Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Little Wool Flower Tutorial with Giveaway

Call me delinquent on the wool flower tutorial and serve me up 50 lashes with a wet noodle!! 

Life (and grandkids, and work, and holidays, and shopping) definitely jumped in front of me the last 10 days and stole my time.   I am though, up for air, and happy to be back!  

Many thanks for all the kind comments
and feedback on the 
Moda Bake Shop Heart's Content Pillow.  
I loved putting that sweet pillow together
and sharing it with everyone!
I hope you find 100 different ways to use the pattern AND the tutorial.  If you missed it, you can read the introduction on my blog here and follow links or go to the Moda Bake shop recipe directly by clicking here.

Now to share a quick (well as quick as I can be ;) tutorial for the little wool flowers that adorned the Heart's Content pillow.
The flowers are really very basic and will probably work best if you use your own style - but I'll share with you how I put them together. 
Supplies:
  • Start with some quality wool.  I used Bunny Hill Designs Pastel Wools and sliced them into 1/4" by 8" strips (longer is ok too).
  • You'll also need some scraps of the pastel wools for flower accents.
  • A few buttons, nothing fancy (although fancy flower buttons would look sweet!)
  • Some good quality thread - I used Aurifil Mako Cotton 12 Wt thread - it never lets me down.  You could also use Aurifil Lana Wool or Aurifil Floss.
  • You'll need a scrap of freezer paper to prepare some small wool accents
  • You'll also need a good needle - I use Bohin Crewel/Embroidery Needles in Size 5 (my fav)
  • It's always helpful if you have a pair of serrated edge scissors (Elan are my fav but I hear that Karen K. Buckley's Perfect Scissors are fantastic too)
Start by cutting one or two strips of each of the pastel wool colors.

I used a rotary cutter and ruler to cut mine about 1/4" wide by whatever length wool you have.
If you need more wool than a single strip provides, just cut more!

Lets make the pink flower for the tutorial sample:

Supplies for the pink flower:
Lets start by making the looped section of the flower.  Thread and knot a 12" length of thread.

Aurifil Mako 12Wt in color #2375 matched the Bunny Hill Bright Pink wool perfectly.  

Now fold over one edge of the wool, making about a 1" loop.  Stitch up through the double layer and back down again.
Make another loop, it doesn't matter if it twists.  Stitch up through all layers and back down again. 
If you want to secure it in a certain position, take another stay stitch to hold the loop at the desired location.
Keep looping and stitching until you're happy with the placement and fullness of the flower.   When you're satisfied, take a couple of short stitches on the bottom side of the flower to secure / knot.
Now, lets prepare some "greens" to be stitched behind the pink loops.
My looped section worked out to be appx 2" in diameter.  So I targeted the same size for the greens.
I marked a 2" square on freezer paper and drew a circle within it.
I cut out around the circle leaving at least a 1/4" extra outside of the pencil line.
 Place the rough cut freezer paper onto the wool (shiny side down) and press using a medium heat, dry iron. 
Hold the iron still for 5-8 seconds or until the freezer paper sticks to the wool. 
NOTE: Use care to NOT burn the wool (an iron that is too hot could burn the wool fibers).
Using serrated edge scissors (they work best because they don't push the wool), cut on the drawn circle.  Leave the freezer paper attached for now.
Once the circle is cut out, trim some V's into the circle all the way around.  You can see I marked mine with a pencil before beginning.  This is not required, but OK if it makes you more comfortable.
Here is an image with the larger V's cut out.
Next cut out some more V's all the way around.  Again it really doesn't matter exactly where or how deep you cut.  It will be beautiful!
Once you've finished the 2nd round of V's, you can remove the freezer paper and you have created one background green.  I used two on my pink flower - just to make it more full.   Prepare a 2nd green if you so desire.
(The color is really off on the picture below - my apologies).  
OK, now stitch the green background to the bottom of your looped flower.  Just take two stitches through all layers to secure.  Add a 2nd green background if you like.
Once you've stitched your 2nd green, flip the flower, add a button and secure it in place with a few stitches.  Knot the thread on the back side of the flower and leave thread attached so you can use it to secure the flower to the pillow.
Now that you've made the pink flower, the others are pretty much the same, except I choose to use a variety of colors and add top accents rather than greens.   

On the multicolored flower below,  I snipped (on an angle) the pale pink loops when I was done stitching.  That gave it a neat look.
On the blue and yellow flower I left a long tail and used a pink accent on top.
It's so cute.
Make more flowers if you like -- be creative and have fun!
Attach the flowers to the pillow with the excess thread.
Speaking of having fun -- how about a giveaway?
*
I have several strips of Bunny Hill Wool remnants leftover for one lucky reader.
*
These strips are about 4" wide and roughly 8" to 12" in length.  They would work perfectly for making wool flowers.

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment below letting me know what quilting project you are currently working on.   Are you a no-reply blogger?  If so, please leave an email address too!

For an extra (optional) entry, hop over to the Redbird Quilt Co Facebook page and share the Redbird Quilt Co wool flower tutorial announcement with your Facebook friends.  Be sure to 'Like' and leave a comment on the Facebook post letting me know you shared. 

The giveaway is open until 11pm EST Sunday, December 7th and a a winner will be announced Monday, December 8th.

I leave you with a beautiful picture that my very talented sister Michele took just this morning at her country home in Pennsylvania, USA. 

A Northern Cardinal, our favorite bird and a reminder that Mom is always watching over us.

Enjoy!
Image Courtesy Michele Morningstar aka my very talented sister!
Thanks for stopping by.
Hugs,
Karen

PS - don't forget, you can follow me on Pinterest and Instragram and Twitter too!

73 comments:

  1. working on many weighted blankets for Autism plus doing embroidery work on Primitive Gathering SBOW.

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  2. these flowers are very pretty and can see them appearing on my crazy blocks an excellent tutorial thanks

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  3. Thank you for your great flower tutorial. I am going to enjoy trying to make some flowers. At present I am working on a Grandmothers Garden quilt. Lots of hand stitching required.

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  4. Your flowers are lovely,Karen. Thanks for the tutorial. I love the photo of the cardinal. We don't have them here in Australia.

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  5. I am cutting the pieces for a quick lap quilt that will be a Christmas gift. Your flowers are very cute! I haven't worked with wool, but I would like to give it a try. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  6. I'm quilting a baby quilt for my first grandchild. The flowers an the pillow are gorgeous. Thanks!

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  7. Thanks for the info on such a sweet pillow.

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  8. I just love these flowers and appreciate seeing how you made them! I'm currently working on a snowman table topper - the snowmen are embroidered, all the quilting is done, and I'm auditioning fabric from my stash for the binding. :)

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  9. Such pretty flowers, thanks for the tutorial an inspiration. That wool is in the same colors as my current Stonefields project. I am also working on the Bonnie Hunter Mystery.

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  10. Love the flowers. Would love to win the pack of wool. Thanks

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  11. I'm quilting at a little Quilt for my best friend.

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  12. Karen what a beautiful tutorial-thank you-I would love to be entered in the giveaway-I love wool I will share on facebook as well

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  13. the flowers are so sweet and that wool is perfect colors for flowers.
    currently i am not working on any projects but did finish a rag quilt in time for Christmas

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  14. I'm in the process of quilting a table runner that I pieced a while ago.

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  15. I just loved your pillow tutorial, thanks for these flower tuts as well. I am currently working on getting a few WIPS finished before before starting a new large hand applique project.

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  16. Very pretty! Love the quilting on the pillow. I am working on a bunch of things, finishing up the Sue Spargo BOM, an eagle quilt, a smaller version of Love Letters from When the Cold Wind Blows, a woolly bucket, some redwork, you get the idea!

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  17. Oh, pick me!! I am planning to do wool flowers on a quilted basket quilt. I need to finish it by Feb to meet a UFO challenge. Love wool work. Thanks for the giveaway!
    Carole @ From My Carolina Home
    craftnut at rocketmail dot com

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  18. I am testing a pattern for a designer and when I finish (soon I hope) I will quilt a small quilt for a friend!

    Thanks for the chance to win! I've never tried wool applique so it would be a great treat!

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  19. Love these little wool flowers. Have never worked with wool before so anxious to try this. Working on Bonnie Hunter Mystery and sew sweet simplicity bom

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  20. Such a sweet project! Thanks you for showing us how to make such pretty flowers! I am currently sewing the binding onto two quilts that will be Christmas gifts to family members. Thanks for the chance to win your give away!
    Paulette

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  21. What a great tutorial. I love them. Right now I am finishing up pot holders and mug rugs for Christmas presents.

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  22. I'm finishing up a quilt for my niece's first child, just in time for baby's first Christmas (since it wasn't in time for baby's shower, or birth, or blessing...). :)

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  23. Love the flowers. I'm working on a Snowman table mat. Nancy P.

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  24. I'm working on my sashiko wallhanging.
    Adding some jap. quilt blocks around the perimeter.

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  25. Currently working on some appliance covers and valances for my kitchen to make it look seasonal. I bought cardinal material to go with my dinnerware. Also some personalized placemats for friends. This pillow is awesome!

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  26. Thank you, Karen for the great tutorial. the instructions were clear and the pictures helped a lot. I have seen these cute wool flowers on so many things and have wanted to make some myself. Now I think I can try a few.

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  27. I'm finally making a tree skirt for our family. My goal is to get it done before any presents are set beneath the tree - that's something I can have a bit of control over, lol! Fun to see how you put the flowers together.

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  28. Excellent "tute"! The pastel look of the flowers/pillow are so gorgeous for any time of year. No wool at the moment but very soon will be making the gift tags needed for gift giving this year. Felt is my "go to" choice and those flowers give me many ideas for tags. Maybe this afternoon......

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  29. Thank you for the tutorial and giveaway! I love those felt flowers. Great picture by your sister!

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  30. I am hand quilting a Christmas wall hanging. Your tut's are so helpful and thorough. Thanks

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  31. Well! I never thought to cut the designs like you have shown us... I feel pretty silly now, haha! You have given me a great idea for the Christmas Stockings that I'm making everyone... Wooly cut outs would be perfect embellishments!! Thanks so much!!!

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  32. Thanks for the little flower tutorial-- I'll be making some of these, for sure! I just finished my Words To Live By top and now need to quilt it-- so nervous!

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  33. I'm currently working on a table piece for Christmas dinner.

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  34. HI,your projects are so pretty! Love the photo of the Cardinal too! I'm working on some tiny Log Cabin tree ornaments today!Thanks for sharing a great giveaway!

    msstitcher1214@gmail.com

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  35. I am currently finishing up a bed runner. I finished the quilting and added the binding, and so I just have to stitch the binding down. Love your wool flowers, would make a great addition to a gift.

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  36. Hi, Karen! Sew sweet flowers. I'm finishing up some UFOs right now and then will begin a quilt for a new grandbaby. Nice pic of the bird. We don't get cardinals here. kthurn@bektel.com

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  37. I shared the tutorial on Facebook.

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  38. I'm working on a quilt for my brother and sister-in-law. I'm also knitting dishcloths for the ladies in my "small" widow's group.

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  39. Hmmmm....I'm suppose to be sewing on the Sew Sweet Simplicity QAL. Haven't made it in there the last couple of days.

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  40. I am working on a wool applique quilt and making beaded Christmas tree ornaments......love your pillow and the wool flowers...

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  41. Thanks for theflower tutorial and sure I'll try it.

    Several projects though this week I`m with christmas decor.

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  42. Love the pillow Karen ;-) I'm currently working on some xmas cross stitch and the sewing together of my Stonefields blocks. Thanks for the giveaway! Xox

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  43. I am currently working on a Santa wool penny rug. Merry Christmas to you.

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  44. Thanks for the tutorial. I am making felt ornaments for co-workers. Hope I get them done!

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  45. I'm working on a couple of lap quilts for Christmas and pouches. I really love your tutorial, it even looks like something I could do! Your pillow is just awesome and I would love to make one or two or ten! Thanks for the giveaway, I don't have any wool so it would be great to win and make some flowers. Happy Holidays!

    tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com

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  46. Thanks for the great tutorial. The flowers are lovely. I am working on a table runner. Thank you for the chance to win.

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  47. I am really loving that pillow! You have outdone yourself again!

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  48. I'm working on a small wall hanging, with embroidery and wool applique. In between several Christmas projects, of course! Thanks for another great tutorial. The wool looks yummy.

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  49. I'm working on a pink and gray quilt for my youngest daughter. Your flowers are beautiful! Thank you for the tutorial and giveaway.

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  50. I just bought fabric to make my sister a quilt for christmas... thankfully we aren't doing christmas with her until Feb!

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  51. Actually, I am taking a break from quilting a making myself a huge professional bag. love your pillow. svonfumetti at yahoo dot com

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  52. Working on a round robin at the moment but would love to try wool!!! Pillow looks amazing!!
    mumbird3(at)gmail(dot)com

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  53. I am going to make a couple of aprons
    from a western shirt. I also have several quilt kits waiting to be put together this winter. Thanks Julie

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  54. Working on projects for our wounded soldiers in El Paso, Tx. They have asked our guild to decorate a barracks room and make their Christmas tree skirt. It is both and honor and a privilege to be a part of this wonderful project!

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  55. Your flowers are wonderful. I am finishing my ornaments and then I can go back to my quilts. I love Mr. Cardinal.

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  56. Awwww, love the pic of the cardinal and that it reminds you of your mom!! They are beautiful birds indeed. As far as a quilting project, I have finished a baby quilt for my daughter's first baby expected in January. All done except for the label because we don't know her name and I want to include it. So since that's just about done, I'm now making a stuffed bunny rabbit as a toy for the baby. It's just about done, just have to sew the pieces are parts together! Love your wool flowers!

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  57. I am working on those last few Christmas gifts for my siblings--table toppers made from some of our mother's old linens, so each of us have a memory.

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  58. Currently working on Bonnie Hunter's mystery quilt and some baby quilts. Thanks for the tute, I will try this!

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  59. Wonderful tutorial and I so love your pillow! I just finished a rag quilt for my little grandson~

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  60. Currently just a quilted potholder.
    dawnm1993 at gmail dot com

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  61. I am introducing my little granddaughter to quilting. We are making a little square, maybe turning it into a small blanket for her dolls.

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  62. OOOOH, pastel wool pieces. I could certainly use them! Right now, my projects are quilting on a quilt for my daughter's Christmas present, making a few wool applique snowmen placemats and preparing samples for a class I'm teaching.
    Your flowers are adorable!

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  63. I am working on a loon quilt I'm sewing based off of a picture my brother drew for his baby son. sarah@forrussia.org

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  64. I follow you with bloglovin. sarah@forrussia.org

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  65. Love the Little Wool Flower. Thanks for the tutorial, and the giveaway.

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  66. My current quilting project is the BOM from Sew Sweet Simplicity and I am really enjoying it! I have 2 blocks so far and 4 more to go. Cardinals are my favorite bird, so I love your sister's photo!

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  67. Thank you for the wonderful flower tutorial! I am not working on any quilting project at the moment....family health issues are keeping me busy. When I have a few minutes I am relaxing with some cross stitch.

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  68. Working on drafting a pattern for a block I saw online for a friend. It helps to take a break from the Christmas presents, LOL.

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  69. Hi! What cute flowers! I'm working on a table runner for my brother for Christmas. He wanted one, so I'm sewing it. speddar@hotmail.com

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  70. Wool is so pleasing to look at! Thank you for the inspiration. Right now, I am working on quilting a Jelly Roll Race Christmas quilt. Thank you for this giveaway.

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  71. So pretty, I am working on a Christmas tree skirt.

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  72. I am currently working on a quilt as you go log cabin quilt.
    Kathy Davis
    kdavis1@centurytel.net

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