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The Sew What’s New Archive

This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: blackie
Date: 08-24-2006, 05:23 PM (1 of 9)
Yes, the dreaded block of muslim (6.5" by 6/5") and we are instructed to embellish as we wish. Argh! I hate that. It will be for a series of banners i.e. prayer flag style (so I don't know how the edges will be finished). It's for a lovely friend of mine who's expecting her third boy. She seems to like blues / sea greens and is a real Earth Mama type.

For the life of me I cannot think of a block idea! All blocks I think of look better assembled with other blocks. I am stumped. Oh, and it was due a couple days ago which has really put the pressure on.

I am not much of a paper-piecer but I'm willing to try. Isn't there some way I can piece the work directly on the muslin square?

Help! I am all in a muddle.
see the mundane life of a housewife.
User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004
Total posts: 594
From: Chrysantha
Date: 08-24-2006, 09:13 PM (2 of 9)
Draw a 'scene' with fabric pens. (make sure you heat set it)
(I have no idea what a prayer flag is...) :nc:
Fabric glue and zig-zag shapes to the muslin. (I'm assuming you don't have an embroidery machine.)
If you can find some bubble jet (liquid) and have an ink jet printer, you can print a picture on the muslin.
Theres always the fall back...puffy fabric pens...( I personally don't like them)
You 'might' be able to find an iron-on picture, that you can emblish with different stitches on your machine. (if you have one like that...)

Kath :bg:
Chrys
User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002
Total posts: 2414
From: plrlegal
Date: 08-24-2006, 09:13 PM (3 of 9)
How about doing an applique on the muslin block? I'm not sure what a prayer flag is either.

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: Patty22
Date: 08-24-2006, 09:34 PM (4 of 9)
You said the mom-to-be is into prayer flags......is she Buddist, or just likes the idea?

You could find some Tibetan designs online and then machine applique a modified design onto the square. Stick with the gold and red and other colors. What about a Mandala type design (you could modify a medallion type pattern.) Will she be hanging them in the baby's room, or elsewhere?
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
From: blackie
Date: 08-25-2006, 12:23 PM (5 of 9)
Hello,

For thsoe who asked, here is a picture of prayer flags. We have them all over where I live (sorry the image is so big, I couldn't find a better one):

http://www.blackhillsaudubon.com/11_30_BHAS_flag_files/image001.jpg

She is not Buddhist or anything - she's Jewish - I think the blocks will be in this format because it's easier than a quilt. I am not sure where she's going to hang the flag chain.

I definitely want to sew and don't want to use paint or anything (for one thing, I have no fabric paint). I am still searching for ideas... I have to turn it in soon!
see the mundane life of a housewife.
User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004
Total posts: 594
From: esrun3
Date: 08-25-2006, 12:42 PM (6 of 9)
Since you really want to sew I would do some kind of applique, myself. Just something she's into or fits the baby theme.
Lyn
User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004
Total posts: 2345
From: swartzrn
Date: 08-25-2006, 11:34 PM (7 of 9)
I think an applique would be nice as well. I am interested too on what is a prayer flag. I am using the photo fabric computer paper for a picture quilt I'm doing and I am sure you could do that with clip art or anything you have on your computer and print it right to the fabric. The pictures are turning out nicely too. I was surprised.
Julie
"To see the future, look into a child's eyes."
User: swartzrn
Member since: 02-17-2006
Total posts: 436
From: Patty22
Date: 08-26-2006, 06:22 PM (8 of 9)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_flag

They are quite beautiful to see (not that I've seen them personally) but in pictures. The prayers are carried off when the wind passes through them (quite like older cultures believing birds carried prayers off to the heavens or smoke from fires or candles).

The web site gives colors and designs (often woodblock prints) and historical information.
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
From: SummersEchos
Date: 08-26-2006, 11:05 PM (9 of 9)
I myself would write a prayer for the new child and their family. What you wish for them all. Then find a symbol to match what your wishes are. Or like they use to paint a block from a quilt on a barn that meant something to the family. What a nice idea to have people send out their wishes on the wind.
Summer

FREE FALLIN
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004
Total posts: 884
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