If you follow me on Instagram, you probably noticed that I do several crafts. I mostly crochet, but every once in a while, I’ll do some cross stitch or beading or something else. Despite trying numerous crafts, the extent of my embroidery experience is a French knot and a few back stitches. So when I was offered the opportunity to review some embroidery patterns for Happy Nest Home Goods, I was a little hesitant. Once I learned that these patterns were designed for everyone from beginners to experts, I couldn’t resist learning a new skill through Catholic patterns.

I received these patterns in exchange for my blog post and some social media posting. I also received a free lifetime membership to the Facebook group. However, all opinions are my own and stitches are my own.

Patterns

All the patterns are great! Each pattern has detailed instructions that are easy to navigate. Each pattern has sizes from 4-8″ so you don’t have to fiddle around trying to re-size it on your own. The color recommendations are very useful, and the stitch recommendations work perfectly with the pattern. Despite being a beginner, I felt comfortable doing these patterns. They were a great way to learn a new skill.

Though I had some minor criticisms as I was working through them, Theresa of Happy Nest Home Goods revised her patterns. To my knowledge, almost everything I was going to list as a (very tiny) negative was resolved. They are visually appealing expressions of our faith. I highly recommend you get at least one pattern and membership to the Facebook group (which I’ll explain a little more below). These can be found at the Happy Nest Home Goods Etsy shop.

I made all three patterns at 5 inches; I used fewer threads than originally recommended by the pattern for the ship and wildflower patterns. Again, to my knowledge, a note was added recommending using fewer threads for smaller hoops.

Offer it Up

This was my favorite concept. I think it is the most clever and unique design I’ve seen. It wasn’t too complicated (though you’ll see that my final product has a few flaws because it was my first project). There was a good variety of stitches, and I’m a sucker for blue and yellow.

The World is Thy Ship

I really liked the use of a popular saint quote with a beautifully drawn ship. It was a really cool concept, and I had a lot of fun stitching it.

Let Nothing Disturb You

Though wildflower patterns aren’t particularly unique, this design is. Not only does it have a great balance of flower types and colors, but it also references a lovely (and powerful) prayer/poem written by Saint Teresa of Avila. It is the perfect complement to a field of wildflowers.

Facebook Group

I didn’t know that I would get access to the Facebook group until after I agreed to do a review and social media posts, but I am very excited about it. The group is small (right now), but it is so supportive. Theresa is doing a great job running it and provides prompt feedback. The other people in the group are also awesome. For example, thanks to the feedback on the ship pattern, the lettering looks a lot cleaner.