Winter White Landscapes

January 4, 2020
Sheree McKee

Fabric postcards are sometimes easy to make in groups.  These Winter White Landscapes were created in triptych fashion.

My beginning base layers were cut approximately 15" wide and 7" tall.  I planned the pine tree layouts in groupings of three.  

Once my fabric layers were fused, I simply used a 3.0 machine stitch length, and a metallic thread (with large eye needle) to quilt through in wavy horizontal lines.  They were cut apart into 4"x6" sizes with a rotary cutter.  I had some hand-painted buttons with snowflake-like designs and used my button sewing machine-setting to attach them.

The edges were finished in a tiny blanket-stitch choice.  Usually I create a fabric backside.  But for this project, decided to glue a postcard weight cardstock to the reverse.  I used fabric glue in a thin line along the edges only.  Then I weighted them down to dry.

If you would like to join a swap group - I am a member of PostCardMailArt@groups.io
You can subscribe using this link:
PostCardMailArt+subscribe@groups.io

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Another Past Blog Article you might enjoy, of mine

2017 Fabric Landscapes Winter

Fall Applique Owl

November 2019
Sheree McKee
SewFabSew.blogspot.com


A lot of folks are Owl lovers.  I admit, I'm fond of them when I spot one high in a tree!  These afficiondos might even collect Owl themed bric-brac or accessories around their home. If you know an Owl lover - Here's a free Owl appliqué pattern I found on a quilting blog, and it's not complicated at all. 

(do not use this image, not proper size)

It is called the Ruffled Feathers Owl located at SewCanShe.com, designed by Caroline Critchfield. The pattern can be downloaded for free at the new Bluprint.com site (formerly Craftsy.com).  Find instructions and pattern in this link: 

https://shop.mybluprint.com/sewing/patterns/ruffled-feathers-owl-free-applique-/217549

A nice thing about stitching appliqué fabric postcards, is that you are not required to stitch down every raw edge of an appliqué pattern.  Because a postcard doesn't get wear-and-tear like a pillow or quilt would, just make sure you have a durable fusible web to adhere each pattern piece down.

1. Read ahead and study Carolines construction methods.  She wrote a very thorough and helpful tutorial.

My changes:

2. Reduce pattern size:  I printed out the small Owl, then reduced page by 20% in my scanner/printer to better fit onto a 6" tall fabric postcard.  

3. The small pattern pieces were perfect for using up my scraps of fabrics which already had fusible webbing on their reverse side. I always keep a big stash of fused scraps from past postcard projects. Wing feathers can be made in one color, or use a random mix.

4. While Caroline used 5-6 feathers to create her wings.  I was satisfied with using four feathers per wing.  Be creative!

5. A small button was machine stitched over center of each eye.

6. I was happy to find a stabilized and fused piece of gold lame in my stash, and used it for the beaks and talons.

7. The only pieces I appliquéd around, were three wing feathers and the head/ears.

8. Lastly, I think a small feather glued onto the head, is a nice touch!

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You might like this previous blog of mine:

Confetti Turkey

My previously mentioned PostCardMailArt Swap Group has moved away from Yahoo Groups.  I've been a member for nearly 10 years.  It is moderated by Sue Balchak of California.  Below is information on the newly reformed group:  Join us if you are interested in being active in swapping!

 PostCardMailArt@groups.io group at Groups.io 

a free, easy-to-use email group service.

List at https://groups.io/g/PostCardMailArt

Sew Fabric Postcards for St. Patricks Day 2019

St. Pats Fabric Postcard Swap

March 2019
Sheree McKee
sewfabsew.blogspot.com

Just sharing some of this years swap postcards:

Sheree to Lorna:
Although background is a hand-dyed mottled fabric, I think
it ended up pretty lackluster.  Therefore, each PC made after
this one, uses a different variation of backgrounds. I used a
scarf to make the dimensional shamrock flower to keep it airy.

Sheree to Meloney:
I found a green upholstery fabric that I really liked, but
only had a scrap big enough for one postcard. A metal
holiday pin-on button is pinned over center of shamrock.

Sheree to Gaby:
I like this brighter background.  The decorative scallop
stitching shows up really good along the edges.  Due to the thickness,
these postcards were mailed in envelopes with extra postage.

To make the dimensional shamrock, cut a 6" circle from a
light weight scarf or fabric.  Baste outer edge with medium
length stitches, and draw together at center and secure.
But not too tight, leave a small opening. Your 6" circle is now reduced in half.
Just like a giant fabric Yo-Yo.
Visually divide your yo-yo into thirds, and use a running stitch
toward outer edge and back again to center.
Draw up slightly to form three petals.
Because you have a raw center, cover it with a pin-on holiday
button or sew a large sized button over the raw center.

Lorna in North Carolina- to Sheree:
Lorna created a shaker card.  A thin layer of netting holds four sparkly
shamrocks beneath the surface.  Such a cute fabric motif... with these
little leprechauns!

Nancie in Texas - to Sheree:
This tiny pieced "quilt block" is so neat and precise.  Nancie is
an experienced quilter.  She sprinkled and stitched an overlay of five
tiny fabric shamrocks which look like a little Leprechaun walked
over top of the quilt.

Meloney in Texas - to Sheree
Crazy quilt style with a variety of fabrics.  Meloney was
practicing the decorative stitches that came on her new
sewing machine.  Below is the address side, where
Meloney has machine embroidered Postcard and a faux stamp!

Sheree to Nancie:
Pieced fabrics with an appliqué felt shamrock, and
three metal brads for some shine!

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You might also like this past post:

2015 Irish Postcards

Winter Theme Postcard Swap

January 2019
Sheree McKee

SewFabSew.blogspot.com

This swap with three other gals, was for an "Anything Winter" theme.  

I like landscapes, so here's some quick and basic instructions.

It's also easy to create two fabric postcards at a time.  

Begin with a 5" x 13" strip of SKY FABRIC and FUSIBLE STABILIZER - fuse together

Overlay a SNOW FABRIC with some hills and valleys - then fuse to SKY

This is a close up of the 5"x13' panel.

Machine stitch both the sky and the snow.  I used metallic thread on the snow.

If you use a white bobbin, the stitching is less likely to show through the final backing.

Layer some motifs like felt snowbanks, and some tree shapes or even animals (with fusible web on the backs ahead of time)

Outline stitch the snowbanks then decorative stitch the trees

It's time to trim with a rotary cutter, and create two 6" x 4 1/8" (regulation size) postcard shapes.

These metal stars are paper brads.  

Poke a large needle hole then push the brad prongs through and spread the prongs.  

But keep them away from postcard edge so your sewing machine foot will clear the metal stars when overcasting or binding your perimeter edges.

Finally, you will fuse a backing fabric on reverse side. 

This layer covers over your motif outline stitching and brads.

Keep it light in color, because you will address and write on this backing.

Complete outer edges as desired.

I had some felt Bucks and Bears in my stash of embellishments.  
They were glued on with Aleene's Tacky Glue as a final step.

Confetti Techniques in Fiber Postcards

Confetti Cluck-Clucks for Thanksgiving
Sheree McKee
November 2018

sewfabsew.blogspot.com

Confetti techniques are often used in landscape quilts and wallhangings.  A Confetti mailart piece can be simple as an object, or as abstract as a landscape scenery.  This method lets you use up fabric scraps of the tiniest sizes.

Some Confetti methods use fabrics with fusible web already on the backs.  And some use nylon or polyester netting / illusion as a method to hold all the Confetti pieces in place.  There is also a fusible powder that can be sprinkled underneath your confetti, prior to fusing it.

As my swap partners send their Confetti projects, I will add them to the bottom for you to enjoy!

Here's how I made my Confetti Cluck Clucks:

I used scraps fabrics from previous postcards.  I save all the odd shaped pieces in a large Zip-Lock bag.  No sense wasting these little treasures of fabric!

I carefully rotary sliced small wedge shapes that were approximately 1.5" tall.  No need to make them identical... just random widths.

Preparation steps ahead of time - I fused Peltex stabilizer to some fabric polka-dot background approximately 7"tall by 22" wide.  It's hard to see the three chalk-marked  6"x4" postcard outlines on this piece, but they were my guidelines.

Fan out the Confetti "feathers" into the shape of a turkey tail and fuse them into position.

A little free motion stitching or decorative stitches will hold down the sharp feather tips.  You could layer a piece of  netting over your feathers then quilt them in place.

I used a burlap style ribbon to cut some turkey bodies.  But I fused some WonderUnder to the backside before cutting.

Next I glued on some Wiggle Eyes.  Hand stitched some yellow beaks.

Flip over then fuse a backing fabric and trim to 6" x 4"


Finish with your favorite method of binding or decorative stitching to seal your outer perimeter edges of the fabric postcard.

Jeanette S. used scraps of silk fabric.  She said they had a lot of static and fraying during the process.  Regardless, this is a lovely fall scene!

Miriam G created an underwater scene using netting as a layer to hold ocean bubbles and fish confetti cutouts in place

Sue B. layered and fused generous piles of tiny fabric confetti to create a winter postcard













Confetti Sewing and Quilting Reference:

• HGTV Naturescapes
• Confetti Backgrounds
• Easy Peasy Confetti Art

You might like my other holiday Postcard ideas:

• Merry Mittens in Ribbon

Blue Moon Fabric Postcards

April 2018

Sheree McKee
sewfabsew.blogspot.com


KISS was my main objective - Keep It Simple Sheree - only because it was March Madness season and the University of Michigan was in the NCAA basketball playoffs.  

My husband travels all the time for work.  He was finally home and enjoying the playoffs from the comfort of his leather recliner.  Since our lower level family room is next to my sewing studio, I decided to join him during three of the most important games.  (In the past, I've escaped to my creative haven, and just yell out.... "What's the Score"?

Ahead of time, I fused the crescent moons to backgrounds and Peltex stabilizer.  This Blue Moon Swap was primarily handwork.  Each fabric postcard took approximately 2-3 hours of stitching.

I brought out my collection of "Bobbles, Beads, Trinkets, Charms, Buttons" to a TV tray.  I also pulled out my magnifier head-gear.  It was a real challenge... threading a delicate beading needle... in a dimly lit room.  Our dog, bumped into my setup several times, and I had tiny beads flying all over! 

Hand sewing from a comfy chair is not that easy when you are waxing threads,  picking up little beads with a needle tip, and getting your thread caught on dimensional charms and objects.

In reality, I had to work on these FPC on several additional days - during decent daylight, while sitting at a well lit table. 

I also played with a new way to label - Using small rubber stamps and 3/8" satin ribbon I was able to create a stamped and folded title label.  

I think I've decided to rename my postcards Blue Moons Be-Jeweled.

I have this headband magnifier with 4 changeable lens,
unfortunately it is not marked with the manufacturer identity

Review: 5 Best Headband Magnifiers

by Most Craft

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From Tammy A. in Pennsylvania -
Her very first postcard swap with our PostCardMailArt Yahoo Group
And she did a great job! A charming landscape!

From Dr. Amy S. in Virginia -
She titled this Moonlight Dancing Diva, and it has a lot
of sparkle in reality, that doesn't show up in the photo.
And there are some unique lacey wings!

From Jeanette S. in Idaho -
A beautiful abstract using dyed fabrics 

You might enjoy this LINK to a previous post on Paisley Project Postcards

Spring Landscapes 2018 Critique

Sheree McKee
April 2018
SewFabSew.blogspot.com

Spring Landscapes 2018 Critique

I'm not ashamed to critique my own work.  I learn from it.  One of the reasons, I rarely create identical fabric postcards is because I learn something from each progression of construction.

To begin, my Spring Landscape swap was inspired by a screenshot on my iMac computer -as seen above.  I fell in love with the clear and sharply focused reflections in the water.  

The colors were soft hues of pink and plum.  

Attempt #1
Purple / Aqua
My tree line fabric did not have enough contrast on the right side. It blended into the purple mountains behind.  I used a triple stitch of variegated thread for defining the water waves.  I regret using a too wide satin stitch to define the ground. This sky is an iridescent watercolor fabric with a touch of sparkle.  My favorite part is the corded edging.

Attempt #2
Purple / Lime Green
I reversed the layout by moving large mountains to opposite side.  I used a lime green tree line for more contrast.  I switched to a decorative stitch that look like spiked bushes at the groundline. I felt the water needed to be milky so I added a single layer of sparkle organza.  Then I used a wave stitch and changed the length for each row of stitching so all the waves were not evenly spaced.  The sparkle organza looks better in reality, than in this photo. The sky fabric has metallic silver circles which represent swirls of wind.

Attempt #3
Orange / Green
I found some orange fish fabric and thought it would make a great lake.  Of course, a reflection of the sunny sky.   This time, I layered some peach colored bridal tulle over the water, to mute the water.  I don't like my choice of straight stitching along the green mountain tops and really should have used a different stitch. I used a dark green corded edge, but it really isn't even noticed.

Attempt #4
Orange / Green
My blanket stitch on hills better represents blades of grass.  But I messed up, by using two layers of aqua organza on the water.  The two layers are too opaque to see the fish in water, they are lost.  If you notice the corded edge...  I tied random knots in the cording to add a unique texture along the outer edges, but this is very hard to stitch.  It is hard to get the presser foot over the lumps evenly.

Miriam from Ireland
Created a landscape of the historic Poulnabrone Dolmen, a Celtic tomb
in Ireland.  She cleverly used a frayed fabric to create grass, and
a layer of tulle for texture on the ground.

Sue B from California
Created a seascape landscape.  The seagrass and flowers are free-motion stitched. The watercolor sky and background remind me of Diamond Head volcano in Hawaii

Green is Great

March 2018

Sheree McKee

sewfabsew.blogspot.com


I am pretty fond of decorating for St. Patricks Day.  A recent swap with my Yahoo Group - called PostCardMailArt - recently had the theme of "Green is Great".

The fabric postcards I made, were pretty basic... only because I procrastinated until the last minute to make them.

I decided to play around with the embellishment.  You can witness the many attempts to make a Shamrock from ribbon.

The shiny embellishment you see is a plastic bead - from a Dollar Store bracelet, which I cut apart.  I simply glued them into place once the postcard was completed.

I'll share what I receive, at the end. ~ Sheree

Sheree McKee 2018

Sheree McKee 2018

Edged in silver cording

Edged in cording

by Jeanette S - Idaho
Hand embroidery on a beautiful green batik fabric

Shelli R - Minnesota
I love the four different specialty machine stitches on each edge,
and Shelli shades some of her fabric edges