I decided to make a gift for someone at work who is also a quilter. I wanted something small, quick and different, so a needle book seemed to fit. This is my first attempt and I am thrilled with how it turned out, so I know I will be making more.

I have the luxury of owning a Baby Lock Embellisher that I purchased used several years ago after taking an Eleanor Burns 3-day class. All the class machines were for sale after the event and the price was one I couldn’t pass up. The machine has 7 barbed needles that felt your pieces together. No thread needed. Watch your fingers!

I really wasn’t sure where I was going with this project, other than small and felted. While I am not a “flower” person, it seemed an easy way to go, so I rummaged through my felting supplies to find the colors I wanted to use.

It’s amazing what you’ll collect without even trying.

I didn’t use a pattern just cut out free form flowers and leaves and used bits of roving as a backdrop and stamens on the flowers. I deliberately left the petals free on the edges to add dimension.

I also like the effect of the “spine” that was created in the middle when I felted the batting pieces in the book:

Next step was to decide on buttons:This style:

Or this style:

The only part that was sewn on this was the button, even the loop was felted in: 

Finished Size 3 1/2 x 4 inches:

Have you done anything lately that you’ll do again even though it falls outside of your normal pattern?
Enjoy the journey, Jackie