I've always been highly allergic to applique. That's probably because I've never been a huge flower fan.
Who could possibly NOT like flowers?? Well, it's not that I don't like them; I've just never found them hugely interesting as a theme or motif. And while I really admire and appreciate the artistry in elaborate floral applique quilts, they just don't grip me. To be perfectly honest, they bore me. There. I said it.
But flowers that are stylized or exaggerated or folk arty--now that's getting more into my territory. That's what first intrigued me in the Sue Spargo designs. So now, here I am appliqueing flowers. Wool flowers, folk art flowers, but flowers nonetheless. It would be reasonable to figure that hell has at least partially frozen over.
Here's a bit more of a close-up on the developing Spargo blocks, which are really turning out to be fun, despite containing the dreaded applique. I am confronting the beast.
This one below is a detail of the block at the top of the post. I tried a bit of embroidery on top of the wool pieces. The embroidery uses perle cotton.
This block below is also pretty much finished--I added a few buttons to the wool 'flowers', fastening them on with French knots. It had been a long time since I made any French knots!
Here you can see a bit more detail. I'm liking the buttonhole stitch around the round flower! This was also done with perle cotton.
Here's a block just begun. The stems are narrow strips of wool, and I've been whip-stitching them down to the base, as you can see. The stems are so narrow--I liked the look of this better than stitching through those fragile stems. And the thread adds some texture and a design element. And I'm all about the design element!! Don't look at the unevenness of the stitches--after all, this is Folk Art.
It was easy to do--the wool sticks to itself very nicely, and other than a pin or two and a bit of glue stick, everything stays in place pretty well.
Finally, here's a block I made on the first weekend of the project. This one will probably get a bit more embellishment--embroidery, beading, or buttons. Fun!
16 comments:
I just love these. I love folk art.
Fabulous! I'm trying so hard to resist ordering Sue's newest kit. You're not helping at all! Maybe Mother's Day!
I'm ooing and aahing over these blocks, they look like so much fun.
Very beautiful - and not in the least boring ,-)
So many questions...so there are no turned-under edges on the wool pieces, right? Are you actually attaching them with the decorative stitches in perle cotton or are they first appliqued with a thinner, matching thread?
If, as I suspect, the applique is being done with the perle cotton, has the wool been washed and shrunk first?
Can you tell how badly I'd like to examine these blocks *up close and personal*? (Though your photos are nice and clear...) Loving them!!
Hi Kathie - I was fortunate enough to see Nancy's blocks and I'm very envious - I do have the book and I guess I'll just have to start. Love what you're doing and I'm sure have the fun is all the wonderful embellishing. soon, sue
Your blocks are really beautiful What a nice job you are doing!
Wow! These look so pretty! I agree about doing the full stitch over the thin vines! In order to not have the thread cut the side you'd probably have to go to the center anyway on each side! So love the idea! They are turning out very cool and folksy looking!
Kathie these look great! Did you get a kit thru Sue or thru a shop? That's probably the best route to go huh? Looks like a lot of fun!
Yup it's official...you've caught another fiber bug & hell is starting to freeze over...oh, well, what the heck...it all looks fabu!!
These are just looking awesome!
Love those blocks lady!
beautiful. throw some bugs in there, then it won't just be flowers. do you read the Material Obsessions blog? They've gone Sue Spargo crazy there recently.
I can see why everyone gets sucked into these Spargo blocks! What fun! And to be able to get together with friends in a retreat-like setting... the best!
These are beautiful - and they do look like a lot of fun.
The blocks look lovely. I love applique but I personally loathe button hole. I would take needle turn any day. Either way I cant wait to see how all of your work progresses.
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