August's Swatch of the Month combines the beading and ruffle elements we explored in May, June, and July. The stencil, Kristina's Rose, uses curved lines to create a somewhat abstract floral design. Those curves, when accentuated with beads and appliquéd fabric strips, create a texturally rich fabric treatment. We used three different techniques to create this swatch: folded stripe appliqué, beaded chain stitch appliqué, and beaded rosebud stitch.
Begin by cutting ½" strips of fabric in two colors. The number of strips needed will depend upon the surface area your stencil will cover and the number of shapes you choose to appliqué.
Transfer the design to your fabric using your stenciling method of choice. An enlargeable version of this stencil with accompanying instructions and fabric map are shown on pages 126-127 of Alabama Studio Sewing + Design. You can also download a copy of the Kristina's Rose stencil from our Resources page.
Select one rose shape to embellish using folded stripe appliqué. To do this, hold together two of your ½" strips (using the two different colors), then randomly fold them back and forth along the line of the stenciled rose shape, while sewing them into place with a beaded straight stitch. Refer to page 108 of Alabama Studio Sewing + Design for detailed instructions and photographs.
Move to your next rose shape. Using one ½" fabric strip, appliqué using a beaded chain stitch. View page 105 of Alabama Studio Sewing + Design for a detailed photograph.
Choose another rose shape and sew a beaded rosebud stitch (pages 25 and 79 of Alabama Studio Sewing + Design) to cover the stenciled shape. Continue moving from shape-to-shape, alternating techniques until you have completed all of the rose shapes.
The hi-resolution photograph above of the Beaded Kristina's Rose swatch, for use as your computer desktop background, is available for download from our Resources page.
Or purchase a Swatch of the Month Club membership and receive all supplies necessary to complete this swatch.
If you purchase a membership to our Swatch of the Month Club, you will receive a package with the supplies necessary to complete a different swatch for each month of 2014 – including past months.