Silver French knot sunburst embellished tote using the pattern in Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts

This was the super cool tote bag Provo craft was giving out at Maker Faire and I thought it would look cool with some added sparkle. I had seen this cool modern sunburst pattern made with french knots in Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts and thought I would try that. The pattern calls for raffia but I wanted sparkle so I used Kreinik Metallic thread #19 Braid.
I followed the great directions by drawing my circle with dissapearing ink using a glass as my template and then marking the center. It took me a few tries looking very closely at the french knot illustration because since I don't make them regularly... I forget. But the illustration is great and I quickly got the hang of it and in a very short time I had myself a sparkly sunburst on my tote.
I dipped it under running water to remove the ink and here you have a super close-up of my stitchin'.

This book is a great wealth of inspiration and tutorials. I will surely to be referencing it regularly.
More info from the publisher Potter Craft about:

Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts: Basic Techniques for Sewing, Applique, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing, and Printing, plus 150 Inspired Projects from A to Z

"Whether you just bought your first sewing machine or have been sewing for years, Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts will open your eyes to an irresistible range of ideas. A comprehensive visual reference, the book covers everything a home sewer craves: the basics of sewing by hand or machine, along with five other time-honored crafts techniques, and step-by-step instructions for more than 150 projects that reflect not only Martha Stewart’s depth of experience and crafting expertise, but also her singular sense of style.

Encyclopedic in scope, the book features two main parts to help you brush up on the basics and take your skills to a new level. First, the Techniques section guides readers through Sewing, Appliqué, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing, and Printing. Following that, the Projects A to Z section features more than 150 clever ideas (including many no-sew projects), all illustrated and explained with the clear, detailed instructions that have become a signature of Martha Stewart’s magazines, books, and television shows.

An enclosed CD includes full-size clothing patterns as well as templates that can be easily produced on a home printer. Fabric, thread, and tool glossaries identify the properties, workability, and best uses of common sewing materials. And, perhaps best of all, when you need it most, Martha and her talented team of crafts editors offer you the reassurance that you really can make it yourself.

The projects are as delightful as they are imaginative, and include classic Roman shades, hand-drawn stuffed animals, an easy upholstered blanket chest, a quilted crib bumper, French knot-embellished pillowcases and sheets, and Japanese-embroidered table linens, among many others.With gorgeous color photographs as well as expert instruction, this handy guide will surely encourage beginners and keep sewers and crafters of all experience levels wonderfully busy for many years to come."