Merry Mittens in Ribbon

December 2015
Sheree McKee
sewfabsew.blogspot.com

Lace and ribbon scraps

These "Merry Mitten" fabric postcards are made from scrap ribbon and lace.


For this swap, I emphasized a Christmas theme by using a poinsettia background print.   You could create a snowy winter theme, by using ice blue and silver background fabrics.



 

Lay diagonally onto fusible side of stabilizer

First, I began by cutting a 6" wide by 24" long piece of single-sided stabilizer.  With the fusible glue facing upward, I laid random strips of ribbon at a 45 degree angle.  I pressed the ribbons into place in groups of three to four.  

Be careful not to touch the stabilizer with your hot iron!

Here's your chance to play with
decorative machine stitches

Secondly, once the strip of stabilizer was filled and fused,  I bridge stitched between each ribbon.  

I used a variety of decorative machine stitches and some variegated colored thread.  Metallic threads would also make pretty connecting stitches.

A mitten template can be moved around

Third, I drew up a mitten shaped pattern that would fit inside a final 4" x 6" postcard.  It was able to carefully cut four mittens from the stabilizer.  

Layer trims if needed

Then I layered some lace trims over a few of the wider ribbons.

Base postcards before mittens are attached

Next, I prepared four base postcards on more stabilizer.  This is where I used the pretty Poinsettia fabric from my stash as a background.










Finally, I centered the firm mitten shapes onto the bases.  I simply held them in place as I stitched the perimeter with a wide decorative stitch that would swing on and off the mitten.

You might like the link below to a previous blog article  

about Holiday Recycling

Easter Joy Tutorial for fabric postcards

      Choose some pretty ribbons and fabric from your stash 

to make this Easter Joy fabric postcard.

Cut two fabrics and one fusible stabilizer into 4.5” x 6.5” size.  

You will trim these down later.

With main fabric and liner fabrics right-sides together, 

trace an egg shape ( 4" tall by 3" wide egg size ) 

on back then stitch all around egg shape with small stitches.  

Cut inside of shape out with pinking shears or snip inside curves carefully.  

Turn through hole and press neatly to make an egg shape window frame.

Lay framed shape on top of stabilizer with fusible side upward.  
Lightly trace the egg shape as a guide.


Fuse ribbons onto stabilizer making sure they are longer than window area. 

Use a non-stick sheet.  Add some decorative machine stitches to embellish ribbons.

Occasionally use window over ribbons to check for placement.  
Fuse all layers together.  

Trim to 4.25” by 6.0 “ size.  Embellish as desired.

Print bold text Easter Joy onto colored paper.  Trim paper and overlay a 

sheer organza ribbon on top.  Stitch along ribbon edges.

Apply backing fabric or card stock. 
Finish outer edges with your favorite decorative stitches or binding technique.

Thanks for stopping by my new blog!  

I'd love to read your comments

SEWFABSEW.BLOGSPOT.COM

ShereeSews

~~~~~~~~~~

Easter ideas

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~