Embroidered Phenology Wheel
With the New Year, I decided I wanted a new project to work on that would help me document it. I found some watercolor phenology wheels that I fell in love with, and knew I wanted to try it with embroidery. Phenology is the study of nature and how it is affected by the seasons and climate. So for a phenology wheel, you observe nature every month and draw (or in this case embroider) something that you observed each month. There’s a little “pie” slice for each month and the seasons and months are marked around the outside. At the end of the year, you have a beautiful work of art!
Buy the Fabric
I designed some phenology wheel fabric to make it easier to chart out my embroidery. I actually watercolored the ring and had that printed on the fabric as well. Isn’t it pretty? The “slices” are small, but I didn’t want to have to use bigger than a 10 inch hoop. Since I’d love to have you join me, I ordered a bunch of fabric and am selling in in my shop here. If you aren’t in the US, you can buy it from Etsy here.
Join the Stitch-A-Long!
For this year, 2021, I’m planning to do a stitch-a-long of sorts. I’ll be putting links to the patterns I design on this post each month, so keep checking back. I’ll also be posting on Instagram, sending an email newsletter, and filming a short YouTube video each month. So if you aren’t following along with one of those, go sign up. I’d love to see your work for the stitch-a-long too, so post your own photos on Instagram using #cutesycraftsSAL. That way we can get inspiration from others and share what we are working on.
Download the free pattern!
And because I want you all to be able to participate, even if you don’t buy my fabric, I’ve got a PDF of the phenology wheel that you can download free by clicking here. It will print out on two pages that you’ll have to cut and tape together. You can just transfer it with an ultra fine sharpie or something on the fabric of your choice. Check out my post on how to transfer embroidery patterns for help on how to do that. I’ll likely be using my FriXion pen and light table.
See my progress!
January – Dwarf Strawberry Tree
And now that I’m done, here’s a little updated photo of the finished project. Loved stitching this!
I have just found your blog and stated embroidering. I would love to do this project. Will you have the fabric with pattern on it for sale again on etsy?
Just listed a few more. I had to find a new company to print them for me.
Your wheel is just beautiful. Thank you so much for the patterns. I really want to do this one. Thanks again!
So pleased to have found your post. I know I’m a few years post project but this is the first year project that has caught my fancy. I live in the south so some of my choices might be different but you are inspiration!
Thank you, Jessica, for these beautiful patterns. I live in California too, but because of my allergies I miss the most beautiful part of spring. The only time I saw the poppies in bloom was several years ago when we went back to L.A. to dog sit for my brother while he went on a fishing trip. The hills on the Grape Vine were carpeted in golden California poppies. By the time we drove back over the mountains the poppies were almost all gone. I thank God for the blessing of being able to see the poppies when we did. Because of Covid-19 and underlying health issues I have been in isolation for a very long time. Your Phenology wheel will bring so much joy and beauty into my home. Thank you again.
I’m sooo thankful that I don’t have allergies! A couple of my kids do, but thankfully it’s managed with medicine. I love poppies so much! When I was a kid, I thought if I picked one I would be arrested. Haha! I’m sorry that you’ve been in isolation for so long, but I’m glad this could bring you a little bit of joy.
Just learning to embroider. Thank you for patterns!
I wouldn’t use a FriXion pen. Apparently the ink returns if it gets cold! Yikes!
I’m doing an embroidery journal for 2023 and am using your pattern as a starting point.
Happy New Year!
Yes, it does. I always try to completely cover any marks that I make with them. Then if there’s just a little showing on the edge, the heat makes them disappear. Luckily I also live in California, so it doesn’t get too cold.
Youhave no more printed patterns for sale. What do I use to make the cirlce and words??
I have more on the way! If you don’t want to wait, you can trace it onto some fabric using a light table or sunny window. Use something light like a pencil and then go over it with a ultra fine Sharpie.
gotta try this
Hi, I just got the material for the wheel and was wondering if September’s pattern is done. Thank you
I usually give myself the month the find something in nature and then try to get it done early the following month. Sometimes it takes a little longer, depending on what’s going on in my life. September’s should be in the next week or so. 🙂
I just found this. Looking forward to seeing the next 4 flowers.
Do you have patterns for July and August? I just bought the fabric for the wheel. What a lovely idea!
Thank you! I finished July, just need to get the video and post up. Should be in the next week or so. Getting started stitching August soon. I usually take a blogging break during the summer, so that’s why they are late. 🙂
Can’t wait to try it. Thank you so much 💕
Love you videos!
Looking forward to it
Hi , I couldn’t download it..
Oh sorry, it would definitely help if I included the link! 😉 Just added it.