A Garden for Pam & Lola

The Head

With this first step, we’re diving into the heart of the “Flowers for Pam and Lola” project.

This is where it all begins… and, above all, where everything comes down to.

The cat’s head isn’t just a technical detail, it already conveys the emotion of the piece. And even more than the shapes or patterns, it’s the eyes that will bring your embroidery to life, because a single glance can say it all.

Before bringing the cat’s gaze to life, it is essential to lay down the first lines, the ones that give structure and establish the cat’s presence.

I naturally began this project with the ears, which are so important because they allow her to pick up on the slightest sound and communicate with those around her.

They are embroidered with two strands of thread, using a combination of stem stitch and French knots.

The stem stitch allows you to draw smooth lines
The French knots adds a subtle texture that evokes the softness of fur

For this section, I used the following colors:
DMC 824, 53c, 827 and 162

The creation of the eyes

I started by outlining the eye using a split backstitch with 1 thread in color 53C.

I then filled in the background of the eye, except for the pupil, using a satin stitch with a single strand of thread, in the same color,53C.

To add dimension, I applied a few small straight stitches of color 824 to the inner corner of the eye.

I then embroidered the pupil using the satin stitch, still with 1 strand of thread, using color 823.

The sparkle in the eyes is created using three or four tiny straight stitches, made with a single strand of thread in color 162, delicately placed in the center of the pupil.

Finally, I finished by outlining the upper part of the eye using a split backstitch with two threads of color 823, to accentuate the expression and evoke that slightly made-up look found in cats, almost like in ancient Egypt.

Tips for making a Great Look

Take your time embroidering the eyes with care and precision: this is a crucial step, the one where your work truly comes to life.

Work with a single thread and ensure your stitches are even. Pay close attention to the direction of your stitches: they should naturally follow the shape of the eye. It is this detail that prevents a stiff look and gives the eyes their softness. Light plays a fundamental role. Place your small, light-colored stitches carefully: too many will make the expression look harsh; too few will make it look lifeless. Finally, keep in mind that the eyes should not be perfect, but alive. It is often in small irregularities that the true presence of your embroidery comes to life.

The Little Snout

The little snout is embroidered using a satin stitch with 1 strand of thread in color 225.

It is then delicately outlined using a split backstitch, still with a single thread, in color 825.

Pay special attention to the evenness of this stitch: it is what defines the cat’s facial expression and gives it its gentle, friendly demeanor.

Whiskers and fur

The whiskers around the muzzle are embroidered using the stem stitch with two strands of thread in color 4020.

I then filled in the various small shapes in the pattern using the satin stitch, with a single strand of thread, mixing colors 53C, 827, 3328, 760, 922, and 3827.

These splashes of color evoke the cat’s fur, that soft, vibrant texture that covers its head, and lend the overall design a subtle, delicate richness.

It’s the softness of their fur that makes you want to kiss the cat’s head, a simple gesture, full of tenderness.

We’ll continue this work next week with the first parts of the cat’s body, where the patterns will begin to bloom, forming its flower-like silhouette.

A Garden for Pam & Lola

The Head

With this first step, we’re diving into the heart of the “Flowers for Pam and Lola” project.

This is where it all begins… and, above all, where everything comes down to.

The cat’s head isn’t just a technical detail, it already conveys the emotion of the piece. And even more than the shapes or patterns, it’s the eyes that will bring your embroidery to life, because a single glance can say it all.

Before bringing the cat’s gaze to life, it is essential to lay down the first lines, the ones that give structure and establish the cat’s presence.

I naturally began this project with the ears, which are so important because they allow her to pick up on the slightest sound and communicate with those around her.

They are embroidered with two strands of thread, using a combination of stem stitch and French knots.

The stem stitch allows you to draw smooth lines

The French knots adds a subtle texture that evokes the softness of fur

For this section, I used the following colors:
DMC 824, 53c, 827 and 162

The creation of the eyes

I started by outlining the eye using a split backstitch with 1 thread in color 53C.

I then filled in the background of the eye, except for the pupil, using a satin stitch with a single strand of thread, in the same color,53C.

To add dimension, I applied a few small straight stitches of color 824 to the inner corner of the eye.

I then embroidered the pupil using the satin stitch, still with 1 strand of thread, using color 823.

The sparkle in the eyes is created using three or four tiny straight stitches, made with a single strand of thread in color 162, delicately placed in the center of the pupil.

Finally, I finished by outlining the upper part of the eye using a split backstitch with two threads of color 823, to accentuate the expression and evoke that slightly made-up look found in cats, almost like in ancient Egypt.

Tips for making a Great Look

Take your time embroidering the eyes with care and precision: this is a crucial step, the one where your work truly comes to life.

The Little Snout

The little snout is embroidered using a satin stitch with 1 strand of thread in color 225.

It is then delicately outlined using a split backstitch, still with a single thread, in color 825.

Pay special attention to the evenness of this stitch: it is what defines the cat’s facial expression and gives it its gentle, friendly demeanor.

Whiskers and fur

The whiskers around the muzzle are embroidered using the stem stitch with two strands of thread in color 4020.

I then filled in the various small shapes in the pattern using the satin stitch, with a single strand of thread, mixing colors 53C, 827, 3328, 760, 922, and 3827.

These splashes of color evoke the cat’s fur, that soft, vibrant texture that covers its head, and lend the overall design a subtle, delicate richness.

It’s the softness of their fur that makes you want to kiss the cat’s head, a simple gesture, full of tenderness.

We’ll continue this work next week with the first parts of the cat’s body, where the patterns will begin to bloom, forming its flower-like silhouette.