CQJP 2016 January Block Seam 10 and Motif 8

The 8th motif on my Crazy Quilt Journal Project (CQJP 2016) January block was inspired by an idea in the ebook that came along with Sharon B.'s Crazy Quilt Templates Set 2.

I used the templates to trace the flower stems and leaves.

Size 8 DMC #320 pearl cotton was used to stitch the stems using a stem stitch and the leaves, using the Vandyke stitch.

Size 8 DMC #B5200 pearl cotton was used to create detached chain stitches to make a butterfly and to add a running stitch flight path.

Next, I added 3 of the polymer clay buttons I made earlier this month using Premo Sculpey 5042 Black, 5001 White and 5026 Pomegranate.

Seam 10 was embellished with a simple chain stitch using size 8 Anchor #1206 pearl cotton.

Thanks again for stopping by!
Renee

Note: I am not affiliated with Sharon B.'s crazy quilt templates. I was asked to review the Set 2 templates and am still having fun playing with them in the process!

CQJP 2016 January Block Seam 9 and Motifs 5, 6 & 7

The 9th seam on my CQJP 2016 January block was inspired by Valerie Bothell's Joyful Embellishments Stitch 2. However, I substituted French knots for the detached chain stitches so the stitching would not overlap the green vine to the right.

To create this seam, I traced a curvy line using a wavy ruler I purchased from Creative Memories for scrapbooking years ago. (Oops! This post was edited 2/20/2016. In the original post, I mistakenly stated this seam was created using a crazy quilting template.)

Next, the seam was embroidered with size 8 Anchor #0225 pearl cotton feather stitches.

Size 8 DMC #498 pearl cotton French knots were added to the tip of each feather stitch.

This was my best attempt at photographing the 5th motif on this block. 

The butterfly was created using size 8 Anchor #00047 pearl cotton to make four detached chain stitches for the wings, a straight stitch for the body, two more straight stitches for the antennae and two French knots at the tip of each of those.  

Size 12 DMC #B5200 pearl cotton running stitches were added to create the butterfly's flight path, which includes 2 heart-shaped loops. (You may be able to see that better if you click the photo for a larger image.)

This small dragonfly lace motif (that I purchased from Crazyquiltingsupplies.com - please note, I am not affiliated with the website) became the 6th motif. Using a single strand of DMC Blanc cotton floss, I tacked it down with tiny white stitches.

For the 7th motif, I added "Love" using a strand of size 8 Anchor #00047 pearl cotton. This was my first attempt using the Vandyke stitch (this week's TAST stitch) on a curve. As you can see, I need more practice! The lower case letters were added with stem stitches.

Clusters of 3 French knots were used to fill in the surrounding area using size 12 DMC #B5200 pearl cotton.

There are only 5 seams and 2 motifs left to complete this block. (Did I say only? 12-inch blocks do take a while to finish!)

Thank you for stopping by!
Renee

TAST 2016 Stitch 28

TAST Stitch 28: Vandyke Stitch

This week through TAST, we are learning the Vandyke stitch.

After seeing this gorgeous example of the stitch at Queenie's Needlework, I knew I wanted to work the stitch on a curve.

My sample was worked with size 8 red Anchor pearl cotton. I think I figured out the spacing on the curves, but should have made the stitches along the center longer on the left-side of the L.

I almost only shared this angled photo so you couldn't see my oops as well. But, this was a learning experience for me and I think it will be part of a fun motif when I add the other details.

Now, I must confess... Seeing this L, my hubby started laughing and asked me if I was changing my name to Laverne. (Did I just date myself with the Laverne and Shirley reference?!) 

TAST stands for Take a Stitch Tuesday. It is a personal stitching challenge offered by Sharon B. on Facebook and on her blog, pintangle.com. You may read more about it here. If you follow the TAST Facebook group, you know there are some incredibly inspiring examples of these stitches being shared. Anyone may join at any time during the challenge. Thank you, Sharon, for offering TAST!

Thank you for stopping by!

Renee