I cannot count my day complete
'Til needle, thread and fabric meet.
~Author Unknown

Sharing a common thread with those who love the art of hand embroidery

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Quilting, applique and embroidery

While searching for inspiration one day last year to start a new project, I came across a wonderful website that offers free quilt patterns. I fell in love with this "big mug" pattern.....as you can see reading further, there is so much one can do with it. You can get this pattern and many more free....just click on this link.....http://www.blockcentral.com/qb-pattern-mug.shtml
I made two blocks......this one in green, and another one I decided to use for my quilt in blue......shown later in this post.

My creative side kicked in and I filled the cup with pansies.....just draw whatever you like and in any way you like it.


I also made a butterfly pattern.....what are flowers without butterflies?




I added one of my favorite blocks.....the nine patch......



and here is the top almost finished. I started this over a year ago and now have decided to finish it. I have a couple of leaves to embroider still.





Here are the pansies. I used short and long stitch in various shades, and outlined it in closed buttonhole stitch. I let them and the leaves and vines run throughout the quilt top.







The leaves are done in short and long stitch as well. This kind of embroidery takes a while to do......why it took me so long. I hope to have the embroidery finished this weekend, and will quilt on it starting next week.......Now.....do you have something stashed away in your closet or drawers that needs to be finished? I would love to hear about it!







13 comments:

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Kathleen, that is beautiful and I love that you've given the steps you took to get there. Great tips for going from inspiration to final work.

papel1 said...

Your work is so inspiring. Have a nice evening.
Judy

Linda said...

Kathleen, this is wonderful....your embroidery work is just beautiful. I love to see your pieces come to life...hugs, Linda

Jane Smith said...

You make me want to dig out my old quilt projects. One is called lucky hearts. It's squares with patterned hearts in the corners. When you stitch the squares together, they look like four-leaf clovers.

I also want to do the one I was going to do for Grandma, but never figured out the details. It was similar to the mugs you are doing, but with bowl & pitcher sets.

Jocelyn said...

Wow how beautiful and so creative!

Lisa @ Life with 4! said...

that is so beautiful. I always love checking in here to see what you've been working on!!

Paula said...

Oh my, Kathleen- the pansies are gorgeous! You did a beautiful job on those.
The nine-patch is my favorite block too.. I think it's very old-timey looking.
I ashamed to have how many unfinished things I have tucked away... they'll have to wait until cold weather and shorter days before I dig them out again! LOL

peggy said...

I have plenty of unfinished stuff, I just wish it would look as good as yours. I wonder how long you have been doing this. I love the mug.

Anonymous said...

Oh, you have a butterfly - my favorite. What beautiful work Kathleen.

Conni said...

That is beautiful, Kathleen - and those pansies are exquisite!

As far as works in progress, my studio contains more UFOs than Project Bluebook!

Cathy Prew said...

Exquisite labor of love! Your talent is very inspiring. Thanks for sharing :)

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Hi Kathleen, love the mug with the flowers in it.I am going to do the old teapot patterns and thought about adding flowers to them.I am hung up on embroidering pillowcases right now.

Cora from Hidden Riches said...

I think this is just so beautiful!!!! Wow!!!!!!! The first thought that went through my mind was, what a wonderful way to cover up a stain, an imperfection, or to add to something! I just love it. And, as always, your embroidery work is to die for!