Pretty Cloth Flowers

Ain't they purty? I must resist the urge to call them "flares" but that's just a residual, regional, linguistic urge. These are simple easy and cheap. Once they are cut out they can travel well so you can assemble them just about anywhere.

Tools/ Equipment

• Fabric
  I've used gray pinstripe wool (thrift store men's pants), red jersey wool (thrift store dress), red flannel from an old bed sheet, white sweat suit fabric, and then I splurged on $4 worth of khaki colored cashmere and camel hair blend felt type fabric. Fabric type affects raveling. The pinstripe wool raveled alot, the sweatsuit stuff curls and the red jersey doesn't fray at all.
• Thread
• Needle
• Pin backs
• Scissors
• Circle template, I used plastic tumbler, 1 circles on each end
• Thimble or rubber glove to grip needle
• Beads, if you want

Cut
Trace circles on your fabric. I used a colored pencil to trace around a plastic cup. Make more large circles than small circles. Cut circles with scissors. It's OK if they aren't all perfect circles, think gentle oval not jaggy crags.

Get Wild
Want to have them shaped like scooby do daisies? No problem, go for it. Want super variegated edges, cut zillions of slits in the edges. Go for it. You're making it, so do what ya want.

Stack 'em Up
Depending on fabric you'll need between 5-12 layers. Stack layers, offsetting each layer in a way that pleases you. Stick a pin in the middle to preview the final. Once it's the way you want, pin in place.

Love Me or Leaf Me
If you want you can add a leaf to the bottom, it totally changes the look. I made simple square end triangles that worked well for leaves, I think a very pointy leaf end would curl up and look poopy.

Sew, a Needle Pulling Thread
Thread your needle. Starting from the bottom layer, sew 3 or more radial lines from the center of the flower to about a half inch from the center. Pull these threads tight and knot repeatedly at the bottom, these stitches create a nice depth in the middle.

If you want to, sew a few seed or other beads in the center of the flower as well. Experiment with color.

Sew the pin back on. You will need a thimble or rubber needle grip to pull or push the needle through the layers of fabric. For a more finished look put a piece of grosgrain ribbon or felt between the pin back and the bottom of the flower which will have lots of stitches. The back that I show doesn't have this and you can see what it looks like.

Ta Da! You're Done
Joy! Fluff them and enjoy. I am going to try wetting the sweat suit ones and throwing them in the dryer to see how fluffy and curly they'll get