Friday, June 29, 2007

Floral 9 Patch, Center Bottom Embellished...and a Special Thank You

*edit June 30* Thanks everyone for your nice comments! It sure is fun to be playing in the flowers again...Pam asked about that stitch between the computer printed roses and the green brocade. It is actually some very narrow cotton trim I got from Jean, held down with detached chain along the picot edge and a running stitch along the straight edge....Sandie asked what was the feathery pink stitch on the other side of those roses: it is just fly stitches worked very close together!


I've been able to relax and stitch since my trip to Salem, and have enjoyed working on the Floral 9 Patch. All the seams on the center bottom block are covered now...maybe not finished, as tweaking always comes later...

Here's an overall shot. Those amber beads in the upper left came from Jean's house the other day. I had to use them immediately.

Mostly my seam treatments are a way of emphasizing the patches, as opposed to contrasting with them.

Ahh, yummy roses. I liked playing the photographed rose fabric off of the commercially printed rose.

Those antique Italian bugles and seed beads are a way to soften the edge between the dark blue brocade and the lighter purple one.
And see that soft lavender flower with the green fly-stitched leaves?

That was worked with some of this gorgeous hand-dyed and hand-spun silk thread. My friend from England, Judith--whose gardening blog I have so enjoyed all month with her daily flower offerings--sent these to me. Isn't she talented?
These are amazing to stitch with. I knit a sweater out of handspun silk yarn once, and the soft and gentle touch of the thread reminds me of that experience. It is plenty strong, though.
Thank you, Judith, so much, for this very precious gift!

12 comments :

Barbara C said...

I love the movemet in these blocks. They practically dance.

Vicki W said...

Every time you share photos just imagine me sitting here sighing - just lovely!

Rosalind said...

Your fabric and colour choices are beautiful and the beads just set off your work, Lovely!!!!!!!

Rian said...

Another visual treat. Thank YOU!

Threadspider said...

I am sothrilled you like the silks and have used them on this piece. : )
It's looking fantastic

Possibilities, Etc. said...

Just when I thought you couldn't get any better, you did!! The colors are beyond beautiful - especially on the shot with the pink roses. The seam treatments are bringing order to the lovely chaos of all those flowers.

Susan said...

One of the things I most appreciate about your work is the way ribbons, lace, threads and beads all work together to enhance the look of the fabrics you use. It is always a pleasure to look at what you've done to make that happen. That silk thread you friend sent looks like it would be heavenly to use. The colors are certainly wonderful.

Granny Fran said...

I do believe you are getting better, although how that is possible is beyond me. How I love all those lovely beads with your stitches. I can't imagine what it would be like to stitch with silk thread. Sounds like an experience every fabric artist should have.

Pamela Kellogg said...

Allison, what is that stitch between the green brocade and your rose image? Is it a fly stitch with a lazy daisy? It's very pretty!

Sandie said...

Those roses are just like I could reach and pick them straight off the fabric. Your creativity and colour choices are amazing and I so love that really fine feathery looking stitch. What is it?

Marty52 said...

This is like a walk in a flower garden, Allie... lovely, stunning, superb! How close to done are you?

Sandie said...

Thanks for explaining the stitch, one I must do soon! Just love how this piece is coming together!!!