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Requirements:
- Fabric scraps
- Foundation fabric (muslin)
- Fusible interfacing/ Heat'n'Bond or similar
- Threads, beads etc. for embellishing (optional)
- Cording or trim
It’s that time of year again: when the online groups start talking
"ornie" swaps, and you remembered that you wanted to make small gifts for
friends and workmates this year too. These hand-crafted ornaments could also
be made as heirloom gifts for your family. These little "presents" can be
as simple or as ornate as you like and are ideal for delving into the
scrap bag.
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First, mark present outline on your foundation fabric. I
like to use a template; this one is 3”x3”. |
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I like to have a rough guide of how the block will be pieced. |
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The block pieced and ready to embellish, as little, or as much
as you like. Remember a baste line. |
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 I
have used a disappearing ink pen to write my sister's name. It will
be embroidered in stem stitch. I also embroider the year on each
ornament too. |
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Next, use some decorative trim, ribbon, fancy
yarn or cord to make the bow. Use a couple of stitches to tack it down; keep it
outside the baste line. Tack down both sides. You could add ribbon
here and tie it in a bow in the centre. Be creative! |
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Once both sides have the cord on, you can add a loop for
hanging. Be sure to face the loop into the centre of the block, so
that it is on the outside when you turn. You can now sew the backing
on. |
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I recommend that you double stitch over all the cording,
especially the hanging loop. OK. Backing is on – check. Seam
allowance trimmed- check. Corners clipped - check. I have sewn
around the whole block. I like to use the ‘easy appliqué’ method for
turning these small pieces.
TIP: when sewing an embellished item, use the zipper foot, your
piece will slide right on through the feed dog.
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Carefully cut a small slit in the backing; be sure not to snip
any of your embellishment. Turn as you would normally. Push out your
corners; finishing is everything, especially on a gift. |
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Here I have used the fusible lining to seal the slit. I have
used white so you can see how I do it; however, think about how it
could be made into a feature. I would usually use black on black
fabric. You could also use Heat'n'Bond over the slit, and some light
fabric and create a label. Use a Pigma pen to fill out to and from,
and add the year if you didn’t embroider it on the front. |
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And here is the finished article - a quick and easy personalized
gift.
The more ornate one for my sister was at the beginning of the
article. There are any number of ways you could create and embellish
these decorations. |
If you make some, please consider submitting them to our Readers' Showcase.
We would love to see them.
Jo Newsham (aka Jo in NZ)
http://www.nzjo.blogspot.com |
