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

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