Christmas in February

By on 2-09-2010 in Paper Dolls

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These little vintage embroidered ornaments are in the McCall’s Christmas Make-it Ideas, Volume X, 1967 magazine. Embroidered on felt they lend themselves well to updated stitches and fabrics. I chose a muslin backing and red floss to do the little piglet. It hasn’t been put together into an actual ornament yet, but it will have a red backing along with a fringed, muslin border. Rather than using satin stitch for fill and a back stitch for lines I chose chain stitch with two strands of floss. The chain stitch fills easily without puckering on a project without a hoop. I back my muslin with a piece of flannelette to give strength to the piece as well as hiding any cross stitching on the back.

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Isn’t this little piglet sweet? He would certainly stand out on any Christmas Tree. He could also be used throughout the year for a package ornament.

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Patterns for all 5 ornaments, a 610kb PDF file, can be downloaded here: McCall’s Christmas Make It Ideas, Volume X, Embroidered Ornaments

McCall’s Valentine Delight Quilt

By on 2-09-2010 in Paper Dolls


Betsy Nyhan’s Valentine Delight Quilt


The February 1986 McCall’s Magazine carried this pretty pattern. Designed by Betsy Nyhan, it is an exquisite way to use antique hankies, laces, pillow case edgings etc. She used antique hankies. The quilted heart pattern shown below, which was included in the article could be used for other applications as well. I can see it on an album cover, using trapunto to fill out the hearts. It would also look great as the center medallion for a small whole cloth quilt.

Betsy Nyhan’s Valentine Delight quilt pattern. This pattern is a 715kg PDF document. The heart is 6 1/2 ” x 6 1/2 “. Just the right size for a sweet wall quilt.
McCall’s Needlework Feb 1986 Valentine Delight, Designed by Betsy Nyhan

Valentine’s Paper Dolls

By on 2-09-2010 in Paper Dolls

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I love paper dolls. They were my constant companions when I was young. They always wanted to come out and play. As I grew older I stopped playing pretend with them and began drawing and making my own clothes for my dolls. My collection of original paper dolls is growing.

Little Calico Cat above and her brother Berber Bear below are my gift to you for the month of February, celebrating Valentine’s Day. Enjoy.

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