If
you are planning a gift for a keen geographer-type – or indeed someone who is
about to set out on a voyage – wrap it in an old map. It’s very easy, no
instructions are needed from me, though I would recommend you use a paper map
rather than cloth bound. It’s much
easier to manoeuvre. They are available
in charity shops everywhere, and tend to cost less that a roll of brand new
purpose-made wrapping. I would suggest
tying a bow made of garden twine rather than ribbon – it just suits the look
much better.
If
you just want to add a mappy touch to a gift, rather than go the whole-hog, try
a gift decoration like this one that I made last Christmas.
This was made from
a cloth bound map. I used my pinking
shears to cut out some ever-decreasing circles, making sure that I layered some
plain blue sea pieces into the mix for a nice contrast. I then topped these
with a vintage metallic button and lay a length of ribbon directly underneath.
I sewed them all together with strong thread through the button holes. This lay
across the top corner of the gift. You will see I used a hand sewn postcard for
my tag. I traced 1950s flower patterns onto a plain postcard and sewed over
them using embroidery thread.
***
I
have a new book out called ‘Sewing With Sylko – A Treasury’ – my tribute to
this iconic cotton reel and the delightful names of the colours. Order your
copy here:
