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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: lilac
Date: 02-18-2005, 05:09 PM (1 of 36)
| does anyone here enjoy redwork or penny squares? |
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002 Total posts: 102 |
From: Bama
Date: 02-18-2005, 10:28 PM (2 of 36)
|
I've been doing some redwork. I haven't completed a quilt yet with it. It's my take-along work when I'm waiting for my kids at their activities and practices. My sis bought me a book set about old fashioned redwork. It's called Red & White by Deborah Harding. One book is about the history of redwork and the other book is old patterns. I bought The Sunbonnet Sue Primer for some patterns too. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116 
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From: allie-oops
Date: 02-19-2005, 12:19 AM (3 of 36)
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I LOVE REDWORK. Matter of fact, hubby bought me an embroidery machine so I could digitize my redwork patterns, as I have so many I could never do them all by hand. I don't just use red though, I did a kitties of the world quilt and used all different colors. I also like to add crayon to them. It's my serious addiction!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Allie "onward through the fog"
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User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282 
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From: beachgirl
Date: 02-19-2005, 12:21 AM (4 of 36)
| I've done redwork for years & love it. Most has been done by hand since I was a kid ( a million years ago ) but also have done it with the embroidery machine. I like the old fashion patterns but they are hard to find around here. I have always thought hand embroidery was relaxing. Some times I make dresser scarves for family & combine hand work with machine work. Fun to make your own designs for a one of a kind. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
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From: allie-oops
Date: 02-19-2005, 12:45 AM (5 of 36)
beachgirl, have you checked ebay for vintage patterns? There's one seller, patternbee, who has a store - she's taken old patterns and copied them and made them into iron-ons. She's my favorite seller on ebay.  Allie "onward through the fog"
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User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282
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From: beachgirl
Date: 02-19-2005, 05:27 PM (6 of 36)
| Allie-oops, Thanks for the info. I'll check into it. I do trace some I find in books or whatever & make them into iron ons. My Mom had some old ones from the 1800's & made one of my daughters a quilt from them. I've traced some of those off the quilt. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615
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From: MaryW
Date: 02-21-2005, 09:10 AM (7 of 36)
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I have the Leisure Arts book The Sunbonnet Sue Primer which is all redwork from vintage art. Very cute stuff and so detailed. How many strands should be used? I use two but some only use one. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Bama
Date: 02-21-2005, 02:38 PM (8 of 36)
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I've been using two strands most of the time but use only one strand in more detailed areas. beachgirl, I've found alot of free patterns on the net. I did a search on google. Alot of them are old fashioned patterns. I've printed so many I know I'll never get around to doing a tenth of them.  I finally finished a large bluework angel for a wallhanging. Now to get the borders pieced for it. 
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User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: lilac
Date: 02-23-2005, 09:16 AM (9 of 36)
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I have Favorite Redwork Designs by Betty Alderman and it has a sun bonnet sue alphabet that I just love plus gardening and kitchen theames. I have one of the other books - the two book set- coming so anxious to see it. I also have Ruby Short McKim's Roly Poly Circus Quilt book by Jill Sutton Filo. They are old patterns of circus animals worked into a round shape. In the book it has instructions for teaching kids and says to have children use three strands of floss instead of two. It also talks about crayon art in the book and other things redwork can be used for as well as machine applique. It has a lot of background info. As for the floss! I don't use the stuff. I have been using Premium Sulky Heavy 12 wt. Mercerized Cotton thread. You get 330 yards on a spool of thread and I paid about 4.50 a spool of thread. It comes in lots of colors and shades and I haven't had any problems with tangling and I am not worried about soaking anything in vinegar because I don't think the stuff bleeds. |
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002 Total posts: 102 |
From: lilac
Date: 02-23-2005, 09:22 AM (10 of 36)
|
The sulky thread I purchase in the local quilt shop. Just wanted to mention most of my redwork I do is actually kids coloring book pages I have printed from the web. I do look for simple designs as I just started doing Redwork but coloring books have been wonderful and I understand cookie cutters can also provide simple designs. So far I have used those sorces to teach three kids how to do redwork as I have been able to find a design that fits their personality. The old fashioned redwork doesn't seem to appeal to them as well. If anyone is looking for an easy kids project they might want to try a preschool coloring book page for inspiration. |
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002 Total posts: 102 |
From: lilac
Date: 02-23-2005, 09:31 AM (11 of 36)
|
I don't just use red though, I did a kitties of the world quilt and used all different colors. I also like to add crayon to them. It's my serious addiction!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Allie I am partial to cats and was wondering where you found your kitties of the world patterns?? Are the cats dressed as different countries and if so is there one for poland - looking for a polish gift item. I don't just use red or blue either. Bought several colors so the kids could use their favorite and now that I have done green frogs don't see the point in trying to make things red or blue. Love the sulky 12 wt. thread. |
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002 Total posts: 102 |
From: lilac
Date: 02-23-2005, 09:41 AM (12 of 36)
|
Mary, I think we should have a redwork project on the site. Maybe redwork on one of those pre-made totebags they sell at wal-mart. The Roly Poly Circus Quilt book shows a tote bag with a giraffe and a persons name underneath. I think we could use that idea and change the image, one for a boy and one for a girl. Perhaps a simple image of a book for both or an image of a old fashioned one room school house or bus? The letter templates to do the names are a must. Maybe we just need our own redwork bags to keep our redwork on the go projects in. My mom tells me redwork goes well on collars and cuffs and on shirts in general. Was wondering what else people have tried other than tea towels and quilted items? |
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002 Total posts: 102 |
From: lilac
Date: 02-23-2005, 12:56 PM (13 of 36)
|
http://www.coloring.ws/birds.htm great birds for redwork. |
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002 Total posts: 102 |
From: allie-oops
Date: 02-23-2005, 03:34 PM (14 of 36)
|
I am partial to cats and was wondering where you found your kitties of the world patterns?? Are the cats dressed as different countries and if so is there one for poland - looking for a polish gift item. I don't just use red or blue either. Bought several colors so the kids could use their favorite and now that I have done green frogs don't see the point in trying to make things red or blue. Love the sulky 12 wt. thread. Lilac, I got the patterns for the kitties out of a book that came with a CD - I don't have the book handy, a friend borrowed it. It has about 200 designs. It was nice just being able to view them and print them out. Wait, found it on Amazon.com.....here's the link: http://tinyurl.com/622af I don't think there was a Poland on there. The cats are dressed in different country costumes, but there's sure not a complete list. They are DARLING. If I can dig that quilt out, I'll get a pic of it.....it still doesn't have a binding on it, though, lol. Allie "onward through the fog"
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User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282
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From: lilac
Date: 02-23-2005, 05:59 PM (15 of 36)
| The book may have origionally cost 19.99 but you'd have to pay $40.00 for a replacement so don't lose yours. |
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002 Total posts: 102 |
From: allie-oops
Date: 02-23-2005, 09:03 PM (16 of 36)
|
OH MY GOSH I didn't notice that!!!!!!! I better get it back from my friend, lol!!!!!
"onward through the fog"
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User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282
|
From: lilac
Date: 02-23-2005, 09:27 PM (17 of 36)
| As I have never seen the cd-rom I haven't much of a clue what is on it but I can tell you that you aren't likely to find a copy unless you buy the amazon copy for that price. I think you better make a copy in case yours gets scratched or something because it is out of print and nobody seems to have them anymore. |
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002 Total posts: 102 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 02-23-2005, 10:25 PM (18 of 36)
| Thank you Lilac for the site. It's great, I can down size the ones I want plus printed off some for the 2 youngest gk's to color at granny's house. 12 grands now & not a one will call me granny. They just giggle when I've ask them to. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615
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From: lilac
Date: 02-24-2005, 07:47 AM (19 of 36)
| Anyone know where to find images of real looking babies? I would like to do redwork of actual babies and not cartoon looking ones or animals but real live looking babies. I prefer vintage looking babies with bonnets if anyone knows where to find some. |
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002 Total posts: 102 |
From: lilac
Date: 02-24-2005, 09:37 AM (20 of 36)
|
http://www.thecrayonhouse.com/books.asp cute holiday coloring pages here that would be nice for redwork. Had a couple cute babies as well. New Baby, St Patric's day baby, and Birthday Baby were all adorable. Lots of really nice x-mas images and some cute Easter ones for anyone thinking of a holiday runner for the table. |
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002 Total posts: 102 |
From: lilac
Date: 02-24-2005, 12:47 PM (21 of 36)
|
What are the do's and don't of framing redwork? Is there anything special you have to do to keep the fabric from rotting like no glass or plexiglass so it can breathe or what do you do so the fabric can breathe? Do you worry about the cardboard backing not being archival? |
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002 Total posts: 102 |
From: Bama
Date: 02-24-2005, 07:11 PM (22 of 36)
|
I'm not sure about framing redwork, but I did see something on TV recently about framing textiles. They put an acid free mat around the piece that was raised just enough that it kept the glass from touching the fabric. Did anyone see The Carol Duvall show yesterday with Alex Anderson doing shadow redwork? It was very pretty. First she embroidered a main design in red then some words or sayings in ecru in the background. You had to look close to read them, but it gave an interesting look to it. She has a book out with patterns. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: allie-oops
Date: 02-24-2005, 10:08 PM (23 of 36)
Lilac, I saw your post above about the RolyPoly book - I've made that quilt, it's very fun. I have a pic if you wanna see. Also, a GREAT place to get free redwork patterns for babies and such is http://www.needlecrafter.com/. Click on library. Most patterns will open in a pdf format, you can save them and print them later. 
"onward through the fog"
|
User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282
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From: lilac
Date: 02-25-2005, 08:19 AM (24 of 36)
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Would love to see any pic's - always exciting to see different possibilities and ideas. I missed Carol Duval and I am surprised they haven't shown it on Simply Quilts. Saw the book and heard about shadow work being the thread is a similar color to the background. One of the ladies in my quilt group had the book but I haven't seen the work yet. Will look on the site for babies. I saw one site that had some beautiful redwork babies for sale pha sherpa or something like that and I was drooling over them. I love baby stuff but have learned you have to search under redwork children to find any at all. When I searched for babies I just got baby blocks and baby animals. I think my grandmother frames her cross-stitch projects without any glass but I think that a spacer and plexi-glass or something like it would be better in our house. If not I may end up with peanut butter and jelly on my artwork. |
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002 Total posts: 102 |
From: lilac
Date: 02-25-2005, 11:34 AM (25 of 36)
|
WOW, wow, wow! The needlecrafter site is awsome. I love the girl with the doll and I am going to do that one for my wall. I have been planning on a special anniversary gift for the out-laws as my father in law is Polish (both of his parents came over to the US as children) and was going to do the polish vest that I found in The Folkwear Book of Ethnic Clothing by Mary S. Parker. There were so many designs on the site that would be perfect for decorating the vest. I think I printed a book. Lots of great birds and flowers and I think I will use the ornate rooster design for sure as it seems to be a common polish themes. The stylized flowers are going to work great. I am so excited! Thank-you so much for pointing out that site. |
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002 Total posts: 102 |
From: allie-oops
Date: 02-26-2005, 03:09 AM (26 of 36)
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Lilac, I sent you a private message. I tried to upload a pic of the roly poly quilt here, but it didn't work - too big or something. Don't you just love that needlecrafter site? It's my favorite. Allie "onward through the fog"
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User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282
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From: allie-oops
Date: 02-26-2005, 03:13 AM (27 of 36)
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Lilac, in that private message I forgot to include the link I was going to have you try. Sigh. Finishing a quilt will do that to my brain, lol. Here's the link: http://community.webshots.com/user/allieoops101 "onward through the fog"
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User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282
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From: lilac
Date: 02-26-2005, 09:45 AM (28 of 36)
|
Great pictures and I liked the needlecrafter site so much I sent the info to my mom. She said to satin stitch them on the sewing machine but I really look forward to doing it by hand while waiting for the kids to finish activities. I found a copy of redwork and beyond but I bought the last one. It really does look like anyone who wanted to buy one would have to pay the 40.00 for the one on amazon. I looked all over for them and only found one other and bought it. There were several places that listed them and were sold out as they are out of print. I am going to make a back up copy in case I scratch it because I am pretty good at doing stupid things. In the meantime I found a lot of patterns I love on the needlecrafter site. I had seen it before but didn't realize where to look for the free patterns. Before that I didn't think there were many to be found for free on the web. I spend a lot of time riding in the car and it is great to have something light and portable, not to mention easy, to work on. I am sure I will really like it even more this summer. |
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002 Total posts: 102 |
From: MaryW
Date: 02-28-2005, 08:51 AM (29 of 36)
|
Allie, your work is super.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: allie-oops
Date: 02-28-2005, 02:05 PM (30 of 36)
|
Thank you Mary!
"onward through the fog"
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User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282
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From: M & M's Mom
Date: 03-01-2005, 12:26 PM (31 of 36)
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I checked out the needlecrafter site you posted and was very impressed. Thank you so much for sharing the information. I've always loved "Days of the Week" tea towel sets - think I'll make a set or two for Christmas gifts. Also downloaded some cute baby animals to embroider on baby items (new grand-baby arriving in July). So........................thanks! The more we share info, the more fun we all have. (The site allie-oops posted is at www.needlecrafter.com) |
User: M & M's Mom
Member since: 12-01-2004 Total posts: 102 |
From: allie-oops
Date: 03-01-2005, 12:45 PM (32 of 36)
|
Here's another site - she has free redwork patterns of the month, when you're all done you have enough for a quilt. She usually follows a theme for the year. http://members.shaw.ca/shareski/freeredwork.htm "onward through the fog"
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User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282
|
From: lilac
Date: 03-04-2005, 08:45 AM (33 of 36)
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Wow, you know all the good sites. My redwork in multi colors is working out so beautifully on my vest. That rooster fit in so well with my "Polish" project. Finished the back and am partially done one side of the front. All the designs I found on the needle crafter site are so wonderful. Thanks again. This will be a great gift for my out-laws. |
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002 Total posts: 102 |
From: lilac
Date: 03-04-2005, 03:34 PM (34 of 36)
|
Has anyone seen this? http://www.americanquilter.com/items/item_detail.php?item_num=6198 Embroidered Childhood Memories CD-ROM with 1000 images. The photo of the case is incorrect as it looks like the photo of the book that only has 100 images on it. The CD-ROM includes all the images from the book and is the same price as the book on the publishers site as they reduced it. It normally costs 29.99 so they dropped 10.00 off the price. Shipping is 3.00. Was wondering if anyone has seen either the CD-ROM or the book? I love pictures of kids so it seemed like it would be be something I would like. |
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002 Total posts: 102 |
From: lilac
Date: 03-04-2005, 03:36 PM (35 of 36)
| I must correct myself as it says over 1,000 pattern varriations - must include every size so probably not 1,000 images just a lot of sizes... Still sounds good. |
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002 Total posts: 102 |
From: lilac
Date: 04-01-2005, 12:33 PM (36 of 36)
|
I wanted to check in and tell everyone I finished the vest and it came out great and will be well cared for so it can be passed down in the family. I have also enjoyed my copy of the cd-rom, embroidered childhood memories. I would guess that it only has the patterns in the book because each pattern has a large selection of sizes and mirror image sizes to chose from and it also has written info on it as well just like reading a book. I think it is the cat's meow because I love redwork children and they are beautiful. It also has two complete illustrated alphabets and a couple vintage looking animal patterns too. I can't tell you all how trilled I was when I got it. I got it from the web site, www.aqsquilt.com and it was the same price as the companion book. It is really wonderful being able to print the size I want and go right to work. The photo of the cd-rom was wrong but the description is correct and the price was very nice. |
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002 Total posts: 102 |
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