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The Vintage Crafter's Challenge

The Vintage Crafter’s Challenge. Rachel from Maybe Matilda.

Today’s crafter is the hilarious Rachel from Maybe Matilda.  Have you seen her blog? It is awesome.  I first found Rachel when she made a bobble baby blanket (she has some mad crocheting skills that I am pretty jealous of).  Go see her!!!!

Hi! I’m Rachel from Maybe Matilda and I’m so excited to be on Simple Simon & Co. today! I always feel so inspired by (and, let’s get real, wildly jealous of) Elizabeth and Liz’s clever ideas, sewing prowess, adorable children, and vintage style. You do, too? Okay, I feel a little better.

When I received my package of vintage goodies in the mail, my first thought was, “Oh dear, these poor ladies have lost their minds . . . “

. . how do they expect me to cut up these beautiful fabrics?!”
I loved that sweet floral polka-dot print and I was crazy about the grass-y green linen with the lace border, as well as the vibrant blue bias tape, yellow cording, and adorable buttons. It was a beautiful collection of vintage fun, but I was a little distressed at the thought of cutting into the fabric. I spent a few days stressing over potentially destroying such lovely material if my project didn’t turn out before I finally got down to business and created this cheerful vintage hoop art:

I knew that I wanted to make something that would highlight the beautiful fabrics–my creative efforts are usually more on the functional, wearable side, but I just couldn’t get over how lovely the fabric was, so I really wanted to put it up on display.
And when I think “vintage,” I think of a friendlier, more neighborly time . . . so a cheerful little message seemed like the perfect touch.

I finished it off with a colorful rolled flower made using the green lace and bias tape, with a cluster of yellow cording and a button center.

I think it’s such a fun way to highlight some amazing fabric in a really unique way! Not to mention that I get a smile over being greeted with a “hello” from my hoop art every time I walk through my door!
A big thanks to Liz and Elizabeth for inviting me to participate in such a fun challenge that really got me thinking outside the box, and I hope you’ll swing by and say hi over at Maybe Matilda!

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Comments

  11. liZ evans says

    I’m always afraid to cut up vintage material as well. (I can’t get past the fear I’m going to ruin it.)

    I totally love the idea of framing it with some embroidery. I REALLY want to try this. If only I knew how to embroider…

  13. Rachel says

    Haha, now my comment looks super awkward since it’s below liZ’s comment . . . Kathleen, right above you, is my mom 🙂 I didn’t mean to get all weird on you, Liz 😉

  14. Mikalah says

    Awesome job, Rachel! I would have a hard time cutting up such pretty fabric too, but now it is just perfect for everyone to admire. I love it!