You know what’s cuter than an adorable embroidered headphone pillow? One with real headphones inside! Yup, that chic embroidery is hiding an even cooler secret… you can use this pillow to listen to music, podcasts and audio books while lying down. Want to know how? Get the tutorial on how to stitch the headphones into a pillow here, and then get the quick embroidered pillow cover tutorial here, all over on Look What I Made!
Back again for another edition of Urban Entrepreneurs, where we feature sellers of any kind who have decided to take the plunge (with the help of some UT designs) and start their own small biz. Today’s crafty seller is the lovely Paulette, a machine embroiderer working in New York City and owner of Etsy store Dahlia Soleil. Paulette has been working to expand the embroidery market for African American people so she can see more images and designs that reflect her and her daughter, a gap she found in the stitchy world that she intends to fill.
She’s constantly honing her digitizing skills creating her own embroidery designs as well as using Urban Threads in her work. As a rare mix of classic UT stitcher and self-made digitizer, we decided we had to share some of her work as well as the awesome things she’s made using Urban Threads. She joined us to share a little of what her journey has been like…
What started you into embroidery?
I started in machine embroidery because it seemed like a niche market. Not many people were doing it so it seemed like a great field to jump into and create some unique products.
Where did you first find Urban Threads?
Back in 2009 I was searching for cool designs and Urban Threads was the only embroidery designs website that seemed cool and modern and creative!
What made you take the plunge into starting your own store?
I was selling my creations at outdoor markets in New York City and a lot of tourists from overseas and other US states wanted another way to continue to buy from me. Selling online was the best way for me to offer them my work in a setting that was easy to view and buy and ship to them.
What kinds of folks are your customers? Who do you hope to cater to?
My customers are mostly women or men buying gifts for the women in their lives. I hope to fill the hole missing in the embroidery world of images of black/African/African-American people.
Custom design by Dahlia Soleil
I want my daughter Dahlia to see an image that looks like her and myself in the embroidery world. My store is special because it combines crocheting and embroidery … two crafts that are timeless and beautiful. Passed on from generation to generation.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since you began?
The biggest lessons I’ve learned since I began selling online is … great photographs matter!
Since the customer cannot reach out and touch my embroidered pieces, taking a great photograph is the next best thing. And I’ve learned that people really appreciate artists and want to support small businesses like mine.
Where would you like to see your shop in one year? Any fun stuff planned for the future?
In one year I plan to buy another embroidery machine and I hope my shop has about 1000 items in it. I’m really excited to go back to college this year to get a bachelor’s degree in business management. It’s important for us artists to master the art of making things AND the art of running a business.
Custom design by Dahlia Soleil
It’s inspiring to see a crafter spot a gap in the market and work hard to try and fill it. It’s exactly how Urban Threads got started! With Paulette’s determination and crafty skill I know Dahlia Soleil will continue to craft up great things, and find a whole new market for the world of machine embroidery.
Do you use Urban Threads designs to create one of a kind products? Want to see your story or your store featured here and join our gang of Urban Entrepreneurs? Send us an e-mail at blog@urbanthreads.com with a link to your store/website or attach sample photos, and you could be featured!
Don’t feel like sewing something inside out and backwards today? Skip the sewing and make this chic no-sew scarf that lets you use your own handwriting and personalized embroidery to beautiful effect. Yup, that’s not a fabric pattern, that cool effect is made with just a simple gel bleach pen!
It’s the the perfect thing to take you from winter into spring, and this project is also great for crafty beginners with no sewing required. Customize your scarf with a favorite poem, love letter, or mantra, and stitch a matching embroidery design to suit your theme. Easy and quick gift!
Want to make your own? Get the tutorial here.
Valentines Day is fast approaching (less than a week now!) and now is the moment all us crafty folk go into a bit of a panic trying to think of something sweet and quick to whip up for that special someone, or to make our night out a little more magical. Fear not, we have some quick tutorials you can create in an afternoon that are sure to do the trick!
Short on supplies? All you need to make this cute pillow is to dig into your fabric stash and pull out all your favorite scraps. Patch it all together and add some one color embroidery for a stunning lace effect. Get the tutorial here.
This week’s new tutorial is great if you’re looking for a crafty way to glam up your evening. Dress up a plain headband with this gorgeous piece of machined lace and a few crystals and you have an accessory to suit any look. Get the tutorial here.
Want more ways to cuddle up? Craft up this romantic Parisian postcard-inspired pillow! Layer up light stitching designs for a look that’s rustic and divine. See how here.
Want to know if your sweetheart digs you? Rock it grade school style with this retro “do you like me” card. Give it to your honey and let them stitch back their answer for a super sweet handmade memento you can keep! Learn to make it here.
Finally, for those not into Valentine’s Day this year, you can always go to the dark side and make this adorable yet slightly disgruntled vampire bunny plush. He’ll keep you company on Valentines Day! Get a free template and learn how to make your furry friend here.
Happy Valentines (or Un-valentines) Day! There’s no better time to make something by hand 
Looking for something sweet to hold a gift on Valentines, or maybe just give on its own? Next to Nicx has a template and easy tutorial on how to make this great little gift. Fill it with chocolates and you have the perfect embroidered valentines surprise!
Get the tutorial here
