Needle Minders - Set 5

 Another set of needle minders. 

I used Red Aida Ribbon this time as a support.

A small wood frog with a green button backer.

A red and white "You Rock" metal promo button with a red backer.

A gold bottle cap with blue alcohol ink abstract design with blue button backer.

A gold bottle cap with a copper looking alcohol ink design with red button backer.

Note Cards - Slow Stitching

Another birthday candle slow stitch note card in purples this time.

I chose a hand dyed piece of cotton I got from Pat, Man and Bobbin quilting.  

Candle strips of lavender colored fabric were added and stitched on with running stitch and coordinating thread.

I added yellow and orange flames and wicks in black.

The stitched art layer was added to a Lavender Lace A2 card base with a half sheet insert to hide the stitches inside.

A white envelope is included.

Beautiful autumnal colors in this note card.

An olive green felt background with a warm red flower layered with a yellow floral center and brown circle stitched with French Knots.

I added a leaf in the right hand bottom corner.  Blanket stitched all the way around.

This stitched art layer was added to the front of a More Mustard A2 card base with stitches.

A half sheet blank insert was included to cover the stitches on the inside.  An ivory card completes the set.

A bit of sparkle on this note card.

I some of my collage fabrics.  I stitched a tree trunk in brown and then stitched on sequins in white and a couple shades of green with French Knots.

I added green grass and running stitches to create a bit of ground for the tree.

The stitched art layer was added to a Bashful Blue A2 card base with stitches.  A half sheet blank insert was added to hide the stitches on the inside.

A white envelope finishes off the set.

A bit more of my collage fabrics. 

Here the green was a prominent color so I added a coordinating button is a bright green.

I then added running stitches in the same color placed in a half circle on the right hand side of the button.

Makes for an arty card good for any occasion.

I paired the stitched art layer with bright green A2 card base.  A half sheet white blank insert covers the stitches on the inside.

A white envelope to finish off the set.

These cards will be headed to the Gallery Gift Shop shortly.

Needle Minders - Set 4

Needle minders are a tool that allows you to park your needle when you stop working on your stitching and not have it go missing. We all have been there. They have a powerful rare earth magnet in them that it needs to be kept away from electronics, kids and pets.
I did try several approaches which involved placing the magnet in fabric but it lessened it's effectiveness to much for my liking. I then did a deep dive in my metal storage bins to see what was there. It yielded some goodies. Of course, some of the metal I had was not steel and was not attracted to the magnet at all.

How to Use the Needle Minder: Placing the magnet against the front fabric of your project just place the other on the back of your fabric. When leaving your stitching for a bit just place your needle in the center of the minder and it will be there when you get back.

Packaged it in cellophane and stapled on a header.

For this needle minder I used a pewter colored metal circle brad.  I cut the prongs on the back just enough to leave a space for the 1/4' rare earth magnet. I glued the magnet in place.

I glued a dark button in the cup of the second brad once I removed the prongs. These were left to dry overnight.

I stitched a frame on the Aida cloth with green thread.

I added a green head pin.

For this needle minder I chose a house magnet from my collection.  It already had a magnet on the back.

I chose a silver disk for the back piece to which I added a string of pink E-beads to help the user remove it from the magnet if necessary.

I chose a bright pink fabric which I folded in half and stitched a frame around with pink thread which barely shows. 

I added a pink head pin.

Needle Minders - Set 3

Needle minders are a tool that allows you to park your needle when you stop working on your stitching and not have it go missing. We all have been there. They have a powerful rare earth magnet in them that it needs to be kept away from electronics, kids and pets.
I did try several approaches which involved placing the magnet in fabric but it lessened it's effectiveness to much for my liking. I then did a deep dive in my metal storage bins to see what was there. It yielded some goodies. Of course, some of the metal I had was not steel and was not attracted to the magnet at all.

How to Use the Needle Minder: Placing the magnet against the front fabric of your project just place the other on the back of your fabric. When leaving your stitching for a bit just place your needle in the center of the minder and it will be there when you get back.

Packaged it in cellophane and stapled on a header.

For this needle minder I glued a rare earth magnet to the back of the front heart.  

I added a string of purple beads to let the user know which one had the magnet.  I let the glue dry over night.

I chose ivory Aida cloth measuring 2.75" W x 5" T.  I added a frame stitched in purple thread to the bottom half of the cloth.

I added a purple head pin

For this needle minder I chose a bronzed colored circle brad and cut the prongs on the back to leave just enough space for the 1/4" rare earth magnet. I glue the magnet in place.

I chose a warm grey button that fit in the cup of the back brad once the prongs had been removed.  I glued the button in place. I let these dry overnight.

I chose ivory Aida cloth and stitched a turquoise frame onto the cloth.

I added a turquoise head pin.

For this minder I chose a bronzed colored metal circle brad, trimmed the back prongs just enough to leave a space for the 1/4" rare earth magnet. I glued it in place.

I removed the prongs from the back of the second brad and glued in the cup a creamy white button.  These were left to dry over night.

I chose a navy blue fabric and stitched a frame with navy thread which does not show so I added a pink one too.

I added a pin head pin.

For this minder I chose a bronzed colored metal circle brad, trimmed the back prongs just enough to leave a space for the 1/4" rare earth magnet. I glued it in place.

I removed the prongs from the back of the second brad and glued in the cup a creamy yellow button.  These were left to dry over night.

I chose a bright warm colored fabric with yellow highlights.  I stitched a frame around the edge in yellow thread. 

I added a yellow head pin.

Needle Minders

I decided to make some needle minders for Christmas Store.  

Needle minders are a tool that allows you to park your needle when you stop working on your stitching and not have it go missing.  We all have been there. They have a powerful rare earth magnet in them that it needs to be kept away from electronics, kids and pets.

I did try several approaches which involved placing the magnet in fabric but it lessened it's effectiveness to much for my liking.  I then did a deep dive in my metal storage bins to see what was there.  It yielded some goodies. Of course, some of the metal I had was not steel and was not attracted to the magnet at all.

How to Use the Needle Minder: Placing the magnet against the front fabric of your project just place the other on the back of your fabric. When leaving your stitching for a bit just place your needle in the center of the minder and it will be there when you get back.

Packaged it in cellophane and stapled on a header.

For this minder I chose 2 identical metal flowers in a bronze color.

I glued the rare earth magnet to the front one and let that dry over night.

With the magnet just behind the front flower the head pin stays in place nicely.  I chose head pins as I have plenty in supply but needles were more precious.

Here I chose some Aida cloth and stitched a frame with yellow thread.

I added a head pin in the same color.

For this minder I chose a metal snowflake.

I glued the 1/4 in rare earth magnet to the back and let it dry over night.

I spent some time designing the backs for these unmatched pieces.  I settled on a large circular brad I had in my paper crafting supplies.

I searched through my button collection to find buttons that would fit tightly in the cup on the back of the brad.  I glued the button in place and let it dry over night.

I cut a piece of ivory Aida cloth and stitched a red square frame and paired it with a red head pin.  The backer has a red button.

I used another bronzed colored metal snowflake for this minder.

I glued the rare earth magnet in the center of the snowflake. The sparkly in the center is the glue coming through the holes in the center.

The backer was created with a gold brad and a creamy ivory button which was glued in place Both piece were left to dry over night.

I stitched a frame in ivory thread on my Aida cloth which does not show up very well. 

I paired it with a pearl head pin.

For this needle minder I chose gold colored metal hearts. I glued a magnet in the back of the front one.  I also added a short string of beads through the hole at the top which helps with separating the minder.

I glued the rare earth magnet to the front beaded heart.  Since both piece are the same the beads let you know which has the magnet. I let the glue dry over night.

I chose a piece of printed linen for this one.  I stitched a frame in warm peach colors to coordinate with the beads. I chose a warm orange head pin.

For this needle minder I paired a couple of bronze colored metal brads.  The front one I trimmed the long prongs leaving space for the 1/4" rare earth magnet. I glued it in place.

The back one I glued a brown button in place and left both to dry over night.

I chose a piece of warm grey linen fabric and stitched a narrow frame in black thread. I  added a box in the lower half for the minder.

I added a black head pin.

Bottle Bag V2 - 05

I continue to make my bottle bags in order to be ready for the Christmas season.

On this bag I started with a piece of beautiful African 100% cotton fabric. Dutch veritable wax Hollandais African fabric printed by Vlisco in Holland. Both sides were very good like batiks. I got the piece from RU and it was just the right size to get a bag from it.

I wanted the dark band at the top of each side of the bag. I could have cut the pieces 15.00 inches and stitched them together to make my 29" pieces but I forgot.  I then had to cut a piece of border 4.5 inches wide and sew it onto the other end of both pieces. Now I have edge banding at the top all the way around the bag.

I quilted the bag to the flannel layer along the dark brown diagonal lines with brown thread so it does not show at all but helps to keep the layers together.

Outer - African 100% cotton fabric

Batting - Grey flannel 100% cotton

Lining - Ivory polyester lining fabric

The strap is cut 12" x 4". The left and right ends are folded in then the strip is ironed in half lengthwise. It is opened and the long edges are folded into the center and ironed. Then I top stitch all the way around.

I laid my finished strips perpendicular to each other perfectly centered and sewed my bottom closing the spaces in the seam which I used to turn it right side out. I then top stitched my side seams. 

The strap/handle is attached with a secure Z stitching on the sides of the bag.

I added "My Bag" tag sewn on with yellow thread.  

I added a yellow and brown button accent on the right hand side on the edge band.

Bottle Bag V2 - 04

Another bottle bag. I chose a heavier fabric this time but I think I went a little far on the other side and bent a needle in the process.

This was beautiful botanical fabric in a soft green color.  It was a remnant but enough fabric to make a bag.

I chose a pale warm blue 80% cotton 20% polyester fabric for the lining and a regular flannel fabric for the padding.  Maybe this one did not need padding.  Not sure.

I chose to put the green fern accent strip 3" from the top of the cut piece, which may be a bit low. 

I sewed the "My Bag" tag and the green button .

I created a strip of chipboard to iron my green strip to 1.25 inches tall. Worked very well.  It was then topstitched top and bottom before the sandwich was assembled.

The strap/handle was cut 12" x 4" and folded to 1" wide.  The ends are folded in to make it all nice and tidy.

Outer: 100% heavy fabric

Lining: Pale Warm Blue 80% cotton & 20% polyester.

I tried several colors of buttons but this soft green was the best one.

The accent strip was added to each of the four sides before assembly of the sandwich.

When I was sewing the sides and I at least 6 layers of fabric. That is when I bent my needle.

I chose to put my opening for turning right side out in the middle of the strip which ends up on the bottom and that was a great idea!  No bumps on the side seams.

The strap secured as usual.  I then hand sewed the "My Bag" tag and the button.

Bottle Bag V2 - 03

I found some Ralph Lauren pillow shams at the thrift store the other day that were 100% cotton and the price was right so the set came home with me.

Immediately, I thought masculine bottle bag.

I have made this bottle with my new process.  Create 2 finished strips with the outer fabric, a flannel inside and a lining.  The 3 layers were cut 4.5" x 29".  Quilted the outer to the flannel then adding the lining and turned right side out.

Outer: 100% cotton

Batting: 100% cotton flannel

Lining: Maroon polyester lining fabric

I then place these 2 pieces in a cross and sew the bottom square.

Then I sew the sides together.

The strap is cut 12" x 4" and folded in half then raw edges to the center, tuck the ends in and top stitch all the way around.

I stitched the strap/handle to the side panels once I decided which was the front.  I use a X pattern to ensure a secure hold.

I added the "My Bag" tag.  The concept of "My Bag" is that a person has reusable bag for a certain purpose - in this case to carry a bottle.  You bring the bottle to your host in the bag but you bring the bag home and reuse it next time you are invited to a party.  This way the bag represents your style and is always there when you need it.

I added an accent of a button, a maroon square, and gold grosgrain ribbon with dove tail ends.

I was going to try keeping the Ralph Lauren tag to the bag but it just did not work out.

This fabric is beautifully supple.  The bag does stand on its own but it is quite soft so it does not quite have the presence of the others I have made.

I was going to make 2 but unless I can find a way to stiffen the fabric a bit I will not go ahead.

Fabric Patches - More

I am working on my fabric patches in the evening while watching TV.

On this patch I paired a black foundation layer with red and black plaid strips ripped to about the same width. I wove them into a layer and stitched to the back layer with white crosses in each intersection. 

I then added a white heart with the back stitch.

I chose to stitch it to a white denim backer.  The machine stitching secures all the ends of the weaving while attaching it to the white backer.

I created this much looser weaving onto a navy foundation layer. I secured all the strips with a running stitch in navy thread.

I added a few blue glass beads on the left hand side.

The art layer was machine stitched to a black denim layer with black thread.

Here I started with the printed fabric and chose colors that would coordinate.

The foundation layer is a pink polka dot fabric, then I added a turquoise cotton layer. Then the printed fabric and stitched these together with running stitch and white thread.

I then appliqued a red heart aligned to the left of center with an overcast stitch and matching thread.

The art layer was machine stitched to a square of medium shade light weight denim.

This piece combines strips of green and orange cotton fabric onto a white foundation layer.

I used seed stitches to attached all the strips to the foundation layer.

On top of the strips I layered a strip of ivory organza topped with a piece of ivory lace, a tiny square of the green polka dot fabric topped with an orange flower shaped button.

The art layer was machine stitched to a navy denim backer with white thread.

I decided to create a patch featuring circles. 

I started with a foundation layer of blue and white striped fabric.

I cut circles in 3 different sizes in 3 different colors. Blue, red and yellow.  I just played with the placement till I was happy and pinned them in place.

I used a running stitch around the outside with navy thread until all the circles were secured. I added a white button to the top circle.  

Now that I look at it the button is pretty much in the center which I would have preferred it be off center.  Sometimes I don't step far enough away from my work to see the overall picture.

The striped layer was machine sewn to a navy denim backer square with white thread.

I have cut out some backer squares from denim and canvas ready to machine stitch my little pieces of art onto them.  I have white denim, navy denim, Carhartt cotton duck canvas, black denim, and some purple canvas fabric.  We will see how it goes.

Note Cards - Slow Stitching

I worked on slow stitching art for note cards today.  I have sold a few at the gallery so I will have to replenish my stock.

This is a mountain scene with yellow and grey/white. Is it winter? Maybe.

A strip of white with running stitch. A strip of grey flannel for a bit of puff to which I added trees and running stitches.

A narrow strip of dark grey and then the mountain in the same color.

I placed a piece of thin white cotton behind the mountain then a sun behind that.

The back layer is a grey white patterned piece with a white cotton foundation layer.

Added snow to the mountain peak so it is winter but the sun is shining bright.

I chose a yellow A2 card base to match the sun.  I tack stitched the piece to the front and taped down the ends on the inside.  I gave it a half sheet insert to cover the tacking stitches.

A beige cotton foundation layer onto which I layered a tea dyed cotton from a tablecloth.  It has nice patterned texture.

I chose a piece of warm patterned cotton with blues and greens and ripped to a square.  It is stitched on with green thread and running stitch.  I added a bit of blue stitching to the flowers in the top right hand corner.

I then added a strip of navy cotton just below the center line. A bit of stitching in greens and blues and an ivory button.

The stitched art was tack stitched to an A2 navy card base in the landscape orientation.  The stiches are taped down on the inside.

I gave it a half sheet white insert and an ivory envelope.

A baby pink stitched greeting card.

I layered a piece of light grey linen with a piece of white cotton foundation layer. 

I stitched a piece of white lace across the front with pink thread and an over cast stitch.

I used the threads from the dark grey crocheted piece to tie it onto the light grey layer.  I sewed a tiny pin button in the middle of the crochet square.

I chose a link pink A2 card base for this card in the portrait orientation. I tack stitched the fabric art to the card front and taped the stitches inside the card.

I gave it a half sheet insert and a white envelope.

Bottle Bag - V2 - 2026

I have redesigned my bottle bag for 2026 in hopes of making them more time efficient and still keep the key features.  I am very pleased with the results.

This one measures 12.75" T and 3.75" square finished.

For this bag I chose some medium blue fabric which is 50% cotton and 50% polyester which should wear well.

The design has 2 strips which are finished individually then set at 90 degrees in a cross pattern matching the middles of each strip.  This square is top stitched to form the bottom of the bag.

The side panels are then top stitched to the one next to it until all are stitched and I have a tall bag.

The handles are 1" W x 11" long and are stitched to the top edge of the bag with X reinforcement.

To decorate it I added a red strip of fabric along the top edge about 1.5 inches from the top.  It was kept raw edge and zigzagged along both edges.  I created 2 tails hanging down from the cross over where the button goes.

I added a blue button at the crossing of the red fabric and stitched it by hand. 

I added a "My Bag" tag along the top edge between the handles.  This is your bottle bag to carry bottles to a party and then bring the bag home until the next invite.

This bag was made large enough to hold one of the large champagne wine bottles, a 1.14 L liquor bottle or a 2 liter of pop/soda so it will handle just about any other bottle.  Water bottles, food bottles, vinegar and or oil bottles and many others that can be given as a gift.

The bottom is double to provide some cushion for glass bottles.

The flannel is quilted to the outer layer to ensure no separation of fabric.  

The bag is completely finished inside and out with no raw edges.

The lining is navy regular polyester type fabric which aids helps in sliding the bottle in and out of the bag.

The bag is sturdy and the side seams provide body and can stand on it's own.  It will be good for bottles of smaller sizes.

Notes:  Should I add more padding in the bottom?

             After checking my 2024 model - it only had 1 handle so maybe that would work on this bag.

Sewing Project - Double Tulip Bag 02

I made another Double Tulip Bag.  I loosely followed this YouTube video.

This one is a big larger and a bit heavier than the previous one.

The yellow fabric used here is cotton poly and was thinner than I liked so I lined it with a layer of white cotton. 

To take advantage of smaller pieces of fabric I cut half circles instead of full one.  Check the notes at the end. I added a seam allowance on the straight side but should have on the curved side as well. The half circle measured 10.75 inches before seam allowance.

Once the half circles were finished I added curved lines of stitching to keep the layers together.

The purple is a remnant and again I put 2 layers and cut half circles to take advantage of the size of fabric. I repeated the stitched curved lines even though there was no extra layer on the purple ones.  to create smooth lines I placed a piece of masking tape on throat of my sewing machine and then just kept the edge on that line as I sewed the curve.  Really worked well.

Pocket - After a discussion with my sister yesterday I decided I would put a zippered pocket in this bag. Well, that was a rabbit hole. We had decided that it should be a fully finished patch type pocket so it could just be added to the side seams.  I did not have enough purple so I had to widened with a bit of yellow. That was okay. Then put a zipper in. I did offset the zipper to the front of the pocket about an inch from the top.  Adding the yellow tabs left and right into the side seams was going to be fiddley and make them too thick.  I made the pocket narrower by a bit and only tall enough to not be seen in the center dip of the bag.  In the end I stitched it to the inside of the bag by stitching both sides down to the inside of the layer before I stitched the middle seam.

I stitched the middle seam then the 2 side seams which were thicker this time because of cutting half circles. I added 18" straps from the yellow fabric which have twill tape on the inside for a bit of sturdiness. I added separate reinforcements to the end of the straps where they attach to the bag. 

The layout is a bit different as well. I have 4 full width pockets, 1 zippered pocket and 1 nook pocket on the inside. I ended up with nooks on the outside of the bag so I added a hand cut and stitched flower accent on the front to close off that nook.  I blind stitched the nook on the back of the bag. 

It is quite sturdy and has more body because of the lined yellow and the purple fabric was heavier than quilting cotton.

Notes: 

Doing half circles makes your side seams thicker. Helps with smaller pieces of fabric.

Making the pocket narrower meant I pretty much lost the tabs I had added on the left and right ends. The zipper is full width of the pocket.  I may consider adding the patch pocket on the back of the bag next time.

The bottom of the pocket is not sewn down just the sides.

Interesting how one gets different internal pockets based on how the 2 tulip pieces are layered.

Sewing Project - Double Tulip Bag 01

I tried a new design for a bag today. A Double Tulip Bag.

It is made from 4 large circles. Mine were cut at 19.5 inches in diameter. Two patterned and 2 solid color.

I followed this bag video.  

I chose two cotton fabrics - a floral pattern with light purples and a solid light purple.

It features 3 full width pockets and 3 nook pockets created by the curves in the design.  Allows for some organization of it's contents.

I always include a key clip so those are at easy hand when needed.

The straps are long enough for me to put it over my shoulder and tuck the bag in my armpit. Not too long to just hang on your arm.  It measures 11.25" tall at the sides and  9" high at the center by 11.5" inches wide. The straps are 15.5 inches long.

It is part of "My Bag" line - bags for every day life.  They are durable, washable, and good wearing. A bag chosen by you for a purpose and you can find it when you need it.

2026 Slow Stitching Project - Page 19 - J1

I am following K3N Cloth Tales' A to Z slow stitching project.  I am a little behind.

Her prompt was Jewelery and Jaali Stitch.

I chose a Jade button and the Jaali stitch.  I picked thread in Jade color and black.

Once I reached the edge with the Jaali stitched I continued in circles with the Jade and black thread.

I really like how this one turned out.

 

Cards - Stitched on Fabric

I chose to upcycle a piece of denim. 

I trimmed it to 4.00 x 5.25" keeping the seam on the left of center. I added a square of red gingham in top left hand corner.  I stitched it with white crosses and red French knots. 

I added running stitches parallel to the seam then red running stitching horizontally along the top of the piece of denim. 

I found a metal button that I thought would work well and then added a circle of white then a circle of red running stitch around the button.

I had pulled threads to create some fluffy edges so I had threads which matched in color. I couched some in an arch around the button. 

I stitched the fabric to a navy A2 card base. A nice country looking card.

I loved this scrap piece of linen because of the colors and the watercolor feeling.

I saw a flower so I stitched along the edges of the petals and added some dark in and around the center.

I stitched on a metal butterfly charm on the right hand side where there was a bit of open space.

I stitched the fabric layer to the front of a turquoise A2 card base.

I will bringing fabric cards to the gallery.

Sewing Project - Shopping Bag - Sage and Tangerine

I am finally getting to projects which have been sitting for a couple of years.  With the flood and the move I have had no time to sew. My past self had assembled all the supplies, the main fabric, the lining fabric, the accents so moving forward went pretty well. 

The tangerine floral is microfiber fabric and well as the sage lining.  I paired it with this dark green cotton polyester fabric for the accent.

I cut the fabric for the outside and lining the same size.  Once the each was sewn, I zigzagged the raw edges on both pieces even though the bag will be fully lined because the fabric was raveling quite a bit.  I assembled the bag itself by putting the outside inside the lining right sides together and sewing around leaving a gap to turn it right side out. I then turn it out and ironed it really well. I top stitched the top edge to close the gap that I had left earlier.

Now, how will I decorate this bag as it was just an envelope at this stage. I had dark green fabric which was one of the colors was in the main fabric.  I wanted to add a band at the top to help give the bag a bit of structure as microfiber fabric is quite soft. I cut a strip of green 3.5 inches wide and longer than the measurement of the bag all the way around. I wanted it to overlap on the front. I ironed a half inch seam allowance on each edge and then top stitched down along the top edge leaving about 1/4 inch of the floral fabric showing. I decided to just over lap the band and put a button in the square I created with the decorative stitching.

I made the straps very long about 42 inches long.  Again, I ironed them in half the ironed each raw edge to the middle. I then used my curvy decorative stitch down the middle and a straight seam on the open edge. When I placed the straps on I saw a space for a outside pocket.  

I cut a piece of dark green fabric 7.5 inches wide and 6 inches tall. I added a strip of the floral fabric vertically just off the center line to tie the pocket to the bag in design. I then hemmed the top edge. I then sewed the bottom edge of the pocket to the front of the bag where it will fall between the straps. I ironed the pocket right side out towards the top of the bag.

I then pin the straps over the right and left sides of the pocket so that when I top stitched the strap the pocket would be captured as well. This took a lot of detailed measuring and pinning.  Once I had it the way I wanted and sewed the front strap down.  Then, I had to duplicate the measurements on the back piece and top stitched that one down.

I hand sewed the tangerine button in the space I had made for it on the top band.  The finished size of the bag itself is 17" T x 19" W.

2026 Slow Stitching Project - Page 15 - H1

I am following K3N Cloth Tale's 2026 slow stitching project. 

The prompt was Hexagon.  She taught a new way to do Hexagon in stitching.  Mine turned out elongated.

I chose a variety of honey colored yellow thread from my ORTs tin. 

Make the vertical stitches, offset the second row then wrap between the rows.

She taught a super easy Hexagon accent which I made from golden yellow fabric onto which I  added a Heart Button.  I added a bee button as well to go with the Honey theme.

Fabric Flowers - Singles 2

Fabric flowers made with circles which I have made before.

I chose this beautiful pink printed cotton and cut five 4 3/8 inch circles. These were folded in half and half again to quarters. I stitched along the raw edges of each petal with a strong thread.  Once stitched I pulled the thread to gather the petals to the center. Tied off the thread securely.  

I used a bit of black wool fabric to fill the hole in the center and stitched it to the cotton flower. 

The bronze wire stem was stitched to the black center through the hole at the top of the stem. 

I placed a yellow felt circle behind the black textured button and stitched them both to the black center.

A black felt circle was hand stitched to the back to cover the stitches and make it pretty.

Burlap Sunflower - I designed a pattern on paper then cut out the ivory burlap to match which measure 4.75 inch in diameter.  Then I cut a piece of brown cotton fabric about 3.25 inches wide with pinking shears.   Then another layer of ivory burlap fabric again just a bit smaller.

The brown cotton center measures 2" in diameter and was stitched with a running stitch around the edge and French Knots in the center with ivory thread.

The 12" bronze wire stem was attached with stitches to the front layers before the cotton center was stitched on.  

The brown cotton backer was stitched on the back to hide all the stitches.

The Purple Tulle flower was designed with strips of dark purple and light purple tulle.  The strips were 1" wide and 5.5 inches long.  Placed on a 1.75 inch ring with half hitch knots. It took about 60 which I alternated with light and dark.

I created the center with a circle of deep purple cotton fabric, some batting and 2" cardstock circles.

The silver stem was sandwiched between the card stock circles and connected with the gold paper fastener. This was stitched to the ring with strong purple thread.

A circle of purple felt was stitched on the back to cover the stitched and make it pretty.  The outside edge of the flower was trimmed with the pinking shears to even out the petals to the same length.

Turquoise felt centered flower has tulle, cotton and felt.

The center was create with stitching felt circles which had been folded in quarters. I put a yellow one in the center.

I added a circle of white cotton to provide texture and definition between the felt and tulle.

The tulle is 10 layers of white tulle which were stitched together. 

The silver wire stem was sandwiched between 2 chipboard circles to provide support to the heavy center. 

I did resort to hot glue to hold these layers together as I was running out of time to have them ready to take to the gallery.

These flowers are at the Art Gallery Gift Shop right now.

Note:  The flowers on average are quite heavy and needed stronger stems than the bouquets as they were just placed in a vase.  During the creation phase I was not thinking of the weight.  Buttons could have been replaced with felt circles. I used tulle to lighten them when I could. Even 8 strands of wire was challenged by some of the flowers. I wanted to make them all unique so that added to the complexity of the project.

Fabric Flowers - Singles

The pink lace was found in my stash. I ran a row of stitching along the bottom edge of the lace and tugged until it formed a circle about 5" in diameter and tied off the gathering thread.  I then stitched the 2 ends together.  

I created the flower center with a 2.5"circle of pink linen fabric, a circle of batting, two 1.75" cardstock circles, a brad paper fastener and a pink felt circle backer.

I added 10 four inch circles of white tulle behind the lace to add some dimension.

The pink wire stem is 6 strands of 24 gauge wire which is held in place between the 2 cardstock circles and the fastener going through a circle at the top end. The linen and batting in front and tulle in the back. The felt backer is stitched on to hide the brad.

I got a ball of natural jute cording from the ReUse Ctr recently.  I cut the jute to 5 inches long and attached to a 1.75" metal ring with half hitch knots.  It took 27 pieces to fill it in nicely.

I cut 3" circles of black plaid fabric. In one I wrapped a pompom which fit in the hole of the jute ring.  The other was placed behind the jute ring. All these layers were handstitched together.

The wire stem is 8 strands of bronze 24 gauge wire to hold this heavy flower.

The same system of 2 card stock circles with the fastener was used in this flower.

A 2" black felt circle was used as the backer to hide the brad and stitching.

I used 2 colors of organza ribbon for this flower.  The loops of ribbon were hand stitched to a circle of ivory canvas fabric.

The outside ivory ones measured 4.5 inches long with 8 around the outside edge. The second ivory row the length was 4 inches long and placed inside the outer ring. The gold ribbon measured 3" long and forms the 3 row.

The wire was placed behind the canvas and stitched on at the center. The large pearl button was stitched in the center of the flower.

A 3 inch of cotton was stitched on as a backer to make it pretty.

The wire is 6 strands of 24 gauge gold wire twisted to a length of about 12" long.

The blue tulle and denim flower features a beautiful seeded button in the center.

The white fine tulle was cut to 4.5 inches round.  I layered several layers of a coarser navy tulle cut to be a bit smaller than the white tulle.

The denim circle was cut to be a bit smaller than the navy and I stitched a row of vertical long stitches all the way around in navy thread.  The edge of the circle was cut to a wavy pattern.

The navy wire stem was stitched to the back of the flower through the hole at the top. 

The seed button in navy with a shank back was stitched in the center.

These flowers headed for the Art Gallery Gift shop.