When I began seriously exploring hand embroidery stitching back in 2011, I did a series of anatomical pieces, the first of which was a heart.

I believe it started when I made a traditional heart brooch covered in french knots.

This gave me the idea of creating an anatomical heart and the idea took off from there.

I made a stomach full of cute hand embroidery vegetables including broccoli, a carrot and peas.

A pink and red lung with many healthy happy bronchus.

And very fun to stitch was a happy stomach with a cupcake inside. It was so interesting learning how to create the beaded edging too.

I eventually found my way back to birds - I stitched this hand embroidery seagull shortly after - but this anatomical detour was a wonderful learning experience.
The take away? Stitch what's on your mind, what challenges you, or what makes you happy. It's just a bit of fabric and embroidery floss - so give your fancy a go!
Happy Stitching! ~Jo