TDITM 26: February challenge complete!

NOTE: This post shows the older version before my March color freak out in which I remade all the TDITM 26 ornaments using White Instead of Ecru. My color guides show the latest ones. 🙂

My Turtle Dove is finished! I think I like it? I’m still duking it out with this cream/green/red/silver color palette. I’m not comfortable with it at all, and I keep second guessing every decision. More than the usual I mean. It’s kind of driving me crazy. I keep reaching for other colors to add into the palette and have to talk myself down. I have a couple of yellows in the palette intended as unifying accent colors, but every time I try to use one, it just seems wrong. I want to include a citron green felt so bad. I might boot the yellows and sub it in. Lydia originally wanted to include a lemony yellow, but I rejected it. Citron is close to lemon. Right? Your answer is yes.

The final one at the top is actually my second attempt. My first one, seen here, was rejected by me almost as soon as it was finished. I tried to convince myself that the wing inset was totally fine, not too dark at all. But I didn’t believe me, especially after photographing it. I’ll file this dove reject away in my sample drawer. I’m much happier with turtle dove 2.0. But I wish I’d tried the beak in one of the dark greens. Oh well. Let it go, Larissa.

BENZIE DESIGN FELT COLORS USED:
Blends: Ecru, Pink
100% wool Bellwether: Cherry Red, Silver Metallic
DETAILED COLOR GUIDE

Another beef I have with this palette is it’s hard for me to snap good images for some reason. The ecru blows out and the brights look too dark. Fingers crossed as the light lengthens I’ll get better shots. Or my photography skills will improve. I have never been great at Photoshop.

Pardon my wizened little hand. I’m not 100 years old, I just need some Kiehls. I added a green metallic sequin behind the French Knot on the eye, seen above, but besides that and the metallic eye swoosh I did not differ from my written instructions. Maybe I should have added some 4 mm green sequins behind the green French knots? Oh crud, I’ve just noticed I used the wrong silver floss for the hanging loop (Perle when it should be Diamant). I’ll fix that later. Arghhh. Speaking of hanging loops, I have a photo tutorial for how to sew those on coming soon.

JOIN THE CHALLENGE! It’s not too late. The goal is to sew one Twelve Days pattern per month in 2026. At this stage, it’s easy to catch up!

Is this type of crafting new to you? Get started here.

TO BUY: Twelve Days Ornaments patterns are available exclusively at mmmcrafts.etsy.com.
FELTS: Benzie Design
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner friendly