Winner winner

Hi folks.  I was very surprised to see 520 likes of this design on Facebook's PSS. Samplers usually get around 150, Santas more.  Several of you asked why I don't sell these little designs of mine.  Plain and simple - my first design I offered for sale was a huge disappointment.   I just don't think it would be worth it.  Hundreds of hits when a new chart is posted, but that could be because it's free and doesn't mean it would sell.  Others have scolded me for offering "too many" free charts, small or not.  I cannot see any reasoning behind their thoughts, but whatever it is, they are entitled to their opinion. 

 

Random.org chose the number of Penny Duffy.  I will be contacting her shortly.  Thanks to all who participated.

 

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Tablecloth tunic?

Still holding on to the family's old Quaker lace tablecloths.  Destroying these beautiful pieces is not an option.  So hard to find all the little stains, most were removed with Biz and Lestoil.  Can't say enough about Lestoil saving a lot of clothing for both of us.  Those grease spots from a splash of olive oil or butter, salad, anything with fat or oil, are gone.  I use full strength, just on the pesky spot, wait a few minutes, and rinse before throwing in the washer.  Works like a charm.  Removes all the true grease from work clothes too. 

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has ever sewn a tunic from vintage lace or tablecloths.  I saw this when browsing the sale at https://www.shopcarols.com/, and thought maybe the tablecloths could be put to use in clothing.

I like that style in lace and they range from boho to elegant (mine would be towards bo and ho).  Maybe I should just try adding the scalloped edge of the cloth to a shortened loose t-shirt or chambray blouse turning it into a tunic.  I have enough lace to attempt inserts like this also. 

If anyone has tried this I would appreciate any suggestions. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What took so long

for me to realize that there was an easier way to sew a finish when using interfacing?  A few years ago I posted about the method a seamstress recommended, which was to cut the interfacing to fit inside the seam and then fuse.  I didn't do that for long. 

I went back to fusing first, then sewing the seam.  Why?  The last two projects had clean edges to follow so I just had the presser foot ride along the stitching before fusing.  A light bulb was shining above my frizzy head, then exploded when the flames from a hot flash shot out. 

(I went for a haircut today. Looks the same only shorter.)





So much easier to see the pulled linen thread, the Frixion pen line, any guides for a straight seam.  After sewn on the three sides, I fused the interfacing extending it past the sewing line.  So much easier!  Why didn't anyone tell me?  Better yet, why didn't I realize this before?  All that measuring and marking, unable to see the guide through the facing, was wasted time.  If there is no border, I will still have to run the Frixion or pull out a linen thread, but following it will be much easier, of course, SINCE I CAN SEE IT!  What a putz.

Covered the stitched seams and corners with the fusible after machine sewing.  With only three sides sewn, it is easy to square the piece before fusing.

 

 

Pressed open and clipped corners as usual.

 

 

Turned out and then pressed the bottom hem, ready for gluing with Tacky.

 

Ta-Da!  Stuffed, glued, done.  Much easier.  I have a few more recent pieces to sew and will follow the same method.
 

 All those times I was struggling to see the guide and it never dawned on me to apply the fusible after.  And I was close a few years ago!  Except for cutting it to fit inside and not including the seam allowance which appears to make a nice crisp edge.   Let it go crabass. 

 

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The 66 giveaway

Greetings stitchin' buds.  Giveaway time.  For my birthday.  I wish I would have used labels for my posts because it would be easier to determine how many giveaways I've had.  Just curious.  The pears alone were 9, plus stitched pieces that I still look for until I remember I gave them away.  And charts, santa cards, sampler boxes, linen, just about everything but chocolate.  Which by the way, my nephew bought and just dropped off, two pounds of melt-a-ways.  I have STILL not lost another pound and this will certainly do me in. 

 

You know the routine - leave your initials or name in a comment on this post only, or send an entry by email (click on the postcard top right), name to be drawn by Random on Saturday at 8pm.  US only please.

 

Backing is blue denim.

It's little, it's primitive, and it's free.

 

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1776

Hello hello hello!  Sorry I didn't get this posted yesterday.  It was sort of an ishkaboobled day but even if it wasn't, I couldn't get the scan to work so I could compile the chart for posting.  The chart is listed on the FREE tab beneath the header.

 

I stained the edges with coffee Range archival ink pad and a soft touch.  It's primitive!  It's small, the backing is blue denim, and I hope you like it because it is my birthday giveaway to you.  A separate post is coming for that.

 

 

I will make another for myself. 

 

I finished the Simply Red sampler and will show that next time, but wanted to tell you what I purchased from Lori Rippey.  Have you seen her latest release Polly Cole?  If I don't work out a chart for another mini sampler, this will be the next project.  Just can purchase the e-pattern here.

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/24463193

 

(The only bear I ever made.)

That's it for now.  Be back with the other finish and also the giveaway very soon.

 

Have a great day!

 

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Finished

The card that I fell in love with and wanted to replicate in stitches, but my piece is smaller than I had planned.  I just couldn't manage to work those six rows of solid red any further.

 

 

 Next step is finishing into an ornament or cupboard tuck.  I want to age the edges like the card in addition to other areas, probably with a soft brush and an ink pad rather than dye.  I tried 680 (dark gold) for the year, it looked good, and I was surprised at how it changed the feel of the piece.  Pick a color woman!  So I chose the lighter but you can do it in the blue, gold, beige, whatever would look best on your fabric (mine is Tin Roof that I dipped in brown dye).  I guess I should post the chart first .... tomorrow if anyone is interested.

 

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