If you’re not into flowers, I’m sure it seems like we’ve really been belaboring this whole “Rolled Flower” thing. We had our Rolled Calico Flower and our Rolled Felt Flower and now… our Calico Flower. We created this last tutorial because of a request made by Sally.
My daughter and her fiance are getting married this fall. This is the 2nd marriage for both of them although they are both in their 20s. She did not have a wedding her first go around, but he did. They’ve themed their wedding “Second time around”. Everything has to be used. The bridesmaids are to have casual dresses and need to shop at 2nd hand shops. Even my daughter is insisting on a used dress and very casual. She doesn’t want flowers but agreed to a, you guessed it, used bouquet. I’ve been looking around for a bouquet, but can’t find anything that I can see my little girl carrying. Do you think if I could convince her to let me make some calico flowers, there would be a way to stick them on stems? Sorry this post is so long, but I really do want to make the day extra special for her.
Actually, I think this is an incredible idea. My response… of course we can stick them on a stem, and threw out this idea. In keeping with the whole “2nd time around” theme, why not get a used article of clothing from all the important people in the wedding, and craft the flowers from salvaged material. Her daughter loved the idea. I’m hoping we will eventually get to see the completed bouquet! So, here is the last variation of the Rolled Flower… I promise. I’m thinking of making a whole fall bouquet out of them. The patter for the Calico Flower can be found HERE or in our FREE Open Patterns. Enjoy!
I love the flower, I already made 3 in the felt that I put on headbands for my daughter. But I have to say I love how you made this stem with ripped material. I never would have thought to do that. It gives it a really natual??? look. I loved frayed things, though. Obviously I love your ripped napkins. Did I mention I love your site. Thanks!
If you like the frayed look, here’s an idea. When you cut out the flower, cut along the fold line, so instead of a fold, you now have 2 cut edges. As you are working with the flower, those edges will begin to fray. Then you can have a frayed flower! I might try this on my own, but I dare not put another flower on the site right now, hehe!
I love the second time around theme, that’s so much fun and super creative!
Thank you so very much. My daughter is so excited about this project. She collected 3 shirts while I was away with promises for many more. I love the raw edge on the stems. Just lovely. I will try to get a photo when I am done. I don’t have a digital camera but I will try to get you a picture when I am through. Warm thoughts and blessings.
What a fantastic post! First Sally’s e-mail and then your response. Sweet, sweet, sweet! Such great ideas all around. The flowers are so cute and the whole idea of “seconds” is way cool! Smiles to you all- 🙂
This probably is going to sound stupid but can I put a stem on the felt flowers or would it be too heavy? And If I do that should I use calico on the stem or felt?
Sure, you can add a stem to the felt flowers. I don’t think it’s any heavier than the calico… it may even be lighter. As far as wrapping the stem, you really can go either way. Of course you can’t rip felt, so cut it 3/4". It really depends on the look you want to get. Your stem will be slightly thicker if you use felt, and won’t have the ragged look. I think I would enjoy the mixture of felt and the cotton, but it’s just a matter of taste. Make a couple and see which you like better. If you don’t like one, just take it out and wrap with the other fabric. Have fun!
I made a flower yesterday and it turned out awful. I made it from a sheer blouse and it kept falling over on itself. I also had a very hard time getting the stem strips to stay on the flower. I had myself a good weep then called my daugher. She encouraged me to try another. I used a cotton shirt with a bit of an island print. It turned out superb. And it was much easier to attach the stem cloth. I can’t wait to make more. I think the day of the wedding I’ll tuck live baby’s breath or heather into the bouquet. Thank you so much for helping to make my daughter’s wedding special.
So sorry the first flower didn’t work out for you. It must have been so disappointing. I’m glad you stuck with it, though, and that your next one turned out nice. The fabric definitely does make a different. Using a fabric too thin or too thick will give poor results. Have fun making the rest of the flowers. BTW… I think tucking fresh flowers in with the cloth flowers will be lovely.