Hugs from Helen: Grandmas Fancy work box

September 29, 2015

Grandmas Fancy work box

As my next fabric range is about to hit the Aussie stores (and I think may already have arrived in US stores) I thought I should tell you a bit more about it. When designing a fabric range it is so far from my memory once it finally delivers that I often have moved on and forgotten I haven't even shared my travels with you.

This range is special to me as it is inspired by my grandmother who taught me to embroider from her fancywork box at a very young age. I actually have her original goodies from that box – now in a shoebox carefully stored, but I practiced my stitches on the prestamped linens with her guidance….

So I really wanted to re-create those memories and those prestamped doilies and designs… so the collection includes a panel – with a table doily set (3), three rectangular doilies and two sweet little oval doilies…

It is printed in coloured lines so you can just use it as fabric – and make into a myriad of projects..

OR, as I envisaged, you can cut each one out and embroider over the pre-printed lines…

my only problem now is that she always crocheted the edges for me – and although she also taught me to crochet – that is one craft I haven't kept up with and can only do the basics…

so I added a faux crocheted lace edge onto the panel… So you have choices… if you can crochet – then do as Grandma would have and finished your doilies beautifully, or cut the printed lace off and use purchased lace trim

OR, cut around the faux edge and applique onto your projectOr use the printed lace to embroidery over the lines to make your own stitched lace – stunning – but a lot of stitching

I (and Jo) had a lot of fun making various things to show you how you could use them in other ways – just look at my vintage doilies board on Pinterest and you will see heaps of ideas…meanwhile….. just stitch Smile

Note: none of these photos are patterns available – they are just ideas for you to use the panel… as I know you all want to embroider but what to do with them once finished.

There is a free pattern for the quilt below available on the Red Rooster website – which uses one whole panel and then the coordinating prints (along with some of my basics). This was made and quilted for me in the pre-market rush by my lovely lifelong friend Twyla in South Dakota… If you’d like a fabric kit for this – let me know or ask at your local store.