A Short Video of some Motifs/Techniques Learned in the Free Courses!
I'm heading out today for a 3-day excersion...to Mississippi. But, before leaving, I did manage to get my first block stitched on Benji's Pockets.
I got some red/white fabric while we were in Branson...for the sashing and borders; rather than the brown and cream shown in the pattern.
Working on block #2...and taking it with me, not sure that I'll actually get any of it stitched while gone however.
I've scheduled a couple of posts...with a surprise on Sunday!
Here is the finished top...all of the embroidery blocks look so cute!
I'm excited to start on the quilting part. At first, I thought about having it machine done...but have decided to give hand quilting it a go instead. It's been a while since I did any hand quilting, so I need to make sure that my skills don't get too rusty!
The fabric for the sashing and border does not show up very well in the photo, but it is a cheery little floral print...very current in style, and I'm sure that my niece will enjoy it.
Well, we have arrived at the last little block in this quilt! Isn't it cute? It could be the very cutest of the entire quilt...but it is hard to pick just one design. Brenda Riddle did a wonderful job of creating a very sweet little quilt. The three little bullion roses at the top are added, and had the quilt not been going to a wee little baby...I would have used beads or buttons. But, I was afraid of Ely getting those into her mouth (even though I stitch my beads and buttons very securely) so...the little extra touches of embroidery were done instead.
Block eight was a bit of a challenge because of the color of threads I choose to work in. It really wanted to be a red velvet coat...but that just would not have gone with the other blocks at all! Instead it is a green coat with a pink under dress. White rayon thread was used to satin stitch the ruffle of the dress that is peeking out from under the coat.
This little short set was fun to embroider with blue thread for the shorts and a variegated thread for the top. It did not take long to work up. Most of it is simple stem stitch. The color and pocket are done in white rayon threads to give the white some more depth against the light linen background.
You might have noticed that the center embroidery is now "darker" than the rest of the block. That's because I decided that I did not like the pellon interfacing on the blocks after all. It did give them some nice structure, but was too stiff...so, after the embroidery was finished...I trimmed away the pellon. Only the center elements have it behind them now. After the quilt batting is added, the center might not look as pronounced...but, I hope that it does because I like the contrast from that area of the block and the background.
Here is the center position block for Betsy's Closet Quilt. While at retreat last week (and while driving to and from there) I worked on the embroidery blocks for this little quilt as much as I could. It was very relaxing to sit and visit with friends while stitching, and as a result...all of the blocks have been completed! Yeah!
Now, to get them into a quilt top. I found some fabric that I liked while at the quilt show with the group, and will be taking the old sashing off and re-doing with the new one!
But first, I'll share the finished blocks with you...so stop by tomorrow for a peek at the next block!
I'm still working my way through the blocks for Betsy's Closet pattern by Brenda Riddle.
I got my pattern from the Acorn Quilt & Gift Company (Brenda's shoppe) but it is available elsewhere too. She also just released Benji's Pockets...which I'll have to do next!
Both of these patterns were first designed as applique quilts...so she has those patterns available in the quilt pattern section of her shop. However, I like embroidery....so am very glad that she re-designed them and re-released them as these lovely embroidery patterns!
Here is Block #2, changed a little bit to add a fluffy bow and two tiny little bullion roses. The dress just seemed to need them.
And, here is how Block #1 and #2 look together. Sweet!
I'm having such fun working on this little quilt, just might have to do an extra set of blocks!
Oh, I'm having such a great time with this project! It has been a long time since I've been so excited about a sane quilt project! But, the embroidery is so easy...and fun! And I just can't wait to get to stitching on the next block! My muse is so happy!
Isn't this little jumper just too cute!
Want to join in the fun?...check out the sidebar for all the details!
and you are invited! So, come on along...and join Jenny of Elefantz and myself in creating a beautiful little quiltee with Embroidery Blocks. (Brenda Riddle did such a wonderful job with this cute little pattern!)We will begin this month and embroider our way through all nine blocks. Hoping to get finished just in time for Christmas! (Sure hope it's THIS Christmas...as this would make a great little new quilt for Ely!)
I picked out fabric yesterday...and will be adding some extras from my stash.
And, the postman delivered my pattern from the Acorn Quilt & Gift Company...creator of the pattern. It's available from other sources...but I chose them because the price is great at only $9.95 for the entire quilt! And, they use priority shipping. I ordered on Monday, and it was at my door on Wednesday! Now, it might not be that fast for you...after all it isn't ALL that far from Arizona to Alabama I guess! But, it will be quick I'm sure!
And, they sent along the best little "extra" a booklet titled Home Comforts which has seven little quilts in it...how cool is that! The one on the back cover has the most adorable little scallop border, and I'm thinking that would be a good "addition" to my Betsy quilt too! You know I just can't leave a pattern the same...always have to "make it my own"...to keep my muse happy!
So, hope you'll join Jenny and I in this Stitch-A-Long...just hop on over to our blog about the event and sign up today! We'd also love to see your photos as we stitch together!
Hope to see you there...
