Wednesday, January 11, 2017

CQJP 2016 March Block Seam 2 & Motif 2


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 began with the seam around the heart. 

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.)


Using size 12 green perle cotton and a stem stitch, I created the vines. 

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.


Using single strands of DMC floss, I outlined my traced lines with a split stitch

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...)


This block is one of 12 I plan to complete for CQJP 2016 - a personal challenge to complete one block a month. My decision to make 12-inch blocks that do not include beads or silk ribbon slowed my progress down, but I am still working to complete this project! You may see what others created for CQJP 2016 HERE


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:

Gina said...

I adore this. It's fabulous. Well done on being published it's well deserved

Love and hugs Gina xx

Createology said...

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

Pamela said...

I agree with your husband! That bird is adorable!

SuperMomNoCape said...

It's gorgeous. Now I want to make one!

Pull the other thread said...

Wow that is so beautiful, I'm not surprised your hubby likes it so much. Just stunning.

Christine B said...

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

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

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!

Katie said...

Oh how beautiful! I agree with your hubby. Just gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

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.

Tiffstitch said...

That is an awesome tanager, wow! And I thought 12 hours was kind of quick?

Brigitte said...

I'm totally impressed by your skills to create such a beautiful bird in a heart block. Awesome. Congratulations on finishing it so beautifully.

Magpie's Mumblings said...

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.