my first attempt at embroidering one I’d seen on the Internet—we don’t have cats of our own. The result impressed us both, and I haven’t stopped since!
Embroidering cats quickly became a major part of my life, and I was soon working professionally with my needles and threads. In a modern world filled with efficiency and automation, I am pleased to say that I am not the only person who appreciates the warmth, personality, and individuality of handcrafted products and that people wanted to buy the shirts I made. There is a sweet nostalgia in what I do, and I am happy to be able to share that.
I have been asked why I embroider by hand when I could use a machine. There is benefit and skill in both, but I prefer the pace and creativity of working by hand. I did try working with
a machine, although I found the programming of it harder than the actual embroidering. I use a sewing machine for tailoring, and it is fantastic. However, when it comes to embroidery, I soon learned that a slower pace suits me better. If I get stuck or something doesn’t look right, but I don’t know why, I can take a break, sleep on it, and come back to it with fresh eyes. I don’t like to rush my embroidery, since when I do, I make mistakes and overlook crucial details.
My aim is to make high-quality and unique products, but, as well as creating beautiful items that other people can enjoy, handcrafting also makes me happy. In writing this book and creating the projects especially for it, I not only want to share what I have learned and guide you through the (sometimes tiresome) process of reproducing lifelike cats in thread, but I also want you to experience the happiness and excitement that I feel whenever I complete an embroidery. For this kind of work, you may need to wear glasses or use a magnifying glass, and by sunset you might well be exhausted, but with each project comes a sense of achievement, a beautiful end product, and unforgettable memories. I hope you enjoy spending time handcrafting items that you and others will love.
HIROKO’S CAT COLLECTION
Once you start to think about it, you soon realize that cats vary in color, shape, size, texture, and character! From fluffy tabbies to ornate Bengals, cozy lap cats to sharp-eyed hunters, and playful kittens to set-in-their-ways old folk, our feline companions provide plenty of inspiration for the embroidery artist.
CAT CREATIONS
Here are some of my favorite cat creations, which I hope will spur you on to use thread to re-create your own or a friend’s faithful feline companions.
MIKAN: MANDARIN ORANGE
The color and depth of cats’ eyes are always a pleasure to work on, and are one of my all-time favorite areas to embroider. I had a lot of fun reproducing the glitter in this cat’s focused eyes.
HINATA: HELLO
I can’t decide if this cat’s gentle eyes are happy or sad. Perhaps they are simply asking, “Where’s my dinner?”
HARUNO: SPRING FIELD
Embroidering cats with longer hair tends to be time-consuming and quite challenging, but the hard work always pays off in the end. I felt more attached to this friendly girl—and enjoyed sewing her long hair—once I reached a comfortable pace of work.
TSUBOMI: BUD
This kitten looks so curious, peeking out from between the buttons. Both paws are sewn on the shirt placket, so the button below can’t be opened, making it a pullover shirt.
RAN: ORCHID
This regal-looking beauty has a very noble aura. Her distinctive eyes are pale and only gently colored. Watching her being cuddled by her master helped me to visualize how love can be depicted in a piece of embroidery.
ICHI: FIRST
Although this embroidery is relatively small, it is one of my favorite pieces because it reflects the warmth and sensory feel of a cat. I had great fun sewing the lovely dark stripes.
AKI: FALL
With big ears, and even bigger eyes, this kitten’s got all they need to be loved. Embroidering on patterned fabric can make your cat look more three-dimensional, or generally change its attitude, compared to when sewn on a plain fabric.
OJI: PRINCE
I was very pleased that I was able to capture this cat’s expression. I just want to reach out and stroke him!
KOHAKU: AMBER
By carefully embroidering a cat’s facial expression and pattern—in this case using dark colors—you can make it look like it might come alive at any second.
YUMI: ARCHER
This cute tabby tilts her head quizzically, a common kitten gesture. Her fluffiness really shows through around the edges, where the thread reaches out into the garment.
KURUMI: WALNUT
This cat’s wild fur was so much fun to embroider.
WATAGE: COTTON
White
