The everyday story of knitting and stitching in Leigh-on-sea
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Saturday, 11 December 2010
My Rag Wreath and how to make it
I am trying to be really good this year and make as many gifts as possible... so then I thought how can I save money on my wreath? Well I have to confess each year I have picked up a couple of Christmas fat quarters in the local fabric shop and then I think, what am I actually going to make with this? The obvious answer is a rag wreath.
You will need a wreath shape, I chose a heart shaped wreath from Goods and Chattels, a lovely local shop - http://www.goodsandchattels.co.uk/ and a selection of festive fabrics from your stash bag.
Cut your fabrics into 12 - 14" strips between 1 - 2.5" wide, I used pinking shears which means that the fabric will not fray and gives the fabric an interesting finish.
Take a strip and tie it to the wreath using a reef knot.
Build up your strips, tying them next to each other and using a selection of festive fabrics
You will see from the back of the work that it quickly covers the wreath
Keep working round until the whole wreath is finished.
Run a ribbon through the wreath to hang it on your front door.
Stand well back and accept the compliments. The wreath took me approximately two hours from beginning to end and I have to admit to sneaking in a mince pie while I sorted out my fabric and outsinging Annie Lennox as I worked.
I love them - going to try and get a wreath next week and make one - I have oodles of fat quarters that I have picked up and added to my stash...been going through a stitching and card making phase so have not done anything much with fabric - will rectify that this week - thank you :)
what is a "fat quarter"? Never heard that expression here in the U.S. And I love this wreath ... gonna make one since I finished my cards early this year. And money ran out, so no more presents to buy. tks for the instructions!
I luv making fabric wreaths, there are so many different types of fabric you can make them with for every holiday and occasion :)... best part is you can literally make them from completely 100% recycled materials, grab 2 wire hangers (using 2 helps it hold its shape easier) and band them in any shape ya like... for the fabric I have use many things from; old sheets, pillow cases, shirts, skirts, blue jeans, if you can cut it into strips and tie a knot in it :) you can use it lol... Side note, walmart stores in the U.S. usually carry fat quarters, they run a dollar or two
I love them - going to try and get a wreath next week and make one - I have oodles of fat quarters that I have picked up and added to my stash...been going through a stitching and card making phase so have not done anything much with fabric - will rectify that this week - thank you :)
ReplyDeletewhat is a "fat quarter"? Never heard that expression here in the U.S. And I love this wreath ... gonna make one since I finished my cards early this year. And money ran out, so no more presents to buy. tks for the instructions!
ReplyDeleteKathy
Hi Kathy, a fat quarter is a piece of fabric which is usually 20" square and is used as the basis for many many quilt patterns.
ReplyDeleteOhh that's a good idea, I am wondering if I could use a wire coat hanger shaped into a ring.
ReplyDeleteOff to see if I can find one...
Melanie
I luv making fabric wreaths, there are so many different types of fabric you can make them with for every holiday and occasion :)... best part is you can literally make them from completely 100% recycled materials, grab 2 wire hangers (using 2 helps it hold its shape easier) and band them in any shape ya like... for the fabric I have use many things from; old sheets, pillow cases, shirts, skirts, blue jeans, if you can cut it into strips and tie a knot in it :) you can use it lol...
ReplyDeleteSide note, walmart stores in the U.S. usually carry fat quarters, they run a dollar or two