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

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

Embroidered Felt Fishing Boats on Canvas

By on 2-19-2011 in art quilts, Embroidery, Vintage Patterns

fishingboats

These two fishing boats were published in the McCall’s Needle Art Volume IV magazine. A romantic piece of embroidery that was sewn on canvas using the sewing machine and straight stitch. Felt was used for the boats, sun and building. Wouldn’t these boats look great using the new threads and fabrics available today? I can envision painted and stitched boats sailing over a large summer tote. A sea coast landscape quilt could be the background for one of the boats.
fishing boat pattern

The patterns for both pictures are here….pdf document is 460kb Fishing Boats Embroidery with Machine

Redwork Snowmen…..meet Freddy, Albert and the Snow Family Village

By on 2-11-2011 in Christmas Patterns, Embroidery, Original Pattern, Original Quilts

Freddy and Albert Quilt

This little redwork quilt is 22″ x 23″. Freddy, Albert and the snow family village are all original sketches. The village has “Snowmen are communities of little flakes”. These fellows were just bursting to get out so here they are. I embroidered the snowmen on diaper flannelette to give them a ‘snowy’ feeling using mostly chainstitch and French knot stitches. The quilt itself was sewn on the serger…. no little bits of thread to worry about and the seams were absolutely straight. You can download Albert here: Christmas in July and here: Christmas in March