Tinted Linens

You were always told to only color on paper and never anything else right? Well, forget the rules! Get out your crayons everyone should have their own beautiful, perfectly arranged by color, sharp, unbroken crayons that are hidden away deep in a secret hiding place that the kids don't know about, and try this fun embroidery project. I learned this technique in this book Vintage Tinted Linens* Quilts.

This book is packed with wonderful and charming patterns. It was difficult to decide which one to start, but when I saw this lovely Roaring 20's Portrait Potholder I couldn't resist.

Trace your pattern onto your fabric very lightly with a pencil or a water soluble marker. I used a piece of white muslin, but you could use any fabric especially if you tea-dye it first to give it an even more vintage feel. Tape the fabric down on the corners to a flat smooth surface.Take out your crayons and color! You may need to color a little harder in the fabric because the ironing will soften the crayon. Experiment with shading to add depth or only color a few things to really make a bold statement. Try to color in the same direction because the strokes will show (unless this is the effect you are trying to achieve).

When you are satisfied with yourself, sandwich the fabric between 2 pieces of plain paper. Set your iron to the "cotton" setting.  Press the fabric sandwich slowly and smoothly. This will 'set' the crayon. You may need to press a few times to get the results you want. I did mine a few times to soften and melt the crayon for a smoother effect. From this point you can either back the design with another piece of fabric or place in an embroidery hoop. Embroider your heart away! Use different stitches, beads, sequins, etc. Here is the final result....VOILA!

The possibilities are endless with this technique. Experiment, be brave, try new things! Draw your own design, or go here or here for some fabulous patterns. Check out a  few examples from the book. Aren't they timeless?

Comments

[Teensie Doodle]

Hey Tracy!

I'm totally in love with the potholder!It is so cute! I'll have to make one!

Naomi

[yiddolis]

Very cool, Beeb! You do such awesome work! Love the potholder!

[sassyquilter]

I have this book but (sniff) haven't tried anything yet. I guess I'll have to dig it out and incorporate something into a quilt! Your stitches are so beautiful. Nice job!

[Nancy McCarroll]

This is wonderful! I am going to join the Ravelry subgoup this post refers to. You are on my FAVORITES list now. Thanks!

[Susann]

That's *great*!
I'm still searching for ways to easily colour fabric and that's a technique I *have* to try.
Thank you so much for sharing!