Here are some simple ornaments I have been making this month whenever I have a moment. I made a bunch of them for my stall at the recent craft fair- cream felt with red stitching then red with cream thread, and they all sold out. Nice to think of them nestled in trees around the country.
They're quite nice to give atop Christmas presents, or as matching pairs for friends and wool felt is always therapeutic to work with.
I've shared the very simple pattern + instructions below, just in case you have any spare ornament-making moments in your week ahead. You never know.
PEACE DOVE ORNAMENTS
You will need:
-a small amount of wool felt in various colours
- strong sewing thread in matching colours
- small amount of stuffing (wool or polyester)
- needle, scissors, tailor's chalk (optional)
- paper template/pattern (see below)
LET'S MAKE THEM:
Trace or print the template and cut out of paper. Cut two dove shapes from wool felt and transfer markings with tailor's chalk, if desired.
Using strong sewing thread (I find it's easier to use a single strand, rather than 2 strands of standard embroidery floss) begin at one of the points marked at the bottom of the bird shape and work a small, tight blanket stitch to sew the felt pieces together.
Finish sewing at the other marking, leaving a small gap in the base of the bird. Insert a small amount of stuffing, and use the blunt end of a pencil to make sure the wings are evenly filled out.
Continue stitching around the bird to sew up the gap.
Using the pattern markings as a guide, embroider an eye and olive leaf pattern on both sides of the bird body.
At the point where I've marked a cross on the template, sew a hanging loop from the same thread.
Make a whole flight* of doves in different colours.
*great collective noun I just found on wikipedia.)