Serendipity Sunday–Framboise

This week’s flower had me confused on several levels.

First of all, the name sounds quite exotic, but I found that it is simply the French word for ‘raspberry!’  Scientifically, it encompasses the genus rubus, which consists of literally hundreds of species.  I had quite a time finding a picture of the flower that resembles today’s fabric version!

The center of the flower is represented by this piece of gathered ribbon.  As usually happens with my crafting I do not have the exact supply specified in the book, so my substitutions may or may not come out looking as the author intended!  But, I just run with it.

The center is stitched onto a circle and the circle is folded.  Another opportunity for confusion!  Most of the previous flowers have had precise measurements for folding, but not this one.  So I eyeballed it according to the drawing.

Actually, I think I did each of the three flowers differently!  I’m not even sure what is different, although I can see that the one on the left is markedly so.  Hmmm.

I tried for a couple of buds . . . which did not go very well at all, so no photos at this time!  I tried several ways of manipulating the ribbon to make a budlet like the picture in the book, but both of mine really look the worse for wear.  I will have to try again on a day when I am feeling refreshed and fearless!

Here is today’s results.  They don’t look half bad against that yellow background, do they?  I will need to add stems and leaves when it comes time to put the Summer piece together.

Speaking of putting together a piece . . .

“Botanic Gardens: Spring” is finished!  Er, almost.  I believe I need  some leaves in the lower left corner to balance a bit better.  But, the background has been quilted and all the leaves and flowers are stitched down.  I will leave it pinned to the ‘design wall’ as inspiration while working on Summer.