Because life’s celebrations shouldn’t cost the Earth

Wednesday 19 November 2014

Happy Hanukkah Bunting

Appliqued Fabric Banner


This year I was delighted to start my seasonal sewing with a very special Hanukkah banner, which is now about to start its journey over the pond to some friends in America.


The backing fabric is from a pair of upcycled 'Mamas and Papas' nursery curtains and I always enjoy using it as the material is a lovely weight pure cotton canvas.  The dotty background also lends itself to almost any decor, which is perfect when I don't know the colour of the room where the finished banner will be hung!   It is also ideal for make-up pouches and pencil cases and you can read about this cute little Volkswagen Bug car here.


I created the Hanukkah bunting using raw edge applique, one of my favourite techniques.  I normally drop the feed dogs on my machine and free motion embroider around shapes when appliqueing, but as the flame on the candle was so small, I instead decided to simply straight stitch around it using an open-toed foot with a reduced stitch length.  Although this takes longer, it also gives me greater control when completing small scale designs.


I had originally intended stitching up the banner with the wording 'Happy Hanukkah', but as the festival has a number of different spellings I went with the somewhat safer 'Miracle'.  In retrospect I actually prefer this, as it makes a closer link to the meaning of Hanukkah.


At either end of the banner I stitched a Star of David with a candle, another reflection of the original story which tells the miracle of the Hanukkah oil. I stuck with a traditional blue for the main colour scheme but used a jaunty yellow bias-binding for the header tape, which really picks out the yellow of the candle flame.



Next stop Christmas!

8 comments:

  1. Dear Josie
    Another beautiful creation and I am sure the recipients will be thrilled! I love the background fabric too.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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  2. Stunning stitching J, and what amazing details! Beautiful! Jxo

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  3. I'm smitten by this craft, Josie, and I'm poised to be up to my smile in it SOON! I can't wait, and YOU are the first one I want to show!

    This "Miracle" bunting is precious! Oh, how thrilled the special recipient will be!

    Presently I'm in Thanksgiving Day mode (one week!) and:
    Friday is finish the dining room chair covers.
    Saturday is put up the tree... which we've not done since '08!
    Sunday is Rest Day and eat out!
    Monday??? Is Monday the day? We'll see!

    Hugs and happy weekend, Josie!
    Kelley~

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  4. A lovely combination of colours and you put a tremendous amount of thought into the design. It looks great :)

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  5. What a fabulous gift and your up cycled curtain fabric is perfect. The appliqué, as always, is amazing! Xx

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  6. What a beautiful gift, I'm sure your friends will be thrilled with it. I love your colour choices too.

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  7. That is beautiful, your detail is amazing. Totally in awe as usual!

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