Slow Stitching - Door Decor - Sunflower

I finally got my sunflower for the front door done.  It has been on the to do list for weeks.

I painted the background with Inktense about a week ago but decided this morning it needed to be darker so painted it again.  I should look into a few more colors.  Once dry and set with heat I invisible basted it to a foundation layer.  

I cut a bunch of petals from various yellow fabrics and in 3 sizes. I laid the first layer and stitched those on with running stitch and yellow thread.  Making sure that I did not get too close to the edge to leave space for my binding fabric. Then I added the second layer of petals and stitched again in yellow thread.  

I remembered in time to leave the petal where the stem was originating open until I had that worked out.  I chose a deep olive colored flannel fabric which I cut my hand. The stem and the leaves.  I stitched the stem on then I could finish the last petal.   I added the leaves and the stems for the leaves. I added some texture to the leaves with some brown thread.

It took a while to find a scrap of brown fabric as I would not pick that in the wild because it really does not speak to me. I did managed to find a piece and decided how big it should be.  I cut my brown center. I added 5 rows of running stitch in yellow thread around the outer edge.  Then I created a mix of brown threads and did a bunch of French Knots in the middle.  It is quite textural and heavily stitched.

I had cut some leaves from this yellow fabric and after some consideration of blues and greens decided to use the yellow cotton.  I cut it 1" bigger than the front and ironed over the binding from the back.  I stitched it on with the sewing machine.  I hand stitched a hanger and it's hanging on the door!

Vintage Spool Gift Items

I have decided to work with my collection of wooden spools to make gift items for the Christmas store.

Here is a cute little flower in a wrapped spool.

I added a bit of green yarn for leaves.

A brown circle on the top of the spool for dirt and a black one on the bottom to protect the surface it sits on.

I will be able to use some of my lighter twisted stems that did not work for the bigger flowers.

There is hints of raspberry in the flower so I used a scrap of fabric to wrap the middle of the spool.

I found a small jig in my wire box which I was grateful was still there after the decluttering before the move.

It was perfect to create a small flower from 26 gauge wire. I chose navy and wrapped and tightened. Pulling the 2 ends down into a twisted stem which I just did by hand with a skewer at the end.  I sewed 2 yellow buttons to the center.

I folded the twisted stem at the right height and then folded it again on itself to fit into the hole of the spool. I wrapped the middle with yellow cotton topped with a strip of navy cotton and stitched it in place.

Brown dirt circle on the top and black on the bottom.  I added a set of green yarn leaves to the stem. 

I used my purple wire pin jig again to create a pink flower from 26 gauge wire.

I created a twisted stem again. 

Folded the stem and pushed it into the center of the spool which made it quite secure.

I sewed small purple buttons on both sides of the center.

I added a piece of bright purple fabric folded in half leaving the fuzzy edges at the top.  It was stitched closed then wraps were added around to provide some highlight.

Brown dirt circle on the top and black on the bottom.  I added a set of green yarn leaves to the stem. 

This is copper wire from a motor or something.  It had crusty bits that had to be removed but easily flaked off.

I doubled it because it was thinner than the colored wire I used earlier.

I added olive green fabric scrap to the middle of the spool sewed closed with orange thread then some wraps to add interest.

I added orange buttons to the center back and front with embroidery floss.

Brown dirt circle on the top and black on the bottom.  I added a set of green yarn leaves to the stem. 

I chose to make a yarn flower for this little spool.

I used the same jig I used for the wire but made it a wee bit bigger because the strands will shrink when taken off pressure.

I chose some thin red yarn with sparkly accents in blue and gold.

I chose some yellow crochet cotton to bind the petals together and make the center of the flower at the same time.

I chose a scrap of navy linen to cover the middle of the spools stitched on with red thread.

Brown dirt circle on the top and black on the bottom.  I added a set of green yarn leaves to the stem.

Here we go!

2026 Slow Stitching Project - Page 34 - Q1 - Quarters

I am caught up with my slow stitching!

I am following K3N Cloth Tales' 2026 A to Z challenge.

We are on the second Q prompt. Not too many options. K chose Quadrant and I chose Quarters.

There were no colors starting with Q so I cut 4 squares in 4 different colors and stitched them onto my white back layer.

Purple, yellow, green and magenta quick squares with matching thread and running stitch.

It's okay that some are simple. 

2026 Slow Stitching Project - Page 33 - Q1 - Quilting

I am doing catch up on my slow stitching project book.

K3N Cloth Tales chose Quilting for the first Q prompt and I just went with it.

She did it wonky but I chose straight lines for mine.  I drew my lines with a water soluble pencil.

I sandwiched a piece of cotton batting between my foundation layer and my top layer.

I chose white all the way around.

My alignment of my layers is a bit wonky and I think my margin on the left hand side is a bit slim.  I will sort it out later.

On wards and forwards as the P prompt comes out tomorrow and I still Q2 to do. 

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.

Fabric Patches - More

I continue to work on fabric patches.

This patch came from a scrap of fabric with a red maple leaf in the center of a square.

I stitched the O Canada square to a red one in grey thread. Then the red onto the black and white checker layer with red thread.

I then machine stitched the art layer to a white denim patch with white thread.

Preprinted motifs help a bit but I need to create a bit of art by adding a bit of my own stitching and few fabric scraps to each of them.

I trimmed the green cat with it's checker board border from a scrap of fabric I picked up at the fabric sale.

I layered it onto a white and grey piece of cotton adding cross stitches in each of the white squares to keep my black ones solid.

I then machine stitched the art layer to a black denim patch.

A classic logo in green and yellow.  I trimmed the square of fabric so it would fit on my patch.

I stitched a layer of yellow cotton fabric with coordinating thread to a foundation layer with running stitch.

I trimmed the logo and stitched to the yellow layer with back stitch in yellow thread.

I then machine stitched the slow stitch layer to a Carhartt patch with gold thread.

This time a blue cat with a checker board border.

I stitched it to a layer of turquoise scraps with coordinated thread in the white squares.

I then machine stitched the slow stitched layer to a white denim patch with white thread.  On this one I added an inner stitching line around the cat square as well.

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.

2026 Slow Stitching Project - Page 32 - P2 - Perpendicular, Parallel, Pine, Plant

Working on my slow stitching along with K3N Cloth Tales' A to Z challenge.  I am late with my entries.

This is Community Choice for P - K chose Perpendicular and so did I. I also chose Parallel lines, Plant and Pine tree.

I invisible stitched my striped Parallel lines layer to my foundation layer.  I then couched 2 Perpendicular lines of navy cotton along the top. 

I then stitched a Plant vine in between the navy lines.

I then stitched 3 Pine trees below the second navy line. Couched the trunks with brown yarn and thread and the branches with green yarn with green thread. Very wonky.   I need to move on. 

Sylvia's Simple Shots

Check out what showed up at the little pond this week.

A cormorant in all it's glory.  Hanging around, staying put. really close.

That was so exciting.  I don't know where it came from.  Was it taking a rest break?

Whatever the situation I am grateful so get some good shots of this bird.

I decided to head out the art walk in Stony Plain.  Several of the members of the AAC will be in attendance so a chance to connect with artists.

I spoke to David who does woodwork.  I was in the calligraphy guild with his wife so I said say Hi from me.

Stopped by to say hello to Rochelle who does colored pencil and Barry who carves.  He had a really nice Viking piece he was working on.

Said hello to Linda who did the Art in the Open in St. Albert a while back.

The weather was very nice and looks like a good time was had by all. 

I bought myself a gift while at the Art Walk.  I have been wanting a piece of stained glass for a long time.

A row of houses made by Carol B - Through the Window Pane.  It is bigger and heavier than the piece I have hanging in the window right now so I have to come up with a plan on how to display it.

I visited the Crooked Pot Gallery where I saw an idea which may help with my flowers in a vase. It was a ceramic flower frog that just sits on the top edge of the vessel. I don't plan on making clay ones but maybe plastic might work. 

I attended a birthday party at the bowling alley this week.  A mile stone.

I did not bowl so I visited in the party room after the bowling.

There was pizza and cake and a visit with some of my relatives and my sisters.

A few of us headed to the thrift store next door after the pizza. Love like minded folks.

After months of trying to find a solution to getting a metal band on my new watch.  I bought that back in May but it had a cloth band.

I had hoped that I could transfer the band from the old Timex to the new one.  After approaching several businesses no one was willing to work to find a solution.

I decided to head to have a visit with a friend who had recommended a business in her small town.

After looking at what I would like to have done they did not feel transferring the band was a good idea.  

But, they had old stock replacement bands.  Maybe one would work.  As you can see this one worked fine.  They shortened it for me.  It had the same clasp as the last band and it is stainless steel and the price was a bargain.  Super thrilled to have the project put to bed.

I purchased a new SD card for my old camera.  The girl at London Drugs suggested that this would be the largest card I could put in my camera.

I have been using 2GB cards and running out of room, having to switch cards which is a hassle.  I lost one for a few days a couple of weeks ago.  Losing shots is very disheartening.

This one will be a big improvement where I will not have to change cards and risk losing shots again.

With the parking lot open at the St. Albert Botanic Park I headed over there so catch the dahlias in full bloom.

Of course, there were many flowers to photograph. Lilies, roses, sunflowers, and a bunch more.

The volunteers were in full force making everything look wonderful.

Of course, I always head out early.

I stopped at London Drugs on my way in and was headed north after some breakfast.

Flowers in Vases - 05 - 06

Another flower in an individual vase headed to the gallery.

This flower was made with a bit of thin scarf fabric I picked up at the Re Use center a couple weeks ago.

The five petal design made with squares of polyester fabric in grey, teal and black.  I used a teal button on the front.

I created a 6 strand silver stem which is held in place with a couple of plastic discs and a build me up.

A black backer circle was stitched on.

As it happened I picked up a black glass vase last week which worked really well with the flower.

To keep the stem in the center of the vase I put the stem through a plastic bottle cap which fit nicely in the vase about 1.5 down.

It is off the the gallery.

I for this flower I hand cut 2 burlap shapes.  I cut 3 yellow felt circles and found a brown button for the center.

I chose a bamboo skewer stem this time which was stained green.

The burlap flowers were dyed with yellow tie dye spray and left to dry.

Once dry, I stitched the stem to the back flower and one of the yellow felt circles.  Then I stitched the front flower and felt circle offset from the first to the back one. Now the stem is in between.

I stitched the brown button in the middle over the center of the yellow felt circle.

I chose this ceramic vase which has a rustic vibe to match the flower.  I trimmed the bottom end of the stem for the right height for the vase.

I added a red bottle cap on the bottom of the stem to stabilize it a bit.  Then I added lentils for weight in the vase.

I think I will be designing flower based on the vases I have on hand.  These worked out well. 

Note Cards - Slow Stitching

Another few cards for the gallery.

I chose a textured cotton fabric and added a foundation layer from an old shirt. 

I cut three half circle shapes by hand with scissors from a bit of printed cotton.

I used navy thread to applique the flowers and add stems and pistils. 

I mounted this slow stitched piece to a warm green card in A2 size with stitches in each corner with the knots taped on the inside.

A half sheet insert to cover the tacking stitches and a ivory envelope and it was ready.

Birthday candles are always fun!

I chose a piece of warm polka dots cotton fabric from my scraps and then chose warm colored strips in various colors to make the candles.

I used a running stitch and ivory thread to stitch them on.

I added black wicks at the top of the candles.

I then added a yellow stitched flame surrounded by an orange one.

I placed 5 candles on the stitched piece.

I placed the art on a warm orange card with tacking stitches, a half sheet insert and ivory envelope.

Found a bit piece of lace and trimmed it to fit the front of a card. Then I cut a piece of navy and white striped fabric and a foundation layer.

I used white thread to carefully place stitches all over the lace to have it securely attached and to add some additional texture to the piece.

It needed a bit of color so I added a red flower button in a space it the lace then a few French Knots in red to create a bit of interest with a final knot at the very bottom.

I stitched the piece to the front of a navy card in the portrait orientation. Taped the knots on the inside and put in a half sheet insert.  A white envelope and it good to go.

Bottle Bag V2 - 02

 I made another bottle bag this morning.

The fabric is 100% cotton vintage I expect. It was a left over I picked it up at the GA fabric sale this spring.  Fortunately, there was enough to make a bag.  I did have to piece one of the cross pieces.

I decided to put the flannel into the seams this time so it was cut 4.5" W x 29" L same as the outer fabric and the ivory cotton poly lining fabric.

I decided to add a band of turquoise blender fabric at the top. It was cut 2.5 inches T by 4.5 inches W. It was stitched to each end of the cross pieces and then ironed to face the raw edge.

I did measure my legs of the cross this time to ensure that the join was perfectly in the center.  I got lucky on the first one.

I top stitched the bottom square then top stitched the four side seams. 

I decided that one strap is enough so I cut a piece 12"L x 4" W, folded the ends in then ironed it in half then folded the raw edges into the center to make a 11" L x 1" W strap.

I tacked it to the right and left sides of the bag once I had decided which was the front.  I chose the bluest side to coordinate wit the turquoise.

I sewed on my "My Bag" tag.  Less time spent this time around.

With the corner seams being top stitched it gives the bag some stiffness which allows it to stand on it's own.

The strap is well reinforced to the bag.

A generous bottle bag which will hold a champagne bottle and hence almost any other bottle.

Super happy with this one.

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.

Flowers in Vases - RePackaging

When I made my flower bouquets I thought I was selling reusable vase covers which were machine sewn then enhanced with slow stitching.  Turns out that was not a seller as they have been in the gift shop since March 2026.  I brought those back a couple of weeks ago and decided to redesign the packaging to sell the flower.  

I eventually decide to find small vases into which to package these flowers.  Since there was only one handmade item in the package I have lowered the price.

I put the navy linen flower in this white ceramic vase with a stippled texture.  A nice sturdy vase for this substantial flower.  I kept the bamboo skewer in its stem and that worked well.

I decided to put a variety of sentiments on the tag to see if that would make a difference.

I brought these back to the gallery today.

Sentiment: A Flower Just for You

I am having to find vases at a very low price to keep my margins on these flower bouquets.  I am up for the challenge.  

I trimmed the hot pink strands in the tulle flower a bit to give it a sleeker look.

I paired it with a pink glass vase.

I added a bit of vase filler at the bottom of the vase to cover the end of the wire stem.

Sentiment - Thinking of You Today

For this flower I chose a clear glass vase.

The flower is quite heavy and the stem needed a bit of extra support so I put it into a red and white striped paper straw which worked with the red in the flower.

I added some vase filler at the bottom of the vase to cover the bottom of the vase.

Sentiment: For your Special Day

I placed this peach organza flower in a white water bottle with a peach lid.

The hole in the lid works well to support the flower in the middle of the vessel.

It may be unorthodox but we will see if it works.

Sentiment: A Flower for Someone Special

Fabric Patches - Various Processes

One of the processes I can use is designing my art and outlining it with black. Check out my testing of black marking material.

Using Inktense Color or Acrylic Paint to color the design.

Heat set the color once dry.

For this patch and used a thin top layer onto a white 100% cotton foundation layer.  Ripped to 3.75" square.

I used a ball point pen for the outline and painted it with Inktense color applied with a mixture of aloe vera gel and water.

I can always create my outlining with stitching.  It can be any color I want.

On this patch I used red thread and the back stitch to outline the heart and it's internal lines.

Once it was stitched I used Inktense color with aloe vera gel to paint the various piece of the patchwork pattern.

I added a tiny red button on the top left hand patch.

The background needed something so I just added some black Inktense lines.

I can use the traditional process of drawing the design with a temporary washable pencil which will disappear when the fabric is washed.

The design is stitched with colored embroidery floss - 2 strands.

This patch features fabric collage with slow stitching. 

I created a mountain scene with 3 peaks with a foreground of deep earthy colors.

I added a sun in the top left hand corner with a piece of yellow fabric.

I stitched some trees in the foreground with the fly stitch.  Running stitches on the earthy fabric, white peak on the middle mountain, birds in the blue sky.

All of the pretty squares are then machine stitched to a piece of heavy fabric - typically denim in various colors and weights.

I designed a card stock backer onto which I can stitch the fabric patch.

This allows me to place them on a display for sale at the Christmas Store at the art gallery at the end of the year.

I generally use upcycled textiles in these fabric patches.

I do not use glue in any of the steps of the construction of these patches.

These patches are fully washable.

Some may have embellishments which could include beads, buttons, charms and who knows what else I may be inspired to use.