Welcome to your next addiction blue..lol.. I've embroideried for YEARS.. started as a wee child. I have a pair of pillow cases I did 41 years ago and they are still holding strong.. and yes.. I do use them!!.. Each one has a very old car with plumes of flowers coming out of the back and a little bluebird the size of your thumbnail. (well mine anyway) I do remember vividly that each wee bird took an hour to embroidery.. and I even put tread on the car tires. Was sitting with a sick friend and had time on my hands.. Wish you were closer I'd love to help. I learned from a booklet called "Teach yourself to Embroidery" it was one of a series.