Lavender Inspiration
Inspired by Jo’s “Flower Fairy” finishes and helped along by Isabelle’s tutorial, I finally got around to finishing “The Lavender Fairy” today. I turned her into a mini-quilted wall-hanging.
I have actually done a couple of other quilted wall-hangings, but have never really been impressed with the instructions that I used so I decided to give Isabelle’s tutorial a try. Mostly visual, Isabelle’s tutorial is the best one that I have come across and of all of the quilted wall-hangings that I have done, I am the most impressed with the way this one turned out by far. Of course, it probably helps that my sewing skills keeping improving… still, if you are looking to make a mini-quilted wall-hanging, be sure to check out Isabelle’s tutorial!
For my “Lavender Fairy” wall-hanging I used some fabric that I bought last fall when I thought I might turn into a quilter. I was so convinced that I was going to make a full-sized quilt that I bought two meters (that’s over 2 yards for my American readers) of this fabric! The fabric is green, has teapots with lavender on them, and the words “Lavender Tea Garden” scattered throughout. Apparently the fabric is based on a Debbie Mumm design and I think it compliments my Lavender Fairy quite nicely.
I added a green flower button on each corner of the design and a piece of cording at the top for a hanger. I thought that such a hanger might pull the fabric forward, but Isabelle used a ribbon to make a similar hanger for her little wall-hanging so I trusted her judgment and was pleased to see that my fears were unfounded.
And the best part about Isabelle’s tutorial and my subsequent sewing: I only had to use the seam-ripper once and in total it took me less than two hours to put it together. I will definitely make more of these mini-quilted wall-hangings.
Thanks for the tutorial Isabelle! 
29 November 2005 at 23:04
Now I’m blushing
I love your wallhanging! It turned out really great and that fabric you used is so pretty! (I’m so crazy about fabrics ;)) I love the buttons you used as well!
(And you are right, one hanger is enough for small wallhangings… but for larger ones I use two, like here
Thank you so much for your enthusiasm! It sure feels good to know that my efforts in making a visual tutorial are useful to others!
30 November 2005 at 15:13
Isabelle should put out her own finishing book, don’t you agree? I mean, even I can follow her directions and I am totally hopeless!
Your Lavender Fairy is adorable. If you hadn’t told the story, I would assume you had specially hunted this fabric down for this project!
30 November 2005 at 15:50
So…. Isabelle has a good tutorial, then? lol! It looks great, Renee! Congratulations on a wonderful finish!
30 November 2005 at 15:51
That fabric is lovely and is perfect for your fairy. You’ve done a beautiful job with your wall hanging.
30 November 2005 at 18:39
Hi Renee
Wow what a lovely wall hanging you have made. I will have to give the tuition a go as it would be nice to have something other than frames on smaller stitchy items.
Hugs xxxxxx
30 November 2005 at 19:14
You wallhanging turned out great! Thanks for sharing the link to Isabelle’s instructions. They were extremely helpful, and clear (especially for those of us who need “visuals”).
1 December 2005 at 02:32
I agree with you about Isabelle’s tutorials - they’re great! I love your finishing of this little mini quilt - and the fabric really suits the stitched fairy
1 December 2005 at 03:00
A lovely finish Renee. The fabric you used for the hanging is perfect for the piece. I must check out Isabelle’s tutorial as I have a number of stitched pieces that I’ve been wanting to finish this way but have dreaded starting. Enjoy your success!
1 December 2005 at 04:34
Great job, Renee! I think your Lavender Fairy makes a fantastic wallhanging.
5 December 2005 at 08:07
very nice!!
bravo!