How to Use a photo to get an embroidery design the Calamity Kim Way

easy peasey, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

This pictures shows how simple it is to go from Photograph to finished embroidery
1. Print photo
2. Trace over the outlines with a small tip sharpie on acetate
3. Scan and then print
4. Adjust size by increasing or decreasing in size with either Photoshop, Corel, Flickr or your scanner settings. Print out smaller size.
5. Use light source to trace on to fabric. I used a mechanical pencil to get a small, fine line.
6. Embroider and applique fabric.
It is helpful to also use freezer paper for the applique and you can print the design directly on to a sheet cut to 8 1/2 x 11". Then cut out pieces you want to applique (like dress and hat and purse) then iron on to the reverse side of fabric and use your fingers to fold over a 1/4 scant edge. Keep it on freezer paper until you are almost finished appliqueing it down. Then pull off freezer paper and finish stitching.
Tadah!
Now I have to take a break and make dinner!
Love & Stitches,
Calamity Kim

This photo shows the Holly Hobbie lightbox I use to trace on to fabric. I found it on eBay several years ago.

Always put your embroidery face down on a fluffy towel before ironing so that it doesn't flatten your embroidery.
 It will get all those wrinkles out!
The photo that I used belongs to Lynn of Eggmoney at Flickr. It's her daughter, "Petunia."

She's got the car keys and she's ready to go to town!

Click on the picture to go to the Flickr set for more pictures of this embroidery in progress.