Tag Archives: Embroidery

Sheep-and-Tree Bookends

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Sheep are great fun to embroider. Try sketching a few sheep to help you get started—the important thing to capture is the round wooliness of them and the way their ears stand apart from their faces at right angles. They are very forgiving subjects because the wool disguises their actual shape (unlike cows which are really hard to draw). When sheep are out in the fields at their most wooly, take some pictures so you can record how they gather together in little groups, some sitting, some standing, with the faces turned at different angles.

Materials

  • A wooden block—This one was made of oak and was a 6 inch cube sawn in half diagonally. Oak is nice and heavy. You could have two cubes of wood if you prefer, and adapt the design for a square shape by putting the tree in the center.
  • Fabric to cover the bookends—I used antique French ticking in neutral colors as a contrast to the front.
  • Very light wadding (batting)
  • Threads (embroidery floss in choice of colors)

Tools

  • A staple gun

Stitch Type

  • Knot Stitch: See Tutorial Page 4
  • Loopy Stitch: See Tutorial Page 4
  • Rollover Stitch: See Tutorial Page 4
  • Satin Stitch: See Tutorial Page 4
  • Slip Stitch: See Tutorial Page 6
  • Split Stitch: See Tutorial Page 2
  • Stem Stitch: See Tutorial Page 2
  • Straight Stitch: See Tutorial Page 1

Basic Supplies

scissors, pencil, tracing paper, ruler, iron and pressing surface

Directions

STEP 1

Prepare the block by stapling the wadding to it as neatly as possible.

STEP 2

Cut pieces of fabric for the face you plan to embroider and its opposite face, allowing 1/2 inch extra all round. Staple the plain piece to the block though the wadding on the overlapping fabric, but not too close to the edge.

STEP 3

Fold the panel you are going to embroider over the block so you can mark the area of the embroidery. Do not embroider within 1/4 inch of this fold to allow yourself a bit of leeway when fixing the panel to the block. Print template. (Note: The blue word “template” is a link. To access this template, select the link, then download and print template.) Using the template, lightly trace the fence onto the panel and stitch, followed by the tree. The fence is worked in single thread and you can use either stem, split, or straight stitches. Use a different brown for the fence than the one you use on the tree. See Stitches Tutorial (Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, and Page 6). Stitches Tutorial reprinted with permission from Hand-Stitched Home: Inspirations, Ideas, and Projects by Caroline Zoob (Harper Collins Publishers). Some sample references may not be available for viewing.

STEP 4

Now work the tree. I always start with the trunk, working a single thread in long and short stitches to give the effect of the bark. Flare the trunk out at the bottom, imagining as you do so the way that tree roots spread out and make the ground beneath them bumpy. Build the tree trunk and branches upward with satin stitch and knot stitch using single thread, and then use rollover stitch to create a few ridges in the bark. Add the leaves using stem stitch.

STEP 5

For the sheep I use 4 strands and make tiny stitches next to each other, but do not pull the thread right through the fabric. You could use knot stitch, but I like using these loopy stitches as they feel a bit woolier. When you are happy with the body of the sheep, add their black faces, ears, feet, and tails.

STEP 6

Add blades of grass going across the legs of the sheep and the fence posts and some behind. Lastly, if you choose, add the little bird on the fence post.

STEP 7

Iron your embroidery. Staple it to the padded block. Cut a piece of fabric that will stretch around the long diagonal side and bottom of the block, allowing enough for a 1/2 inch turn under on all edges. Slip stitch the fabric to the block, starting with the embroidered panel diagonal edge and continuing around, joining the two ends underneath the block as in the picture below. Alternatively, take the block, fabric, and embroidery to an upholsterer and ask him or her to do it for you!

by Caroline Zoob

Reprinted with permission from Hand-Stitched Home: Embroidered Inspirations, Ideas, and Projects by Caroline Zoob (Harper Collins Publishers), ISBN: 9780062250049

Earthly Angel Pillow

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Show mom just how special she is this Mother’s Day with a one-of-a-kind crafted gift. This easy-to-sew pillow can be created in a variety of colors and fabrics, so make an angel that looks just like Mom, right down to a dress in her favorite color.

Materials

  • Cotton fabric, 45” wide: tan, 3/8 yd.; flesh-tone, scraps; medium brown print, 1/8 yd.; black print, 1/8 yd.; green print, 1/8 yd.; blue and blue/tan plaid, scraps
  • Lightweight cotton batting, scraps
  • Pillow form, 12” square
  • Fabric and Battenburg lace doilies, 3”, four
  • Off-white piping, 1-1/2 yds.
  • Light blue satin ribbon, 1/8”-wide, 1/4 yd.
  • Embroidery floss: black, blue, dark brown, flesh, gold, green, off-white.
  • Flat-backed buttons in colors of choice: 1/2” diameter, six; mottled brown, 5/8” diameter, four

Tools

  • Air-soluble marker
  • Pellon Wonder-Under Lightweight Fusible Web Adhesive
  • Optional: red acrylic paint; 1/4” stencil brush, tea bags, saucepan

Basic Supplies

scissors, pinking shears, pencil, ruler, transparent tape, sewing machine, matching threads, straight pins, embroidery needle, embroidery hoop, iron, pressing cloth, paper towel

Directions

Prepare and Cut Fabrics

1. Wash and dry fabrics. For small pieces of fabric, it is best to wash by hand and let air dry to prevent tangling. Press fabrics.

2. For center panel, cut an 8-1/2” square from tan fabric. For border, cut four 2-1/2”x8-1/2” strips from medium brown. For corners, cut four 2-1/2” squares from black.

3. If desired, tea-dye doilies for a vintage look. To tea dye, fill saucepan half full with water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat; add one or two tea bags for each cup of water used. (Note: The more tea used, the darker the final color.) Let tea bags steep for 15 minutes; remove tea bags and stir. Place doilies into tea, stirring fabric occasionally. Check every five minutes until desired color is achieved. Remove fabric from tea; squeeze out excess liquid. Line dry or place in dryer with old towel (to absorb the tea). Press doilies. Wipe out dryer before drying other items.

4. For appliqués, print and cut out patterns, cutting along dashed lines; set lettering pattern aside. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.) Trace outlines of remaining patterns onto paper side of iron-on adhesive, omitting halo on hair pattern and flower stems on grass pattern. For wings, trace one wing and one reverse onto paper side of adhesive. Cut out appliqués just outside traced lines; remove paper backing.

5. Following manufacturer’s instructions, fuse iron-on appliqués to wrong sides of following fabrics: hair to medium brown; dress to blue; face and legs to flesh-tone; shoes to black; grass to green; wings to cotton batting. Cut out appliqués on traced lines, using pinking shears to cut top edge of grass.

6. If desired, drybrush angel’s cheeks with red acrylic paint. To drybrush, dip brush into paint and wipe on paper towel until almost dry. Apply paint to cheeks in a circular motion.

Center Panel

1. Using lettering pattern and air-soluble marker, trace pattern onto right side of center panel. The “E” in “Earthly” should begin 5/8” from left edge and 9/16” from top edge of center panel.

2. Using photo as guide, position appliqués on right side of center panel and pin in place as follows: grass (side and bottom edges should be even with panel side and bottom edges), shoes, legs, dress, face, hair, and wings. (Note: Dotted lines on patterns show where a pattern piece is overlapped by another piece. For example, legs are overlapped by shoes and dress; wings are overlapped by hair and dress; etc.) When pleased with arrangement, use iron and pressing cloth to fuse appliqués to center panel.

3. In same way as lettering, use patterns to transfer remaining details to center panel: halo, facial features, dress details, line to divide legs, line to divide shoes, and flower stems.

4. (Note: Use three strands of floss for blanket stitching, one strand for hair bangs, and two strands for all other embroidery.) With matching floss, blanket stitch around outside edges of hair, wings, dress, legs, and shoes. In addition, blanket stitch lines dividing legs and shoes, working stitches toward the left. For grass, blanket stitch along top edge; stitches should begin between pinked points and end approximately 1/4” from top of grass.

5. With dark brown floss, stem stitch lettering and hair bangs. With green floss, stem stitch flower stems. With gold floss, stem stitch halo. With blue floss, stem stitch arm lines on dress. With black floss, straight stitch eyes.

6. For apron, use pinking shears to cut a 1-3/4”x2-3/4” rectangle from blue/tan fabric. Sew a gathering stitch along one long edge of apron, 1/4” from edge. Gather apron to measure 1-1/4”-wide at gathering. Pin apron to dress; gathering stitch should be even with dashed line shown on pattern. Sew apron to dress using blue floss and stem stitch.

7. From satin ribbon, tie a 1” wide two-loop bow with tails; trim tails even. Tack bow to center neck of dress. With off-white floss, sew to top of each flower stem one button in color of choice.

Assemble Pillow Front

1. (Note: Sew with right sides facing in 1/4” seams. Press seams outward away from center panel.) Sew one border strip to left side and one to right side of center panel. Sew corner blocks to ends of remaining border strips. Sew assembled corners/borders to top and bottom of center panel.

2. Using photo as guide, pin doilies to corner blocks; outer edges of doilies will extend over edges of pillow front. Trim doilies even with edges of pillow front. Sew doilies to pillow front using matching thread. With dark brown floss, blanket stitch around center fabric edge of each doily; stitches should point toward center of pillow. With off-white floss, sew one 5/8” diameter brown button to fabric corner of each doily.

Finishing

1. Beginning and ending in a bottom corner, sew piping around pillow front, 1/4” from edge. Clip piping seam at corners as you work, to round edges.

2. For pillow back, cut a 12-1/2” square from remaining tan fabric. Sew pillow front to pillow back along piping seams, leaving a 10” opening at bottom for turning and stuffing. Trim corners; turn right side out. Insert pillow form into opening. Hand sew opening closed.

Tip

  • To trace pattern in reverse, tape pattern to window during daylight hours, right side of pattern facing window. Position adhesive over pattern and trace.

Add Your Own Touch . . .

  • Create a treasured keepsake from packed-away baby clothes.
  • Use flower-shaped decorative buttons instead of round buttons.
  • Extend the lines of the angel’s dress, leave off the apron, legs, and shoes, and appliqué several angels onto a tree skirt or table runner for the holidays.

by Mary Ayres

Great Finds Friday: Books

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Welcome to Great Finds Friday on the Crafts ‘n things Blog! Before we take a look at some fabulous new craft books that have just been released, we want to announce the lucky winner of the Wishy Washi Tape prize package offered on the April 12th blog post. The winner is Ruby Thursday. Ruby told us that she loves to use washi tape to cover her phone case for a unique look she can change whenever she likes. Congratulations, Ruby! Please contact Stacey at tape@wishywashi.com to claim your prize.

Now, here are three new craft titles available in your local book or craft store that will inspire cute ‘n cuddly, warm ‘n fuzzy projects for home, gift-giving, craft fairs, and good causes close to your heart.

Adventures in Pompom Land: 25 Cute Projects Made from Handmade Pompoms by Myko Diann Bocek, Lark Crafts (www.larkcrafts.com), ISBN: 978-1-4547-0386-0.

Welcome to Pompom Land, where handmade wool pompoms are transformed into cute creatures of all kinds. All projects reference basic techniques explained in Pompom Making Essentials, which walk you step-by-step through the pompom-making process, as well as the basics of needle felting. Different textures, small felt details, needle-felted appendages, and the illusion of fluffy feathers, manes, and tails add to the appeal. Projects include precious birds, darling woodland inhabitants, farmyard friends, zoo animals, popular pets, holiday designs, and more. With the author’s guidance and just a few basic materials (wool yarn, wool roving, wool felt, and desired embellishments), you’ll soon be creating personalized, beloved pompom critters for all occasions. Adventures in Pompom Land retails for $17.95.

Crochet One-Skein Wonders: 101 Projects from Crocheters Around the World edited by Judith Durant & Edie Eckman, Storey Publishing (www.storey.com), ISBN: 978-1-61212-042-3.

When extra skeins of yarn are left over from knitting and crochet projects, it’s easy to collect quite a yarn stash. Editors Durant and Eckman scoured the crochet community to find the best crochet patterns using only one skein of yarn. The result is 101 gorgeous projects by well-known pattern designers from the U.S. and abroad. Projects hail from a wide variety of contributors, many of whom are bloggers, published designers, yarn shop owners, Etsy shop sellers, authors, and creative-industry professionals. Projects are organized by yarn weight and include scarves, shawls, hats, gloves, socks, bags, purses, jewelry, baby clothes, home décor, and amigurumi (Japanese-style crocheted stuffed toys). The book also includes clear stitch diagrams and a techniques glossary that will help even new crocheters succeed. Crochet One-Skein Wonders retails for $18.95.

Doodle Stitching: Embroidery & Beyond by Aimee Ray, Lark Crafts (www.larkcrafts.com), ISBN: 978-1-4547-0363-1.

In her first two Doodle Stitching books, Aimee Ray proved that doodling isn’t just for paper anymore. Now, she brings her irresistible art to a variety of embroidery techniques in a timeless resource for anyone with a needle and thread. The book’s 20+ projects feature a wide array of techniques beyond basic embroidery, all fresh and accessible and with extra motifs so you can personalize your creations. Techniques include cross stitch, redwork, crewel, sashiko, stumpwork, and more. Designs are delightfully modern and enhance a variety of surfaces including cloth, paper, canvas, and upcycled ready-made clothing. Don’t miss the Flower Hill Zipper Pouch (the perfect quick, creative, colorful accessory), the Butterfly Wrist Cuff (learn to tint fabric with crayons), and the Canvas Cuckoo Clock (the clock really works).  Doodle Stitching: Embroidery & Beyond retails for $14.95.

I’d like to send these three beautiful books to three lucky winners! Simply leave a comment that answers this question: “What new-to-you craft do you most want to try?” We’ll announce the randomly-selected winners here on May 10th.

Happy Crafting!

Dawn Gehring, Crafts ‘n things Editorial Staff

Floral Heart Ring Pillow

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Delicate embroidered details accent this beautiful satin heart pillow to create the perfect keepsake of your wedding day.

Materials

  • Fabrics, 1/3 yd. each: ivory satin, unbleached muslin
  • Fairfield Industries Poly-fil Polyester Fiberfill Stuffing
  • Sheer ivory ribbon, 1/3 yd.
  • Light avocado silk ribbon, 3 yds.
  • Scallop-edge ivory bridal lace, 3/4 yd.
  • DMC 6-strand Embroidery Floss: Lavender Lt (#211), Pistachio Green Vy Lt (#369), Yellow Lt Pale (#745), Delft Blue (#800)
  • Plastic wedding rings, two

Tools

  • Chenille needles: #22, #24
  • Embroidery hoop
  • Sewing machine and white thread
  • Mechanical lead pencil

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, straight pins, iron and pressing surface

Directions

STEP 1

Cut two 12”x13” rectangles from satin fabric. Print pattern. Center pattern face down on wrong side of one fabric rectangle. Tape fabric, right side up, to light box or sunny window; use mechanical pencil to trace pattern. (Note: Inner heart line is seam allowance; do not trace.) Circles on pattern represent French knots; use very small dashes when tracing pattern onto fabric to ensure knot will cover pencil mark. (Note: Mechanical pencil draws much thinner lines than traditional pencil; floss must cover pattern lines.)

STEP 2

Sew zigzag stitch around raw edges of fabric to prevent raveling. Baste heart outline. Place fabric in embroidery hoop.

STEP 3

(Note: For all embroidery, use two strands floss and #24 tapestry needle. Use #22 needle for silk ribbon leaves.) Stem stitch Pistachio Green Vy Lt vines. Use silk ribbon to stitch lazy daisy leaves. For flower petals, wrap floss three times around needle to stitch Delft Blue French knots on solid circles, stitch Lavender Lt French knots on open circles. For flower centers, wrap floss two times around needle to stitch Yellow Lt Pale French knots.

STEP 4

To make pillow form, trace two hearts onto muslin; cut out hearts 1/4” beyond traced line. (Note: Sew with right sides together with 1/4” seams throughout.) Sew pieces together, leaving 4” opening on one side. Clip curves; turn right side out. Stuff with fiberfill. Whipstitch opening closed. Set aside.

STEP 5

Sew satin pieces together, 1/4” inside basted line, leaving 4-1/2” opening on one side. Clip curves; turn. Carefully press as needed.

STEP 6

Sew center of sheer ribbon length to center of embroidered pillow front. Place pillow form inside pillow; whipstitch opening closed.

STEP 7

Beginning at center top and using photo as guide, sew lace to pillow edge with scallops toward embroidered center. Tie rings onto ribbon.

Other Options

  • Use white or off-white floss and silk ribbon on white or pastel satin pillow.
  • Replace French knot flower centers with seed beads.
  • Stitch flower/vine design on bouquet ribbons.

Lasy Daisy Stitch Using Ribbon

To create the Lasy Daisy stitch using ribbon, bring needle up at A. Keep ribbon flat, untwisted, and full. Insert needle down through fabric at B and back up through at C, keeping ribbon under needle to form a loop. Pull ribbon through, leaving loop loose and full. To hold loop in place, insert needle through on other side of ribbon near C, forming a straight stitch over loop.

by Linda Wyszynski

Ribbon-Embroidered Jewelry Bag

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Personalized with the bride’s initial, this beautiful ribbon-embroidered jewelry organizer is a gift that every bride is sure to love.

Materials

  • White fabrics: moiré, 1⁄4 yard; satin, 1⁄2 yard; medium-weight fleece, 1⁄4 yard
  • Silk embroidery ribbon, 4mm wide: pale grass green, 3⁄4 yard; periwinkle, 1 yard; light pink, 1 yard
  • DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Floss: Light Pink, Avocado Green
  • White satin ribbon: 5⁄8” wide, 3⁄4 yard; 3⁄8” wide double-sided, 1⁄2 yard
  • White satin twisted bias cord, 3⁄16” diameter, 1-1⁄2 yards
  • Lavender/pink multicolored seed beads
  • Hook-and-loop tape, 1⁄8” wide, 2⁄3 yard

Tools

  • Sewing machine and white thread
  • Chenille needle, #22
  • Air-soluble marker

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, pencil, straight pins

Directions

Embroidering the Bag

1. Cut a 9”x13” rectangle from moiré fabric. Slightly round edges of one 9” end (will become front “flap”).

2. Print pattern. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.) To make initial pattern, draw 1-1⁄4” to 1-1⁄2” tall initial on paper. Use air-soluble marker to transfer initial and floral motifs to rounded end of fabric, centering initial between motifs.

3. Click HERE to print the Ribbon Embroidery Tutorial to use as a reference. Thread needle. Insert ribbon end through eye of needle, pulling through 3” length. Pierce 3” length with needle, about 1⁄2” from end. (See Fig. 1) Pull back on opposite end until it locks securely around eye of needle.

Figure 1

4. To secure ribbon, insert needle through fabric, leaving a 1⁄2” length at back. When taking first few stitches, catch the length with needle at back.

5. When finished stitching design, tie a slip knot to secure ribbon at back. (Note: Do not drag ribbon from one design to next. Fasten off and begin next design with new ribbon.)

6. For initial, use Light Pink floss and chain stitch to embroider letter, working from bottom to top. For stems, use Avocado Green and stem stitch. For buds, use periwinkle silk ribbon and lazy daisy stitch.

7. For spider web rose, use Light Pink floss for base and light pink silk ribbon for rose. For leaves, use pale grass green silk ribbon and lazy daisy stitch. Attach beads with white thread, sewing through each bead twice.

Sewing the Jewelry Bag

1. For lining, cut one 9”x13” rectangle from satin fabric and one from fleece. Set aside.

2. For pockets, cut three 8”x9” rectangles from satin fabric and three 3-1⁄2”x8” rectangles from fleece. Fold each satin pocket in half to measure 4”x9”; mark center. Open and place fleece rectangle on center line, just inside 1⁄2” seam allowance. Fold satin again; pin along folded edge.

3. Cut three 8” lengths from hook-and-loop tape. Center and sew “soft” half of each tape strip along back folded edge of one pocket. Cut a 9” length from 5⁄8”-wide ribbon; sew to pocket front over hook-and-loop tape stitching, sewing close to ribbon edges. Set pockets aside.

4. For lining, mark 9”x13” satin rectangle at 4”, 4-3⁄4”, 8-1⁄8”, and 9” points along 13” edges, measuring from straight edge up toward rounded edge. Sew remaining hook-and-loop tape halves to lining just below 4”, 8-1⁄8”, and just above 9” marks.

5. Place one pocket at top edge (opening downward) and one at bottom edge, matching hook-and-loop tape; pin to secure. Mark 1⁄2” from bottom of remaining pocket. With hook-and-loop tape facing up, align pocket marking with 4-3⁄4” marking on lining. Sew bottom seam of pocket, stitching twice for added reinforcement. Fold pocket up, aligning with hook-and-loop tape. Baste or stitch around edges of lining/pockets for stability.

6. Baste fleece rectangle to wrong side of embroidered front. Cut two 9” lengths from 3⁄8” wide ribbon. Pin one length to center front. Set aside remaining length.

7. Pin straight edge of bias cord around front of bag; sew in place. Place front/fleece and lining together with right sides together; pin to secure. Sew together just inside cording seam line; leave bottom open for turning. Clip corners and trim seams; turn right side out. Slipstitch opening closed.

8. Fold bag into thirds and mark center point of front; unfold. Center remaining ribbon length 4” from bottom edge of front on right side; pin to secure. Fold again to check ribbon placement. Sew in place through all layers of fabric. Fold bag and tie ribbon to close.

by Linda Wyszynski and Annette Calhoun

Bluework Floral Towel

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Wipe away your dishwashing blues with this pretty dishtowel accent in classic blue and white.

Materials

  • Blue Chambray stripe tea towel
  • White fabric doily with crocheted or lace edge, 8” square
  • Blue satin ribbon, 1/4” wide, 5/8 yd. (optional)
  • Blue embroidery floss, one skein

Tools

  • Needle and white thread

Basic Supplies

scissors, safety pin

Directions

STEP 1

Print and cut out pattern. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.)

STEP 2

Transfer pattern to doily. Use one strand of floss to stem stitch design.

STEP 3

If applicable, use safety pin to weave ribbon through openings in edge, beginning and ending at back. Trim ribbon ends to 1⁄4” and whipstitch ends together.

STEP 4

Pin doily diagonally to center front of dish towel. Sew doily to towel with invisible stitch.

Tip

  • Nearly any size or shape doily will work for this project. Just adjust the pattern size to fit the center.

by Mary Ayres

From The Heart Hanging

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

A thoughtful or kind wish to another goes a long way – and this piece certainly extends wonderful sentiments to a friend.

Materials

  • Fabrics: linen, 1⁄4 yard; cotton homespun, 20 different scraps; green silk, scrap
  • The Warm Co. Warm & Natural Firm Needled Cotton Batting, 9”x11” rectangles, two
  • Embroidery floss: black, off-white, yellow
  • Frame, 9-1⁄2”x11-1⁄2”
  • Off-white button, 9⁄16”

Tools

  • Embroidery needle
  • Cardboard rectangle, 9”x11”
  • Adhesives: Therm O Web HeatnBond Ultrahold Iron-on Adhesive, Beacon Adhesives Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler

Directions

STEP 1

Print and cut patterns. (Note: The blue word “patterns” is a link. To access these patterns, select the link, then download and print patterns.)

STEP 2

Cut a 5-1⁄2”x7-1⁄2” rectangle from linen. Cut three 1-1⁄2”x2-1⁄2” rectangles (A), six 2”x2-1⁄2” rectangles (B), five 2-1⁄2” squares (C), and four 2-1⁄2” squares (D) from cotton fabrics. (Note: Remaining two fabrics are for star and heart.)

STEP 3

Using Fig. 1 as guide, arrange rectangles and squares around linen rectangle. Sew side rectangles and squares together, and then sew to sides of linen rectangle. Repeat for top and bottom pieces.

Fig 1

STEP 4

Cut two pieces from iron-on adhesive, slightly larger than star and heart. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to fuse adhesive to star and heart. Fuse star and heart to border.

STEP 5

Transfer words to linen rectangle. Use one strand black floss to stem stitch words and to blanket stitch star and heart borders, and two strands black floss to blanket stitch border of linen rectangle.

STEP 6

Secure button to bottom border with black floss. Use two strands yellow floss to blanket stitch border around button.

STEP 7

For yo-yo, cut 2” circle from green silk. Turn edge under 1⁄8”; sew gathering stitch around edge. Pull up gathers tightly; knot and clip thread. Use invisible stitch to hand sew yo-yo to top border. Use two strands off-white floss to blanket stitch around yo-yo.

STEP 8

Layer fabric piece and cotton batting on cardboard; pull fabric edges over cardboard and glue edges at back. Place mounted design inside frame.

by Mary Ayres

Easter Ornaments in Felt

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At the recent CHA show in Anaheim, I renewed my acquaintance with the folks at the Kunin Group. This company makes felt fabrics but with a difference – they are made in the USA from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. It’s a product you can feel good about because it is helping keep plastic out of landfill and that’s a great idea.

There are all sorts of felt fabrics in the range but the one I particularly love is the one shown here – it is printed felt fabric with a floral pattern. It is colorful and cute and, if you love to do just a little bit of sewing, the shapes in the pattern make it fun and easy to embellish the ornament with as much or as little sewing as you like.

Materials

  • Printed felt
  • DMC #5 Pearl cotton, in assorted colors
  • Small buttons
  • Fiberfill stuffing
  • Scissors, pins, and needles

For this Easter Egg ornament project, I cut two pieces of patterned felt in an egg shape. On one side I sewed some small buttons and added just a touch of embroidery. I used DMC #5 Pearl Cotton – this is a twisted thread embroidery cotton of which you use the entire thickness so there is no need to separate it. It is lovely to work with and it has a beautiful luster which looks great on this project. I sewed some simple embroidery stitches following the printed shapes on the felt.

When you are done, cut a narrow strip of felt to use to hang the ornament. Sew around the edges of the two shapes (printed side out) with blanket stitch and catch the loop as you sew the edge. Before finishing, stuff gently with a little fiberfill.

by Helen Bradley (www.craftinggoodness.com)

 

Ribbon-Embroidered Pillow

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

These delicate, dimensional flowers might be popping up on more than a pillow sham once you learn how easy it is to do silk ribbon embroidery!

Materials

  • White pillow sham 16” square
  • Pillow form, 16” square
  • Silk embroidery ribbon, 4mm wide: periwinkle, 1-1/2 yards; creamy yellow, 1/2 yard; light avocado, 1 yard; lemon yellow, 1/2 yard; dusty purple, 3/4 yard; lichen green, 1/2 yard
  • Silk embroidery ribbon, 7mm wide: light pink, 3/4 yard; pale shamrock, 1/2 yard

Tools

  • Tulip Soft Matte Fabric Paints: Olive, Cool Blue
  • Ivy or leaf rubber stamp of choice
  • Chenille needles: #20, #22
  • Parchment paper, 15-3/4” square

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, sponge

Directions

Pillow

1. Handwash sham; lay flat to dry. Press. Insert parchment paper to protect back surface while stamping front. Place sham on flat work surface so opening is positioned vertically in back. Mix equal parts Olive and Cool Blue. Apply paint evenly to stamp with sponge. (Note: Practice on scrap fabric before stamping sham.) Beginning 2-1⁄2” from upper left corner and ending 3” from lower right side, stamp ivy on sham as shown in photo. (Note: Designer applied stamp several times to achieve results shown.) Let dry 24 hours before proceeding.

2. To thread needle, insert ribbon end through eye of needle, pulling through 3” length. Pierce 3” length with needle, about 1⁄2” from end. Pull back on opposite end until it locks securely around eye of needle. To secure ribbon, insert needle through fabric, leaving a 1⁄2” length at back. When taking first few stitches, catch the length with needle at back. When finished stitching design, tie a slip knot to secure ribbon at back. (Note: Do not drag ribbon from one design to next. Fasten off and begin next design with new ribbon.)

3. For periwinkle flowers, work seven petals using lazy daisy stitch. Make large creamy yellow French knot at center. (Note: Wrap ribbon around needle three times for French knots.) Make three avocado lazy daisy leaves.

4. For light pink flowers, make three lemon yellow French knots close together for center. Work nine light pink petals using straight stitch. Make three pale shamrock straight-stitch leaves.

5. For dusty purple bud clusters, make one group of five dusty purple French knots and one group of seven. (Note: Leave ribbon slightly loose to form “sloppy” knots.) Make random lichen green straight-stitch leaves around each knot.

6. Insert pillow form into sham.

Tutorials

Silk ribbon stitching only looks intimidating. Follow the tutorials below to find out just how easy it can be to embroider with ribbon.

Straight Stitch

To create a straight stitch, come up at A, then go down at B, keeping ribbon flat. (Note: May be taut or loose depending on desired effect.)

French Knot

Bring needle up through fabric; smoothly wrap ribbon once around needle. (Note: For this project, wrap ribbon round needle three times.)

Hold ribbon securely off to one side and push needle down through fabric at starting point.

Lazy Daisy

Bring needle up at A. Keep ribbon flat, untwisted, and full. Insert needle down through fabric at B and back up through at C, keeping ribbon under needle to form a loop. Pull ribbon through, leaving loop loose and full. To hold loop in place, insert needle through on other side of ribbon near C, forming a straight stitch over loop.

by Linda Wyszynski

 

Love Grows Here Pressed Flower Picture

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Seeds of love are the best kind to plant! Let everyone know love is in your home with this elegant embroidered display.

Materials

  • Wooden frame, 5”x7”
  • Off-white solid cotton fabric, 5”x7”
  • Cardboard, 5”x7”
  • Brown craft paper
  • Black embroidery floss
  • Assorted pressed flowers and leaves

Tools

  • Embroidery needle
  • Black acrylic paint
  • Adhesives: Beacon Adhesives Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive, Therm O Web Acid-free Mounting Adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, medium-grit sandpaper, damp soft cloth

Directions

STEP 1

Print and cut out pattern. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.) Transfer heart and lettering to fabric center.Use two strands floss to stem stitch lettering.

STEP 2

Follow mounting adhesive manufacturer’s instructions to adhere cardboard to back of embroidered fabric. Arrange flowers as desired; use small amount of fabric adhesive to adhere to fabric. Place finished piece in frame.

STEP 3

To give a “distressed” look to new frame, apply several coats of black paint; let dry. Lightly sand frame edges until desired look is achieved.

STEP 4

To give back side a finished look, cut a rectangle from brown craft paper slightly larger than frame back; adhere in place. Use medium-grit sandpaper to trim excess paper from frame. Gently wipe paper with dampened cloth. (Note: Paper will dry taut.)

by Mary Ayres