49th Project Completed - A Victorian style tree decoration

Hi there, 


So what did I make with the plastic lids? 

A Victorian style tree ornament. 

I thought I would go a little more traditional this week, these are great fun and you could always combine a few together to make a garland. You could also use this idea to display family photos or miniatures throughout the year if the style suits your home. If you don't want to make the lace you could always buy some (but where's the fun in that?).


Materials needed

• Plastic lids - screw in bottle tops work well for small 'frames' or go bigger with gravy / sauce granule tubs (as I did)
• Scraps of white medium / heavy interfacing or tear away stabiliser
• Sewing machine 
• 'Wing' needle - we sell these at July Textiles if you have trouble finding them locally
• White thread
• Multi-purpose glue like UHU
• A length of matching ribbon

Instructions

1. Start by measuring the circumference of your lid, this will determine the length of lace required. Cut a strip of interfacing to twice this length.

2. Cut a suitable picture to size (I used a traditional 'Christmassy' picture) and stick it inside the lid.

3. Now, with the wing needle installed, select one of the 'forward, back, forward' or heirloom stitches such as those shown above.

4. Stitch in rows on the interfacing whilst holding it taut.. As the wing needle goes in and out of the fabric it will cut small holes which appear  as old fashioned 'drawn work' stitches. Clever Huh?

5. Once you strip is complete, make two lines of gathering stitches along one side with long running stitches. Draw these up to fit around the lid. Glue into place.

6. Add a hanging loop by glueing it to the back of the lid. 

There we are, a traditional style Christmas tree decoration and a new technique!

Join me tomorrow for next weeks materials announcement.

22nd project completed - A butterfly hair decoration

Hi, as you know this week I was playing with an old pair of tights, well this is what I came up with - A butterfly hair ornament!

Materials used

• An old pair of tights
• Thread
• Sewing Machine
• Large embroidery hoop
• Fabric paint
• Length of left over coloured wire
• Scissors
• Hand sewing needle
• Small seed beads (optional)

Instructions

1. Stretch one leg of your tights by inserting the Inner hoop from your embroidery hoop into it, pull tight and tie a knot in each end as shown above.

2. Draw your butterfly onto your tights with a marker pen, make sure it leaves a mark you can see clearly!

3. Hand or machine tack your wire around the edge of your butterfly and then cover using satin stitch. Add some rough detail with straight stitch.

4. Using fabric paints add some colour and leave to dry. Once dry add some final accents, and beads etc.

5. Bend a short piece of coloured wire to make the antennae and head and stitch to the reverse. 

6. Carefully cut out your butterfly and stitch a hair pin to the reverse. Now bend the wings into a pleasing shape.

There we are, a cute butterfly to brighten up your day (and hair!)