 Several years ago I imprinted velvet and
sewed gift bags in varying sizes with it. I have made shawls and throws
also. A friend of mine made shawls for every female member of her family
a few years ago. Be sure your purchased velvet is rayon, rayon-acetate,
or silk velvet. You will need a rubber stamp with a bold design for this
project. To imprint the velvet, using a spray bottle, generously mist
the right side of the velvet with water. Place the rubber stamp, rubber
side up, on an ironing board. Lay the dampened velvet, right side down,
on top of the rubber stamp. Set the iron on wool setting. DO NOT USE
STEAM. When the iron is hot, press the velvet on top of the stamp. Hold
the iron firmly in place for approximately 20 seconds. If the image is
not as distinct as you would like, press the fabric onto the stamp for
an additional 10 seconds. Continue imprinting the fabric this way until
you have the design you want.
For the bags, cut a piece of velvet to
make the size bag you desire, then imprint it. Turn under one of the
long edges and sew a hem. Fold right sides together and stitch around
the bottom and open side. Turn. Insert gift and tie up with pretty
ribbon. Or, if you want to be more elaborate, you can make your bag a
drawstring bag by leaving an opening in your hemmed top and inserting
cording.
For a shawl, you will need to cut 2
pieces of velvet 37 inches by 46 inches; round the corners. Imprint one
piece of the velvet. Buy beautiful 6-inch fringe, if desired, and pin to
the imprinted velvet with right sides facing. Sew the fringe on with a
lengthened, basting stitch. Trim excess fringe so edges meet after
sewing. With the right sides facing, and fringe to the inside, pin the
velvet pieces together. Stitch along the previous stitching leaving an
8-inch opening for turning. Turn shawl right side out and slip-stitch
opening closed. This is so luxurious! |
