Christmas Elves, what cute little elves they are

By on 3-09-2011 in Christmas Patterns, Vintage Patterns

Christmas elves

These elves which were published in the McCall’s December 1986 Needlework Magazine are so cute and versatile. They are shown hanging on the tree, under the tree on a tree skirt as well as book ends. I made them in felt and placed tags in their hands for presents as well. What great cushions they would make from an enlarged pattern. Very easy to sew or paint as well, so would work up quickly. Their striped arms and legs would lend themselves to beads and laces for gift giving.

Christmas elves pattern

I have posted one pattern here and there are two more in the 240 kb pdf document below. Have fun.

Christmas Elves, McCall’s December 1986 Needlework Magazine

Vintage Stained Glass Pattern…..quilt label or book plate

By on 3-06-2011 in Vintage Patterns

vintage stained glass

A vintage stained glass pattern can lend itself to a pretty quilt label or book plate. The panel was published in the McCall’s Needlework Fall/Winter 1974 magazine. A silk scarf, painted with this pattern would make a great gift. It would also be a very pretty used for discharge dying. I liked the pattern so much I coloured it to use as a quilt label. It would also be great quilted and beaded onto the flap of a little fabric envelope along with a little chain for a handle.

quilt label

stained glass pattern

Here is a pdf document containing the photo, pattern and three quilt labels. McCall’s fall/winter 1974 stained glass pattern and quilt labels

Colourful Buildings of the World

By on 3-02-2011 in art quilts, Christmas Patterns, Fabric Postcards, Original Quilts

colourful buildings postcards

The first cards are from an exchange last fall…..colourful buildings. The theme was chosen after Valerie Hearder posted some photos from her holiday in Mexico. The buildings were fantastic. Then the on-line conversation drifted to Newfoundland and the other Eastern Provinces where they also have such pretty and uniquely coloured homes and other buildings. A new postcard exchange was born. The second group of cards are my first and second that were created for my first two exchanges. Also included is an Ottawa bicycle path, you can see the parliament buildings in the background and the 2009 Christmas card that I sent to family and friends. What a wonderful way to quilt.

2009 postcards

International Fabric Postcard Exhibition…..Ireland

By on 2-23-2011 in Fabric Postcards

Miriam, Ireland

The Irish Patchwork Society is having their 30th Birthday National Exhibition at the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin. Miriam, Chairperson, is organizing an international fabric postcard exhibition.

The Society is inviting postcards from all around the world. The theme is BRANCHING OUT and should be Floral, Horticultural, Landscape, Nature, Environmental. They should be sent without an envelope as we want to hang them so that everyone can see both front and back of the cards, to see the stamps and where they have come from.

Please send cards to: The Irish Patchwork Society, PO Box 45, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, IRELAND. before the end of May, 2011.

These postcards will also be exhibited at our Knitting and Stitching Show in November (Which is our only big show) and they will be sold and the proceeds will go to the Marie Keating Foundation…….Which is a Breast Cancer Charity here in Ireland.

Please create a little work of art and send it on. What a wonderful way to contribute.

Here is their link: Irish Patchwork Society If you are looking for further information please email them at admin@irishpatchwork.ie or look at their blog http://Irishpatchwork.blogspot.com

Vintage Christmas in February

By on 2-21-2011 in Christmas Patterns, Embroidery, Vintage Patterns

Choo-Choo Christmas Stockings

Although this image is tiny this little ‘choo-choo’ shines. Each train car is a separate stocking. What a great pattern for above a fireplace or on a window shelf. It could choo-choo around a tree skirt using paint or applique and lots and lots of shiny beads and embroidery. Painted in pastels, it could also travel around a nursery wall.

cho cho pattern