Bucilla Stamped Embroidery Pillow Case Pair, 20 by 30-Inch, 65431 Tall Flowers

I was browsing for some embroidery supplies for my daughter when I chanced upon this product. Even though I had never sewn a single stitch before, the pattern was so lovely and the design was so feminine (and I still did not have a present for my step-daughter's medical graduation) that I purchased it on impulse. My little 8-yr-old had been introduced to embroidery by the aforementioned step-daughter, so how hard could it be, I thought to myself.It was definitely not without challenges. For this project, even though it is stamped and easy to follow, I had to learn five stitches: outline, back, lazy daisy, colonial knot (I used French knots instead), and straight stitch (this one is so intuitively simple that you don't really have to "learn" it). I had to figure out how to use an embroidery hoop and position it correctly so that my embroidery floss ("thread" for those of you who, like me, had never before heard the word "floss" used in a non-oral-hygiene way) wouldn't tangle mid-stitch in its screw assembly.I had to learn which length was the proper length to cut: too long and it becomes cumbersome to stitch and too short makes it easy to poke myself in the fingers. I had to learn how to separate floss strands (DMC floss contains six strands) without tangling them (just hold up the strands and pass a finger lightly down the split all the way to the end). I learned it all after careful observation and trial-and-error. Even so, taking my time, I never made a major mistake. Sometimes, the process was frustrating, but I really enjoyed embroidering these two pillowcases, and the gift recipient was duly impressed and touched by the time and effort it took to create this for her. I enjoy embroidering now and have already purchased other projects from Amazon to make for other family members. It appeals to the restless perfectionist in me because it is soothing and requires precision. ;)A few things I noticed:One of the pillowcase designs is a mirror image (not the exact orientation) of the other. This means you need to keep track of which leaf or flower you are stitching when referring to the stitch guide. For instance, on the mirror-imaged pillowcase design, some of the stitches for the top side of a leaf are displayed on the bottom side on the instructions.On one of the pillowcases, the blue ink stamped onto the fabric was much lighter than on the other pillowcase. This made it slightly harder to follow the line of stitch, but not prohibitively so.I tried to cut a corner one day when I didn't have exactly the correct shade of DMC floss and used some of my daughter's cheap floss in a similar color on the flower edges. It was subtle, but it threw off the color scheme, and the floss didn't behave as nicely as the DMC floss, so be sure to use genuine DMC floss in the color # given on the guide for best results.This project called for seven different colors of DMC floss, which cost less than $10 at my local Michael's store (I live in northern NM). Each color had to be separated into two strands for stitching. Only once did the project call for combining one strand each of two different colors - for the little knots in the center of the flowers (light yellow + dark green; the effect was pretty).I bought a cheap plastic embroidery hoop package from Hobby Lobby with four different sizes, as well as a bamboo hoop. I began the project using a 10" bamboo hoop, but quickly found the 6" one to be the easiest to work with. At the end of the project, I switched to a 4" hoop for the two tiny leaves.With my learning curve, this being my very first embroidery project, watching YouTube videos (for me, Mary Corbet's were the best), and following the guide, it took me five weeks to complete both pillowcases. The first one took me about 25-28 hours or so to complete (along with studying YouTube videos), and the second one, which I thought had nicer, tighter, neater stitches, took maybe 55-65% that amount of time.All in all, I had fun doing this for my very first embroidery project and would definitely recommend it to others, both beginners and veterans alike.

I ordered this set of pillow cases last year and loved embroidering them so much, I decided to order another set. Something is different this time around. The fabric is stiffer and the quality of the fabric is not as good this time around than last year's. I think it has something to do with the thread count or the fiber content that has changed. Also the ink stamp on the one I ordered last year was much clearer ink-wise than this time around. Although it did not really impact the ability to embroider, it was more faded than last time. I like the fact that I am able to use any color schemes I want since no floss is provided with this kit. For the first set last year, I used pastels and this time around I went with very vivid bold colored floss. I also love the fact that I was able to stray from the recommended stitches in the instruction pamphlet. Since I am more of an advanced embroiderer, I used combined satin stitches and more intricate stitches for the leaves and stems instead of simple running stitches but this is a great project for beginners since they can stick with the recommended stitches in the instructions. Would I recommend this for beginners or advanced embroiderers? Yes. The price is great and even though the fabric has changed, it does not take away from a pleasurable embroidery experience.

Excellent quality case. Makes a beautiful gift when embroidered or on your own bed

I chose the butterfly design for my adult granddaughter because it is beautiful and more modern than some of my pillowcases. As a personal touch, I stitched a message for her on the hem. I know she will love her gift!

Excited that it says made in the USA!. Just what I expected. Fast Delivery. It is going to be beautiful! - I have enough embroidery thread of my own without purchasing more! :D I am a beginner but I am confident I can learn the different stitches easy enough. I'll let ya know how it went once I am into it and once completed.

This turned out really nice. One of my kids saw the 8 different sets I recently completed and said this was his favorite. It was also one that took more time to complete. That’s okay, I enjoyed doing it!

I do a lot of embroidery and this was one of my top favorite kits. The level of detail such as using a strand of both yellow and green for the middle knots in the flowers and several shades of pink for the petals added a look of professionalism. It had a lot of colors but I thought that enhansed it and did not bog it down too much. The stitches were fairly simple ones. It turned out extremely elegant and professional-looking without being overly difficult.The pillowcase itself was thick with a tight weave that was perfect for stitching but was also soft and comfortable to sleep on. It looked like good quality. The pattern showed up clearly but washed off completely after I finished stitching.I'm extremely happy with this purchase. I used the finished cases for a birthday gift.

My wife is using these Christmas presents for family members. They were delivered promptly. The price was good. Most importantly, they serve two purposes: 1) as a gift, 2) keeping my wife busy embroidering them and out of my hair.

I’m a beginner at embroidery, and have found this kit easy to follow. The pillows are of outstanding quality, a lovely thick cotton. I’m writing the review as I place my second order.

Great quality and arrived quickly

A present for a friend, who was thrilled with the quality and the design.

Love this pattern it is so pretty and not as challenging as it looks, the pillow cases themselves are of the highest quality, great product. Makes a great gift!

I was really impressed with the quality of my purchase and am enjoying my embroidery. Very clearly stamped and good quality cotton.