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Sigh, no time for blogging lately. Something has happened though and I HAVE TO write about THIS.
I got mail!
Yesterday I received the complimentary issue of the latest book from DEUTSCHER KLÖPPELVERBAND. On the front page is a photo of my quilted Adventcalendar with the 24 Chrismons in bobbinlace.
I wrote about this project several times. It looks like I had started this project in the beginning of 2014 but I had wanted to do it for a long time. I had started designing the pearls and beads Chrismons (Christian Symbols Christmas tree ornaments) in the early 1990s and would have also liked to design bobbinlace patterns ... but decided that this was over my head.
First blog!
Second blog!
It's a long story how it came about but here it is. I like the under-title "the little bit different advent calendar". The letter which came with it moved me because Maria thanked me with the words that without my idea this would not have happened. Oh how I like to emphasize why we celebrate Christmas and that "Jesus is the Reason for the Season!"
To be honest, I can't remember how I made those 24 "disks" to mount the lace ornaments on but I had promised Maria I would blog about it. In the meantime I have made more advent calendars. Those ornaments are square but the technique is the same. I think it is very easy this way and works well. Much less stress and fiddle work.
You need:
Pellon Flex-Foam 1-Sided Fusible Stabilizer (Style # FF78F1)
Double-sided Iron-on (I use Hotfix Adhesive because the raw edges don't unravel)
Fabric for the front and for the back (cotton is best)
I cut the foam circle 4 inches across. I think I made the lace patterns a little smaller.
Tip: I use the rotary circle cutter. I cut a circle from scrap paper first and make a cut from the edge to the middle (so you can pull it away). I use this circle to find where to place the needle for the middle ... to find out whether the piece of fabric is large enough and to go close to the edges to save fabric.
Lay the foam adhesive side up on the ironing surface and lay the front circle face side up over it (so the foam is on the back side). Mist with a little water and press with the iron. (Only press so you don't move the fabric off the foam.)
Make a cut in the middle of the back side and layer front (with foam) and back right sides together.
When I made this sample I forgot that you might also want to add the ribbon or cord into the layering (loop in the middle with ends sticking out the side)
Sew around with the zipper foot.
Turn! You can trim the seam allowance first if you feel that it needs it.
With your finger or a turning tool make sure the edge looks nice.
You might want to take the same back fabric to cover the back with the slits. Iron on double-sided adhesive in the size you about need. Cut a circle, pull paper and iron it on. Done ... except for may be adding the number of the day.
I had made another advent calendar for my church to raffle off this year (similar to another one couple years earlier). Still have to write that blog. Here the ornaments are square but done in the same technique. To hide the cuts in the back I had printed the meaning of each ornament on fabric, added the iron-on and used that. Very effective. In this case the numbers 1 to 24 are in the place the ornament is placed. The advantage is that you can select which one you (or somebody who has a turn) choose for that day and each year the calendar is different. Since you have the explanation there might also be a little discussion. So many possibilities!
Enjoy!
Of course, if you want to know more about Chrismons you should look HERE! This blog is only about Chrismons. Remember you can select the German language in the right top corner.
And now I have time to look at the book. There are 31 of Brigitte Bellon's wonderful Christian Symbol patterns with explanations of their meaning. Also included are the patterns for the numbers 0 to 9. I have always appreciated Brigitte's generosity sharing her patterns. I have already treasured my special advent calendar for some time and will for years to come. It is a big part in our Christmas celebration.
Thank you, Brigitte Bellon!
Thank you, Maria Steur and Deutscher Klöppelverband for helping to put Christ back into Christmas.
