How I Did That

I frequently have people ask, "How did you do that?" regarding one project or another.  Today, I sat down to make a batch of Spring-themed postcards.  I thought it might be prudent to photo-document the process, just in case someone wants to know "how I did that."

I started with my postcard-making box.  Here are the photos AFTER I have pored through and straightened the contents.  I cut the fusible peltex into 4x6" "blanks," almost as soon as I buy it.  This saves time when I'm ready to sit down and make postcards.  To the side are some 4x6" pieces of batting, and muslin, in case I want to do crazy quilting or poofy quilting on the postcard.

 I sorted my scraps into colors.  I forgot to take this picture right after sorting, so I've already taken out the larger chunks of green.

The first thing I did was to fuse the scraps onto one side of the peltex.

 Next, I stippled them in place, using green thread on top, and white thread in the bobbin.

 Once the base is secure, I'm ready to start playing.

 I bought this stiff green "lace" at a quilt show last year.  I thought it would add interest to the card, so I stitched around the edges, again with green on top, and white in the bobbin.

Next, I fussy cut some birds, from a fabric purchased with this task in mind.

 When the bird was where I wanted it, I raw-edge stitched it in place, then repeated the same on the other cards.

 At this point, the tops look finished to me.  I can't think of anything else to add, so I cut backs, again 4x6".  It is best to use a very light-colored, barely printed fabric, so that the address will show up when you write it on.  Or, you can use address labels.  I happen to think handwriting is a bit more personal.

 The bottom card shows the back fused in place.

The last step is to finish the edges.  I chose a green yarn, and a variegated green Valdani thread for the task.

 Laying the yarn alongside the postcard, and using a walking foot, I zigzagged the edge of the card, being careful to catch the yarn in the stitch.  A stiletto is useful to guide the yarn as close to the edge as possible.

 I zigzag the edges a second time, using a slightly wider and slightly shorter stitch.  At the corners, I stitch to the edge, then backstitch 2-3 stitches, pivot, stitch forward, backstitch, then stitch forward to the next corner.  I like the smooth turn that backstitching gives to the corner.

 When I am finished, this is what the back looks like.  It can be addressed like any other postcard, though it takes about 71 cents to mail it.  (That's a forever stamp, plus the "special handling" fee.)  The price has increased since I last mailed a postcard, so I'm a bit fuzzy on the cost.

 Finally, this is what my finished "Spring" cards look like.

Why did I make these cards?  Oh!  They are for a postcard exchange with Postmark'd Art.  I have until August 31 to complete the trades that I signed up for.  One down, two to go.

Happy stitching!