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Monday, December 7, 2009

"Yo-Yo" Wreaths

While going through the box of Christmas tree decorations yesterday, I came across these "quilted" wreath ornaments.

I made them sometime in the 90s when it seems they were very popular among quilters around here.

They're made up of 15-16 yo-yos which you make in the regular way but just before pulling the yo-yo shut with the gathering thread around the edge, you put a cotton ball inside to make it poofy. Then the yo-yos (I've long forgotten what size circle to start with) are threaded together and joined to form a wreath shape, about 3-1/2"-4" across. Add a metallic string or ribbon for a hanger and hang it on the tree or on a knob for decoration around the house.

Now they look a little kitschy to me and I haven't used mine in years, but lordy, lordy, I made and gave away a bunch of them! I wonder how many other little quilted gifts I've inflicted on people that no longer look as cute as I once thought they did?

10 comments:

Jenyfer Matthews said...

You know, I've never tried making yo-yos but I've always thought they looked like fun. I kind of think a single yo-yo could look wreath-like and cute on a tree :)

Mama Pea Quilts said...

Hi, Jen - Now why didn't I think of that? A single yo-yo (or lots of them in Christmas-y colors) would look great on a tree! You could even applique something (a smaller circle . . . or another yo-yo) in a contrasting color in the center to add to it. Good idea!

Jenyfer Matthews said...

Hmmm...why do I think that you'll get around to testing out this theory before I will? :)

Mama Pea Quilts said...

Hey, Jen - Okay, the challenge is on! Can you do it? (Can I do it?) I'll race ya . . . Who will be first. (How hard can it be?) :o)

Jenyfer Matthews said...

Since I have to first LEARN to make a yo-yo, you win by default :)

Mama Pea Quilts said...

By default. Hrumffp. That seems to be the only way I CAN win anything! ;o) Well, regardless, you've urged me on to actually trying the single yo-yo ornament thing . . . and I'm gonna do it. Right after I finish everything else.

Jenyfer Matthews said...

Now that I've lulled you into complacency, I'm off to look up Yo-yo instructions!!
:P

Mama Pea said...

HEY . . . no fair, NO fair!

(Watch out, everyone, this woman is devious I tell ya, DEVIOUS!)

Chicken Mama said...

Glad to hear you say they strike you as a bit kitschy now . . . 'cause mine (from you) do, too. But, I know there will come a time when I'll LOVE them again. That's happened with other decorations, certainly!

Mama Pea Quilts said...

Chicken Mama - Hang on to them, kiddo. In fifty years you can sell them as examples of early folk art. Hahahahaha!