Nostalgic NeedleART

To My Sweet Valentine Crazy Quilt Block #1 from Vintage Vogue

2012-02-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

Here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - V226. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CD.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons, and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 2nd square-shaped block in my new series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the individual PDF file, and print out the block. On the 11th, I'll post the same block redesigned into a hexagon. On the 21st, I'll post the same block redesigned into a diamond. Make just one block, or two, or all three!

My original series of 36 crazy quilt blocks is still available at no charge. Click on any block in this index to view the individual PDF file, and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

An Additional New Series--Diamond Crazy Quilt Block #1 from Vintage Vogue

2012-01-21T23:22:00.001-08:00

I've reconsidered how I was designing my crazy quilt blocks for this year's series, and I've decided to post the same postcard image during the month, adapted into three different shapes for those of you who like to stitch something different.

On the 1st of the month, the block will be square. On the 11th, I'll post the same block redesigned into a hexagon. On the 21st, I'll post the same block redesigned into a diamond. All three of the blocks will be included in the 2012 index of crazy quilt blocks. Make just one block, or two, or all three!

Here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - NY102. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CD.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons, and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 1st diamond-shaped block in my new series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the individual PDF file, and print out the block.

My original series of 36 crazy quilt blocks is still available at no charge. Click on any block in this index to view the individual PDF file, and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Medallion Crazy Quilt from Quilts Japan Magazine

2012-01-16T21:16:00.001-08:00

This beautiful medallion crazy quilt was featured in the March issue of Quilts Japan magazine in either 2003 or 2005--I've seen it credited to both years.

I do not know the name of the maker. If you do, please contact me as I'd love to be able to credit it correctly! The maker's tutor was Keiko Yoshida, who works in a style that's similar to Michiko Sonobe.

It generated a lot of discussion on Crazy Quilting International, a Yahoo group devoted to crazy quilting. Beginning with message #38814, Judy Grant posed a question about piecing this type of medallion. This is the picture that she posted on her blog and asked about.

Hideko Ishida, one of the leaders of CQI, translated some of the pages in the magazine and answered some of the questions that were asked by the various members of the group in message #38965. If you're interested, join the CQI group and follow that discussion!

If you'd like to see Judy's version of a medallion quilt, follow her progress here and here and here and here and here. I do not know if she's finished her quilt yet.

If you'd like to try making your own version of a medallion crazy quilt, here's an easy piecing dia gram to help you get started. Breaking down the medallion into the shapes that are shown here makes a quilt like this much less intimidating to work on.

Enjoy!

Another New Series--Hexagon Crazy Quilt Block #1 from Vintage Vogue

2012-01-15T22:36:00.000-08:00

It occurred to me that another shape of crazy quilt blocks might be interesting to stitch--something other than the traditional square block. So, on the 1st of every month I'll be posting a new square block, featuring one of my postcards from my personal collection.

On the 15th of every month, I'll be posting a hexagon-shaped block based on the the square block, and using the same postcard. Both of the blocks will be included in the 2012 index of crazy quilt blocks.

Here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - NY102. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CD.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or small, use this as a guide to piecing.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons, and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 1st hexagon-shaped block in my new series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the individual PDF file, and print out the block.

My original series of 36 crazy quilt blocks is still available at no charge. Click on any block in this index to view the individual PDF file, and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

A Happy New Year Crazy Quilt Block from Vintage Vogue

2012-01-01T07:49:00.000-08:00

After many requests this past year, I've begun a new series of free crazy quilt blocks. Please check back on the first of every month to download the latest block in this new series.

My original series of 36 crazy quilt blocks is still available at no charge. Click on any block in this index to view the individual PDF file, and print out the block.

Here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - NY102. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CD.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons, and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 1st in my new series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the individual PDF file, and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

A Joyful Christmas Crazy Quilt Block from Vintage Vogue

2010-12-19T16:34:00.001-08:00

Here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - C201. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CD.

Print this BLOCK directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 36th and final block in my series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the PDF file and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Thanksgiving Greetings Crazy Quilt Block from Vintage Vogue

2010-11-19T16:55:00.001-08:00

Here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - T103. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CD.

Print this BLOCK directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 35th in my series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the PDF file and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Loving Greetings Crazy Quilt Block from Vintage Vogue

2010-10-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

Here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - F225. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CD.

Print this BLOCK directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 34th in my series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the PDF file and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Don't Worry About the Future Crazy Quilt Block from Vintage Vogue

2010-09-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

"Don't worry about the future,
The present is all thou hast;
The future will soon be present,
And the present will soon be past."

Here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - F119. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CD.

Print this BLOCK directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 33rd in my series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the PDF file and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Best Wishes Crazy Quilt Block from Vintage Vogue

2010-07-15T17:19:00.001-07:00

Good for almost any occasion, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CD.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 32nd in my series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the PDF file and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

A Happy Birthday Crazy Quilt Block from Vintage Vogue

2010-06-16T10:31:00.000-07:00

Every day is a birthday! If you want to send a birthday wish to friends or family, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 31st in my series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the PDF file and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Best Wishes Crazy Quilt Block from Vintage Vogue

2010-05-16T17:21:00.001-07:00

At this time of year, best wishes are in order for many of our children that are finishing their education. If you want to send a special greeting to friends or family, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - F208. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 30th in my series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index of view the PDF file and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Birthday Greeting Crazy Quilt Block from Vintage Vogue

2010-04-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

Every day is someone's birthday. If you want to send a greeting to a friend, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - B112. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CD.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 29th in my series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the PDF file and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Happy Easter Crazy Quilt Block from Vintage Vogue

2010-03-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

If you celebrate the season, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - E213. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CD.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 28th in my series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the PDF file and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

To A Friend Crazy Quilt Block from Vintage Vogue

2010-02-16T15:41:00.001-08:00

Friendship is one of life's greatest blessings. If you have a favorite friend, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - F103. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 27th in my series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the PDF file and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Sweetheart Think of Me Crazy Quilt Block from Vintage Vogue

2010-01-15T14:25:00.000-08:00

My father was my mother's first date when they were in high school, and they've been married for nearly 60 years now. They've been Valentines for a long time. If you have a sweetheart, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - V218. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 26th in my series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the PDF file and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

A Happy New Year Crazy Quilt Block

2009-12-15T15:13:00.001-08:00

As 2009 comes to a close, I'd like to wish you a safe and healthy and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! If you want to pass on those sentiments, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - NY101. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 25th in my series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the PDF file and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Merry Christmas Crazy Quilt Block

2009-11-15T11:57:00.000-08:00

If you want to wish a "Merry Christmas" to family and friends, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - C224. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 24th in my series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the PDF file and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Thanksgiving Greetings Crazy Quilt Block

2009-10-06T12:57:00.001-07:00

As the year comes to an end, it's time to give thanks for our many blessings even in these difficult times for many people. If you want to send a greeting to a friend, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - T105. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 23rd in my series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the PDF file and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

A Happy Birthday Crazy Quilt Block

2009-09-10T20:53:00.001-07:00

Next week my mother and I will be sharing our birthdays together for the first time in many years. If you want to wish a loved one a happy birthday, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - B205. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 22nd in my series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the PDF file and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Many Happy Days Crazy Quilt Block

2009-08-16T13:49:00.001-07:00

If you want to send this sentiment to a friend, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - F122. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Piece the block, them embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 21st in my series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the PDF file and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

To Wish You Happiness Crazy Quilt Block

2009-07-15T13:46:00.001-07:00

If you want to send good wishes to a friend, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - F204. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 20th in my series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the PDF file and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

To My Darling Crazy Quilt Block

2009-06-15T13:15:00.001-07:00

If you have a sweetheart or a darling daughter, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - FF105. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons and beads.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 19th in my series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the PDF file and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Best Wishes Crazy Quilt Block

2009-05-15T12:03:00.000-07:00

This is the time of year to wish good fortune to new graduates. If you're celebrating that milestone with family or friends, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - F210. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Piece the block, then embellish it with threads, trims, ribbons and beads. Add the Bird finding after piecing and embroidery.

Enjoy your beautiful block!

This is the 18th in my series of crazy quilt blocks. Click on any block in this index to view the PDF file and print out the block.

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

A Gift of Love Crazy Quilt Block

2009-04-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

Recently my mother was hurt in a car accident. She's 80, but I never think of her being old or not being there for my family. When something like that happens, I think everyone realizes the gift of love that having two wonderful parents is. To memorialize the gift of love of your friends and family, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - F110. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric or freezer paper backed fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Add the Large Basket finding after piecing and embroidery.

Enjoy your beautiful block...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Happy Easter Crazy Quilt Block

2009-03-15T15:26:00.001-07:00

If you celebrate the season, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - E231. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Add the Small Basket with Handle finding after piecing and embroidery.

Enjoy your beautiful block...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

To My Dearest Friend Crazy Quilt Block

2009-02-15T15:47:00.000-08:00

"Make new friends, but keep the old..." is a song that I remember from my childhood. Here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - FF108. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Add the Best Friends Heart finding after piecing and embroidery.

Enjoy your beautiful block...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Be My Valentine Crazy Quilt Block

2009-01-18T09:58:00.001-08:00

When you love someone, every day is Valentine's Day! Here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - V217. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Add the Cherub with Bow and Quiver finding after piecing and embroidery.

Enjoy your beautiful block...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

A Joyful Christmas and New Year Greetings Crazy Quilt Blocks

2008-12-15T09:47:00.001-08:00

As this year comes to an end, I'd like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Here are two easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt blocks, featuring two of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - C202 and NY105. They're just two of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print the Christmas block and the New Year block directly onto computer printer fabric or freezer paper backed fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Enjoy your beautiful blocks...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Thanksgiving Day Crazy Quilt Block

2008-11-15T07:50:00.000-08:00

Gobble, gobble, gobble! Every day is Thanksgiving Day--if you appreciate your family and friends! Here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - T102. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric or freezer paper backed fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Enjoy your beautiful block...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Ye Halloween Crazy Quilt Block

2008-10-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

Candles and pumpkins and black cats--oh my! Here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - P213. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric or freezer paper backed fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Add the Spider Bead finding after piecing and embroidery.

Enjoy your beautiful block...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Birthday Greeting Crazy Quilt Block

2008-09-15T20:22:00.000-07:00

Birthdays are some of my favorite days, and today is mine. Although I'm 55 today, I have an 18-year-old son that keeps me young! If you love birthdays, too, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - B210. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric or freezer paper backed fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Enjoy your beautiful block...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Sunny Hours Crazy Quilt Block

2008-08-15T22:44:00.000-07:00

"From morn till night may your life be bright, and misfortune never frown. May the sweet content of each day well spent be yours as the sun goes down."

Make every day count...every day.

Here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring my favorite postcard from my personal collection - F207. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric or freezer paper backed fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Enjoy your beautiful block...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Fond Wishes Crazy Quilt Block

2008-06-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

Summer is the time for reconnecting with family and friends. If you can't visit in person, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - F101. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric or freezer paper backed fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Add the Wheelbarrow with Flowers finding after piecing and embroidery.

Enjoy your beautiful block...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Best Wishes Crazy Quilt Block

2008-05-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

June is the month for brides. If you are celebrating a wedding next month, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - F142. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric or freezer paper backed fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Add the Bridal Charms after piecing and embroidery.

Enjoy your beautiful block...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Loving Birthday Greetings Crazy Quilt Block

2008-04-30T18:04:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves birthdays! If you do, too, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - B106. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric or freezer paper backed fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Add the Happy Birthday Package finding after piecing and embroidery.

Enjoy your beautiful block...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

To Dear Dad Crazy Quilt Block

2008-04-15T19:56:00.000-07:00

My heart belongs to Daddy! If yours does also, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - FF103. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric or freezer paper backed fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Add the My Heart Belongs to Daddy finding after piecing and embroidery.

Enjoy your beautiful block...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

To Dear Mother Crazy Quilt Block

2008-03-30T12:14:00.000-07:00

Mothers...you have to love them! If you love yours, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - FF102. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric or freezer paper backed fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Add the Mother finding after piecing and embroidery.

Enjoy your beautiful block...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Ribbon Pansies

2008-03-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

This easy technique can be used to make a pansy or viola. Use this as an embellishment on a crazy quilt block. The pansy is made with the fine wire removed from the edge of both the flower’s ribbon and the flower center’s ribbon.

The back petals were made using 5½” of size 3 (5/8” wide) ribbon, the lower petals were made using 8¼” of size 3 (5/8” wide) ribbon, and the flower center was made using 4” of size 3 (5/8” wide) ribbon. Here’s a step-by-step picture, sewn with black thread to make the stitches easier to see. I use a size 10 milliner's needle, Nymo bead thread, and French wired ribbon.

· Cut 5½” of ribbon for the back petals. Remove the wire. Cut this piece in half, and overlap the pieces into a V. If you’re using an ombre ribbon, the color at the top of the ribbon (the inside of the V) will be the top of the back petals. Pin to secure. Starting at the top of the edge about 1/8” in from the cut end, insert the needle, and make a couple of very small tacking stitches to secure the thread. This will keep the knot from pulling through the ribbon, and will help to secure the gathering.

· Using a 1/8” running stitch, sew down the cut edge to the opposite edge. Continue to sew down the edge, across the lapped cut ends, up the other edge, and up the other cut end to the other edge. Do not cut your thread yet. Pull the thread gently to gather, knot off and cut the thread now. Set the back petals aside.

· Cut 8¼” of ribbon for the lower petals. Remove the wire. Divide this piece in thirds (2¾”) with pins. Diagonally fold each end up at the pin to create a U. If you’re using an ombre ribbon, the color at the top of the ribbon (the inside bottom of the U) will be the edge of the bottom of the lower petal.

· Using a 1/8” running stitch, sew down the cut edge to the opposite edge. Continue to sew down the edge, across the fold, down the edge, across the other fold, up the edge, and across the other cut end to the other edge. Do not cut your thread yet. Pull the thread gently but firmly to gather the lower petals tightly, and knot off. Do not cut your thread yet. On the back of the lower petals, sew the beginning and ending knots together with a few small tacking stitches. Knot off, and cut the thread now. There WILL and SHOULD be a small hole in the center of the lower petals. Set the lower petals aside.

· Pin the upper petals to a small piece of crinoline. Cut 4” of ribbon for the pansy center. Remove the wire. Tie a knot in the center of the ribbon. Pull the knot tight. Fold the cut edges of the center together, and push them through the hole in the center of the lower petals. Do not push the knot all the way through the center. Pull the tails of the center ribbon down.

· Lay the lower petals on top of the upper petals that are pinned to the crinoline. Adjust the upper petals if necessary. Sew the pansy to the crinoline, using very small stitches in the folds of the ribbon. Sew all around the center to hold the center knot securely. Be sure to catch the back petals in the stitching also. Carefully trim the excess crinoline away from the pansy, being careful not to cut any stitches or the ribbon.

Enjoy your beautiful pansies…

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Easter Greetings Crazy Quilt Block

2008-02-29T20:03:00.000-08:00

If you celebrate the season, here's an easy foundation-pieced crazy quilt block, featuring one of my favorite postcards from my personal collection - E204. It's just one of the images from my Vintage Postcard CDs.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric or freezer paper backed fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger or smaller, use this as a guide to piecing.

Enjoy your beautiful block...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Antiquing Brass Findings

2008-02-15T16:28:00.000-08:00

I often use antique gold or antique silver plated findings in my work, but occasionally there's a piece that's only available in raw brass.

To give a brass finding like this bird (used in my Nostalgic NeedleART Crazy Quilt Block) more dimension and an older look, use acrylic paint and a sponge to quickly "antique" the piece.

· It's easy to get a fine film of paint if you use a soft cosmetic sponge. These are sold at drug and grocery stores. I buy the ones that are cut into triangular wedges. Wet a cosmetic sponge, then squeeze most of the water out. You'll want the sponge to be damp, but not dripping wet.

· Squeeze a drop of dark gray acrylic paint onto a saucer. Dark gray paint, rather than black, gives the highlights a softer look. Dip one corner of the sponge into the paint. You don't need to use much. Squeeze the sponge a few times to distribute the paint throughout the sponge.

· Brush a fine wash of paint over the finding with the sponge. Set it aside to let the paint dry. Wipe off the excess paint with an old washcloth when the paint is dry. If needed, apply another wash of paint, and repeat the process. I never seal the findings when they're dry because I like the tarnished look, buth they can be sealed with an acrylic sealer if you prefer.

Enjoy your beautiful findings...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Nostalgic NeedleART Crazy Quilt Block

2008-01-31T15:04:00.000-08:00

Over the years, I've had many requests for a pattern for this block that I made back in 1996.

Featured on my website on the Crazy Quilting page and also in the banner here, it has as its centerpiece one of my favorite vintage postcards from my 600-piece personal collection - FL101.

When Vintage Vogue went online in 1996, the vintage postcards printed on fabric were one of my best-selling products. I no longer print the images for sale, but have the images available on CDs.

This block was made in all cottons, with bits of lace and trim added to some of the seams. There's a small amount of embroidery, some odd bits and pieces of motifs, and some beading and ribbonwork scattered over the block.

The silver bird finding is surrounded by ribbon embroidery in my signature style. You can see more examples of my embroidery at this tutorial. The gold bird is brass, and will need to be "antiqued" to give it this look.

The checkerboard edge is just a simple quilt binding, not a frame.

Print this block directly onto computer printer fabric with your inkjet printer, then use it as the foundation for your crazy quilt block with the center image already in place. If you want to make your block larger with a full-size postcard image or make a smaller block, use this as a guide to piecing. The pieces are numbered in the sewing order, using a traditional flip-and-sew format.

Here's a larger view of the finished block. Use similar fabrics to copy my block, or use your favorites to make it your own!

Enjoy your beautiful block...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Nouveau Roses

2007-10-18T17:28:00.000-07:00

Give a favorite old flower an updated look with new pleated French wired ribbon. The steps are very easy.

· Cut a 2 yard piece of size 5 (1" wide) ribbon for the rose into two 1 yard pieces. Sew the two raw ends of one piece together about ¼” from the edge. Accordion-fold this piece into tiny pleats (about ¼” wide) between your thumb and forefinger. This is the outside of the rose.

· To make the inside of the rose, take the other 1 yard piece of ribbon and begin by folding the right side of the ribbon down diagonally, letting the ribbon extend below the selvege about ½”. Fold the diagonal edge in half again. Begin rolling the ribbon tightly from the right about 1” to 1½” along the length to form the center of the rose. With a size 11 milliner's needle and Nymo bead thread, take a few stitches at the bottom of the roll to hold this center roll in place.

· Sew the tail of the center bud to the center of a 3" square of crinoline with just a few stitches, and stand the center up. Coil the ribbon around the center very loosely to form the center of the rose, leaving some space between the coil. Tuck the raw edge under the coil of ribbon when you get to the end. Now, flatten the coil of ribbon gently with your hand.

· Tack the rose’s flattened center down in the folds, and along the selvege edges. Carefully cut the excess crinoline away underneath. Place the circle of pleated ribbon underneath the center of the rose, and tack it down around the edges of the center.

· Make two simple leaves, and tack the leaves underneath the rose to the crinoline.

· Cut a circle out of felt (pink or scallop the edge) to cover the crinoline. Glue the felt on the back of the rose. Glue or sew a pinback to the felt to make a brooch, or eliminate the felt back and use this as an embellishment on a crazy quilt or other project.

Enjoy your beautiful roses...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Simple Ribbon Leaves

2007-10-11T19:53:00.000-07:00

Use this simple leaf to add greenery to your floral compositions. The steps are very easy.

· Cut 10" inches of ribbon into two 5" pieces. If you’re using French wired ribbon, you can leave the fine wire in the edge of the ribbon or remove it—your choice. Removing the wire will make the leaves softer.

· Fold the ribbon in half, and overlap the center selvege edges about ¼" as shown. Pin to hold in place. Make two of these.

· Place one leaf on top of the other as shown, with the outside edge of the top leaf aligned with the center of the bottom leaf. Pin to hold in place.

· Sew along the bottom edge, about ¼" in from the cut edges with ¼" long running stitches.

· Pull the running stitches to gather, wrap the thread around the gathers a few times, and knot off. Cut the thread.

· Tuck the finished leaves underneath your ribbon blossoms.

Enjoy your beautiful leaves...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Antiquing Velvet Ribbon

2007-10-04T17:16:00.000-07:00

Add a new dimension to your ribbonwork by overdyeing and crushing new rayon velvet ribbon to give it an antique look.

· Cut a piece of velvet ribbon in a light to medium value. Rayon or silk ribbon works best. Polyester and nylon velvet ribbons cannot easily be dyed and, because of the fiber content, the nap of the ribbon will not crush.

· Mix a dye solution using a fiber-reactive dye. Use the appropriate dye for the fiber content of your ribbon. I use a weak solution of Procion dye with the rayon ribbon. As with any dyeing project, the more dye you use in the solution, the more vibrant the colors will be.

· Wet the ribbon thoroughly. Wring most of the water out of the ribbon by pulling it between two of your fingers. Make sure the ribbon is damp, but not dripping wet. Wetting the ribbon first allows the dye to spread more easily throughout the ribbon. Place the ribbon wrong side up on a few folded paper towels to protect your work surface from the dye.

· As shown in the second piece of ribbon above, spread the dye on the wrong side of the ribbon with a brush (I use a Chinese Sumi brush) or use an eyedropper. You can purchase small glass medicine bottles with an eyedropper from any pharmacy. Use more than one color of dye for a variegated look, and let the colors mix together on the ribbon. Let the ribbon set for a few minutes to allow the dyes to set. Turn the ribbon over, and place it right side up on a few clean folded paper towels. Take the ribbon on the towels to your ironing board. Protect your ironing board with a piece of foil underneath the paper towels to prevent any leak-through onto the ironing board cover.

· With a dry iron on the cotton setting, iron the ribbon dry. As you iron, the pressure of the iron will force some of the dye out of the ribbon into the paper towels. This is why you need a piece of foil underneath the paper towels to protect the ironing surface. Because of the leak-through, the finished color will be fainter that it initially appeared when you first applied the dye. The third piece of ribbon in the picture shows just how much of the color is lost when ironing. Press down hard, and twist the iron in your hand as you iron the ribbon. The heat and pressure from the iron will crush the nap, and give the ribbon a beautiful antique look. For another look, crush the ribbon in your hand into a ball while it is still slightly damp after ironing, and then let it dry without smoothing it out. Iron the ribbon again when it's dry. It will retain some of the creases, and never look new again!

Enjoy your beautiful ribbons...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Ribbon Leaves

2007-09-27T17:14:00.000-07:00

These instructions are for a basic leaf.

These leaves can be made with or without the fine wire remaining in the edge. Without the wire, the leaf has a softer look to it. If the wire remains in the ribbon, the edges of the leaf can be shaped and you can get a more controlled, three-dimensional look to the leaf. Experiment with leaving the wire in the outside edge of the leaf, but remove it from the side that will become the center.

For purposes of illustration, these leaves were made using 6” of size 5 (1” wide) French wired ribbon. The sample was made with the wire remaining in the edge of the ribbon. They were sewn with black thread to make the stitches easier to see. When sewing ribbonwork, I use a size 10 milliners needle and size O Nymo bead thread.

· Cut 6” of ribbon and remove the wire from the edge if you want to. Fold the ribbon in half, and place the fold on the left as you're holding it in your hand. The color at the top of the ribbon will be on the outside edge of the finished leaf. Fold the left side up diagonally from the bottom. Slip the needle into the fold, and bring it out at the point. Take a small stitch to secure the thread, and to keep the knot from pulling through the ribbon.

· Sew close to the folded edge with small 1/8” running stitches, and sew down the selvedge to the cut edge with ¼” long running stitches.

· Pull the thread gently to gather. Take a few stitches to secure the thread. Do not cut the thread yet.

· Fold the gathered point down to the selvedge once, and then once again. This keeps this excess ribbon from peaking out at the point of your finished leaf. This ribbon ravels, so it's better to fold the excess down out of sight rather than trimming it off.

· With the thread still secured to the edge, open the leaf up. Sew 1/8” running stitches from selvedge to selvedge about 1/8” from the edge.

· Pull the thread to gather the bottom on the leaf, wrap the thread around the gathers a few times, knot off, and cut the thread.

· Open up the leaf and shape it. I hold my left thumbnail in the point to maintain a sharp point, while I pull gently with my right hand to shape the leaf. Tuck the finished leaves underneath rosebuds or other ribbon flowers.

Enjoy your beautiful leaves...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Ribbon Rosebuds

2007-09-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

This easy technique can be used to make a bud for any flower.

These rosebuds can be made with or without the fine wire remaining in the selvedge of the French wired ribbon. This sample was made with the wire removed from the bud’s ribbon, and with the wire remaining in the stem’s ribbon. They were sewn with black thread to make the stitches easier to see. When sewing ribbonwork, I use a size 10 milliners needle and size O Nymo bead thread.

The rosebuds may also be padded with a small amount of fiberfill to make them look more dimensional. If you do pad them, you’ll need to carefully sew the top closed. Sew in the selvedge to hide the stitches. Color the stitches with a Micron pen if any of them are visible when you're done.

These buds were made using 3” of size 5 (1” wide) French wired ribbon for the bud, and 6” of size 3 (5/8” wide) French wired ribbon for the wrapped stem.

· Cut 3” of ribbon for the bud and remove the wire if you want to. If you’re using an ombre (shaded) ribbon, the color at the top of the ribbon will be the top of the rosebud. Fold it in thirds to make a triangular shape, and pin to secure the folds. Turn the triangle of ribbon so that the pink point is down. At the fold just above the selvedge, insert the needle at the edge and make a couple of very small stitches to secure the thread. This will keep the knot from pulling through the ribbon and will help to secure the gathering.

· Using a 1/8” running stitch, sew across the base of the bud. Do not knot off or cut your thread yet. Turn the bud right side up again. Pull the thread gently to gather, knot off and cut the thread. Do not cut off the excess ribbon below the gathering. It will pad the calyx.

· Cut 6” of ribbon for the stem. Wrap the ribbon around the bottom of the bud and pin to secure. Turn the bud and stem so that the point of the bud is down. At the fold just above the selvedge, insert the needle at the edge and make a couple of very small stitches to secure the thread.

· Using a 1/8” running stitch, sew across the base of what will become the calyx. Do not knot off or cut your thread. Turn the bud right side up again. Pull the thread gently to gather and knot off, but do not cut the thread yet.

· Turn the bud over in your hand so that you’re looking at the back of it. The length of ribbon that will become the stem should be on the right. Pull the stem ribbon to the left around the back of the bud to hide the base of the bud. Take a few stitches to secure the stem ribbon to the base of the bud, knot off and cut the thread.

· Turn the bud over so that you’re looking at the front of it again. Gently wrap the ribbon around itself to the end of the ribbon to make the stem. The wire will hold the wraps in place, but you may want to tack the end of the stem to hold it securely. If the back of the stem will not show in your project, you can also sew a small running stitch along the wrong side of the stem to hold the wraps in place.

Enjoy your beautiful rosebuds…

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Ruched Ribbon Violets

2007-09-13T09:05:00.000-07:00

Use a Victorian postcard printed on fabric as the background for this bouquet of French wired ribbon violets.

This vintage postcard is just one of the more than 600 postcards that I have in my collection. Addressed to Mr. Ben Crim and postmarked August 18, 1910, this message on the back says, "Hello, I am having a fine time. Samuel". This image was printed on dyer's muslin with a freezer paper backing using a HP printer.

Violets are made using the basic ruching technique. These violets can be made with or without the fine wire remaining in the selvedge. Without the wire, the violets are softer and will spring back if crushed. If the wire remains in the selvedge of the ribbon, the violets can be shaped into a three-dimensional flower. You may want to leave the wire in one edge, but remove it from the other edge of the flower.

For illustrative purposes, these violets were made using 6¼” of size 5 (1" wide) French wired ribbon. The finished flower was made with the wire remaining in the selvedge of the ribbon. They were sewn with black bead thread to make the stitches easier to see. When sewing ribbonwork, I use a size 10 milliners needle and size O Nymo bead thread.

· Cut 6¼” of ribbon and remove the wire from the selvedge if you want to. If you’re using an ombre (shaded) ribbon, the color at the top of the ribbon will be the top of the violet. There’s one fewer petal in the bottom of the flower.

· With a marking pen, make a mark 1/8” from the cut edge along the top selvedge of the ribbon and every 2” along the edge after that. The last mark will be 1/8” from the other cut edge. Turn the ribbon upside down and make a mark 1 1/8” from the cut edge and every 2” along the bottom selvedge after that. The last mark on this side will be 1 1/8” from the other cut edge.

· You can draw lines between the marks to sew on, use one of the many ruching tools that are available, or just “eyeball” the line as you sew. Starting at the top selvedge, insert the needle at the first mark and make a couple of very small tacking stitches to secure the thread. This will keep the knot from pulling through the ribbon, and will help to secure the gathering.

· Using a 1/8” running stitch, sew diagonally down to the first mark on the opposite edge of the ribbon. If your last stitch ends on top, loop the thread over the selvedge and come up from underneath to continue sewing to the next mark. Continue sewing to the last mark, making sure that the thread loops over the edge of the ribbon every time you change direction. Do not knot off or cut your thread yet.

· On both cut ends of the ribbon, cut off the excess ribbon about 1/8” from the sewing line. This ribbon ravels a lot, so you may want to FrayCheck the cut end.

· Pull the thread gently to gather. You’ll want to pull the gathers tight, but not too tight. Make each petal about the width of your finger. Take a few tacking stitches to secure the thread. With the thread still attached to one side, roll the ruched ribbon around your finger. Sew the beginning and ending knots together with a few small tacking stitches. Knot off and cut the thread. Turn the flower over and shape.

Enjoy your beautiful flowers...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Vintage Ribbon Roses

2007-09-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

Replicate the look of crushed and faded roses with new French wired ribbon.

· Begin with 1 yard of size 5 (1" wide) French wired ribbon. To crush your ribbon, wet the wired ribbon thoroughly. Crumble it up into a ball very tightly in your hand until most of the water is squeezed out. Let the ball of ribbon dry completely. Do not unwrap the ball until it's dry. For an antique faded look, tea-dye the ribbon before crushing it.

· Unroll the ball of ribbon. If you're using an ombre (shaded) ribbon you'll need to decide the color you want around the outside edge of the rose. Place that color at the top edge of the ribbon as you're holding it in your left hand. Fold the right side of the ribbon down diagonally letting the ribbon extend below the selvedge about ½”. Fold the diagonal edge in half again.

· Begin rolling the ribbon from the right cut edge about 1” to 1½” along the length to form the center of the rose. Tuck a few stamens in as you go or leave the center plain. Tack at the base with a few stitches using a needle and thread. I use a size 10 milliners needle and size O Nymo bead thread for my ribbonwork.

· Shirr the ribbon on the wire by pulling gently on the bottom wire from the lower left selvedge. The tighter you gather the ribbon, the fuller the rose will look. Be careful not to break the wire. If the wire does break, pull it out and then gather the bottom edge of the ribbon with a needle and thread using ¼” long stitches. Do not knot off or cut the thread yet.

· Sew the center bud to the center of a 3" square of crinoline. Coil the ribbon around the center loosely to form the rose. Tighten or loosen the gathers until you get the look you like, then knot off and cut the thread. Tuck the raw end of the ribbon under the coiled ribbon, and tack the rose down to the crinoline with hidden stitches by sewing across the flower in an X. Trim the excess crinoline away.

· If you're making a brooch, tack some purchased leaves underneath the rose to the crinoline. Cut a circle out of felt (pink or scallop the edge) to cover the crinoline on the back of the brooch. Glue the felt on the back of the rose. Glue or sew a pinback to the felt.

Enjoy your beautiful flowers...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

China Silk Flowers

2007-08-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

Is it a rose? A poppy? A ranunculus? Who knows? It is, however, the fastest and easiest flower you’ll ever make to add to any bouquet.

· Cut a square of any soft fabric approximately twice the size of your finished flower. The size of the square determines the size of the finished flower. If you want a finished flower about 3" in diameter, begin with a 6" square of fabric. You can make very small or very large flowers with this method.

· Fold the fabric in half diagonally with the right sides together. With a needle and thread, sew a running stitch up the fold close to the edge and down one cut edge. Make some of your stitches long and some short. Varying the stitch length gives this flower character. On this sample, the stitches were ¼” to 1” long. Don’t tie off your thread yet!

· Turn the flower right side out carefully. Now pull gently on the loose end of the thread, and you’ll see the flower form right before your eyes. Keep pulling until the flower is the size you want. Turn the flower over and knot off the thread.

· Turn the flower right side up again. Tuck the raw edges under, and form into a flower. Place it on a piece of crinoline. Gently coax the flower into shape by forming soft folds around the center. A shot of steam from an iron may help. Be careful not to actually place the iron down on your flower.

· Carefully tack down the flower by sewing in the folds. Sewing across the flower in an X should be enough to hold the shape securely. Trim off the excess crinoline, and you’re finished!

· For another variation, try using soft velvet, charmeuse satin or any other soft fabric. Using firmer fabrics such as doupioni silk will result in a fuller flower.

Enjoy your beautiful flowers...

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.

Rick Rack Roses

2007-08-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

In the past several days, there's been a discussion on some of the crazy quilt lists about using rick rack in CQ projects.

I decided to take this opportunity to join the blogosphere, and share these instructions from a demo that I did a few years ago in one of the Sampler Classes at the International Quilt Festiva l in Houston, TX.

Add a new dimension to your ribbonwork and a new trick to your bag of embellishments with these easy-to-make Rick Rack Roses.

· Cut a piece of jumbo-sized rick rack 36” long to make the finished flower shown here. I use vintage cotton rick rack because I prefer the soft, faded colors, but any type of rick rack can be used. If you want to dye the flowers you must use cotton or rayon rick rack with Procion or Dylon fiber-reactive dyes. The rick rack that’s available now from Wrights and Coats & Clark is polyester, and cannot be dyed.

· Fold the length of rick rack in half, and wrap one side around the other as shown at the top of the photo. The rick rack will nestle together. It may not lay perfectly smooth initially, but that’s okay. That curve will work to your benefit when you roll up the rick rack to form a nicely shaped rose.

· Beginning at the end with the two raw edges, firmly roll up the length of rick rack to the end. Depending on how you cut the rick rack, you may have to trim the raw ends into a V in order to eliminate the raw edges peaking out of the center of the rose.

· Tack the folded end down with a few stitches; then sew through the center of the rose near the bottom to hold the roll in place. I sew through the roll in an X shape, then go back and add another few stitches through it. A milliners needle will easily sew through the roll.

· Turn the rose over, and gently fold back the last two rows of petals to complete your rose. Try experimenting with shorter pieces of rick rack to make small rosebuds. Obviously, 24” or 30” of medium-sized rick rack will make a smaller rose. If you have enough dexterity in your fingers, you can even make these roses with baby rick rack for tiny embellishments.

Enjoy your beautiful flowers…

When you have time to browse, please visit Vintage Vogue.