Ribbon quilt (or other crafts) - know a good source?

[oldernewbie]

As part of the massive cleaning, reorganizing, pitching effort I’ve been doing the last year - I’ve put together all my horse show ribbons from high school to now. Would really like to have a quilt or wall hanging made from the more recent ones. I also need ideas for the older ones - they are pretty darn old but maybe someone would have ideas about what to do with them.

Yes, there are other threads on COTH but all I can find are more than 10 years old. Any ideas or resources much appreciated.

Just to note - I am the least crafty person I know so I would have to outsource this project!

TIA!

[Kyrabee]

I made a ribbon quilt. Likewise, not crafty at all. I removed the rosette and sewed the ribbons together in long streams. Then I sewed the streams on the cover fabric. For that fabric I choose a light blue gingham so could follow the stripes in the fabric to get the ribbon streams on straight. I think my Mom loaded the batting and sewed the back and front together. I hand tied it as I am no quilter. Again, gingham fabric made it easy to get the ties evenly spaced. The ladies I gave it to were thrilled (it was their horse I was free leasing that won the ribbons). Low budget and low ‘craftiness’ value but it turned out nice. Sorry, I don’t have a picture. This was probably 30 years ago.

Susan

[SuzieQNutter]

I made a ribbon quilt with a sewing machine I sewed them together with newspaper in between. Then you carefully rip the newspaper out. This makes the sewing a bit looser and not so tight.

[oldernewbie]

Thanks for the other suggestions!

Had a friend mention Etsy. Took a look and there are a whole bunch of people doing all kinds of creative things with ribbons. I always forget to look there! So, just for the record, for those of us who are not the least bit crafty, check Etsy!

[Foxglove]

I suggest something other than a sewn project for your ribbons. I have sewn ribbon quilts and jackets (used the ribbons as applique) --ribbon fabric does not wear well. Within a few years, it will separate and shred. Second problem is fading and discoloration from light. I have a 60 year old ribbon in a scrapbook used as a marker (no glue) that has never been hung or seen light for more than a few minutes. It has faded from bright blue to a kind of lavender reddish purple. Pintrest may have other ideas you like --I have seen ribbon wreaths and ribbon lamps --but again, fading and discoloration will happen eventually. Oh! as to what to do with the ones you don’t keep --four kids showing for 10+ years each left us with bushel baskets of ribbons and trophies. Kids took what they wanted (very few) and I donated the rest to the handicapped riding program. Some ribbons only had writing on the middle ribbon, that could be cut off --and name plates on trophies could be easily removed. The volunteers said the kids who won the awards didn’t care at all that they were recycled.

[2DogsFarm]

Great lamp!

I have 2 ribbons that are 60yo - saved by my folks. From schooling shows, both are sadly faded, but otherwise in good shape.
Of course, they hung on a wall, weren’t used in a quilt.
For some reason the only 2 that survived are a 1963 3rd for Intermediate Horsemanship & 1964 5th for Novice Jumping. Class names from the distant past!
Wonder what they did with my - admittedly few -blues

[sami-joe]

As you do your research, maybe plug “rosette” into your query, too.
Much of the non-USA horse world uses that term.

[Training_Cupid]

Heather, HRS Designs, will make ponies, bears, pillows, and more with your ribbons for you.

HRS Designs Sewing & Showing

[walktrot]

Where do you live? My mom was a member of Bayberry Quilters on Cape Cod for decades. They had some very talented and creative quilters who would love a challenge. Is there a local quilt shop that sells fabrics? They might also be able to help out.

[Knubbsy]

I suggest something other than a sewn project for your ribbons. I have sewn ribbon quilts and jackets (used the ribbons as applique) --ribbon fabric does not wear well. Within a few years, it will separate and shred. Second problem is fading and discoloration from light. I have a 60 year old ribbon in a scrapbook used as a marker (no glue) that has never been

In museum grad school, I did a conservation science assignment on a ribbon from my short stirrup days, and I determined that I like stabilizing award ribbons even less than medal ribbons. We have consistently made awards out of the worst material for resiliency and sustainability. But acetate sure is cheap.

My philosophy on ribbon crafts is that they’re all ephemeral, and as long as the gifter and giftee acknowledge that, all’s well. We can preserve the ribbons for time immemorial (ish) in buffered paper with custom wadding cushions, carved foam frames, and pricey metal edge boxes, but for what purpose? If it’s a very precious memory, maybe save the marked part (the rosette, center streamer) and use the other streamers in a craft as a middle ground.

[Foggy]

I want a horse and a bear, but I love stuffed animals, so these feels like a great idea for me.

[AskMyAccountant.17]

I make these custom ribbon pieces.

Custom Horse Show Art Pieces you Send in Your Ribbons - Etsy

[SBrentnall]

This company makes amazing wreaths and shadow boxes: https://www.showribbonwreaths.com/

More examples on their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/showribbonwreaths