Today's detail is for simple little Forgetmenots. The Victorians used flowers to symbolize their emotions and Forgetmenots were one of the most popular flower used in Victorian needlework.
Click on the photo to go to my Flickr page to download a larger version of the pattern.
Again, please respect my copyrights.
Cross Stitch Patterns inspired by nature, animals, holidays and scripture by Pamela Kellogg
Monday, July 24, 2006
Sunday, July 23, 2006
1930 Crazy Quilt Block
Another project that I plan to start on later today. For quite awhile, I've been wanting to do a crazyquilt block with a 1930's feel. The floral print in the center is from a vintage hankie. The hankie was not in the greatest shape but the corners were pretty good and I just loved the bright cheerful pattern. This is a perfect way to use damaged vintage textiles.
What I would like to try to do with this block, is to teach beginners how to balance a crazyquilt design using color and embellishments. I'm not even sure this is the right piece for teaching but hey, I'm up for a good challenge!
For a beginner, I definately recommend working with a focal point. In this block, the focal point is the print in the center of the design. As you can see, I used more simple fabrics around the outside of it. The focal point will draw the eye to the center first and then it can move around the outside of the block. A good trick too when working with a focal point, is to place it a bit off center. Honestly, I'm not sure why this is but visually, it just looks better.
A good way to begin balancing a block is to repeat your fabrics. Many of the books I have recommend using 1 fabric for every 1 inch of your block. So, if your block is 9 inches square, they recommend that you use 9 different fabrics. Well, that's not what I recommend. I cut that theory in 1/2 and use only 4 or 5 different fabrics repeating some of them.
As you can see, the red dot fabric is at the top right and again, at the bottom left. The yellow gingham is at the top left and again to the right of the print. Same with the white and blue dot fabric. The pink 1930's repro print was only used one. I wanted to bring some of the pinks out of the flowers and down a little bit.
You can see that the fabrics I chose, match the colors in the hankie.
Remember though, there is no right or wrong with crazyquilting. It's about what's pleasing to the stitcher and her eye! Keep in the mind, this just how I work!
Tomorrow, I'll explain how to start using color and embroidery to balance a block.
What I would like to try to do with this block, is to teach beginners how to balance a crazyquilt design using color and embellishments. I'm not even sure this is the right piece for teaching but hey, I'm up for a good challenge!
For a beginner, I definately recommend working with a focal point. In this block, the focal point is the print in the center of the design. As you can see, I used more simple fabrics around the outside of it. The focal point will draw the eye to the center first and then it can move around the outside of the block. A good trick too when working with a focal point, is to place it a bit off center. Honestly, I'm not sure why this is but visually, it just looks better.
A good way to begin balancing a block is to repeat your fabrics. Many of the books I have recommend using 1 fabric for every 1 inch of your block. So, if your block is 9 inches square, they recommend that you use 9 different fabrics. Well, that's not what I recommend. I cut that theory in 1/2 and use only 4 or 5 different fabrics repeating some of them.
As you can see, the red dot fabric is at the top right and again, at the bottom left. The yellow gingham is at the top left and again to the right of the print. Same with the white and blue dot fabric. The pink 1930's repro print was only used one. I wanted to bring some of the pinks out of the flowers and down a little bit.
You can see that the fabrics I chose, match the colors in the hankie.
Remember though, there is no right or wrong with crazyquilting. It's about what's pleasing to the stitcher and her eye! Keep in the mind, this just how I work!
Tomorrow, I'll explain how to start using color and embroidery to balance a block.
Crayon Tinted Fruit
Every now and then, I love to do simple outline embroidery using my extensive collection of vintage iron-on transfers. I plan to start on this later today.
Gina asked me what a "Doorknocker" is. For those of you who don't understand what they are, basically, they're small pillows with ribbons or ties sewn into the top. They can be hung on doorknobs or hooks and they just add a nice homey touch to a room. Since they're small, they're easy to store and can be changed with the holidays and seasons. Heaven knows, we can't frame everything we stitch so this is a nice way to display small stitched pieces. They're easy to finish too!
If you'd like to know how to make one, visit my Kitty & Me website and click on "Tutorials".
Gina asked me what a "Doorknocker" is. For those of you who don't understand what they are, basically, they're small pillows with ribbons or ties sewn into the top. They can be hung on doorknobs or hooks and they just add a nice homey touch to a room. Since they're small, they're easy to store and can be changed with the holidays and seasons. Heaven knows, we can't frame everything we stitch so this is a nice way to display small stitched pieces. They're easy to finish too!
If you'd like to know how to make one, visit my Kitty & Me website and click on "Tutorials".
100 Details In 100 Days - Day 33
Continuing on with the "Bug Theme", I've worked up a very popular crazy quilt motif for you, the Bumblebee.
The nice thing about this little design, is that you can turn him in whatever direction you want him, depending on where you place your waste canvas. If you stitch him on fabric, you can do the same thing when you do your foundation piecing.
Enjoy!
The nice thing about this little design, is that you can turn him in whatever direction you want him, depending on where you place your waste canvas. If you stitch him on fabric, you can do the same thing when you do your foundation piecing.
Enjoy!
Saturday, July 22, 2006
100 Details In 100 Days - Day 32
As you can see, I'm trying to do motifs that you would find on traditional Victorian Crazyquilts. The Victorians loved their bugs so continuing on with that theme, today's offering is a dragonfly.
I've never been a huge fan of dragonflies and not sure why. They don't bother me when I see them outside. I think I'm just always attracted to the butterflies forgetting about how pretty some of the dragonflies really are.
Again, I hope that you'll add your own ideas to this design. Change the floss colors to suit your liking or your project. Try metallic thread for the wings. The wings do not have to be done in black. Make then any color you like and have fun with it!
I've never been a huge fan of dragonflies and not sure why. They don't bother me when I see them outside. I think I'm just always attracted to the butterflies forgetting about how pretty some of the dragonflies really are.
Again, I hope that you'll add your own ideas to this design. Change the floss colors to suit your liking or your project. Try metallic thread for the wings. The wings do not have to be done in black. Make then any color you like and have fun with it!
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