glass. Just imagine the beauty you could create altering her pattern to show a stained glass pattern piece. Or even if you don’t want to alter her pattern, the leaves within her pattern are very calming and tastefully designed.

If you are looking for a unique book to spark your imagination within your own wardrobe, I highly suggest Alexandra Stratkotter’s book, “The Embroidered Closet” when you are ready to upcycle your wardrobe.

If you’re looking for some small patterns to embroidery on your clothing, how about checking out some of the free patterns I have on this website? Free Patterns – Nana Bumblebee