2018 #9 Vintage Neutrals: Fabric Needle Case with Hot Picks {by Debs Wainwright}

2018 Topic 9: Vintage Neutrals

For the last post of this topic, a delightful sewn project from Debs Wainwright. This tiny patchwork of colour and texture is a beautiful addition to any sewing box! ~ Leandra

Hello everyone, Debs here with you today, and I'd like to share a Vintage style needle case I made using scraps of fabric, lace and hand made felt as well as some Nuno felted Silk. Do you have scraps of material lying around? If so then this little case is the perfect project. You can use different colours or keep them neutral and stamp on them as I did, for interest.

The stamps I used were elements from the Hot Picks range HP1004, HP1005, HP1009, HP1507, HP1505. 

 

 

These stamps are fabulous for giving that vintage look to any project but they worked exceptionally well on fabric. I used silk, cheesecloth, light canvas and cotton, all of which took the ink really well. I used Stazon Ink in dark brown and let it dry over night.

Starting with a piece of silk which I had lightly felted, but not shrunk, as my base, I machined back and forth to reinforce, in case there were areas that had not adhered. I then placed the stamped fabric pieces, on top. I sewed each piece into place and then added lace and tape in between to add even more of a vintage feel. To add a little contrast I added some Nuno felted silk from an old skirt, which I also shrunk to get the puckered silk. I loved the flowers against the cream background and the teal of the silk, all adding the aged look I was after.

I was happy with the different effects I got from using  the various fabrics and stamps, all of which added to the vintage look, almost like different fabrics had been added over the years to replace the frayed and damaged. I must admit, I was a little surprised how clear the stamps came out on the fabrics as this was an experiment for me.

Once the front was completed, I turned the case over and fitted a piece of light canvas over the felt and stitched it in place. This created a slightly quilted affect and would allow the needles to be attached to the inside without coming through to the front. I then proceeded to repeat the process that I achieved on the front. I also added a small pocket which could be used for cotton or even a small pair of scissors.

I deliberately chose not to paint or colour in the stamped images because of keeping the aged look, but you could use Fresco Acrylic paint to add colour if you wanted to, and if you wanted to make it colour fast there are additives you can add to paint. I however just loved the images as they were.

I particularly loved this image and felt it needed nothing to enhance it as it was perfect just as it was.

I had so much fun making this case, but in particular, creating my own fabric, and then taking scraps of fabric and by stamping on to them turned them into designed pieces, which could then be used to create something which could given as a gift, was very satisfying indeed.

So why not give it go, choose some of your favourite stamps, find some fabulous pieces of fabric and combine them to create original pieces which you can give away or cherish yourself. You could create your own heirloom to be handed down and create the start of a real vintage piece. I hope this has inspired you and I cannot wait to see what you make.

Take care everyone 

Hugsxx 

Debs

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You must complete step 1 AND 2 to be entered into the draw. 

To join our challenge:
1. Leave a comment on the Topic Introduction Post and go in the draw to win a PaperArtsy Apron. 
2. Make something arty relevant to the topic, and link your creation from any social URL (eg. Instagram, Pinterest, Blog Post etc) sharing your original make to this challenge page

The current topic link Topic 9: Vintage Neutrals will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, May 13th 2018, and the winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.