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!