DIY Network

Pink Paris You'll be living la vie en rose with these French-inspired crafts. From "Creative Juice" episode DCRJ-405

Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza know just how to add a little French flair to your next project. Their magical technique lets you stamp right on velvet, make chunky gemstone jewelry that’s fun and affordable, and create Parisian treats that will get your blood flowing and your tastebuds popping!

advertisement

Velvet Stamped Shawl

Velvet Stamped Shawl

Special techniques for stamping and sewing velvet make working with this beautiful fabric easy and fun.

Materials:

1-1/2 yds. rayon velvet
1-1/2 yds. silky fabric lining (same width as the velvet)
iron
spray bottle
bold, patterned heat-resistant rubber stamps (must be clean)
pressing cloth
sewing machine
4 large decorative tassels
hand-sewing needles and pins
matching thread
tissue paper

Rayon- or silk-content velvet must be used to ensure quality results. This technique also works best with bold rubber-stamp designs; images that are deeply etched or have detailed line designs are not recommended because they do not imprint well.

1. Preheat iron on high and set for steam. Lightly mist the back of the velvet with water (figure A).

2. Place rubber stamp, stamp side up, on ironing surface. Lay fabric (velvet side down) on the stamp, place a pressing cloth on fabric and press hot iron to cloth. Hold for 10-20 seconds, lift iron and repeat as needed (figure B). Dry-cleaning is recommended (figure C).

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

3. Cut the lining and stamped velvet to the same size. Place the fabrics right sides together and stitch around the edges, leaving an opening for turning (figure D). Trim inside corners to remove excess fabric. Turn fabric right side out and whip-stitch the opening closed.

4. Hand-stitch tassels to the corners (figure E).

Figure D

Figure E

Tips for Sewing Velvet and Silk

1. Lay fabric with the velvet side up; place a sheet of tissue paper on top of the velvet. Place silk fabric on top of tissue paper, right side down (figure F). Pin the layers together, using silk pins every 1-1/2"-2" to prevent slipping while sewing (figure G ).

Figure F

Figure G

2. Using a sewing machine (a #2 stitch works best), stitch around the outside of the fabrics, leaving an opening to turn fabrics right side out (figure H).

3. Trim away excess fabric around the seams (figure I).

4. Carefully tear away tissue paper to reveal a pucker-free seam (figure J).

Figure H

Figure I

Figure J

Page  1 | 2 | 3 | 4