Well, it’s getting to be about that time again here in NE Ohio. Time to pull out the jackets, and soon, the winter coats.

And who wants to wear a plain winter coat? Not me! I’ve got to snazz mine up a bit.

I have a lovely jewelry box full of vintage brooches I’ve collected over time and also a box of vintage wool from various thrift store finds that I decided to put together and create one of a kind vintage and recycled brooches.

I’ll show you how to make them so you can have one of your own.

Supplies:

• Sizzix 657552 Framelits 8 Die Set, Scallop Circles
• Sizzix 655268 Big Shot Cutting-and-Embossing Roller-Style Machine
• 50 BAR Pins Brooches Jewelry Crafts 1″ Pin Backs
• Suit weight wool – washed in hot water to shrink and tighten the weave
• Quilting thread
• Needle
• Scissors
• Vintage brooch or button

First, cut 9 wool circles. If you aren’t using a die cutting machine you’ll want to create a template or pattern. My circles are 3 inches across.

Fold one of the circles into fourths so that it’s uneven and a few layers of folds show.

Stitch the folded circle onto a another circle as shown. I usually pull the thread pretty tight to make a fluffier flower.

Stitch in four more folded circles, points toward the center and sides meeting (think four pieces of pie).

Add another layer of four folded circles placing this second layer so that this layer covers the open spaces in the first layer.

See how pulling the thread tight creates a fluffy flower?

Next stitch another circle of wool to the back (this one is almost 2 inches across), you can use the same wool or a contrasting color.

Stitch the pin bar in place.

Be sure to stitch it toward the TOP of the circle so that the brooch isn’t floppy when it’s pinned on.

Finally, pin the vintage brooch to the center.

You can also stitch a button in place if you don’t have a brooch.

And now you can add a little something fun to your coat, packages, neck scarf or anything else you can stick a pin into.