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If vanities could talk…..

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When my grandparents passed away a few years ago, I inherited my grandmother’s beautiful mahogany vanity. I use it for 2 years and then when we moved out west I gave it to my sister. My sister was the first to remove the drawers in say, FOREVER, because she found these playing cards stuffed in the back (click them to view larger):
If vanities could talk via lilblueboo.com
They are a little tattered but of course I love them even more because of their age. I printed them out on iron-on transfer paper for a few projects….here is the queen of hearts made into a patch applique for a little knit dress.

If vanities could talk 2 via lilblueboo.com
You can find my tutorial on making the patches here.

If vanities could talk 3 via lilblueboo.com

Feel free to use the graphics if you like…just save them to your computer. I think the “pinup” gals would look cute on a t-shirt or even on a little coin purse.

Vintage Harvest Crate Stamp/Label Patches (A Tutorial)

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This was my first submission to the SYTYC contest for the theme “harvest.” Here is the tutorial in case you are interested! Thanks all of you who voted!
I love John Steinbeck….I own every book he wrote, including Grapes of Wrath. I love the wooden crates used for harvesting fruit way back before plastic was available. My friend George and his family have owned a grape farm since the 1940’s and I asked him for some of his old wooden crates with the ranch’s stamped logo. I used the wooden crates and some vintage fruit crate labels to create knit patches for girl and boy t-shirts. My two favorites: the “Brother’s Pride” crate label because of the wood grain, and the “American Beauty” fruit label because of the distressing technique I used.
Vintage Harvest Crate Stamp / Label Patches DIY Tutorial via lilblueboo.com
Below is a photo I took at George’s farm. I think it is amazing how much agriculture is grown out here in the desert…..it is all irrigated by canals! You’ll be driving along surrounded by only sand and tumbleweeds and then all the sudden:
Vintage Harvest Crate Stamp / Label Patches DIY Tutorial 2 via lilblueboo.com
Step 1: I took these wooden crate slats and scanned them directly into my computer. I also had a few paper labels I scanned in. You can actually buy an entire CD of copyright free images here if you have trouble tracking down physical labels.
Vintage Harvest Crate Stamp / Label Patches DIY Tutorial step 1 via lilblueboo.com
Step 2: Reverse the images on your computer, resize them and the print them onto t-shirt transfer paper.
Vintage Harvest Crate Stamp / Label Patches DIY Tutorial step 2 via lilblueboo.com
Optional: If you wish to apply a distressed look (similar to the “American Beauty” label shown at the bottom of the page), lightly scratch off portions of the printout before transferring.
Vintage Harvest Crate Stamp / Label Patches DIY Tutorial step 2 optional via lilblueboo.com
Step 3: Cut out the transfer and place face down onto the t-shirt knit. The trick is NOT to use an ironing board…..you should a hard surface like a table or the floor and place protective brown paper or an old t-shirt on your surface to protect it. Follow the directions of the specific transfer paper you are using.
Vintage Harvest Crate Stamp / Label Patches DIY Tutorial step 3 via lilblueboo.com
Step 4: Peel off the transfer backing…..
Vintage Harvest Crate Stamp / Label Patches DIY Tutorial step 4 via lilblueboo.com
……and cut out your transfer leaving about 1/8″ of plaint white knit around the edge.
Vintage Harvest Crate Stamp / Label Patches DIY Tutorial step 4 optional via lilblueboo.com
Step 5: Cut out a piece of Wonder Under or other fusible web product slightly smaller than your patch. Note: Do NOT use the fusible web that needs to be steamed in a second step (usually has backing on it)….the steam will affect the ink in your transfer.
Vintage Harvest Crate Stamp / Label Patches DIY Tutorial step 5 via lilblueboo.com
Step 6: Position your knit patch onto your t-shirt with the Wonder Under sandwiched in between.
Vintage Harvest Crate Stamp / Label Patches DIY Tutorial step 6 via lilblueboo.com


Step 7: Place a cloth over the transfer, press and apply enough heat from the iron around the edges to fuse the patch enough to keep it in place. The transfer will block much of the heat so you will have to continue fusing with the next step.
Vintage Harvest Crate Stamp / Label Patches DIY Tutorial step 7 via lilblueboo.com
Step 8: Turn the shirt inside out and place over the narrow edge of the ironing board and press the patch area with the iron to finish fusing the patch to the shirt.
Vintage Harvest Crate Stamp / Label Patches DIY Tutorial step 8 via lilblueboo.com
Step 9: Zigzag stitch or use an embroidery stitch around your patch to secure it permanently.
Vintage Harvest Crate Stamp / Label Patches DIY Tutorial step 9 via lilblueboo.com
Finished!
Vintage Harvest Crate Stamp / Label Patches DIY Tutorial finished via lilblueboo.com
There are so many designs out there you are destined to find the perfect ones for your little girl or little boy! You can also use the patches for jeans, coin purses….so many possibilities!
Vintage Harvest Crate Stamp / Label Patches DIY Tutorial finished 2 via lilblueboo.com
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