Sheet Projects

http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2011/01/vintage-sheet-projects.html
Vintage Sheet Projects

I realized I never shared pictures of the final hanging of the hoops. I love them.  I was originally inspired the first time I visited Purl Patchwork and saw their swatch portraits. Only their's are Liberty prints - and seeing as my Liberty collection is still pretty small (extremely small, like maybe one really small hoop's worth), and that Liberty prints are around $30 a yard, I never did anything about it. Until I saw Amanda's wonderful use of Vintage Sheets for such a purpose! Brilliant!

(The one on the bottom left was my Grandma's. It's my sentimental favorite. I still have a flat sheet to use as a quilt back some day . . .)

Here's a brief tutorial how I framed mine.  I found all the hoops at thrift shops for really cheap.  Most of the sheets in a likewise manner.  Use the hoop to frame the sheet portion you would like to focus on. Tighten that screw-thingy.  Trim off the excess leaving about an inch of fabric all the way around.  Carefully apply hot glue a couple inches at a time and then gently pull the fabric taught over the glue.

 This should create a nice, tightly framed swatch.

I've hung mine over my cutting table where I can admire them. And here is a rare glimpse of my work space. (Notice the photo is strategically cropped to hide some serious piles of WIPS.) My goal this year is to have my whole sewing space aesthetically pleasing enough to be photographed.