Saturday, January 14, 2023

lodestar tree topper prototype



New design underway for a tree topper! I like how it's coming together so far. It's not complicated to make, but it sure takes a while. There are lots of pieces and lots of stitching, y'all.
 
It will have the same 3D layered star design on both sides so it can be viewed from either direction. (Or you can skip the back side if your tree is always against the wall. That's the lovely part of DIY.) Where's the cone, you say? I don't like dealing with those, as they never seem to work well or stay straight. This one will have a 3/16" wood dowel instead (painted to match your tree). So it will be like a star lollipop which will be secured to the tree top with your choice of pipe cleaners or zip ties and the dowel will disappear under the needles against the trunk. Easier to secure and straighten, IMO.

This design has been living in my head for a good long while, so it's nice to let it out. Lodestar means guiding star. I think it will be a nice topper for any sort of tree, because you can make it however you like in whatever colors you like, with stitching or no stitching, sparkle or sans sparkle. 

I have a few adjustments to make for the next sample, but this version is fairly close. Materials needed are wool felts (any combo of regular, metallic, or glittered), flosses, sequins, glass beads, Pellon 70 Peltex or stiffened craft felt, FabriTac glue, matching threads, 3/16 wood dowel, and paint which matches your tree color. Lots of frothy coffee, chocolate, and a nice long dialog heavy mini series you've been meaning to watch are recommended.

6 comments:

  1. Love that, hope you publish the pattern soon. What shades are the frlt you have used, I am placing an order to do another set of 12 days and might use your colourways!

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    1. Thank you! The Lodestar sample you see here is made with Benzie Aqua and Silver Metallic. I'm thinking of redoing part of it in Julep for some better contrast.

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  2. It's lovely! We have rather Victorian tree and I could see color scheme changes working beautifully.

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    1. Thank you, Carissa! I'm currently doing one in deep reds you might like.

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  3. Love the treetopper design! Can I buy the felt on your website? Or will you sell it as a kit? Absolutely love this!

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    1. The pattern will be in my Etsy shop when it's released, and you can get the exact felt I'm using at Benzie Design. I plan on publishing detailed color guides and they have expressed interest in offering kits for purchase. More details will come later. :-)

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