moon embroidery
With an astronomer for a husband, it seemed doubly appropriate that I make something to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the moon landing (July 20, 1969). And with my new punchneedle fixation, it seemed obvious what I should make:
I looked at source photos from NASA to make my moon design, and then embroidered it with punchneedle. I decided to use a soft purple colour scheme instead of harsh greys – four shades of purple plus white. I even got some professional advice from my resident astronomer to make sure my design was accurate before I started!
The finished embroidery is 5 inches across. I made it into an applique and attached it to a black paisley fabric (doesn’t really show in these pics, but it’s black on black and has a soft velvety texture) mounted on a padded stretcher bar frame. I love the texture of the punchneedle and how it almost looks 3D. And the purples happen to match my new shelves perfectly. I’m very happy with it – now I just have to hang it!
When I write up the moon pattern I’m going to give a choice of colour schemes (sepia tones, soft blues, etc), in case purple isn’t your thing. Any requests?
I hope you like my moon! Are you starting to see how cool punchneedle can be?! I really do love it!
Edited to add: I’ve set up a new mailing list for my Punchneedle designs – sign up if you’d like to be notified when the moon pattern is finished!
Lindy Said,
July 20, 2009 @ 2:01 pm
I love it – it seems to come alive! I love the colours, and also the texture, which shows up really clearly in the close-up picture. Brilliant – well done!
Reba Said,
July 20, 2009 @ 2:25 pm
June, I love it! You are so talented. I love the colours! It looks so real.
Kari Said,
July 20, 2009 @ 3:04 pm
I love your color choices, the soft palette of purples is so nice! I can’t wait to see more of your punchneedle ideas – they’re awesome! Great work!
Silverlotus Said,
July 20, 2009 @ 3:40 pm
Wow, that is so lovely! And my husband was finally able to point out the rabbit on the moon to me, it is so clear in your design. (There is a Chinese fable about the rabbit on the moon.)
All this punchneedle stuff makes me want to dig out that kit I bought at the CreativFestival years ago.
June Said,
July 20, 2009 @ 3:42 pm
That’s so funny, Silverlotus – I had no idea about the rabbit on the moon until today, and now you’re the second person to mention it to me!
Now you say it, it’s so obvious (and cute!) – and I guess that means my design is pretty accurate
curegirl0421 Said,
July 20, 2009 @ 3:48 pm
I love it June… and the purples really do the trick, although I bet the sepia-tone would be awesome. I love punch needle, it’s so cool when it’s done!
Robyn Said,
July 20, 2009 @ 4:25 pm
Love it June! Awesome job! I think it would be a perfect backdrop for a Halloween craft.Some creepy things out in the moonlight. Hey maybe I gave you another craft idea! Let me know if you use it!
Idadown Said,
July 20, 2009 @ 5:09 pm
Awesome job! The purples are perfect. Do we hear Mars on the cards?
futuregirl Said,
July 20, 2009 @ 5:47 pm
An orange harvest moon would be cool! Amazing work!
Caley Said,
July 21, 2009 @ 4:16 am
Wow! So impressive and I am definitely interested in punchneedle now. I love the purples, but perhaps more color variation would be fun too?
Deepa Said,
July 21, 2009 @ 9:02 am
Wow!! loved your punchneedle moon!! Iam off to check your tutorials.
Deepa from India.
gene Said,
July 21, 2009 @ 9:19 am
I love the moon and you did amazing work with this. Makes me want to try punch needle embroidery but I don’t think we have one available in our local craft store.
Blue Said,
July 21, 2009 @ 10:41 am
That’s gorgeous!
Now you have me wondering how difficult it will be to find the punch needle here in the UK…
You’re evil, you know.. teasing my “must make that” gene!
June Said,
July 21, 2009 @ 10:44 am
US-based people: I know that JoAnn stocks a range of punchneedles and backing fabric. Michaels also sell basic punchneedles. I can’t vouch for the other major craft stores as I live in Canada but I would imagine they are available in most large craft stores. They are usually kept near the cross stitch stuff.
UK folks, I used to shop here when I lived in the UK, and I see they sell punchneedles: http://www.sewandso.co.uk/ran2319-0.html So you can probably also find them at other UK craft shops. Note that the Clover ‘embroidery stitching tool’ is actually a punchneedle with their own special name for it
Nicole Said,
July 21, 2009 @ 3:37 pm
Looks great! Glad more people are discovering the punchneedle! It’s so fun.
You can do fun things with the reverse, too.
Best of luck.
Nicole
Justine Said,
July 22, 2009 @ 12:17 am
Very cool – both the subject and the execution (I’m a total early space program nerd). And congrats on Craftzine picking this up! Hurray!
CraftyPod » Blog Archive » Ebook Review: The Punchneedle Handbook Said,
July 22, 2009 @ 10:55 am
[...] the subject of patterns, do not miss this freaking cool one she’s working on for the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing. I love, love, love this! [...]
Mary-Frances Main Said,
July 23, 2009 @ 8:57 am
LOVE this! I saw it on Craft – but it’s really lovely!
Thanks for the Twitter follow by the way! 
(which led me here!)
Vanessa Said,
July 23, 2009 @ 10:05 am
Hi June,
I like your moon a lot! I like how you changed the cougar into the moon!
I hope to see some more interesting things from you.
:O)
Margaret Said,
August 12, 2009 @ 7:27 pm
This is a new site for me and I like what I am seeing. What a unique punch needle..I never would have thought of commerating the moon landing. It is nice to see someone who keeps me thinking creatively.