sewing - Around the Year

How to Make Vintage Handkerchiefs with Crochet-Lace Edging!

aroundTheYear — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 09:23:00 +0000

My grandma used to tell me, how in her day (i.e the 1940s and 50s), blank handkerchiefs with perforated edges could be purchased, so the girls and women could crochet their own lace-edging. Amazing right? This technique was taught as part of their sewing classes in school. I do have a couple of her hankies, although I’m not sure if she made them herself, or if these were bought as is.

I don’t think hankies with pre-made holes are still available for purchase, so here is a workaround to create the handkerchiefs of your dreams using only some plain white cotton and embroidery thread!

You will need:

White cotton fabric (or a pastel color if you prefer)
Embroidery-cotton
Embroidery needle
Fine crochet hook

Depending on the thickness you’re going for, you can bi-sect the (usually 6-standed) embroidery cotton and only work with 3 threads.

First things first, hem your handkerchief using a blanket stitch. Make sure to get it as even as possible. Alternatively, you could also use a whip-stitch.

Now it’s time to crochet! Create a row of double crochets all around your hanky, using the loops of the blanket of whip-stitches on the hem. That will be the sturdy base for your lace design. Now find your favorite crochet lace edging pattern, and add that onto your base. Check out the video below, for a step-by-step demonstration!

Pro-tip: embroider a simple flower design or your monogram onto a corner of your hanky!

The post How to Make Vintage Handkerchiefs with Crochet-Lace Edging! first appeared on Around the Year.

New Sewing Vlog: Attempting to Make a Tailored Woolen Coat

aroundTheYear — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 10:36:10 +0000

This is my first attempt at making a tailored garment, and I did encounter a few hiccups before long. In the end, I’m very pleased how it turned out, and I think I’d give it a 9/10.

For fabric I used a burgundy/plum wool blend with around 30% of actual wool content which I like very much. I got it on eBay, and it was just about £7/metre it’s also a great “practice fabric”, since you don’t want to risk a £20/metre wool on the first try.

For lining, I found a pretty matching polka dot print, which gave the coat just the right mood so to speak. A little playful and quirky, but at the same time enhancing that vintage fell I was going for.

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Attempting to Sew a Vintage-Inspired Tailored Dress-Coat/Princess-Coat | Sewing Vlog

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The post New Sewing Vlog: Attempting to Make a Tailored Woolen Coat first appeared on Around the Year.

An Easy Christmas DIY: Patchwork Stars

aroundTheYear — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 14:30:10 +0000

It’s been a while since I’ve actually posted anything here, but today, I’m back with a brand-new Christmas tutorial: how to make these cute patchwork star ornaments. They’re very easy and quick to make, and can be used for so many things such as tree ornaments, gifts, or even festive pincushions!

Learn how to make yours here:

A free template is of course available to subscribers in the Template Library.

The post An Easy Christmas DIY: Patchwork Stars first appeared on Around the Year.

3 Easy Flower Embroidery Stitches for Beginners

aroundTheYear — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 11:51:14 +0000

Flower embroidery can seem quite daunting, especially if you’re a beginner. In today’s video, you’ll learn three easy and beautiful flowers to embroider. The great thing about these is that they take so little time, so you’ll not get tired of them easily, and lets you break down your project into small portions.

Supplies needed:

Embroidery Hoop
Embroidery Thread
Needles
White Sheeting Fabric, (great for any kind of embroidery).

The post 3 Easy Flower Embroidery Stitches for Beginners first appeared on Around the Year.