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Redwork--A Year of Grace
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"Grace . . . be yours in abundance"
(1 Peter 1:2, NIV).
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What's Redwork?
Redwork is an easy craft to do. You just need a pencil to duplicate the design on to muslin or an item (like a dish towel). Trace the design. If you're sitting in good light and have good eyesight, you may be able to do this without a light box, but in a pinch, a window works as a free one. Tape your paper pattern to the window, then the muslin. Save the original pattern after tracing it, because it's good to reference to, even though the design is now printed right on the item you'll embroider. Use color 498 100% cotton red DMC floss to embroider the item in stem stitch (a running stitch is recommended for Grace's rosy cheeks and the heart section of her mouth). Of course, you can use a less traditional floss color if you prefer.
Redwork is done with two strands of floss (the skein is separated into three sections); for minute details, such as Grace's eyelashes, you may wish to use only one strand. I have used two throughout, for continuity so that you can see what two looks like.
"A Year of Grace" Quilt
Each design should be embroidered on a 10" square of muslin (this size makes it easier to put the fabric in a hoop). Cut down to about 9" x 9" square (when finished) with the image centered. Sew 3" wide sashing (this is simply a complimentary fabric cut into strips and sewn between each square and under each line of squares). Sashing should look like a "frame" around each block. The design should be like this:
Sashing pieces:
Go by your individual quilt's dimensions. Due to seam allowance variances, you may need to make these slightly longer or shorter. These measurements are just basic guidelines and are also listed in the order in which the sashing pieces are added.
8 small vertical pieces (which go in between each small square), 3" x 9"
3 inner horizontal pieces (sewn in between each row of squares), 3" x 31"
2 outer vertical pieces, 3" x 42"
2 outermost horizontal pieces, 3" x 36"
Finish (batt, back, quilt, and bind) the quilt as desired. The finished quilt is a nice little lap quilt or wall hanging size, at (1/4" seam allowance) approximately 35 1/2" wide x 46 1/2" long. This can be made a tad larger by adding a border.
If you are not familiar with quilting and don't want to start now, you can instead use redwork for direct application to various items . . .
Dish Towels, Aprons, etc.
For other items, trace and embroider the design directly onto the project. Make sure that the back looks nice as well--this is a little more important than when making a quilt.
The Patterns
There are a year's worth of patterns for Grace, so that you can make a block a month for a year. However, the designs are non-specific enough that they do not have to be tied in with the months they are attributed to. You can just pick your favorite designs if you don't wish to make a quilt.
A quick note: I'll post a photo of each panel to this page after I finish embroidering it--the patterns are online, though. If worried, just know that any simple line drawing can be turned into redwork, so you can rest assured even the untested designs will work for you, if you want to embroider the panels in a different order than I am.
January
The wind is howling and it's snowing outside. Grace is holding a cat, and his gentle purring helps her feel all warm and cozy. They plan to go sit by the fireplace together.
February
Grace loves to give out valentines. Not just on Valentine's Day, but all throughout the year! Here she is, holding a heart. Is it for the cute little puppy who is sitting nearby?
March
Grace is facing backward, looking outside and anticipating the arrival of Spring. It looks like the grass has awakened, and perhaps the flowers will be soon to follow!
April
Do you think Grace might catch the Easter bunny this year? Well, she may not, but she thinks maybe
posing as a bunny will help camouflage her, so that she might catch the elusive character once and for all.
May
Spring has sprung, and Grace can hardly control her excitement! She has picked a daisy bouquet and is hugging flowers close to her heart.
June
The summer inspires people to get outside and be active with various outdoors activities. Jumping rope is something Grace enjoys.
July
What better way to cool off on a hot day than to take a swim? Grace is swimming in a Victorian swimsuit. How did people really swim in those things?
August
It's so hot outside that Grace has thought of a nice way to cool off. She's eating an ice pop. Or . . . dripping an ice pop.
September
September makes all of us think of education, and Grace found a good way to learn. She's reading a book. You can add the title of your favorite classic.
October
Being a ragdoll, Grace has decided to take a shot at playing scarecrow. The crows think she is quite good at this task.
November
Grace sees November as a time to give thanks. She's kneeling,
praying, and remembering her blessings this month.
December
Grace is getting ready for bed, holding an antique mohair teddy bear, and hoping for Santa's quick arrival. She's not sure she can stay up long enough to read The Night Before Christmas.
Copyright 2009 by mt. These patterns, first created in March of 2009 by Flattops founder Melissa, are online at www.geocities.com/muffychloe specifically for ladies dealing with cancer and/or mastectomies, from this page: http://www.geocities.com/muffychloe/redwork.html. Items created from the patterns may not be sold. They are to keep or give away.
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