Friday Finish: Easter Postcard

I am not sure I would call this a finish, more like a failed experiment, lol. I wanted to try a postcard and decided to just go for it and see how it worked out. I made a mess, but I learned a lot, about what not to do.

I used Peltex for the base of the card, it is double sided fusible, so a nice product to use for postcards. A friend send me precut pieces, so I could use them for practice. I took scraps of fabric from my basket and just laid them down in a random pattern, then ironed them to the Peltex. I wanted to do machine stitching, so I realized if I wanted to stitch, I could not have the plastic back on it, so I put the backing on too, big mistake. If you are doing a lot of stitching, wait to put on the back side;)

It was not my best week to be doing fine work, my lyme is messing with my nerves again, so I don't have the control I need for this. I stitched all over the place, and my jerky motions made the stitches jump and as you can see, it is a mess. I will have to slow down, working too fast with free motion is another bad idea, on small pieces. I used a design from an old book I had, with country designs, perfect sizes for practicing.

It is a fun project to do and fun to experiment, well worth a try if  you have never made one. I will be doing more and getting used to stitching small areas and I think it would be fun to do some mixed art ones.

Things I did learn was, use a 90 sized needle if you are working on Peltex, otherwise your thread breaks. Variegated threads are fun to use if you don't want to change the threads, it gives you a variety of colors on one spool. For the appliques I used Pellon fusible.

I cannot believe I am showing you this, but some of us, learn better from our mistakes;)

For the back, I used a postcard print out and traced the lines on. You can find printables that you can use for the back. I used a Pitt artist pen to do the lines and word, it dries immediately and it waterproof.

This is why you want to wait to put the back on, not a pretty sight. Even though this one was a mess, it was fun and I can't wait to try some more.

Creations and Gifts!

Today I was in the mood to try machine quilting. I found this wonderful dog pattern at Angie's Bits and Pieces. I thought it would be a fun one to practice on and I will be adding other items as I go along. I didn't do too bad for my first try at following the edge with my star foot. I am thinking that this might be a good piece to donate to our local shelter for their auction. When I found Moki, they took care of all the shots and spaying, for free, so I like to help them out with the auction.



A new friend, Chris Wheeler sent me this wonderful fabric postcard for Easter. I love how she used paper with scripture in the background. I have always wanted to try them myself and she was sweet enough to send me some precuts to make my own. This will be great for practicing my machine skills with, as well. Chris also has some wonderful contests, so be sure to visit her blog.



And I thought I would show you my win from Minick and Simpson. I won a jelly roll of their new fabric line, American Banner Rose. It isn't even out yet, so was thrilled to have won. I am thinking of making two smaller quilts with it. One from the new magazine, Primitive Quilts and Projects and maybe an americana one.



And another blogging friend is sending me one of her art panels. Fannie Narte does such beautiful work with her fabric paintings, I just love the designs. I want to make a purse or tote, so this will go into something I can use for my things when I go to classes someday. Visit her blog and you will be inspired. The panel's name is, "Surround yourself with Magic".
And if you haven't already, don't forget to leave a comment for my Giveaway!