Free St. Valentine Pendant Tutorial

Hello All,

Just thought I would share a little project with you ~ enjoy.

You could of course make just one, or a string of them like I did.  I am a bit of a romantic so I chose a little piece of Shakespeare's and put a floral heart in between.

The verse I chose was:

Doubt thou the stars are fire

Doubt that the sun doth move

Doubt truth to be a liar

But never doubt I love

You could do something as simple as "Be 
Mine," or just various fabrics.  It's meant to be fun - low stress and enjoyable.


















First take a piece of copy paper and folded it in half the long way.  Then draw a line from the upper outer corner to the center at the opposite end and cut so when you open it, it looks like this.

You will need one from fusible web and two from fabric cut about 1/4 inch larger than the web - see picture. You will need to do this for each section if you are doing a string of them like I did.

Next take that triangle paper and fold it back in half the long way like when you cut it.  Then draw half a heart and cut it out.

If there is a certain font you like, you can print it out, and trace it onto your fabric (if the fabric is light enough.)  Then stitch the words centering them over the heart so you can cut it out.
Now you are ready to make a sandwich. You will fuse the triangles together right sides out according to your fusible web instructions.  Center your heart on the triangle and stitch about 1/4" in from the edges.  You can use a decorative stitch or a long basting stitch etc. - whatever you choose.  It's supposed to be fun remember so enjoy & just do whatever.

   Now cut a strip of coordinating fabric about 1/2-5/8" wide the width of fabric (44".)  Use your longest straight stitch to stitch down the middle of this  skinny piece of fabric.  If it isn't directly down the middle, it will still turn out:)  Gather to fit the lower two edges of the pendant.  Stitch in place.

I made my own bias tape long enough to fit my seven pendants and make a loop at each end.  If you want to do this, I cut strips about 1 3/4" wide, ironed it in half lengthwise then folded each side in to meet the center crease.  Place each pendant in the bias tape and stitch the entire length. If you would like the hearts a little more raggedy looking, you can take mailing tape and roll it backwards then brush the edges.  This will fray-up the edges a little.  I think I might do that to mine.
That's it.  If there is any part that needs clarifying, just shoot me an email.
Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

Oh My Garland, Christmastime

Okay, I know this is mean.  You can sing the title of the post to the tune of Clementine.  See, now it's going to be stuck in your head all day.  

I have been busy working on goodies for the one and only show I am doing this year.  A little hometown bazaar in Athena, Oregon, December 8th.

  

I have been making several types of garland.  The raggedy one looks so comforting on the tree or in greenery.  

The pine cones add a bit of a rustic or natural look. 

 And then there is the rose hip garland.  I just love it.  I have considered keeping it (so selfish I know.)  I probably won't, but it is my favorite.  Rose hips dry up so neat that next year, even though they will have a little different look, they will still be beautiful.

I am taking the week between Thanksgiving and December first as a week of peace.  I mean in the house.  I have all the autumn decor back in the totes and put away, and I'm not bringing out the Christmas decor until next weekend.  I have moved furniture and cleaned in preparation for a tree and all the fixins, but I am just enjoying the clean.

Don't worry, I will have three trees in the house by Christmas.  I will show you those in due time. 

More to come,

Until next time

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

PS. In case you were wondering, I have 256 of the 396 Cathedral Window blocks ironed and secured with a little bead which will embellish the corners where each of those 396 blocks meet.