April 2014
Sheree McKee
sewfabsew. blogspot.com
I’ve started sewing postcards for spring and it sure is fun to
get out the cheerful colors and spring themed cottons!
#1 For my first Easter fabric postcard (FPC) I
wanted to use this great egg print I’ve been stashing for a few years. It’s quite busy, so I used it for a
background.
It is basically a form
of reverse applique, with an egg shaped opening. A
contrast lining was stitched and turned to complete a window. Underneath the window, I layered short cuts
of ribbon onto the fusible side of Peltex.
Then I placed the window frame on top and fused everything together a
second time. I also used a decorative
stitch around the egg.
TIPS: The matt finish of cotton looks really good with the glossy
satin and metallic ribbons underneath.
Because of two different textures, you can really see the shimmer of a
recessed egg beneath!
Or you could try a
shimmery top fabric with dull ribbons like grosgrain, velvet, or cotton
embroidered for a different texture contrast.
#2 My second FPC has two layers of stiffener. A ribbon cross (on Peltex) is overlaid on a fused
dupioni silk background. I tried some
machine lettering on a satin ribbon, but was not happy with the results. The double layering makes the cross-dimensional
and adds a nice stiff body to the postcard.
TIPS: Use stabilizer under the ribbon and stitch out words a
lot longer than you think you can use.
That allows you to maneuver the ribbon so you can read the a bit of
Easter Blessings on each side of cross.
#3 Lastly, I was in a more playful mood, so this
little cutie was born. A simple egg
shape was interpreted as a chicken. I
threw in some netting as a head comb, and a small feather for her wing. The grass is bobbin work. Run chickie, run!
All three of these will be swapped. I’ll be sure to show you what I received in
return!
ShereeSews in M!ch!gan
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If you use faux postage in the upper corner of your FPC back, along with a clear cellophane envelope, try to cover over it on outside - with a real postal stamp. Sometimes, I stamp “fake” postage on a FPC when I am planning to mail it in an opaque envelope with official postage stamps on the exterior.
