The Whirligig Flower Brooch is a Level 1: Beginners of my Further Education kits.

I am no longer selling the kit or supplies for this design but you may order the downloadable PDF Files for the instructions and get the supplies else where.

You will receive two PDF files. One PDF file has 16 pages of step-by-step instructions with diagrams to make the brooch, the other PDF file has over 60 colour work-in-progress pictures of the entire stitching process on the brooch.

The brooch is a multi purpose piece of Jewelry as when it is not being worn it can be displayed in a 4 inch picture frame as a piece of art.

The embroidery is worked by sewing down strands of pearl purl which is a coiled metal thread, the stitches are hidden in the coils of the thread. In-between the lines of pearl purl are sections of black and violet soft metal beads.

The finished brooch can be painted with a clear non-yellowing varnish so it does not tarnish.

Brooch Size: 2 1/2 inches (6 1/4 cm) high by 2 1/2 inches (6 1/4 cm)

 Materials Required (exact amounts, allow extra for mistakes):

• • A Piece of Silk Organza Fabric 9 inch by 9 inch: The organza fabric is the foundation on which the brooch will be embroidered.  Synthetic organza fabric can be used, but it does not glue into position as easily as silk fabric during the construction stage.
  • A Piece of Black Felt 3 inch by 3 inch: The black felt is sewn down as the foundation for the brooch and then the metal threads are stitched over top.
  • Dark Blue No. 2 Pearl Purl 17 inches: Lines
  • Ivory No. 2 Pearl Purl 18 inches: Lines
  • Red No. 2 Pearl Purl 24 inches: Lines
  • Black Bright Check Purl or Wire Check Purl (any size) 10 inches: Filling Sections
  • Blue Bright Check Purl or Wire Check Purl (any size) 17 inches: Filling Sections
  • Light Blue Polyester Sewing Thread 1 Yard: Used to transfer the design onto the felt.
  • Black Polyester Sewing Thread 30 Yards: Used to sew down the felt and metal threads.

Visit the Metal Threads Information Page For Pictures and Descriptions of Metal Threads

Tools

• • • Size 10 Crewel Embroidery Needles
    • Hoop (Ring Frame): To hold fabric tight whilst stitching
    • Sharp Embroidery Scissors: Cutting the metal will dull the scissors so use an inexpensive sharp pair of small embroidery scissors. You will require sharp blades to get a clean cut when cutting the metal threads.
    • Goldwork or Beading Pad: A soft fabric surface on which to cut the purl threads on so they do not slide around on the tabletop.
    • Mellor (Optional): For Pushing Metal Threads in Position (you can work the pendant without the Mellor)
    • Beeswax (Optional): You can use the beeswax to coat the polyester sewing thread to help protect the sewing thread from the abrasive metal threads.

 Finishing Materials

• • Brooch Bar Pin: To make a brooch.
  • A Piece of Black Felt 3 inch by 3 inch: The brooch is backed with a piece of black felt.
  • Craft Glue: For constructing the project.
  • Clear Non-Yellowing Varnish: To help protect the metal threads. If you are using real metal threads which are copper or silver based, these can tarnish when they are exposed to the acid in regular packaging and to exposure to sun over long periods of time. To help prevent the metal threads from tarnishing or the colour scratching off the coloured No. 2 Pearl Purls you can paint the finished project with a clear, non-yellowing varnish.