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 - set 2

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 red circle brads.  I cut the prongs on the back leaving just enough space to glue the 1/4" rare earth magnet.

I glued a dark grey button to the back of the other brad after I had removed the prongs completely to give good adhesion of the button.  These dried over night.

I stitched a black frame on the ivory Aida cloth.

I added a black head pin to match the button and the frame.

This minder features another pair of circle brads in a bronze color metal.

I glued the 1/4" rare earth magnet to the center where I had cut the prongs to leave just enough space for it.

For the back piece I removed the prongs completely and chose a light grey button which was glued nicely sitting in the cup of the brad. These dried over night.

I added a stitched frame to the warm grey linen fabric which hardly shows.  

I paired it with a pearl head pin.

This needle minder features a silver metal butterfly for the front piece.

I glued the magnet to the back of the butterfly and let it dry over night.

The back piece is a smallish metal embossed disk. It had a hole at the top and since it was small I added a string of beads to help separate the pieces.

I stitched a frame with black thread on the warm grey linen fabric.  

I added a red head pin to coordinate with the red beads on the back piece.

Here I paired 2 gold colored metal circle brads.

I trimmed the prongs on the back of the front piece to leave just enough space for the 1/4" rare earth magnet and glued it in place.

On the back piece I removed the prongs completely and glued an ivory button in the cup of the brad.  These were left to dry overnight.

I chose Aida cloth and stitched a blue square frame where the minder would sit.

I paired it with a yellow head pin.

Another heart needle minder.  I used 2 identical metal heart shapes.

I glued a 1/4" rare earth magnet to the back of the front one.  To help the user now which has the magnet I added a string of beads strung through the top hole.  I let the glue dry over night.

The back one is just plain.

I chose a left over piece of cotton from a recent project and stitched a frame around the edge in purple thread.

I added a purple 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.

Card - Slow Stitching - Flower

I created a yellow based free motion stitched background with brown thread.

I appliqued a yellow flower to the front of the background with brown thread and the running stitch.  I then added a dark brown center to the flower held in place with running stitch and French Knots.

I stitched the fabric art piece to the front of a dark brown A2 card base.

I used a bit of Inktense paint with a dry brush to add contrast to the edges of the petals and some color to the leaf.

I put a half sheet insert to cover the stitching on the inside.  An ivory envelope finished off the card.

It is off to a special person celebrating a big birthday.

Card - Painted Fabric

 I created this card on a piece of white cotton fabric which I invisible basted to a foundation layer of white cotton.  I drew the flower with the Pigma Micron Archival Pen in black nib size 08.

I heat set it with a hot dry iron before painting it.

I used my Inktense paint to color the background and the flower.  The color blending with the background adds charm and is unavoidable.

Once dry the Inktense painting was heat set with a hot dry iron.

I then stitched the painting to a Perfect Plum A2 card base with a half sheet insert and a white envelope.  

Sitting in my card box.

Note Cards - Slow Stitching

I forgot to take pictures before I packaged these cards. I placed a half sheet white insert in the cards to cover the stitching of the fabric art to the front of the card.  Each has a white envelope as well. I added a slip of paper with credits which I forgot last time.  These are blank note cards.

1. A beautiful watercolor print on linen where I stitched around the leaves, flowers and other shapes. I appliqued a piece of mustard fabric to the center of the flower to make it the focal element. The art piece was stitched to a Soft Sky A2 card base. 

2. A collection of olive green fabrics was free motion stitched to a layer of cotton batting and a foundation layer. I hand stitched a triangle of red, added a cream button and three vertical lines in cream thread.  This art layer was stitched to a warm green A2 card base.

3. I stitched a quilted square to a piece of black cotton fabric and foundation layer then embroidered a pink flower to the right of the quilted piece.  The art piece was stitched to a deep pink A2 card base.

4. I assembled a collection of blue cotton fabric scraps over a piece of cotton batting and a foundation layer.   Once I was happy with it I used free motion quilting to secure the top layer to the sandwich. I created a slow stitch accent with the yellow rectangles on the left hand side with a star in the middle. The art piece was stitched to a Brilliant Blue A2 card base.

5. A birthday present which I stitched to a piece of hand dyed cotton and a foundation layer using a square paper template.  I used a mix of blue and burgundy thread to make a purple stitch line.  I stitched a bow and some stars in the background. I stitched the art piece of a lavender A2 card base.

6. I sold the last birthday candle one the day I brought it to the gallery so I had to make another.  I used blue fabric scraps for this one.  I stitched the 5 candles to a plaid cotton with a foundation layer.  I added wicks with black thread.  I then stitched the outer orange then the inner yellow lines of the flames.  This art piece was stitched to a yellow Bazzil card stock in the A2 size.

7. I assembled a collage of turquoise cotton fabrics layered onto a piece of cotton batting and a foundation layer. I used free motion quilting to secure the pieces to the sandwich.  I placed a small piece of aqua batik fabric on the right hand side and stitched leaf branch in dark warm blue.  This art piece was stitched to a sea green A2 card base.

These note cards were delivered to the Spruce Grove Art Gallery today.

Sewing - Free Motion Stitching

I brought this box of sewing machine accessories home from the ReUse Ctr last week.

After a visit with my aunt on Saturday where she mentioned she would like to try free motion stitching I say I would check the box and see if there was a darning foot.

There was! 

Would it work? She had a Singer machine and some of the accessories were Singer. They connected differently than my Bernina machine.

I decided that I should at least try free motion stitching myself before I offered to help her.

I had a darning foot for my machine. So I watched a few videos. 

Then I dug into my box of scraps and prepared a sandwich of a foundation layer, a piece of cotton batting and then scraps on top to make something pretty.

I started with small pieces that if they worked out could be used for stitched cards.

It is very different.  It will take a bit of practice to make the stitching pretty.

I have enjoyed the process and the backgrounds have worked out well.  I learned I should start bigger and trim later as the stitching does shrink the piece.  Grippy gloves would really help.

Well, here are the four pieces I managed over several days.

I have trimmed the pieces to card front size and added slow stitching elements and they will become cards.

The color coordinating of the scraps is a very time consuming process.

It was very exciting to do something new.

I did spend a morning with my aunt and we did get the darning foot from the box onto her machine and she did a bit of testing to see if it would work.

She is happy and looking forward to experimenting.

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.

Vintage Spool Gift Items - Key Chains

I made a few key chains with vintage wood thread spools this week.

I decided to give them a bit of color so I used my Nick Bantock inks with a QTip to apply the color.

I then applied Tung Oil to them and let that dry.

I then added metal fixings (a hook for your belt loop and a split ring for the keys) and beads to sturdy cord with the spool in the middle.

I am happy with these.

I may make some with just Tung Oil for a classic look and shape.

2026 Slow Stitching Project - Page 35 - R1 - Raw Edges

I did my piece for K3NCloth Tales' slow stitching project.

This week R1 was Raw Edge and I expanded to include Red, Raven, and Raffia.

I chose the piece in the middle with these colors then appliqued raw edge pieces in those colors all the way around one piece at a time.  I left my binding edge clear on the left hand side.

I used my new to me applique needles but it was a bit of a challenge where the layers were thicker.

I used Running Stitch in the matching colors.

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 - Q2 - 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.