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Have you encounted many mushrooms on your crisp autumn walks? How about the stunning Turkey Tail mushroom? Its delightful array of colors stand out against the dying fall foliage and readily attract the eye. Maker Team member Megan of @mlevacy has transformed the natural wonder into a felt collar necklace that your Fall wardrobe will love. It's a perfect representation of autumn.
This stylized necklace trio is an homage to the humble Turkey Tail Mushroom in all its glory. The simplicity of the cottage-core pattern lies in its easy layering of felt and basic use of the embroidered backstitch. It is sure to please any nature lover! Choose between a single, triple or multi-shelf pattern depending on your skill level and time. Create all three to create a layered effect that is sure to make a statement with any outfit!
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Time: 3-9 hours, depending on size
Additional Supplies:
Turkey Tail Mushroom Necklace Pattern (click to download)
Iron
Directions:
Preparing Mushroom Layers
Necklace can be made in three different sizes - with one, three or six groups of layers. The example below will detail making the largest size with six groups. However, the technique and finishing for all sizes are the same.
1. Download Mushroom Necklace Pattern above. Print (or trace) mushroom layers as well as the Front/Back for the desired necklace as outlined. If tracing, transfer the alpha-numeric label for each shape to make assembly easier. Iron templates to designated color. Cut out each piece but do not remove backing paper.
Assembling Mushroom Layers
2. Lay out Front piece (cut using freezer paper) as demonstrated on Placement Map. Select the appropriate pieces starting alphabetically and numerically (A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, etc.) Remove paper from backs of the cut out pieces and lay shiny side down as you go.
Layer A1 on the front piece of felt, followed by A2. Cover with a pressing sheet and iron in place according to manufacturer's instructions.
3. Layer B1, B2 and B3 (in order) over A pieces as shown. Cover with a pressing sheet and iron in place.
4. Layer C1, C2 and C3 (in order) over A pieces as shown. Cover with a pressing sheet and iron in place.
5. Layer D1 and D2 (in order) over B pieces as shown. Cover with a pressing sheet and iron in place.
6. Layer E1 and E2 (in order) over previous groups as shown. Cover with a pressing sheet and iron in place.
7. Layer F1 and F2 (in order) over previous groups as shown. Cover with a pressing sheet and iron in place.
Adding Stitched Details
8. Once all pieces are ironed on to Front piece, use three strands of embroidery floss in your color of choice to embellish layers. Use a simple back stitch or explore other stitches such as the running stitch or chain stitch.
Although a map is provided for reference, add as many or as few striations as desired. For continuity between colors, try to use each color for 2-3 different areas.
Finishing Mushroom Necklace
9. Cut two 18-20" lengths of ribbon.
10. Take Back piece (cut using iron-on adhesive), remove backing paper and align with embellished Front piece. Place shiny side on the back of Front piece to cover back of stitching.
11. Before ironing Front and Back, place ribbons at either end of piece, between layers. Cover sandwiched components with pressing sheet and iron. Due to the number of layers, you may need to apply heat longer than instructed to ensure complete fusion.
12. Trim finished piece as desired. Leave a border around perimeter or cut edges flush with one another.
By changing the color of felt or the location of a color, you can easily customize your Turkey Tail Necklace in a way that suits you best. Look online at pictures of Turkey Tail Mushrooms for additional inspiration! There are so many differences that you are sure to find something that speaks to you.
When you further explore different stitches, you create exciting textures that will draw the eye just as much as the colors you choose. Regardless of what you choose, your Turkey Tail Necklace will be the perfect addition to your Fall wardrobe.
Thanks to Megan for designing and writing this tutorial! You can see more of her work on Instagram @mlevacy and on her website. Stay tuned for more tutorials from the Benzie Design Maker Team!
