Golden Moth Orchid by Alison Cole

Alison, who finds inspiration for her designs wherever she looks, is often captivated by the wildflowers she sees in her own garden and surrounding areas.

She has an uncanny ability to imagine those flowers in thread, and the talent and skill to make those ideas a reality.

In Inspirations issue #115, Alison has spoiled us again with one of her gorgeous, stumpwork re-creations of a uniquely Australian wildflower. The golden moth orchid is a delicate flower with sunny yellow petals that grows in Alison’s home state.

Golden moth orchid image via iNaturalistAU (source)

Diuris protena likes moist places, in particular grasslands and forests. It features dainty yellow flowers that grow on tall, straight stems surrounded by elegant narrow leaves.

Although the golden moth orchid used to be common, it has suffered a catastrophic decline in range and abundance in recent years due to the disturbance and destruction of its habitat, grazing, weed invasion and altered fire regimes. The Victorian government has put in place a national recovery plan to reinvigorate this beautiful little flower and ensure its survival for the future.

Alison has paid homage to the golden moth orchid in this latest stumpwork project. Worked on hand-dyed silk twill to give a dappled effect, the study features three perfect blooms with detached petals and sepals. The elegant stalks sweep downwards to the cluster of sword-like leaves at the base, which are created using a combination of detached and surface elements.

Finally, the plant grows from a curled clump of moss made from overtwisting yarn to form an herbaceous riot of green.

Like all of Alison’s gorgeous projects, she suggests the order in which you should work, starting with the surface embroidery, and then taking the time to create all the detached elements.

Collecting of wildflowers is no longer encouraged as many species are protected so they can continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. Alison’s Golden Moth Orchid allows you to ‘collect’ your flowers and display them, knowing that they will retain their fresh, golden glory forever while the real golden moth orchids continue to bloom and grow each season in the woodlands and meadows outside.

Make Your Own Golden Moth Orchid

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Golden Moth Orchid by Alison Cole is a superb stumpwork study of a golden Australian orchid.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Golden Moth Orchid includes everything* you need to re-create this striking flower: Fabrics (unprinted), wire, embroidery threads and needles.

*Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to the magazine/digital pattern.