As discussed with the others in my Sparkly Chickens Yahoo Group, Beth's choice of a paisley pattern for her Receiver's choice block was a bit of a puzzle for me, as I didn't really know where to start. I'm rarely lacking in creativity, but for some reason it took a while for me to get the right inspiration for this block. I couldn't use my normal battery of techniques, so decided to dig out one I'd learned from Penny Berens many years ago. You layer three to four different fabrics and then stitch out your design (Penny had us scribble with crayons first - no designing required!). The paisley outline was drawn on freezer paper, which was then ironed onto the stacked fabrics and free motion stitched. I then stitch sketched the designs on the inside of the shape. Next, the embroidery scissors and I snip, snip, snipped to reveal the different layers of fabric. Then out came the embroidery floss and three simple stitches, buttonhole, french knot and running. Time consuming, but oh so satisfying!
I suspect that Beth was looking for complicated and unusual and I'm happy to say I think I gave it to her.
This block is now happily living with Beth in South Africa. It took a month to get to her. Two weeks from Canada to the US and then two weeks to South Africa via diplomatic mail. Sheesh! That was a very long time to have to wait for a reaction....
By the way, don't forget to drop by Beth's blog to say hello! Her photography is amazing and she even sprinkles in a little bit of stitching......
11 comments:
How very, very beautiful. Worth waiting for.
I always get a giggle at the mention of the sparkly chickens. Love the piece Anne Marie. And I know Beth will too.
definately complicated and unusual, and gorgeous as well, but i'm still amazed at the time delay.
hey, shouldn't you bee-buzzing?
It's gorgeous and lush! Well done!
Analisa
YUMTH MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM that is stunning--love the colours and the details---and the fact that it wasn't plonked on a square but stands on its own
This is so beautiful, quite amazing. I wish I could produce something like this one day.
I love paisley! very alluring!
'Paisley' must be going around!! I played with zentangles last week and for some reason they wanted to be paislies (which is something I have NEVER done). Must be something in the air!!!!
That is just gorgeous. I'm getting nervous about my contribution to Beth's paisley quilt.
Thanks everyone!!!
Karen, I don't think that you have anything to worry about. You'll do a fabulous job!
Arlee, although it was constructed separately, I confess that I did blanket stitch it to a white background. It's a block exchange, so I couldn't just leave it nekkid!!!
Melody, the Sparkly Chickens frequently make me giggle as well.
Post a Comment