Today is quiet and gloomy, I am sewing a commission in its early stages and having a little fun making my own spring. Taking layered artificial hydrangea petals to fabric using the button setting on the Bernina (#17) turned out to work like magic. It was actually a student of mine who had been taught this technique by a dealer. She bought a special foot for this purpose but I didn't feel the need for it, just any foot with a large opening will do.
Here is my first try, complete with green polish:
These would look really adorable on headbands or to spruce up a little girl's dress/skirt/tank top. My friend S suggested that the least expensive the artificial flower the better the chance it would hold up in the wash. I think I will throw this sample in an undergarment bag and see what happen.
Do you have any experience using this technique to tie a quilt? it could make quick work of it.
edited:
I was just asked if this technique was much different than using a wide zigzag with the feed dog dropped and I feel that it is for a a couple of reasons:
The button setting will secure the stitches at the beginning and the end, which means that you can clip the loose threads without a second thought.
The button setting will do the same thing over and over, all your flowers will be the same, without having to estimate how many times you have to go back and forth.
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Fabulous!!!
2 questions though: Where do you get the flowers from, and did you use the setting on your machine to do the button hole or to sew on the actual button??
Thanks in advance!
Posted by: Emily Turkalj | April 20, 2011 at 02:45 PM
I used the sewing machine setting to sew and actual button, with thread that corrdinate with the petals. I bought the flowers at Joanns Fabric, and took the buds apart to stack them as I wanted.
I hope this helps, thank you for your question!
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Posted by: Juliette Lanvers | April 20, 2011 at 03:14 PM
Beautiful idea Juliette! I recognize the upper fabric. I'm sure the whole project is looking fabulous. I love that you nails coordinate with the project. ;)
Posted by: Lisa | April 21, 2011 at 10:19 AM