Over the past couple of years, my sister Janine and I have done quarterly swaps - usually comprised of quilting fabrics, pieces of felt and beautiful embroidery threads. Towards the end of last year, we were talking and decided we must do something with these lovely things. We decided that an applique project would be a good start. Janine has picked the first project which ideally we should complete by the end of June, because I then get to pick the project for the second half of the year.
Janine has picked for us a Sue Spargo pattern called Bird Dance. It features applique, lots of embroidery with stitches I have never tried before or seen before, ie: bullion knot (that's the gold loopy one around the bird's chest) or really need to master - french knots. Luckily Janine had given me a stitching book by Sue Spargo a couple of years ago. Another good You Tube tutorial I have found demonstrating stitches is by Mary Corbet and is found here.
I have started with block number 26 and am making these birds in a colour palette of my own choosing, rather than the ones suggested in the book. Each block is 6.5" unfinished. Whether I get all 30 completed is another story.
Beautiful!! I hope you'll keep posting these little birds as you make them - please!
ReplyDeleteThese are gorgeous! A great way to keep the art of embroidery going! My mum did any special stitching I needed in the past.
ReplyDeleteFabulously funky fresh new header on your blog! Sue Spargo has a some scrumptious designs, the textures make for a lovely quilt........enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun project to work on with your sister! Love those birds!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful stitching!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, a real delight to see. Wishing you and yours a wonderful 2017.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Julie! I love all the colours and designs. Happy New Year to you and warm greetings from Montreal, Canada. :)
ReplyDeleteA beautiful and fun way to use those delicious threads and learn new stitches! Even is you choose to complete a mini with these it will still be a stunning work.
ReplyDeleteOh what a gorgeous project to start! I love Sue Spargo's work for all the embellishment but would likely change the colour palette too. Have fun with it!
ReplyDeleteI am quite excited to see this one as it develops!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous start you have made Julie! I love your colour palette for this one! Your bird looks really cute! I prefer colonial knots (done with the thread wrapped in a figure 8 manner) to french knots. They are much more distinct and easier to do!
ReplyDeleteThese birds are such fun - I'm doing them in a class at Millrose (Vic, Aust). You'll have a great time with them and that Sue Spargo embroidery book is The Best!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I like how you both are involved in the project. Fun.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pattern and colors! This will be lot of work but really worth of it :)
ReplyDeleteFrom Richmond, Virginia, USA. I did this Bird quilt in Jan-Feb., 2015 and had carpal tunnel surgery in March. One of my adult sons will soon have the quilt....it need binding. My advice is joyfully & slowly enjoy each birdie. I have a large household storage bin filled with wool, threads & embellishments for her quilt, FOLK-TAILS....love her ideas and YOUR beautiful stitchwork. Your quilts are amazing Holly
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