Weddingbee boards

As a fellow borderline control nut, I know what you mean!  I guess it depends on if you want a polished, machine-embroidered look... or the charm of something handmade.  Personally, I'm all about the handmade!  I'm thinking of taking on this same project, as it would make a nice touch on an heirloom dress and serve as my "something blue".

If you have experience with basic hand embroidery stitches, like the chain and backstitch, this could be a relatively simple DIY.  You'll need a length of sturdy ribbon to embroider (grosgrain would do), a small embroidery hoop, some floss and a needle.  If the ribbon is too flimsy, you might consider prepping it with a piece of tear-away stabilizer cut large enough to fill your hoop.  Sketch your design (simpler is probably better) in either water-soluble pencil or transfer marker... then get to stitching!  When you're done, you can trim the "label" with pinking shears to keep it from fraying.

One of my favorite sources of inspiration, Aimee Ray's "Doodle Stitching", has detailed instructions for an embroidered ribbon project.

Good luck!  :o)