I had the honor to finish the Heart In Hand Square Dance series. We chose the Quick and Easy Easel technique which is excellent for holiday stitching. It folds flat for easy storage!
Cut two pieces of mat board 3.5 by 3.5 and one piece 1.75 by 3.5.
Cover both of the 3.5 squares with cotton fabric. Lace or glue fabric in place.
Now your math skills come into play.....you will cover the easel portion with fabric. Cut the fabric twice the width of the easel...in this case 1.75...PLUS One Inch. Length of the fabric will be 3.5 plus 5 inches.
Break out the iron and fold one long edge 1/4 inch back.
Place the 1.75 easel piece approximately one inch from top of fabric rectangle and then fold the right side (the unfolded side) of the fabric over the mat board and glue fabric onto board.
Now place a thin line of glue along the folded edge.
Fold left side over to cover the easel. Try to make it even the entire length of the fabric.
Let the glue dry then center the easel unit behind one of the fabric covered 3.5 pieces. Make sure the seamed side faces the 3.5 piece. The easel mat board top should be flush with the top of the square.
Fold it over into the glue...
Now decide how far out you want the easel "leg" to swing out. On this small piece two inches is plenty. Try it out to see what you think.
Remember your easel will be folded when you glue everything into place so measure out one inch and glue in place. Cut off any excess fabric.
We did a separate easel for each month. We chose a fun fabric that picked up the colors used in each month's motifs. The unifying factor was ribbon....we used the same cute ribbon on each easel. Center the ribbon on the remaining square and glue it in place.
Now sew or glue the two squares together....wrong sides together. On this small easel you can glue it together easily. As you can see, I love my clips.
Your stitching will be mounted on another piece of mat board. Ours measured 2 3/4 inch square. Cover one side of the board with low loft quilt batting and lace or glue your Square Dance onto it. Center it on the easel and use stitchers tape or glue to secure it.
If you have been able to find a colorful multi color fabric that can be used for all the months you can "Pricillify" it and use magnets and washers so you can use one easel for all of the designs.
Get creative...add a bow to the top of the easel....add Lady Dot trim around the stitching board...so many cute ideas. Please post a picture of your finished easel. Share your ideas.