Tutorials

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Craft group ~ to the ladybird ~ a tutorial

Oh! Ladybird, Ladybird, why dost thou roam
So far from thy comrades, so distant from home?
Why dost thou, who canst revel all day in the air,
Who the sweets of the grove and the garden, canst share;
In a fold of a leaf, who canst form thee a bower,
And a palace enjoy in the tube of a flower;
Ah, why, simple Ladybird, why doust thou venture,
The dwellings of man so familiar to enter?

by Charlotte Smith cira 1807


They are a bit cute.. I wanted to make an orange one too but got a bit distracted finishing off making next week's project (always one step ahead!)

Just before I leap into the tutorial I wanted to show you how my pirate from last week turned out; I think he is fabulous (especially his wee hook!) I have my head swimming with ideas to improve him so consider this a prototype!


Right ladybirds ~
You will need the pattern template from here, scraps of red (orange, yellow), green and black felt, embroidery floss (work with two strands), wood roving for stuffing and I think that is it. (Oh you might like to use little black buttons or beads for the wing spots).


Cut out your pieces (remember the sparkle pen tip for tracing onto black felt).
Sew felt spots, black beads, buttons or french knots onto the wings first.
Then paying attention to your As, Bs and Cs, stitch the wings to the side of the head section. Then stitch the funny little V bit which will curve the head nicely.


Ok, now using red thread (or other coordinating colour) stitch the wings together down the centre back.


Now find the centre of your base and match it with the centre wing seam. Starting with the curved head end begin stitching the top and base together. The base will seem too small, don't panic, you need to ease your stitching to make the top fit the base so that you get a nicely domed ladybird.

Leave a bit of a gap before you close the stitching and stuff it firmly but not so it is bursting at the seams.


Close it up; leave your needle threaded and attached. To make antenna, bring your needle and thread out in an antennerish spot on its head and make a small back stitch/knot flush with the spot. then bring the thread directly up to what looks like a good length and tie a knot in the thread before snipping the thread with scissors just above the knot. Go in again on the opposite side and do it all again.


You can stitch your finished ladybird to a little leaf (add a clasp to the back and it is a brooch, pop it on some black elactic and it is a sweet little headband, or just sit it on the bench and let little hands play with it).



15 comments:

Kathy said...

Both the pirate and the ladybug are fantastic! Thanks for the tutorial -- very clear and I think I'll be making one of these before long! I also have plans to make some little dolls along the lines of your pirate -- I made some from Wee Felt Folk in harvest colors and my daughter would like some dressed for the other seasons. I'm thinking that I'll make a winter set for Christmas.

Ericasue said...

These are so cute! Thanks for sharing the tutorial!

m. bloom said...

so stinking cute...

Julie said...

What an awesome pirate! I love the ladybug, too. Thanks for sharing the how-to.

Anonymous said...

These are soo cute. I would love to make one of these if I build up the courage to give it a go.

Your pirate is EXCELLENT!

anna said...

Oh you have the best knack of making all of my favourite things! These ladybirds are the sweetest, dearest things! I am now absolutely itching to make one and may just have to start right away. Beautiful!

MamaWestWind said...

I love this! Thanks for the Tutorial!

Lee Good said...

Shannon, Your tutes are great. Thank you. ( I am looking for any australian bloggers in early childhood area - like waldorf, homeschooling, outdoor play, craft etc and wondered if you can recommend any please. I will get back to you soon about your involvement)
my email is lesleyDOTsharpeATgmailDOTcom
I appreciate any assistance you can give

Rebecca said...

You so clever. X

Linda said...

This is so beautiful Shannon, thanks for the tutorial. I love the pirate he is amazing!
xo
Linda

Rachel~At the Butterfly Ball said...

I love the ladybird! My oldest children would enjoy making these as well! (But I especially love the pirate! Oh my he is cute!!!)

Melissa Plank said...

I love ladybugs and yours are especially cute,thank you so much for the tutorial! Your pirate is amazing too!

sarah in the woods said...

Adorable ladybug. Thanks for the tutorial.

lisbonlioness said...

I want a whole bucketload of these, too sweet! Thanks a bunch for the tutorial.

W-S Wanderings said...

Wow! You really do make astounding creations. The pirate is incredible. I love that hook hand too. And the ladybugs - perfect.