CQJP July Block

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

March Makings


I put Wedding Piece #2 aside for the week.
At StitchMAP, a call came in for bookmarks for the Literacy Program at one of the elementary schools in Anchorage, Alaska. You can read more about that here and perhaps join in, too.
I'd been stitching on a gelli plate painted fabric, but had no idea what I was going to make with it, so the timing of the call was just perfect.
After the embroidery was completed, I pinned the side seams.

 Because of the pattern on the fabric, I decided to create the seam down the middle of the back.
It's all blanket stitched with the same variegated threads I used to create the tassel and embroider the fabric....
well, it's sort of a tassel.....maybe more like a tatted fringe.


here's how the front looks. Hmmm, ironing it means the seam shows...... tsk


 I've been creating a pincushion for the Guild Fiber Fest. 


It needs a bit of trim to sit atop the fringe.....

yes, that's better.......

topped with a bead and a tatted fancy picot flower



I've got another container the same size..........











I've made a beginning on Tanja Berlin's Blackwork Butterfly.......

Boy the stitching is tiny...........I need to unpack my magnifier, I think.......



That's it for this week.






Silly cactus!

Thanks for visiting.
Hugs from Suz












 

28 comments:

  1. Love the case and if you place a piece of cardboard in, and iron it down so the seem wont show. Love the pin cushion cute and cactus flower .

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    1. Thanks Mad! I'll know better next time....I hope.... ;-).... I handed in the pin cushion at Guild this morning, so I better get busy on another.
      Hugs

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  2. Bookmarks, pin cushions, butterflies... this is a post I love! :-)

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    1. Hi Diane! I was thinking you could weave some lovely bookmarks, and add one of your button flowers so a unique look! I'm enjoying the butterfly. Thanks.

      Hugs

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  3. Love your little bag, Suz, it is beautiful, with your embroidery, and the bookmark is wonderful, too. The pincussion is sooo sweet , -and all have wonderful spring colours !! I hope you have a little sun, as I have here, so wonderful !!
    Dorthe, xoxo

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    1. Yes, Dorthe, we are having some nice sunshine today with seasonal temperatures for a change. It's just above freezing, but it's a nice change from all the cold. Thank you.

      Hugs

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  4. Absolutely love the gelli plate painted fabric that you made the bookmark from and the variegated thread on the pincushion. Good luck on the blackwork butterfly. It's going to be fabulous!

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    1. Thanks JPP! There are many layers of paint on the bookmark, but I think that adds to the overall look (once I get past the ugly stage!) The thread I used on the pincushion is a Valdani cotton thread # M32 in a 35 wt.cone. They've been on sale until the stock is depleted, as they will be discontinued. There were a lot of variegated as well as plain colours, too. (Valdani Inc.)
      Hugs from Suz

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  5. I love how the stitching highlights the pattern on the gelli plate painted fabric! I'm just imagining the recipient of this beautiful bookmark being utterly enchanted by the colors and stitches and deciding she must learn embroidery and she grows up to be a famous textile artist all because of you. the end. :))))

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    1. I love your story, Starr! Isn't it wonderful how the internet has brought so many people and different ideas and techniques together? The sharing and caring is amazing. Thanks.

      Hugs

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  6. Your Blackwork flutterby is going to be incredible! Wonderful use for your gelli fabric too - someone will be thrilled I think.

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    1. I hope so MA! the butterfly is a lot smaller size than I'm used to working, but I'm enjoying it. Thanks.

      Hugs

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  7. Wonderful fabric, I hope the bookmark will be treasured, and the pincushion too.

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    1. Thanks, Jane. I'm happy that both items are going to good causes. I've been working on another pincushion......

      Hugs

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  8. So many new projects finished and being finished! The gelli plate fabric turned out well with your book mark. Love your dear little pincushion and the stitching on the butterfly.
    Happy sewing Sue!
    Hugs,
    Suzy

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    1. Thank you, Suzy! It's fun to paint fabric, and I'm pleased with the bookmark. I'm already behind on the butterfly....... *8-| rolling eyes

      Hugs

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  9. lovely bookmark ! the tatted flower is so pretty :-) looking forward to see your blackwork progress Suz..

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    1. Thanks, Anita. I'm already behind on the butterfly, but hope to catch up some this weekend.

      Hugs

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  10. Suz Dear you are such a generous soul and your bookmark is beautiful. What a fun pincushion you have created with all the tatted embellishments. WOW...I couldn't see that blackwork stitching even with a magnifier and yet yours is looking amazing. Lovely Christmas (?) Cactus. Sunshine Smiles...

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    1. Thank you so much, Sherry. This weekend I plan to play catch-up on the butterfly. I just finished the second pin cushion, too. Hope you're getting more rain and less dust.

      Hugs

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  11. wow, pretty fringes Susan...I adore the one on the jar.

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    1. Thanks Karen. I was inspired by that colourful thread. ;-)
      I'm itching to get back to the wedding piece and the wrapping cloth........

      Hugs

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  12. Love your bookmark Suz - it's so pretty and bright, the seam down the middle doesn't detract at all. I also love your pin cushion - it's adorable!

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    1. Thanks Jillayne. It's been fun doing the bookmark and the pincushion. I have two more pincushions finished......and the butterfly is driving me crazy!

      Hugs

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  13. Hi Suz, your gelli printed fabric looks marvellous with the stitching added. The black work is lovely to do but I find it hard going on the eyes. It is very effective though and I am sure your butterfly is going to be spectacular.

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    1. Hi Dianne. I agree about the blackwork being hard on the eyes: I just found out why I've been having trouble with the stitching-- I need my prescription changed. In the meantime, I shall use my magnifier to help me see past the blur....... I', having fun adding lots of layers to my gelli fabrics. Thanks.

      Hugs

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  14. Suz-- your book mark and pincushion are so pretty-- the colors are gorgeous-- they shout Spring!! These are amazing little projects-- I do love the idea for the bookmarkers:)
    Vicki

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    1. Thanks Vicki! Both the pin cushion and the bookmark were fun to do!

      Hugs

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