One of my all time favourite trees is the Cherry Blossom. For a short period of time at the end of Winter, here in Canterbury, I marvel at the beauty of blossoms in full bloom before the North West wind descends and scatters petals in pretty flurries through the streets.
Recently I found a You Tube tutorial to make Cherry Blossom fabric flowers and I have adapted this slightly to make my own blossoms. The fabric I have used is a really fine tissue silk, this is vintage and was originally the lining used in Kimono's from Japan. It is a bit slippery to work with but with a little patience the effect is well worth the effort.
Firstly cut:
Large Blossom - 3 rectangles for the outside petals 3" x 1 1/2" and 2 rectangles for the inside small petals of 1 1/2" x 3/4". Finished size - 6cm x 6cm
Small Blossom - 3 rectangles for the outside petals 2" x 1 1/2" and 2 rectangles for the inside small petals of 1 1/2" x 3/4". Finished size - 4cm x 4cm
Fold all pieces in half lengthwise and trim corners off to form rounded edges.
You will need some thread and around 6 gold seed beads.
I have used a deeper colour silk for the inside petals. Next fold each petal in half (shortend to shortend) and finger press centre line. Then run a small gathering stitch through the centre and back again.
Now gather each petal and secure threads well before cutting off ends.
The petals will cup up slightly. Lay the three larger petals on top of each other at differing angles and tack together in the middle. Add the smaller petals at right angles to each other and tack to the larger petals. Now add the gold seed beads and secure.
I have added a small blossom to the hair of the Melly & Me's Kokeshi Doll that I made up, and the rest I have glued onto a branch I found at the river. I will add to this branch as I make up more and it will be a lovely prop to use for my market displays. I am now offering a little kit with the Kokeshi Doll kitset to make up your own vintage silk blossom.
The original tutorial I followed can be found here.
Happy stitching - Fiona Marie x




