When I was in Purl Soho in New York City recently, I bought a pattern for a Winter Wreath. They had kits but I felt that I had all the materials at home, and so it proved to be.
I made a red one first using some felt that I found in an op shop, decorating it with gold thread and beads, and which I absolutely loved, but I really wanted a white one. I had some white felt that I had made and which was left over from the outfit I made for One Year One Outfit. I’m not much of a felter (pretty bad actually) so the felt is a bit thick and thin in places, instead of the nice smooth 1mm suggested, so I interfaced the thin bits to give them some body.
I cut a couple of rings and lots of shapes, including flowers, leaves, circles and strips which are turned into fringing. This is the sort of pattern which is easily replicated and any shapes would work. The wreath does take a surprising number, mostly because they are stacked on top of each other.
A close up of the components. For information, the two large circles have a diameter of 40cms and are 10cms wide, but this could easily be adjusted to accommodate personal requirements.
Here is the full catastrophe. I’m also showing some of the beads and metallic thread that I used. 
I used forked pins to attach the components whilst I decided where they should be placed.
Once everything is cut out, it’s time to assemble. First, using a slip stitch sew the two rings together in the centre.
Then sew the outer edge of the rings together, a few centimetres at a time, stuffing as you go. I used every bit of my scraps for this.
and when I ran out of felt I used scraps from my overlocker thread catcher. 
The effect isn’t as smooth as if I’d used polyester stuffing, but it’s nice to know that I have used all those scraps. 
Placing all the pieces is the good part. Stack them to create flowers and shapes and place the large components first to get them evenly spread. I used embroidery and beading to create the decorative elements.
A fair bit of mess is created. I finished up using some Madeira thread that had belonged to my mother. I’m not sure if this can still be bought, but it’s rather lovely. I needed beading needles for the beads, and a magnifying light to thread the beading needle!
But I could not have completed this project without the Easy Thread Tulip needles! They have a sort of double eye and the top part is open so that the thread can be slotted in. They make a huge difference, especially with the metallic thread.
Start filling in all the gaps with the different elements, pinning until you’re happy with the arrangement, then stitch.
As this white wreath was going on the outside wall, I used a fabric protection spray to protect it from dust and dirt, and gave it a few coats.
We hung it on the wall by the door. I was in two minds as to whether it just blended in too much.
So we swapped it for the red one. The jury is still out, but I think the red is a bit more striking.
It certainly shows up better from a distance and looks more Christmassy. We might finish up swapping them from time to time.
The white one has been relegated to the inside for now, although I’m not sure this is going to be its final home either.
I do have a bit of an urge to make some little ones as gifts, but I’m making some angels which are much, much faster!
Thanks so much for this Sue. I love it. And I love the subtlety of the white one on the outside (but you knew I would like that don’t you?). I’d love to make a white one too. And I love that it’s stuffed with scraps!
Thank you Judith, I do hope you make one. I think the white ones are pretty special. It does get a bit lost on our house when viewed from the street, whereas the red one stands out a bit. I will be polling the neighbours! I love stuffing things with scraps!
How lovely! A wonderful project and you provide terrific photos and tips.
Thank you Kathy, I was going for people being able to replicate the wreath without breaching the copyright of the pattern.
Oh, these are just so charming Sue! I adore them. So stylish.
Thank you Diane, I think they’re pretty stylish; I was immediately drawn to them in the shop.
I’ve admired the Purl Soho kits for ages but been put off by the idea that I could make this myself – and without the expense of importing the materials! Yours prove that theory as they look fabulous. I think I like the white one best.
Show us your angels Sue!
Thank you Kim, angels will be shown soon, I have to make a few more so that I have a choir! The kits are really expensive in Purl Soho, probably because the materials aren’t cheap to begin with, but I have needles and beads and other decorative things, so I decided to see what I could use from my stash. I’m thrilled that these turned out so well from what I could find.
These are both beautiful and me too, I love especially the white one. It’s so elegant while abundant at the same time. I like the idea of using scraps but doesn’t it make it very heavy? Using selfmade felt is fabulous!
Thank you SaSa, the scraps are certainly heavier than the polyester stuffing, and more bumpy, but they are not too bad. I’d rather use the scraps than the polyester and just reinforced the area where I sewed the d-ring used to hang it up.
Both wreaths are so lovely! Thank you for sharing – you make it look doable.
Thank you Eileen and it’s very doable!
Love your wreath especially the white one, which I thought looked very elegant on the outside of your house. Great idea to stuff with the off-cuts and eliminate waste. I have now immediately disappeared down the rabbit hole of the Purl Soho website and am the proud owner of their Winter Wreath and Winter Floral Stocking patterns. Something else to add to the ever expanding make for Christmas list.
I am so pleased! The stockings also looked gorgeous. I adore that white wreath! I have to buy them whilst I’m in NYC as the postage to Australia is ridiculous.
Stunning Christmas Wreath, I love the white but can see why it disappears a bit on your wall and the red has its own magic quality.
I have now gone down the rabbit hole as well and purchased the Winter Wreath pattern. I just hope I haven ‘t bitten off more than I can handle.
I’m so pleased that you’ve bought this lovely pattern Sharon. Wool felt works much better than polyester, so it’s worth buying. I can’t wait to see yours!
They are both lovely, Sue! So chuffed at the leftover stuffing!! Your approach to sustainability is inspiring every time!