Tell everyone you know about your new bundle of joy with a Baby Greetings with Lace birth announcement!
It's "sew" easy to make it unique! Simply print out free card patterns (included), stitch out freestanding lace designs, attach the baby lace, fill out and send the cards.
Or, make a greeting card to congratulate parents-to-be, new parents, and grandparents with your own freestanding lace! Print the cards and add your sentiment to the inside and lace to the front.
Supplies
Supplies needed:
- Cardstock
- 4 x 6 inch envelope
- Paper cutter, craft knife and straight edge, or scissors
- Water-soluble stabilizer (WSS)
- Paper towels
- Hot Glue Gun
- 1/8 inch wide ribbon (optional)
Designs Used:
** Lace Rattle
** Lace Ducky
The free birth announcements are available in pink and blue. The greeting cards are available in pink, blue, green, and yellow.
Special Project Notes:
You can use either 40 weight rayon thread or 30 � 35 weight cotton thread.
I use Coats and Clark 30 and 35 weight cotton thread. It's labeled as Mercerized ELS Cotton for Machine Quilting & Crafts; Machine Quilting; or All Purpose. I find Coats and Clark cotton thread at JoAnn's. I've also used Madeira Cotona, which is a 30 weight cotton thread.
I use the 30 - 35 weight cotton thread both in the bobbin (I wind my own bobbins) and in the top (needle).
A note about water-soluble stabilizers and needles:
There are many, many different brands of water-soluble stabilizer available. Some are thin and light, some are fibrous, and some are thick and heavy. It can be confusing to pick the right one for your lace project.
We've digitized and stitched thousands of freestanding lace designs, and have consistently excellent results with Sulky Ultra Solvy (the heavy weight water-soluble stabilizer by Sulky) and Vilene, a fibrous water-soluble stabilizer. We order Vilene from www.pointetopointe.com.
Use a sharp needle (as opposed to an embroidery needle) when embroidering onto water-soluble stabilizer - especially if using the "plastic-looking" kind (such as Sulky Ultra Solvy). An embroidery needle has a larger point, which makes larger holes in the water-soluble stabilizer, leading to tearing and misalignment.
Open .PDF files of the birth announcements and the "Congratulations" card.
Find the color you would like to print. (Pink, Blue, etc.)
Go to File, Print and choose the pages to print (example: the blue announcement is on page 2. In the "Print Range" area, print pages 2 to 2). In the "Page Handling" area, choose the number of copies you need.
Print the cards on cardstock.
Cut around the outer edges of the card using a paper cutter or scissors. Or use a craft knife and a straight-edge on a self-healing mat, as shown.
If you are making the "Congratulations" card, fold it in half.
Hoop one piece of heavy- weight, water-soluble stabilizer (WSS).
Be sure to match the bobbin thread with the top thread. Just wind a bobbin with the same thread as you are using on top.
Kenny uses Sulky Ultra Solvy, but click here to learn more about different brands of WSS and how each compared when tested.
The designs were digitized for 40 weight thread, either rayon or polyester. However, you can use 30-35 cotton weight thread for a heartier look.
Embroider the design, using a size 11 sharp needle. (A ballpoint needle or universal needle can cause ripping and tearing of the stabilizer.)
After the design has embroidered, unhoop the WSS and trim away the excess. Trim as close to the embroidery as possible without cutting any of the stitches.
Soak the lace according to the WSS instructions. For Sulky Ultra Solvy, soak in hot tap water for 15 minutes.
After soaking, blot any excess water from the lace with a paper towel, and allow the lace to dry completely.
Press the lace with an iron.
To apply the lace to the card, add a couple small drops of hot glue to the back of the lace and....
..press it in place onto the card.
You may want to add a small bow to the lace.
If you wish to add the bow, cut small slits in the cardstock on either side of the lace using a craft knife.
Cut a 10-inch long piece of 1/8 inch wide ribbon and string each end through the slits from the back of the card. Tie the ends into a bow.
Fill out the card, place in the envelope, and send it on its way. Remember to include a picture!
"Sew" adorable! What a delightful way to show your excitement about a new baby boy or girl!
