Vintage ladies for those Christmas linens

By on 8-04-2011 in Mixed Media

These two ladies are two of a set that was published in the McCall’s Iron On Transfers Vol IV. They could be embroidered on linen towels for a great Christmas gift. Done in cobalt blue, turkey red or forest green they would stand out beside matching terry towels. These ladies could also be added to an old fashioned pinwheel quilt with appliqued dresses. A smaller version of one would also look right at home on the top of an embroidery case.

vintage ladies to embroider

Halloween is just around the corner …. get ready … BOO !

By on 8-04-2011 in Mixed Media

This embroidery page was published in the Cross Stitch and Country Crafts supplement. The ghost and jack-o-lantern could be embroidered on a black background and the witch could be given an appliqued dress and hat on a golden moon background. All three embroidered with metallic thread or the new ‘glow in the dark’ threads could look very spooky with the lights out at a halloween party.

vintage halloween embroidery

Vintage wedding rugs and patterns

By on 8-04-2011 in Mixed Media

These three rugs are hooked. What a great way to recycle your old woolens or sew the motives onto a background using wool felt. Done in bright colours, they could be updated to look right at home in today’s home. Treated as a center piece on a whole cloth quilt would make a great conversation piece for your next stay over guest.

vintage wedding rugs

I have posted the heart pattern. I thought it is the most current looking and could also be used on a pillow as a valentine gift next year.

heart rug pattern

If you would like all three patterns you can download the pdf document here:
Vintage Wedding Rug patterns, McCall’s Magazine Feb 1986

A hazy day in Ottawa on the Ottawa River…. a great day for sailing

By on 8-04-2011 in Mixed Media

On a beautiful summer day in August the Ottawa River calls. The sailboats were out on the water, the sun was shining, just enough wind to power the boats with a hazy sky and the Gatineau Hills in the background.

hazy day

This photo reminds me of the pictures of tropical islands. The branches of the pine tree show off the sky, water and beach. What a great landscape quilt this photo would make.

fine day

There were a lot of sailboats on the river, but this one in the distance, with the Gatineau hills in the background looks so peaceful on this hazy summer day.

hazy day

Another photo of the Ottawa River from under three branches. I think they frame the river dramatically.

A rare and beautiful Monarch Butterfly plus a Bumble Bee on a Scotch Thistle

By on 8-04-2011 in Mixed Media

One bright and sunny day a Monarch came to visit. It spread it’s wings just long enough for me to snap a photograph.

monarch

When I was young they were numerous and you would see them almost every day. Now it is rare to see one at all and we have seen two this year. I will use this photo in a collage, soon, to honour this beautiful butterfly.

Bumblebee on a Scotch Thistle in the rocks of the Ottawa River

A Scotch Thistle that is growing in the rocks by the Ottawa River is sporting a bumble bee. What a pretty colour these thistles are.