Monday, June 20, 2016

CQJP 2016 February Block Motif 4

If you have wondered about my lack of Crazy Quilt Journal Project updates, I have to admit that I was stuck.

The problem with just stitching a tree without planning it out first is that I don't always like the shape...

It took me a while to figure out the best way to fix this one. In the end, I added some lower branches and was much happier. 

I used 2 shades of size 8 brown pearl cotton to stem stitch the tree and the branches.

3 shades of green size 8 pearl cotton detached chain stitches were added to create leaves. 

Next, I added 3 green straight stitches to create leaves and a flower stem. A red French knot flower topped each stem.

My next challenge was filling in the upper section of this large triangular piece of the block. I attempted a bird in flight, but was really not happy with it. (Even my boys agreed it just did not work.) Since there are so many flowers on the block, I stem-stitched "Bloom" with a strand of size 5 white pearl cotton.

I have 5 more motifs to finish on this block. At least one of them will be created with the templates I received to review from Sharon B. at Pintangle. 

If you have been considering purchasing a set of these templates, Sharon announced a 6 day sale from June 18th - June 24th. The shop to purchase them will be closed until December after this sale. You may find more details here. Please note: I am not affiliated with her website or her templates. I really like Set 2 of the templates and have finally ordered Set 1. 

CQJP 2016 is a personal stitching challenge to complete a block a month. You may learn more about it here. If you are interested in joining next year, sign ups for CQJP generally open up in November and close in December.


I am linking up with Stitchery Link Party #63 at Super Mom - No Cape! I encourage you to visit to see the free embroidery pattern and to discover what other bloggers have been working on this week. 

Thank you for stopping by! -Renee

17 comments:

Laurie said...

That's a sweet little tree, Renee!

KimM said...

I love the tree, Renee! Well done!
xxx

Katie said...

Beautiful tree! Adding the lower branches just made it perfect. Great job!!

Deb said...

I really love how your tree turned out its just lovely, and the little flowers too.

Bethany said...

That's really cute! The tree shape is just right, but the little red flowers are my favorite!

Needled Mom said...

The little tree is so sweet - as are the flowers, but I love the "bloom" idea.

Anonymous said...

The tree changes make it just perfect. I just bought a perle at the quilt show here that I think will make great tree trunks - next time I'm making one. This is going to be the best block. Really, this is all about the journey, enjoying the stitching, learning new things, solving problems like this. Doesn't matter how many blocks you finish, it matters how much you love it. =)

Marian said...

I love how you changed up the tree and I so understand the not planning stages. I'm currently working on a wallhanging where I didn't quite plan it out just right and am thinking I should have done this up a little bit better, so I am thinking I will need to rework it before I do any further work on it.

Thank you also for visiting me today, I was pretty amazed at Calibre Arts generosity also.

Tiffstitch said...

Great work on the tree and figuring out how to fill in the rest of the block. Excellent stitching!

Pamela said...

Very nice!

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

I love stitching trees...nice save!!

Anonymous said...

Love the tree!

Lin said...

Great tree and beautifully stitched. I love Bloom too. Czech

Queeniepatch said...

Trees grown and take on their own shape, just as you have let your tree grow. It is fab!

Brigitte said...

I love this little tree, Renee. It looks all so sweet and quite natural with the branches and leaves that you created. Great job.

Renee said...

Deb, thank you so much!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I think your tree is an apple tree - just waiting to burst into bloom.