Stitching Evie… A Little Peaceful Memory
- ACreativeCorner
- Feb 27
- 2 min read
In memory of Evie.
Some projects arrive quietly.
This one came after my sister-in-law’s sweet dog, Evie, passed away. She was such a happy little girl… bright eyes, joyful spirit, always ready to love. When someone you care about is grieving, especially from far away, you want to do something. You want to send comfort in a way that feels personal.
So I turned to the tools I know… fabric, thread… and yes, a little AI.
I took photos of Evie and gently worked them through several apps and AI programs to create a peaceful, happy version of her. Not overly dramatic, not stylized beyond recognition… just Evie, calm and glowing in a meadow like I imagine she deserves to be remembered.
Once I was happy with her likeness, I uploaded the finished design to Spoonflower and had it printed on fabric.
Why?
Because sometimes budgeting time and energy is just as important as budgeting money. Printing the design allowed me to avoid buying piles of new fabric or pulling out my entire stash and wandering into ten side projects. It gave me focus. It kept the cost down. And it let me move forward without overwhelming me.
When the fabric arrived, I pulled out my embroidery threads and Bosal foam.
And that is where the magic really began.
The Bosal foam was fusible, which I loved. No sprays, no pins… just fabric and thread dancing together. It gave this piece gentle dimension without bulk. I purposely did not stitch the nose, eyes, or tongue. I wanted those areas to stay soft and natural, allowing the printed realism to shine while the thread added warmth and texture everywhere else.
I will admit, I worried about the grass. Would it look flat? Too busy? Too fake? So I blended highlights and shadows with thread until it felt alive. The stitching became peaceful… almost meditative. It was the kind of mindless art activity that heals while your hands move.
At one point, I realized I was petting her stitched fur.
That surprised me… and also didn’t.
The foam gave just enough lift that her little face felt dimensional. Tangible. Real in a gentle way.
Some might look at this and think it’s a “cheater quilt” because the base image was printed. But I see it differently. I see it as a thoughtful way to manage time and cost while still pouring love into every stitch. The heart of the work is still there. The hours of thread blending are still there. The intention is absolutely there.
Most importantly, it was well received.
This piece was not too big and not too small… but it held a very big memory. It became a quiet way to show support from far away. A carrying piece of comfort. A reminder of a happy little girl who brought joy.
And sometimes that is exactly what art is meant to do.
Peaceful. Purposeful. Loving.
Evie deserved that.
If you want to learn how to thread sketch check out my two classes on Creative Spark.
Affiliate Links:
Thread Sketching for Beginners:
Thread Sketching Appliqué
Until next time keep creating!
~ Angela McPherson
Note: I use the apps ChatGPT and Photoroom. Quilt panel was printed by Spoonflower.
Comments