Saturday, April 7, 2012

Quilted Envelope for birthday cards and gifts

    While Joe worked on building his garden, I decided to make a quilted envelope for Hannah's quilted birthday card and Book Notes to keep track of all the books she loves to read, a good habit for the rest of one's life. She's ready for the calligraphy pens I got her; and a place to stash her creations seemed warranted.

    Following the book theme, I cut out the book fabric and a lining and batting all the same size. I spray basted the three pieces to save time pinning. Then I quilted the three with an invisible thread. I then cut the pieces (now one) precisely on the edges with a rotary cutter. Now how to sew an envelope?

    I sewed gold bias tape across one end which I turned up. I decided to play it safe and stitch all the edges, with the bottom folded up. Then I added gold bias tape to finish, starting at the bottom left and going up up and around to the bottom right side. Since the thread was invisible, I returned to secure beginnings, corners and ending. I am not sure if the big closing flap should have a button of some sort.

     Chrissy gave me the idea of theme related birthday presents. See my 3/14/12 posting. I wasn't sure how to relate to Hannah's rock climbing party, however. I guess I could have painted some rocks. Hmmmmn. Now Ellen gave me a rock idea that I am just now catching on to! Joe will have some leftover from preparing his garden!

click to enlarge

10 comments:

  1. She is such a lucky girl. I wish I had something from my grandmother that I could touch and look at and smell....You'll forever be in her heart and mind as someone special who loved her very much. ~ RAH

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    1. That is a good idea...I could add something scented, maybe, like lavender. Wonder if there is a scent with a literary history...something flat. Certainly eye covers for a snooze after reading.

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  2. What a fun project, I am sure Hannah will love it.

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  3. Lovely, lovely. I especially like the book fabric. It looks like a whole library on an envelope.
    NM

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    1. 'Tis a GIANT envelope and so much fun I now feel I must make the other two grands something similar. What started out as untraditional gift wrap is turning my quilt room into a factory!

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  4. WHAT a great post! Love the project, and love the precise way you have described it. Hannah is, indeed, a very lucky little granddaughter. Also love love love the "Comic Life" explanation with words and pictures. You have out-done yourself!

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  5. What a super gift! She'll treasure that for a lifetime! She is so lucky to have such a talented & clever grandmother. Enjoy celebrating with her.

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  6. Like it...it's so simple..I wish to use it for my own Gift Card envelopes?

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  7. I "followed along" with this tutorial and am really pleased with the finished holder. Not something I say very often about my crafty makes!

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  8. there are C5, C6 and DL envelopes to suit your needs. You can find an envelope to keep your document intact with A5 or A4 Envelopes

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