Of all of the crazy quilting and embroidery I have done, my husband thinks this bird is, "the coolest thing," I have created.
The seam and the motif were added to my March Crazy Quilt Journal Project 2016 (CQJP 2016) block, back in January of last year. I chose to wait to share photos on my blog until the Summer 2016 edition of the Crazy Quilt Quarterly Magazine was released, because the photo was published with the product review I wrote about Sharon B.'s crazy quilt templates set 2. (I am not affiliated with the magazine or the templates. Links are added for your convenience.)
I traced overlapping curves for the vine.
Next, I created a tree branch using one of the curves on the templates.
The bird was traced in above that. (I had to use a mechanical pencil to fit in the template to trace the tail feathers.)
Detached chain stitches were added in the same shade of green to make the leaves.
A single strand of red DMC floss created bullion stitched buds at the end of each stem. Two small straight stitches (in the same green) were added to the bottom of each flower.
The outlines were filled with single strands of DMC floss using long and short stitches.
I really wanted to work the bird template onto one of these blocks, but I also wanted to keep with the red and black theme. So, I did a google search for images of red birds and decided to try to embroider a summer tanager. I studied several photographs and gave it a try.
From start to finish, this section of the block took about 12 hours to complete. It sounds like a long time, but it was SO fun to watch the stitches bring the image in my mind to life. (Now to finish the block...)
OTHER NOTES:
Pamela Kellogg is seeking photos of crazy quilt work involving buttons for the Summer 2017 edition of the Crazy Quilt Quarterly Magazine. If you have photos you want to submit, you may learn more about it HERE. I believe photos must be submitted by February 1st.
Katie Bock is seeking submissions for the Spring 2017 edition of Our Quilting Journal Magazine. The deadline is January 20th and the theme is baskets and flowers. You may learn more about it HERE. (I am not affiliated with the magazine. It is a new magazine and it is my understanding it will feature sane and crazy quilts.)
Thank you for stopping by!
Renee
12 comments:
I adore this. It's fabulous. Well done on being published it's well deserved
Love and hugs Gina xx
Renee your Red Tanager bird is stitched so beautifully. You have given him texture and a sweet personality. I truly thought his eye is real. The vine around the heart is perfect for framing this lovely stitched bird. Very Well Done Dear...XO
I agree with your husband! That bird is adorable!
It's gorgeous. Now I want to make one!
Wow that is so beautiful, I'm not surprised your hubby likes it so much. Just stunning.
Your bird is just delightful Renee and I always love your explanations how you worked the stitches.... you make it very straightforward to understand! Christine x
Oh man! I'm lovin' that bird!! I hope to try stitching a bird using Gerry's technique. Right now my focus has switched from needle art to quilt making. But you never know where my muse will go!
Oh how beautiful! I agree with your hubby. Just gorgeous!
What a beautiful, beautiful bird! I haven't seen everything you've stitched, but I might agree with your husband on this one anyway. And a great setting, too.
That is an awesome tanager, wow! And I thought 12 hours was kind of quick?
I'm totally impressed by your skills to create such a beautiful bird in a heart block. Awesome. Congratulations on finishing it so beautifully.
Your DH is on the right track - this is wonderful! I love the bird for sure, but the vine just sets him (her?) off perfectly.
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