Best Dog - The Muse

This is my first attempt at converting a photo to an embroidery design!

It was an idea that had been kicking around in my mind for awhile, and then I saw this post by Kirsty at Kootoyoo. My process is a bit different from hers, since I made a transfer to use on this linen fabric.

I started with this photograph...

...purloined from the Facebook album of Dearest Sister's Wonderful Guy. Since I was going to make a transfer, I used Picnik to reverse the image and then turn it into a pencil sketch.

You don't need to create an account to use the site. I uploaded the photo, selected 'rotate', then 'flip'. Then I selected the 'create' tab and found the 'create pencil sketch' option. Select 'save and share' and save it back to your hard drive. I am sure other photo editing software has similar options, but this one is free, so that is what I use.

Later, I discovered other options to adjust the heaviness of the 'sketch' lines, which would have made it a little easier, I think. I used tracing paper and a transfer pencil to create a pattern that I ironed on the linen.

Colors are not my strong point, especially using it in shading etc to create depth. That is why it was important in my first effort to choose a subject who would be kind in critiquing the effort!