Filet Crochet

 Every once in a while,

I'll find a piece of filet crochet.

 

This blue filet crochet graces both

ends of a runner I purchased recently.

 

Can you see the leaves in the design?

 

Filet crochet only uses two stitches --

 the chain stitch and the double crochet stitch.

 

The patterns for beautiful filet crochet designs

feature a graph with "open" blocks

and "colored" blocks.

 The colored blocks or squares

 signify when to fill in a stitch with

a double crochet on that row.

These double crocheted blocks create splendid designs

once all of the rows are finished.

 

 This runner's creator used a less than stellar

handpainted muslin for the center.

 

I'm considering using the filet crocheted ends

to decorate a blue pieced and quilted runner,

but I dislike cutting linens that are in good condition.

 

Any suggestions?

 

 

Click on the link below to find

beginner instructions for filet crochet.

Simply scroll down toward the lower portion

of this link's page.

Filet Crochet Instructions

  

 If, like me, you prefer to buy the finished product,

there are many Etsy sellers who offer these

handmade treasures.

  

 Snowy Creek Designs

What a gorgeous coverlet! Dated 1927.

 

Vintage Pleasures

Pretty for spring!

Patterns ala Carte
An elegant and affordable pattern.

Red Hen Studios
This runner is similar in construction to mine!

While I'm deciding whether or not to recreate

this vintage piece, I sometimes display it here --

in my window seat.

 

Do you have a piece of filet crochet?

 

Amy

 

 

 

 

 



Salvaged Linen Sachet Tutorial

Thank you to Ruby for Women for publishing this tutorial in the May 2012 e-zine issue of Ruby For Women.

If you'd like to visit the Ruby for Women community, click here .



 


Several months ago, I happened across a beautifully embroidered tablecloth that was severely stained beyond all help.  I bought the vintage tablecloth for two or three dollars knowing I could salvage the embroidery that ran around the entire piece.  I thought I'd share with you what I made by taking a simple pyramid pattern I came across and adapting it a bit for vintage linen.



1.  Cut one 4" by 4" square of a vintage linen remnant.
     Cut one 4" by 4" square of cotton fabric.
     Cut two 4" by 4" squares of Pellon Fusible Featherweight Interfacing 911 FF.


2.  Iron one fusible interfacing square to the back of your vintage linen remnant.
     This will keep any loose threads from the cutting held secure in the back.
     Iron the other fusible interfacing square to your cotton fabric square.
     This makes your cotton fabric weight match the weight of the vintage remnant.
3.  With right sides facing, sew a 1/4" seam around 3 edges of your square.  If you have a side on the embroidered square that has no loose embroidery, leave that side as the fourth unfinished side.  This side will later be hand-sewn, and it will be easier if there is no embroidery.

4.  Trim the sides and the corners close to the seams.

5.  Turn the sachet right side out.

6.  Fill the sachet with equal parts dried lavender and uncooked white rice.  I like the feel of about 3 Tbsp. of

     each, but you may like the sachet to feel fuller.

7.  Finger press or carefully iron the open edge 1/4" to the inside.

8.  Pin matching seams together.  This will close the sachet and form the pyramid shape.

    
9.  Slip-stitch the opening closed removing the pins as you sew.


10.  Embellish with buttons, beads, and ribbons as desired.  Try different sizes by starting with 5" squares or 3.5" squares.

Let me know what you think!

Amy

"And walk in love, as Christ also hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour."  Ephesians 5:2