Grace 3-Free sample project
Several friends wrote to me asking about projects that they can create 
with the Grace 3 free sample. The design itself is a freestanding lace cross which can be used in many other ways than just a suggested bookmark.
The picture on my right shows both the tiny freestanding lace cross designs used in a different manner. One has been used to create a runner and the other used as an insertion lace design. I have to give credit to Carolyn for the runner idea in joining four of the freestanding lace cross designs together to create a medallion type design which can be attached over and over to create an overall lace pattern. It also turns into a snowflake design which can be used as an ornament. Lots of ideas there.
But the blog is about a project and that is what I want to show friends today. The freestanding lace sample of the cross can be used as a bookmark, ornament or insertion lace to embellish any heirloom item. I used it as a cover for a small cushion which could be used as a wedding ring pillow, a baby’s birth announcement pillow or just a pillow to decorate a bedroom, child’s room etc.
A dear friend Evanlee had created samples for the Grace III collection using all the Cross designs. What really interested me was that she used the edgings to create two handkerchiefs, place a small pillow form inside and 
joined both the handkerchiefs using ribbon into a cushion. It is actually a no sew technique which I really love.
So, to create my little cushion, I decided to use the same technique and created my handkerchiefs with the Grace III corner edgings stitched out four times and joined together. To create the center of the cushion, I stitched out four of the freestanding lace sample designs and joined them together on points. Washing out the water soluble stabilizer, I placed the motif on top of one of my handkerchiefs. Make sure the motif is completely dry though. Pinning it into place, I used a narrow zigzag, about 1.5mm to attach it to the fabric.
Once the motif was attached to the fabric, 
I simply cut away the fabric from behind the cross. This allowed the lace to show through and when a different color pillow insert is placed behind the laces, it looks extremely pretty. Be very careful not to cut inot the lace when trimming away the fabric from behind that you don’t cut into the lace.
If you don’t have the edgings designs, I suggest using a lace edged handkerchief to add the four cluster design. Remember to wash out all the water soluble stabilizer as that is what makes the Grace Lace or for that matter any freestanding lace designs soft. If you do have the edging designs, then simply join the two handkerchiefs by weaving ribbon through the entredeux and slipping in a small polyfilled form to create an heirloom cushion.
The cushion can be personalized by embroidering name of the recipient on the back side of the cushion. If it’s for a wedding, then adding the date would also make it special. And, if its for a birth, adding the date of birth would definitely make it an heirloom to be treasured.
