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!
rose
Sunday 9th of January 2022
Youhave no more printed patterns for sale. What do I use to make the cirlce and words??
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts
Thursday 13th of January 2022
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.
Sue Smith
Saturday 23rd of October 2021
gotta try this
Rose
Sunday 26th of September 2021
Hi, I just got the material for the wheel and was wondering if September’s pattern is done. Thank you
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts
Wednesday 29th of September 2021
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. 🙂
Michelle Beaubien
Friday 3rd of September 2021
I just found this. Looking forward to seeing the next 4 flowers.
Kathryn
Thursday 26th of August 2021
Do you have patterns for July and August? I just bought the fabric for the wheel. What a lovely idea!
Jessica @ Cutesy Crafts
Friday 27th of August 2021
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. :)