Circle Needle Book

Just a few days ago, I posted about finishing the All-Seasons Wreath sampler from Dropcloth Samplers @dropcloth, and hinted at having a plan for making it into something. I had intended to wait a bit, but interest was peaked in the Dropcloth facebook group, so I decided why not? Let's see what I can do.

My inspiration was the Sashiko Stitched Needle Book tutorial by founder Lynn Woll over on Create Whimsy. I was familiar with the tutorial ever since receiving a needle book made with it in a guild swap back in 2023, and it came to mind as I was finishing the circular wreath sampler. So here's my version.

I started by using #8 Wonderfil perle cotton Ball Pit (EZM1055) to fill in the center of the sampler with a couched grid. Then I cut the sampler into a circle, with about a half-inch allowance all around. It was already backed with a piece of Essex linen, but I added a layer of Hobbs Tuscany Unbleached 100% cotton batting by spray-basting it on.

For a lining, I used Kaleidoscope in strawberry by Alison Glass. Then I layered it all together, right-sides together, and stitched around the perimeter, turned it right-sides out, and hand-stitched the opening closed.

Next, I added two layers of wool felt on the inside, hand-stitching it down the center. 

I also stitched around the perimeter with perle cotton, leaving the knots showing on the interior.

The last little detail was a closure! I had in mind that I'd add a snap at the end, but then I just didn't think the snaps I had would be sturdy enough, so instead, I chose to use a leather lacing for a wrapped closure. I machine-stitched it on the back inside with tiny stitches, then just wrap it around the needle book and tuck the end in. 

The needle book measures 8" in diameter, and ya know? Though stitching the sampler maybe wasn't my favorite of the bunch, I'm certainly happy with the finish.