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Dove 1

Here are some simple ornaments I have been making this month whenever I have a moment. I made a bunch of them for my stall at the recent craft fair- cream felt with red stitching then red with cream thread, and they all sold out. Nice to think of them nestled in trees around the country. 

They're quite nice to give atop Christmas presents, or as matching pairs for friends and wool felt is always therapeutic to work with.

I've shared the very simple pattern + instructions below, just in case you have any spare ornament-making moments in your week ahead. You never know.

PEACE DOVE ORNAMENTS

You will need:

-a small amount of wool felt in various colours

– strong sewing thread in matching colours

– small amount of stuffing (wool or polyester)

– needle, scissors, tailor's chalk (optional)

– paper template/pattern (see below)

Dove pattern
LET'S MAKE THEM:

Trace or print the template and cut out of paper. Cut two dove shapes from wool felt and transfer markings with tailor's chalk, if desired.

Using strong sewing thread (I find it's easier to use a single strand, rather than 2 strands of standard embroidery floss) begin at one of the points marked at the bottom of the bird shape and work a small, tight blanket stitch to sew the felt pieces together.

Finish sewing at the other marking, leaving a small gap in the base of the bird. Insert a small amount of stuffing, and use the blunt end of a pencil to make sure the wings are evenly filled out.

Continue stitching around the bird to sew up the gap.

Using the pattern markings as a guide, embroider an eye and olive leaf pattern on both sides of the bird body.

At the point where I've marked a cross on the template, sew a hanging loop from the same thread.

Make a whole flight* of doves in different colours.

*great collective noun I just found on wikipedia.)

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22 responses to “peace dove pattern”

  1. CHD Avatar

    They are very sweet. Thank you for sharing the pattern. I have a collection or ‘flight’ of various birds on my tree and these doves will be a lovely addition to them. Cx

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  2. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    I made a flight of these last year, when I saw them on your page – kinda figured the pattern out as I went. They are so easy to make, and they look fab on my tree. Also made a few for friends as well.

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  3. Mar Avatar
    Mar

    Thank you for sharing the pattern.
    The doves are really lovely!!
    Greetings
    -mar-

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  4. Andrea Avatar

    Lovely! I love making ornaments for people at Christmastime.

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  5. Meg Avatar
    Meg

    Oooooh! I know two small boys who will cherish a dove each. Thanks for sharing your pattern!

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  6. lililila Avatar

    Thank you for this tutorial, really makes me want to have a go !

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  7. Sera Avatar
    Sera

    So sweet! Thank you for sharing 🙂 a flight of doves is lovely!
    Just a quick question though – if I embroider the pattern on the pieces before sewing together/stuffing, will it still be ok?
    Merry Christmas
    Sera

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  8. Kristina Avatar

    Lovely 🙂 Thanks for the pattern !

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  9. tinyhappy Avatar

    hi sera- yes of course- thats a good idea. 🙂

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  10. Angela Avatar

    What a great pattern, so nice of you to share it! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you and your family!

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  11. Littleminx.wordpress.com Avatar

    Merry Christmas Melissa! Thank you for a wonderful year of blogging – and the great news that you are (at last!!!) publishing a book! What a start to the New Year. Have a wonderful Christmas break – love to you and your family x

    Like

  12. Mary Avatar
    Mary

    Hi Melissa – just popped on for a break in the preXmas excitment and saw your book news! Awesome! Just the ticket for my niece’s birthday. BTW she has asked for “craft stuff” for Xmas – sweet 😉 – I shall also be forwarding the prize I have apparently one from entering the Good Magazine competition re: Craft 2.0 which was listed here : http://good.net.nz/blog/guests/craft-20-this-saturday I’d like to think I won because of the wordsmithing of my comment, and in honour of my fanship of your work, but I confess the email reads “we drew your name…”. Merry Christmas x

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  13. Mary Avatar
    Mary

    .. aha I am not a journo. Sorry – I am forwarding the prize to my niece, not you (!?!) just in case that is unclear. 😉 but I will keep forwarding you fabulous feedback aye?

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  14. Becca McCallum Avatar

    Oh, those are lovely! I particularly like the white one with the red thread.

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  15. louana Avatar

    beautiful! merry festive season to you and your family xxx

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  16. Carol Avatar

    Lovely pattern, hope the doves of peace are flying round the world tomorrow.
    Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Christmas. Carol xx

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  17. agnes szucs / iiiinspired Avatar

    so lovely! i’d love to work with felt.
    xoxo
    agnes

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  18. Louise Avatar
    Louise

    Thank you so much for sharing this pattern. Will definitely try these for the holidays. I’m sure they’re going to make a great addition to the Asian glass ornaments of my holiday tree.

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  19. tinyhappy Avatar

    that sounds great louise, have fun : )

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  20. Karen Avatar
    Karen

    Thanks for the dove pattern Melissa. I hope to try it with my residents at the Aged Care facility. Craft activities are always fun at Christmas. Hope you have a relaxing Christmas with your family.
    Cheers
    Karen
    Newcastle NSW

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  21. tinyhappy Avatar

    great to hear karen, hope they enjoy their activities, a very happy christmas to you and your whanau! x

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  22. Brigade Valencia Avatar

    It’s looks great Melissa, I love this and have a wonderful day.

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