Remembering with a poppy heart ...

 

A part of my tutoring time that I found inspiring was passing on the importance of Remembrance Sunday & the history behind it. 

There is so much history around the wars but war poetry was popular with my students, especially Shropshire born Wilfred Owen. I wrote about him last year in this blog post. 

The two minute silence has a strong South African connection, having been recommended by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick. 

I will visit Shrewsbury Abbey later in the week when I am in our county town & will update on their tremendous effort ahead of Remembrance Sunday. 

I have had it in my mind to sew a poppy heart & today while out & about, I paged through a vintage book & saw some phrases that inspired me. 

While on our recent Gentlework sewing day, several people added written words from a vintage book Christine had & it really added to their work. 

The vintage book I found today is printed on heavy card & so perfect to use as an additional bit to my stitching. 

The vintage book was a mere 50p, & I know I will use it for more words in future projects. 

I drew a heart shape on a fabric base, then added various fabrics from my stash to it, mindful that the rough brown of the fabric resembled the conditions many encountered on the battlefield. I added in various stitches & then cut red fabric circles to use as poppies. 

These were doubled up & attached with just a single French Knot in the centre of each. 

I stitched some red French knots in other places & it was one of those makes that come naturally & in no time I was happy to trim the edges, then use a sturdy mercer thread to sew up the edges with blanket stitch. The thread blended well, not distracting from it at all. 

I added in a fabric loop, and stuffed it gently when I was almost back at my starting point. 

Then I turned it over to the back & cut out a few phrases & words from the vintage book. I had to use an all purpose glue to stick them down. 

I am pleased with the impromptu make,  it is appropriate ahead of the services this weekend & a timely reminder to honour the service of those who paid the ultimate price on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. 

Thank you for stopping by, it is always appreciated. 

Dee ♥️