Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Using Vintage Linens

Home Tweet Home - using vintage linens for fabric postcards

May 2014
Sheree McKee
sewfabsew.blogspot.com




Vintage linens with embroidery motifs can perk up a fabric postcard.   I had several stained ones that were only good for cutting apart.  You might have a nice stash just waiting to be added to a project!




First, I ironed on fusible weft interfacing to the back of my old linens, because they were a loose weave hanky.  The interfacing helps to stabilize loose fibers.  Then I cut out the bird motifs, leaving a small edge along perimeters.




Secondly, the fused bird house was simply appliqued.  A feminine lace trim was added along the roof line. 

I purposely placed birdhouses on opposite sides of each postcard front.  That would allow me to play around with the layouts of different birds and their branches. 



A small zig-zag stitch was used to carefully attach the embroidery motifs.



Programmed text titled “Home Tweet Home” was stitched in various locations along the fronts.  As usual, I rarely make exact duplicates of anything!


Bobbin-work edge stitching is made from hand-wrapped bobbins using fine crochet threads.  I played around with different stitches, but my favorite is the feather like stitch.


ShereeSews in M!ch!gan