Ring Bearer Pillow!

My son Max and his Esther will marry this week-end  ....sigh....  I've completed their ring bearer pillow and would love to show you how I made it...

Step 1: I printed up Max and Esther's initials in Word using the "Harrington" font at about 300 pts.  I spray basted them lightly onto some velvet that had some Shades Soft Fuse fused onto the back.  And then I cut them out.

Step 2: Ironing them in place was simple...first I "fuse tacked" them on from the front (using the Soft Fuse release paper as a press cloth).  Then I flipped over my vintage doily and really gave it some heat from the back.

Step 3:  Using some Aurofil #28 cotton thread, I blanket stitched by machine, with the stitches set at 2.5 wide, 2.0 long.  When I was done I brought the threads to the back and tied them off.

Pretty neat work!  The "M" is a little smooshed where it makes that loop in the center, but c'est la guerre!

Step 4: It was very important to include this bit of hand crocheted lace.  I pinned it and then hand stitched it on.

The reason the lace is so important is because it was made by the bride-to-be.  She eventually crocheted something like 50 feet of it to trim her bridal veil.  Is that cool, or what?  She made it all herself, from upcycled tulle and crochet thread from a used crafts supply store.  That's my girl!  It cost her $3.00.

Step 5: Some embellishments: vintage lucite beads and fabric flowers from the one and only M & S Schmalberg company whom you all know I love....

Step 6: I pinned the back to the front and whipstitched all the way around, leaving an opening for some stuffing.  Then I sewed the rest closed.

Allow me to introduce the Ring Bearer....

My lovely niece Qwen will do the honors.  Here she is modeling the dress she will wear on Sunday...

I used my husband and my rings just to test out the pillow.  I think it will function just fine!

All the skills we learn and enjoy in needlework give such happiness when we get to use them this way....Happy Wedding Season, everyone!