Pink and red aren't my usual colours, and I'll be honest - I don't really do Valentine's Day. But when I spotted the OESD Freestanding Valentine's Mailbox design, something about it caught my eye. It looked like a proper challenge - three-dimensional, freestanding, and involving vinyl. I was in.
What You'll Need
For this project I used a combination of OESD stabilisers and some materials I already had to hand. Here's what went into it:
- OESD StabilStick Cut-Away - applied to every piece, including the vinyl and glitter fabric
- OESD Washaway Badgemaster - one layer in the hoop
- OESD Aquamesh Washaway - one layer in the hoop
- OESD Fiber Form - cut to pattern size for each piece
- Pink vinyl - a happy find while searching through my supplies, and it made all the difference
- OESD Lux Sparkle Vinyl - for a little extra sparkle
Setting Up
I loaded the design files onto the BERNINA 700 and made a plan. Not wanting to waste a single hooping, I fitted as many design parts as possible into the BERNINA Maxi Hoop - layering the Aquamesh and Badgemaster, cutting the fabric slightly larger than each pattern piece, and pressing a layer of StabilStick onto everything, vinyl included. The Fiber Form was cut to size and we were ready.
Stitching the Pieces
The machine laid down placement lines first. I placed the Fiber Form, covered it with fabric, stitched it down, hooped off, and trimmed the excess. Then back on for the heart placement, trim again, and back on to finish the design - just two colours, which kept things moving quickly.
The backs followed the same process, with a little tape to hold them steady while stitching. Trim, finish, done.
Top Tip: I noticed stitch holes appearing in the vinyl almost immediately. If you're working with vinyl or any leather-look fabric, use OESD Stitch H2O as a topping - it prevents the holes and dissolves away cleanly afterwards. I wish I'd remembered sooner!
Two Hoopings, No Drama
The BERNINA Maxi Hoop handled the bulk of the pieces without any trouble. For the last few remaining pieces I switched to a BERNINA Medium Clamp Hoop - and that worked just as well. Two hoopings total, which felt very efficient for a project of this complexity.
Washing Away the Stabiliser
I trimmed the Badgemaster and Aquamesh as close to the stitching as I could, then ran everything under warm water to dissolve the rest. The pieces dried on a towel on top of my tumble dryer - with my actual washing going at the same time. Two birds, one stone.
Putting It All Together
Assembly was where the specialist tools really earned their place. The OESD Perfect Punch made clean, precise holes, and the OESD Alligator Clamp pulled the buttons through the buttonettes with ease. Without them, this stage would have been fiddly. With them, it was satisfying.
The Result
I still don't do Valentine's Day. But I have to say - the post box is genuinely lovely. The pink vinyl was the right call, the OESD Lux Sparkle Vinyl catches the light beautifully, and the whole thing came together better than I expected. Going outside my comfort zone paid off.
Embroidery isn't all fluffy ducks. I love that we can make things that are practical, three-dimensional, and a little bit unexpected. I'm already thinking about what's next - keep an eye out!
Want to make one yourself? The OESD Freestanding Valentine's Mailbox design is available to purchase in store at Quilt Direct or directly from OESD via the link. All the stabilisers and tools are available from our OESD range - as the UK Premier Stockist for OESD, we carry the full collection with fast UK delivery as standard.