I'm definitely in love with Sew Lovely Embroidery's patterns. For me, they're just the right balance of ease and challenge. The patterns are detailed enough to encourage playing with different stitches and colors, yet straightforward enough that even a simple backstitch can make them look amazing. Not to mention, they're the only other place besides Sublime Stitching that I've found to offer "alternative" iron-on patterns. Oh, how I adore the ease of iron-on!
This is the second piece I've done from the "Circus Palooza" pattern set (the first being Lydia, the Tattooed Lady). I'd just finished watching all of the short-lived TV series, Carnivale, and I was in the mood for some carny love. I'd really come to like the character of Ruthie, the snake charmer, and I thought this would be a fun homage (even if the hair color was a little different).
I tried to keep her in a similar color scheme to Lydia, as I entertain hopes of someday making either one big quilt, or several quilted pieces that would go together on a wall.
A bit of trivia: the albino snake is a subtle nod to the resident python of one of my favorite shops in the world, The Bone Room. If you're ever in the Berkeley area, do yourself a favor and swing by. It's a curio shop meets natural history museum, with a friendly, knowledgeable staff. You definitely won't be bored!
