The Waltz of the Flowers

“The Waltz of the Flowers” is a song written by Tchaikovsky for the second act of the ballet.  The song starts slowly and leads into a big ending. 

What I really enjoyed about designing the flower ornaments is that there are a lot of variations that can be done with this pattern.  Wool felt has a lot of colors, whether you prefer pastel or jewel tones.  The bodice and skirts can be embroidered at whichever skill level you are.  

 I had a lot of fun painting the different heads for these dancers.  From simple to more elaborate, this is a patterns that can be tailored to any special ballerina in your life.

The Russian Dancer

Dances from different countries representing various sweets are performed for Clara's entertainment. The Russian dance represents tea cakes. 

It is one of the most recognizable pieces in the Nutcracker ballet. I've been to performances where audience members have clapped along to the music.  It's based on a traditional Russian and Ukrainian folk dance called a trepak (tropak/tripak).  

It's an entertaining, energetic, fast paced dance with Cossak orgins.  Loose, billowy trousers and blouses hint at horseback riding and is typically performed by men and features prisiadka (kicking the legs from a squatting position).  

This guy has a moustache and spiky hair peeking out from beneath his hat, and the shirt is embroidered with a combination of cross stitch, bullion stitch, back stitch, and French knots.  This type of elaborate embroidery is common in Eurasian folk costumes.  Red pants are also a variation that look good on this particular ornament.  His body is two colored, and stitched together at the waist.

Don't worry about your stitches - the blouse will cover it.  Most of my ornament patterns call for short stemmed 6 inch chenille stems, but for this one a regular pipe cleaner from the store will work just fine.  The legs are pretty long, and you can trim any "fuzz" that escapes beyond the felt, if needed.