NOTE: this is not a product that is shipped. 

We picked up a kid's denim jacket in great condition for $3 at Goodwill, then upcycled it into a colorful, embroidered fashion statement using patterns from Sublime Stitching. The funny message "Take Me To My Leader" makes it ideal for a kid to wear on a school field trip! Here's how to create a similar jacket for a child in your life. 

Materials: 

• youth denim jacket 
• alien and rocket ship embroidery templates from Sublime Stitching (we used patterns in the book "Sublime Stitching: Hundreds of Hip Embroidery Patterns and How-To" by Jenny Hart for Chronicle Books) 
• embroidery needles - size 3/9 (we used Mary Arden brand) 
• Kreinik metallic threads, size Fine #8 Braid and Tapestry #12 Braid in glow-in-the-dark colors plus metallic colors (we used 001 Silver, 003 Red, 033 Royal Blue, 421 Azalea, etc). Kids LOVE metallic and glow-in-the-dark! 
• needle threader
  

Instructions: 
1. If you are using the Sublime Stitchery embroidery patterns from the book mentioned above, they are iron-on templates. If not using these, feel free to draw free-hand similar rocket ships, aliens and stars on your jacket using a fabric pencil or disappearing ink pen.
2. Begin embroidering, following  the outlines, using the desired colors of Kreinik Braid. A simple backstitch or running stitch is all that you need, but feel free to embellish with other specialty stitches or stitches you've made up on your own. The point is to have fun - so go for it! 

TIPS: 
• Don't even waste another second trying to thread a needle - just use a needle threader! • Use the thicker Tapestry #12 Braid in areas that you want to stand out a little more, then use the thinner Fine #8 Braid in smaller areas. 
• Use a sharp embroidery needle that has a large enough eye to accommodate the braid. 
• Don't try to use super long lengths of thread - it will just tangle. Stick with about 18" lengths, and let your needle dangle every few stitches if needed to relax the thread. 
• If your Braid is curling from being wrapped around the spool, simply use a slightly damp cosmetic sponge to relax the thread before stitching. Sublime Stitching has so many wonderful embroidery patterns - and metallic or glow-in-the-dark threads are perfect for making many of the embroidery details come to life in brighter color, more texture, more visual interest. Have fun!!!