The familiar sight of Royal Canadian Legion boxes overflowing with red poppies for sale are available on most corners of the city leading up to November 11th. The iconic plastic poppy has been around probably as long as Remembrance Day and Veterans Day. As you know, we are always looking for simple sewing projects to make - this felt poppy is an easy and meaningful craft to make.
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As lovely as the poppies are, perhaps the most challenging thing is finding a way to keep them pinned to your jacket. My mother was a creative woman and she would replace the straight pin with a tiny Canada flag pin - with a backer that clicked and locked in place.
That solution did work, however while chatting with my girls about Remembrance Day last year we decided to get a little crafty. We dropped our donation in a local poppy box and instead of taking a poppy from the box we went home and figured out how to make a Remembrance poppy from felt.
Sewing a poppy is a wonderful way to get children interested in learning more about Remembrance Day and Veterans Day. The first world war is very far removed from us - it ended over 100 years ago! How can children possibly understand why we wear a Veterans Day poppy pin.
So, we read the famous In Flanders Fields poem and we took the time to discuss the impact that war has had on our lives. We also took the time to discuss the wars that have followed WWI - after all, unfortunately, it wasn't the last war we have faced.
Who knew a simple sewing craft could lead to such interesting and heartfelt conversations.
How to Make a Felt Poppy
coordinating red and green thread
print out of our felt poppy template
needle and scissors
paper
To make the petals and the centre of the poppy, print off our Remembrance poppy template - the felt poppy template.
Cut out four hearts in red felt. Cut the circular paper flower centre from green or black felt. The paper flower centre is small enough that you don't even need to use a pin, simply hold the cutout in place.
Cut out the flower and the flower centre.
Next, pile the pointed end of the hearts together...slightly overlapping. Sew the hearts together. Once the hearts are together you can sew the pin to the backside of the centre of the red felt. The stitches will be hidden when you sew on the green centre.
Finally, sew the green centre piece onto the red flower. Be sure to tie any knots on the backside of the poppy. Pin the poppy to your sweater or jacket - on the left side of your chest - over your heart.
In no way do I believe that we should not donate to the Royal Canadian Legion or your local Veterans organization. In fact, I think we should give more. These felt poppies are a tribute to the original plastic poppies.
My daughters and really liked the idea of making a beautiful poppy to honour our veterans. These poppies can be worn for years to come. With our poppies on our jackets and our donations made, we are ready for Remembrance Day.
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Check out all of these lovely Remembrance Day crafts to make.
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Domestic Goddesque says
I was hoping that you would be able to link up with my poppy-related linky? I do read your blog (in fact I subscribe and share though am utterly hopeless at commenting) and I love the craft.
Domestic Goddesque says
And thank you for linking. I appreciate it!