I became aware of a design trend when looking for summer dresses: embroidery is prevalent on everything from shoes to belts to coats. I adore the style; the raised texture and contemporary motifs give clothes a boho or edgy feel.

I enjoy the craft of needlework and find it beautiful when I see it. When I was young, I embroidered a scene of two little girls with the words “sisters are everlasting friends” above it. Even now, my sister still possesses my original works of art.

Any hand-stitched item has my appreciation, but as anyone with embroidery experience is aware, it requires a lot of patience, focus, and time. However, it is one of those creative processes that ultimately results in something artistic and unique, so the effort invested is worthwhile.

This week, I retrieved a long, embroidered lumbar pillow cover from my closet that I had kept for years after purchasing it from Pine Cone Hill. Even though it has a traditional flower theme in layered blues, my house still looks good with it.

I’ll be honest: I have preferences when it comes to embroidered home decor. Linens that have been monogrammed or embroidered and have beautiful stitching will always be in style, but occasionally, especially if an item is inexpensive or mass-produced, embroidered designs might look outmoded or out of date. I am attracted to the silken, vivid threads and elevated texture when I spot a pattern in a more contemporary motif, such as an abstract geometric or a modern botanical. Do you?

How about five suggestions for springtime needlework in your home?

SET THE TABLE

Embroidered materials need particular cleaning, just like all delicate fabrics do. Hand washing is advised for embroidered dcor. Clean any stains with a mild detergent after treating them. A low heat, low tumble cycle in the dryer is also advised, with the item removed while still somewhat moist to air dry. To avoid damaging the raised pattern, iron the embroidered decor’s reverse side.