Sunday, November 23, 2014

Turkey Easel Stand-up and Carrot Pillowcase

I was looking for a simple, therapeutic design to stitch, and I really didn't care what I would be using it for.  I found the perfect design with this little turkey from the San-Man Originals Gift of Giving series from a few years ago.  Since it appears that the San-Man group will be shutting down at year end, this seemed like a nice piece for celebrating the Thanksgiving season as well as celebrating the many long years of San-Man fun.

I decided to use it as a learning piece as well.  I had never made a stand-up, flat-fold style finish so this was a good opportunity for a trial.  Vonna and Meari  each have a popular tutorial, but I have always found both of those tutes to be intimidating.  They are very complete, but both seemed like so many steps and so many possibilities for messing things up.   After extensive Googling, I managed to find a much simpler version that I thought I could handle.  Not sure if the results are as nice as I would get if I mastered the Vonna or Meari version, but the results were plenty good for my taste.

The tutorial appears to based on directions that come with those Secret Needle Night kits from the Silver Needle.  The tute is no longer available online as of 3-10-15.  I made it even simpler by using a glue stick for most of it.  I did sew the stitched front board to the fabric-covered back board as well as sewing on the twisted cord.  The easel is made with only one piece of board, not two, but it was sturdy enough.  I only added batting to the front piece.  And of course, I added a fork bow.   The fabric is a piece of 32-count HDF linen, another relic of the past.





I had a package of two white pillowcases from Aunt Martha's sitting around begging me to stitch on them.  I found this cute doodle at Bird in the Hand Primitives  to use for the first one.  The photo with the whole pillow case didn't turn out so good, but here is the stitching.  The design is about 4"h x 6" w, centered just above the hem.  These pillowcases are really long, so plenty of room for stitching.  I'm still trying to pick a design for the second one.


Finally, I made this condolence card with a sweet freebie from Manka Minta.  I don't think it is online any longer.  The card was for our dear friend Carol.


22 comments:

Margaret said...

What a lovely card for Carol -- so special that you did that for her with her father's passing. I love the turkey! So so cute! Love the stand up finish too. And the stitchery for the pillow case is lovely!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Such a sweet card for Carol, I'm sure she was very touched.

Your flat fold looks like you've been finishing them a long time. You did a really good job with it!

Preeti said...

Your easel stand finishing is perfect!! And the pillow case embroidery is lovely:) So kind of you for sending a card to Carol.

Jane said...

That easel finish looks fabulous, always fancied doing one of those. Lovely card too, sure it was appreciated

Vickie said...

What a lovely card you made for dear Carol.
Love your turkey!

Mii Stitch said...

Such a perfect Turkey finish!!! :D Absolutely love it!!! Looks perfect, well done!

KimM said...

Sweet card - and your flat fold finish is superb. Love it.
xxx

Anonymous said...

Lovely finishes !

Anonymous said...

Hello

Just found your blog.
Your flat fold finish looks great. I've yet to master this technique so thanks for the link.
Your pillow cases look beautiful.
A lovely sweet card for Carol too.

Annette said...

What a lovely card you made and send to Carol.
I think she will be very happy with it!
You stand-up looks great!!
Wonderfull job on the finish off also.
To bad the San-man is stopping..
I see many beautifull piees coming from there

The Inspired Stitcher said...

I think your turkey turned out awesome! You go girl!

Mylene said...

Well done on the flatfold, did used that kind of finishing a lot before. So neatly finish!
A lovely card for Carol.

Carol said...

I will always treasure that beautiful card you made for me, Annie--really!! Thank you again...

Love the turkey flatfold--I've never tried that type of finish, but will be sure to take a look at the link you provided. And the bunny piece is so cute! What a great way to use up old pillowcases. I just through some out during a massive closet cleanout last week--darn!

Happy Thanksgiving to you, Annie :)

Irene said...

sono stupendi!!

Mary Ann said...

The card you stitched for Carol is beautiful!! And, that little turkey is an adorable finish! I really like the embroidery on the pillowcase.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dani - tkdchick said...

that stand up turkey is so cute and colourful!

Karen said...

I've never tried a stand up finish, but yours turned out so nicely, Annie. The condolence card is also pretty and thoughtful and I love your embroidery!

ArchangelDecker said...

As always, your finishes are too cute! :)


I, too, am sad that the SMO MB is closing down. I will miss it very, very much!

Hetti said...

The condolence card for Carol is beautiful and so thoughtful of you Annie.
The Turkey and finish as easel are so nice,thank you for the link of the tutorial. It looks not so difficult to me, I am going to try to make it :-))
Love the Carrot pillowcase.
Happy Thanksgiving,
XXX Hetti

Sheryl said...

Love the turkey stitching and the way you have finished it, pretty cording and bow and nice way to make it stand up. brilliant.

Melanie said...

Very lovely stitching. I think you did great on the flat fold. It's adorable. :)

Astrids dragon said...

What a fantastic finish, great job!