Maybe Matilda: Vintage Embroidery Hoop Art

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Vintage Embroidery Hoop Art

Okay, this one's a little late getting posted . . . Simple Simon & Co.'s Vintage Crafter's Challenge ended a month ago. But let's pretend that I've been hanging on to this post so that those of you getting bored and lacking inspiration can now be reminded of their fun series and click back through all the great projects! Yeah, that's it! (Truth be told, I kind of forgot about this one until I was unpacking and found my hoop art. Instant blog post! Yes!)

In case you missed it, here's the series in a nutshell: Elizabeth and Liz love vintage fabric. They sent out packages of vintage sewing goodies to some bloggers to see what we would do with it. So here's my take! (Originally posted here)

When I received my package of vintage goodies in the mail, my first thought was, "Oh dear, these poor ladies have lost their minds . . . "
". . . how do they expect me to cut up these beautiful fabrics?!" It felt like sacrilege to slice up such pretty vintage finds.

I loved that sweet floral polka-dot print and I was crazy about the grass-y green linen with the lace border, as well as the vibrant blue bias tape, yellow cording, and adorable buttons. It was a beautiful collection of vintage fun, but I was a little distressed at the thought of cutting into the fabric. I spent a few days stressing over potentially destroying such lovely material if my project didn't turn out before I finally got down to business and created some cheerful vintage hoop art:
I knew that I wanted to make something that would highlight the beautiful fabrics--my creative efforts are usually more on the functional, wearable side, but I just couldn't get over how lovely the fabric was, so I really wanted to put it up on display.
 
 And when I think "vintage," I think of a friendlier, more neighborly time . . . so a cheerful little message seemed like the perfect touch.
I finished it off with a colorful rolled flower made using the green lace and bias tape, with a cluster of yellow cording and a button center.
I think it's such a fun way to highlight some amazing fabric in a really unique way! Not to mention that I get a smile over being greeted with a "hello" from my hoop art every time I walk through my door!

I'll be sharing this project at some of these link parties!

17 comments :

  1. I love this! It reminds me of a hoop art project I made as a kid (though yours is much cuter!) that my mom hung on our bathroom wall all growing up. Ah, a mother's love :) Your version is one I would be proud to display anywhere in my home. Lovely project. Found you on Tip Junkie. Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Dude! This reminds me that I have some of that polka dot fabric left somewhere in my hoard...and if I don't use it soon I'll have to wait until next spring to find a use....
    (Are you done unpacking yet???)

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  3. I love this! I love vintage material and you made such a unique detailed design! I have been looking over your blog and you have so many adorable projects! I am your newest follower! Check me out at designsbyshandi.blogspot.com

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  4. Cute! Come and join our link party: http://fabricbowsandmore.blogspot.com/2011/07/link-party-no12-will-see-it-wednesday.html#more

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  5. ...so green, so chic!!!
    I really love your works...

    a kiss from Florence

    Matilde (!)

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  6. That is so classy looking. You always amaze me by your creations. If only I had a sliver of your creativity, I'd be set and my house would look UH-mazing!!!

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  7. It turned out beautiful! I have the same anxiety sometimes when it comes to fabric and cutting it :o But in this case, success!! Thanks for sharing.
    Britney
    www.jandmseyecandy.blogspot.com

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  8. Love it! I love the colors too and have the same trepidation when it comes to cutting into vintage fabric!
    Thanks for following - I am doing the same!

    Laura Lynn

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  9. That is so darling! I love the colors & that gorgeous flower! Thanks for the bloggy love :)

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  10. Wow, so beautiful! I love the colors and the design. I have had fun reading through your past posts. What talent you have! I found your blog from the LDSETSY post. I am a new follower.
    Take care,
    Shauna (LearnandGrow)
    myshaenoel.blogspot.com

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  11. That's sooo cute! Love it! (Ps, new follower, found you on Etsy :)

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  12. Why didn't you move in across the street?

    {Am I sounding too stalkerish yet}

    Yay for being done unpacking!

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  13. I love that challenge- so cool to see all you crafty gals turn something into nothing! The hoop is darling Rachel!! Nice job :)

    xo- Kristi @ LollyJane

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  14. Well that is pretty fabulous. :) Love the colors you chose and the embroidery (I'm a sucker for anything embroidery).

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  15. Gorgeous! You are so creative! I love the flower and the cute stitched "hello." So cute!

    xo,
    melissa

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Thanks for commenting!

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