Crazy Quilt for Christmas (in needlepoint)

I have been digging through boxes, and am a bit startled at the volume of these things I'm finding that I never got around to finishing. This was made several years ago when I first started (again) playing around with CQ in needlepoint - but before I found the art crazy quilters. It had never occurred to me to do the seam treatments, as I was more concerned with silk ribbon flowers and stitched in rickrack and leaf and flower "lace" trims. Anyway - I worked all day on this, and it's done! I'm beginning to have a bit more confidence in just starting at some point with thread in the needle and "freehand painting" on top of the needlepoint without any guidelines other than a sketch or a photocopy of the canvas pre-stitching. It never turns out quite like I envisioned in the beginning, so is usually a happy surprise. (Sometimes the result is not so happy, and a few minutes of ripping out is necessary - and a re-do to get it right.) Removing surface embroidery only takes a few minutes - unlike the needlepoint background. By stitching vines and stems and tendrils, etc. on TOP of the stitched "fabric" patches, (using stem stitch, fly stitch, chain stitch) one can achieve a much smoother line or curve than by stitching on bare canvas. I have tried it both ways. The "ferns" on the giraffe patch were created totally freehand with Caron Watercolours, an overdyed cotton that is gorgeous. On the animal skin crazies, I like to have at least one nice, plain patch on which to put pretty silk ribbon flowers - in a nice spray with fillers of french knots and leaves. On this mini-stocking, I used the Rainbow Gallery "Petite Very Velvet" thread - which in basketweave, looks just like a velvet patch. I really enjoyed, on this one, also using the Kreinik metallic ribbon, which I had been unaware of until a short while ago. It is so much nicer on the upright stitches on the leaf trims~! The bottom picture was taken before the silk ribbon roses and other flowers and French Knots were added - just the "bare bones."

Before and After

Digging through a box of UFO's in the crazy quilt category, I found several needlepoint pieces that I had stitched, but put aside without the embellishment - which is what brings them to life. Soooo, since I have now learned to use the flat bed scanner that is part of my new printer, and actually find the pictures again, I thought it might be interesting to show a before and after - that is, before embellishement, and then after it is done to demonstrate how the surface embroidery brings them to life. Part of mine include "built-in" trims, as lace, ric-rac, and whatever else I can figure out. This heart actually could stand by itself without the surface embroidery, but I think it is really enhanced by a few silk ribbon flowers and the seam treatments - especially the fly stitch between the pink and orange patches. This is a great little exercise in embroidery stitches that I had forgotten. The chenille needle makes it much easier, too - as the tapestry needles we use for needlepoint are just too blunt to make it easy. This scan was made even before the beads were inserted - the bare bones of the intended "masterpiece." Only the "fabrics" are shown, plus the bit of orange flower "lace" that is composed of smyrna crosses for "bumps" and texture. The finished piece has a few flaws in it that I will probably change - like the raised spider web. I don't like it - it's messy, and somehow just doesn't fit. Otherwise, it will do fine, I think. Using the orange beads with the pink patch was interesting - I used, of course, Sundance beads - and the surface reflective quality picked up enough of the pink to make them blend nicely. Pink beads wouldn't have been nearly so interesting. On the green one, where I wanted a diagonal effect, I just used the offset diagonal mosaic, and in the spaces left (I had to turn the canvas to make them go in the direction I wanted) I used the #250, which are totally clear - and applied them with DMC floss in the same color as the silk background. It looks great, and is a lot subtler that it would have been with green beads. Now - on to the next one!!!

Beginner Canvas for an Old Stitcher

I discovered these little canvases several months ago, listed as "beginner" canvases on a web page new to me, called "Happy Heart Designs." (Tish Watkins, designer) - and I kept going back to the site to look at these and other ones that were so appealing, although it has been almost 40 years since I was a beginner at needlepoint. Then, about a month ago, stricken with a terrible case of PPD (post project depression) I remembered them and begged Tish to send me two for my own use and enjoyment. I can't remember when I have enjoyed anything as much - simple, bright, small, and I had free reign to work out new techniques and stitches. Anyway - here is the result. I also thought it would be fun to see what Tish herself did with them. Her husband is a kind and patient man (my web host, as well), and sent me pictures of them for this post. Apparently Tish decided to make round ornaments with them - changed the background color, and cut off the leaves and just made a narrow background around them .
I used mine as well in my January/February article for Needlepoint Now - as I wanted to call attention to what many have forgotten - SIMPLICITY!! Basic good design, great colors, and flat areas for just enjoyable and inventive stitching.

More Crazy Quilt!! (in needlepoint)

It's been a while since I have had time to work on this, but I have now been able to practice seam treatment stitches - and am rather pleased with it so far. This is the upper left corner with the diagonal leaves, and my practice with fly stitch "weeds." A little bit of the silk ribbon herringbone is showing, with the Kreinik French knot "bead" effect. The patch with the white dots (bare canvas) will have seed beads after I finish the silk ribbon embellishment. This next segment is on the lower right corner - I especially like the way the fly stitch looks between the pink and the orange patches - It prompted me to cut a heart template opening in a piece of copy paper, and move it around over the canvas to do some heart shaped pieces for beginner efforts (mine too.) The light purple chevron on the purple patch is done with Spark Organdy by YLI - new to me, and very interesting. The heart shape in progress is the first one I drew with my paper template in place - and I am enjoying working on it, and can finish it in good time, I think. Next is the last close-up image for this piece - I worked hard on the chain stitch, which I hadn't done before making curves - especially interesting was the use of the Watercolours by Caron Collection - a gorgeous overdyed cotton. (This was also used on the diagonal leaf trim.) There is a lot of the Kreinik braid on this canvas, as it is available in wonderful colors - both solid and variegated. I have only just now discoverd their metallic ribbon in the same colors, but more flexible, so easier to use for this purpose. The company has generously sent me a package of both sizes to try on my models - exciting!! - and a great excuse to start new designs.

A "Jeweled" needlepoint fish

I found this fish in my grandson's room where my daughter had put it for a bit of cheerful color - on a high shelf where he couldn't grab it, of course. I made it for her many years ago and had forgotten about it. I think it was my first foray into using novelty threads and beads, etc., to create effects - and a piece of costume jewelry was the inspiration. As I remember, I just painted the colors areas as flat - and then drew squares where I wanted the "rubies" to be. - the rest was a simple matter of stitching with shiny and sparkly threads and inserting beads!! Those green things are "emeralds" made with Rainbow Gallery Frosty Rays. My friend Vikki Pinson did the finishing for me - made it as she does so well with a slightly padded surface on a stiff back with a little easel for standing on a table or shelf. I really like the clever addition of the "sailor's knot" she made with the surrounding cording. This first little experiment has led to lots and lots of other experiments with beads and "jewels" - an evolution of techniques. Lots of fun! At the time I made this piece, I didn't know that the fish could be made just fish shaped and finished to hang as an ornament. I am still learning, it seems.

Needlepoint Crazy Quilt Block - Finished!!

I think it was Beau Brummel (Stewart Granger played the part back in my young, impressionable years, when he still had gray sideburns and a devastating smile) who said "Haste is the enemy of perfection." I was in haste this afternoon to show this piece I have labored over for so long - and haven't blocked it yet. It is quite crooked - but that will work out fine later.

The original block is part of the border of the beautiful creation now called"SummerMandala." (Allison Aller's quilt, of course) I had to take liberties with both fibers and stitches in trying to recreate the look of the fabrics - and also on the embellishment, as I am limited to what can be done with a chenille needle and my ability (or lack of it, as I am a beginner with some of these things) to embroider on top of finished needlepoint, which is thick and stiff. I did have the joy of dumping out my stash and using things long forgotten - or threads I hadn't been able to use yet - like the YLI Spark Organdy, which was used to make the little blue French knots on the lower right. I was rather pleased with myself in the execution of the stem stitch veins in the leaves - as it was done freehand, and I followed the original drawing I made without being able to make marks on the leaves themselves. Also new to my experience in stitching is chain stitch - so I am also liking the upper left green patch with the gold flowers, as it was used to join them. The flowers themselves were smyrna cross "bump" stitches incorporated into the stitching and not worked on top. It's late in the day now, and I am really tired, as I have been pushing a deadline to finish this - so I will avoid the customary and expected PPD by eating a huge bowl of ice cream with chocolate syrup - and finding a good movie to watch. As Scarlett said, "tomorrow is another day."

Needlepoint "Floral 9-patch" block

There will only be one most post showing this block, but I wanted to show the great progress, after many pricked fingers and agonizing over stitches and fibers and all those French knots and stem stitches. I promise, the next time I do this, it will be finished, nicely blocked, and ready to photograph. Even that leaf that is barely begun. It's beginning to be no fun at all with a deadine pushing. The next picture is a close-up of the upper left corner of the piece - I had trouble deciding what to do on the seam, as Allie's treatment was a bit heavy for me to accomplish in needlepoint - but I loved the unexpected color, which this thing sorely needed. I like, in needlepoint, the way the same thread looks so different in value by using different stitches. The leaves and the patch with the little gold flowers are the same thread - one of the beautiful Soie Cristale silks by Caron Collection. The third shot is of the lower right corner - and shows the bead treatment in an attempt to get the "look" of that fabric on the original. I like the purple YLI ribbon floss on the corner - and intend to put a few more light blue/purple French knots there. Whew!! What an exercise in stem stitch, French knots, chain stitch, and buttonhole. I am hoping to have a Parson's table made for displaying this thing under glass - kind of shadow boxed like we used to do. I couldn't see framing or making a pillow with this one. I am seeing the fly stitch thing looking white - but it is a pale green silk ribbon. The light was a bit crazy this afternoon (or was it me?)

The

This seems to be going a bit slowly - but I'm working on three at the same time, in addition to other projects - including babysitting my little buddy Jake, who ate too much chocolate Monday night and couldn't go to "school" for two days. We rather enjoyed the quality alone time, but by yesterday afternoon, I think we were stepping on each other's last nerve ending. He is a bit energetic for this pore old tired Granny. - BUT having the opportunity is good. Anyway, Allie is back now, and has embellished the Floral 9-patch border block I was attempting to duplicate in needlepoint - and here it is so far. I really l ike this one, as it has an unusual elegance about it - and the richness of the fabrics is a challenge. I especially like the leaf appliques, but will have to hone my skills at stem stitch to make all those veins freehand on top of the stitches. This is a detail of one corner: The block with the pretty colors has barely been started - not enough time by my deadline. I have changed my mind, anyway, about what I will do to it. It is very colorful, and I do look forward to working on it. The last one is going to be a floral thing - lots of color with silk ribbon flowers, beads and "stuff." Alternating between all that green and this one has been pleasant. My canvases look a bit "warpy" - but I have been working for nearly 40 years without a frame, and refuse to start using one now - These will block beautifully when my friend Vikki gets her hands on them, although she will grumble a bit. I just can't see the point in juggling a big, clumsy frame for stitching. (I do use one sometimes when doing the silk ribbon embroidery, as that requires both hands.)

I was cruising around in my "favorites" this morning, and found that my young friend in Kentucky, Jill Howard of the beautiful primitive dolls, now has a new blog! Several years ago, on a day that was a really bad one for me, the mail carrier handed me a box - which upon opening, reduced me to immediate joyful tears. It was the most beautiful, pitiful and homely doll looking up at me with her little eyes, and she has been a dear companion and stayed close to me since. I named her "Miss Emma Jane" after my great grandmother - and she is now sitting on top of the original Emma Jane's butter churn - which my grandmother used also when I was a very small child. During WWII, when I was visiting the farm in Austin, Grandmother let me "help" her churn on this thing. I also imagined that I was helping by milking the cow, Shirley, - and that is a picture of me sitting on top of this cow, whom I named after my glamorous Aunt Shirley. I'm not too sure she was as flattered as I thought she should be. The darning egg was also my grandmother's, and I can remember her sitting in her rocking chair darning socks for my grandfather. I was really thrilled to find these things in the attic of the house when I cleaned it out - and have made a kind of permanent "comfort zone" with these items. Besides, I think they are rather decorative!! Anyway - thanks again, Jill, for this wonderful little companion. I am living at my daughter's house right now, waiting for a new home - and Miss Emma Jane is right beside me.

Thinking of building an ark in Austin again this morning - but it's hot still. I counted forward to about 9 weeks (two months exactly) until fall, and I can start thinking about scavenging for leaves again. I do love leaves, and use them in all kinds of artwork - including my ceramics. I found these little tiles in a box while I was searching for something else - don't remember what, as I was so excited to find these. The two tiles with the bas-relief leaves were done during my "glaze layering" phase. I collected the leaves while out walking with my plastic "leaf collecting" bag, and then flattened them between the pages of a telephone directory. A plaster bat was poured into a foil baking pan and left to harden and dry for a few days, and then I simply placed the leaves on the surface of the plaster and drew around each one with a nail (I love plain old kitchen equipment for my pottery). Veins were scratched into the plaster leaf outlines- and then low fire clay was pressed onto the mold. I had cut a number of small tiles from a rolled out slab, and then just placed the cut out clay leaves onto each. After the tiles were dried for a few days, they were fired. then the whole piece - each one - was glazed with a light, yellow green - and then painted with a blue/green glaze around the leaves. Two coats, I think, as I wanted the lighter green to show through a bit. I also did a number of these with blue glaze over the green, intending to use them as a tile border around a mirror. After applying three coats of clear satin glaze, they were fired once again. The second set of small sample tiles was done by simply rolling over flattened leaves placed onto the clay slab - then cutting out the tiles. The leaves were removed and the tiles were dried and then fired - and glazed. This time I used the yellow/green glaze, and painted a pretty green just over the leaves. The yellow/green shows through beautifully, and gives the leaves a bit of dimension. I have also used the plaster molds of leaves to decorate bowls and vases and plates, etc. This is a very absorbing and relaxing activity for me - and it increases my awareness of the beautiful shapes of natural things!!

This piece was actually begun about two weeks ago - but I put it aside in favor of working on the next one (more colorful). Playing with "lace" again in needlepoint, I wish I had seen Pat Winter's beautiful dyed lace before I started. That has now given me permission to get lace out of the realm of white or ecru and into something infinitely more interesting. The beautiful corner block from Allison's latest small CQ is the inspiration for the current project, but I am waiting for her to return from her trip and get back to embellishing! (and post pictures of this wonderful week of adventure with family and new friends). My rendition of it, so far: I rather like the green trim, as white or ecru was definitely out for this piece. As I have an obsession for leaves, and green is my favorite color, I am really enjoying this process. Will do more later. This is a different adventure of sorts in the needlepoint interpretation - as I had not worked with replicating the richness of the brocades, etc. and inserting the metallic gold elements. I have to put it aside now, as my son-in-law presented me with about 10 lbs. of figs from his trees last night, and asked me if I know how to make fig preserves? Do I know how to make fig preserves?? An old southern tradition, I believe, as I clearly remember my grandfather sneaking me down into the "root cellar" where Grandmother kept her shelves full of jars of fig preserves - and opening one to feed me a whole fig. YUM. My son Joe also is ecstatic about this news, as he loves figs too in any way, shape or form. Called from San Antonio this morning, where he had an early hearing to do, wanting to know if I had remembered to send him a bag of figs via his sister to munch on at the office when he gets back. Son-in-law went out last night and bought me a 10lb. bag of sugar for this project, so I suppose I have no choice but to get busy in the kitchen. I am dealing with intelligent, highly educated grown (at least in stature) men here. It has been a while, so I am rusty - but in the face of this kind of enthusiasm, what else could Granny do? My daughter has declined to watch, as she says she has "plastic" and a map to the supermarket. My mother always told me that if I never learned to cut up a chicken, I would never have to do so. Jennifer must have heard that bit of advice. Later on the crazy quilts - when I am resting. P.S. The little black dots around the outlined leaf are where I will insert gold beads to get the "effect" of that gold patch.

Well, it's July 4, and I wasn't prepared - so I will show this thing that I found in a box while looking for something else. This was done several years ago, and was an early sample of the beading-not-for-Christmas thing - along with the diagonal metallic "bracelet" effect. However, I never finished it, as I couldn't figure out a fine and interesting treatment for the stars I thought were so clever. I have now figured a way to do it, but the YLI floss I selected is a bit "bright white," as I did the rest of it in silk. Oh well. It makes a statement, and I will eventually finish it. Have a fine and relaxing and safe 4th of July - It's a big soggy still in Texas for fireworks, as it is still raining, so I will spend the day stitching - on CQ pieces!!

One more piece completed from my plate - and with this, I will put down the paint brushes and get back to the Crazy Quilt interpretations. Got some new lace!!!! Two different kinds. WOW this thing is bright! Very cheerful, which is what I have needed -it is still raining in Texas. We are going to float off the planet if it doesn't let up soon. My disposition gets less than wonderful too, although we are all grateful not to be dry and over 100 degrees as we usually are this time of year. Mosquitoes are loving it too.

I actually worked a whole day today - no jigsaw puzzle or chatting on the computer or cruising around looking at my favorite blogs. Finishing a major project after creative avoidance for two weeks (procrastination) actually gave me energy instead of a feeling of fatigue, so I finished a few more of the bright, gaudy Talavera ornaments I've had on the table for a while. The mini-stocking and the round ornament are only two of the pieces I was able to draw from the design elements on this plate, as there are still a 15" pillow and a frame left to put on canvas. When I bought the plate, I had challenged myself to see how many different needlepoint designs I could find in it. Love those bright, happy colors!! Then, on a roll with the painting, and the copy and pictures sent off to Needlepoint Now magazine (barely on time, as my deadline was moved forward by three days), I painted two more ornaments that were already drawn from other plates. ALL DONE! Now back to Crazy Quilts! I already have the canvas drawn and ready to begin stitching, and now am waiting for my new threads to come in the mail. Something to look forward to is good for the soul. (especially if it has to do with needlework!)

The chenille needle definitely helps!! It took me ten years to figure that one out. Anyway, I had a hard time putting this one down - as always the surface embellishment is more fun than stitching in the background "fabrics." There are one or two things I would change, but won't, as one has to stop somewhere sometime. (and start another one) My original thought on the long, curved seam was just to do "sprays" of the white flowers - but it looked unfinished and uninteresting, so it was put away for a day or two, and then I could see immediately that it needed something more - so added the little yellow flowers and some green French knots. Again, thanks to Allie and the CQ ladies - I had never noticed a curved seam before in crazy quilt. Adds character and personality!!!

The shield needs a little bit more work, but Granny is out of steam - it will have to wait. I had visions of fleur-de-lis in the blue field and lions rampant on the red - but not tonight. Jake won't know the difference if I don't mention it. I doubt that he has ever heard of the aforementioned design elements, and doesn't care. It's ready for him to take to school tomorrow, and that's what counts. The first picture shows the split peas before they were painted gold - my son-in-law was amazed at this element!. I saw a shield on a site for Medieval Shields and noticed the gold bead/nail head thing around the border, so had to add it.
The crown is covered with brown wrapping paper and Elmer's glue - painted with gold acrylic in a bottle, and the split peas and gaudy jewels added. This paraphanalia probably won't last until sundown tomorrow, but I had lots and lots of fun with it. Jake's reaction certainly made it worth while.

It is amazing what one can accomplish when the computer is not functional. Thunderstorms again today, and I lost my wireless connection until the brilliant son-in-law fixed it for me late this evening. I worked on the Prince's paraphanalia some more, and he was so thrilled when he came home from school he was speechless for a second. Only a second.... The crown started life last night as a rolled up strip of poster board - we had to determine the correct size, of course, and tape it. Then this morning, with no computer and no jigsaw puzzles to work and no friends for chatting, I cut the points and then papier mached the whole thing with recycled brown wrapping paper - superior for this sort of thing, as it absorbs the glue well and is then soggy but strong, and easy to manipulate. Due to high humidity, I had to dry it in a warm oven. The next picture shows one coat of paint - will have to finish it tomorrow, and paint the "lions rampant" also. The crown will have "jewels" added - Jake picked them out himself at the craft store. Great huge gaudy ones, and he is hoping to use the whole package. Probably we will glue split peas around the bottom, as painted gold they look just like round gold beads. Quite elegant - so he will be ready to slay dragons for his Mama by Sunday - and for the princesses at school on Monday, if the crown survives until then. This sort of activity is good for the soul!! In addition, I actually worked a bit on my things, and drew another CQ heart with a BIG blob of lace on it.

Also, I have to show off the latest one now that everything for the background is on it - except the beads - and it is ready to embellish. Check out those curved seams!!! wooo hooooo.! they actually look curved. without zig zags and bumps.

This is a record for me - three in a day!! The slide show was an ordeal, as I forgot how to do it. The lace swatches are pieces I did several years ago when reviving an old effect I used to do of duplicating the look of crocheted lace for edgings and borders for small pieces and simple pillow - monograms, names, etc. It helped having a working knowledge of the crochet process - the popcorn stitches, joining chains, etc. Of course, when using a different medium, liberties can be taken. I have enjoyed these things recently while stitching them into needlepoint crazy quilt work, and now have even added little flowers and leaves in a "laces and trims" format. I think the most enjoyable thing for me - my "mathematical buzz" is working out the corner turning and mitering - also doing the same effect on a diagonal. It's amazingly easy to create a border of any desired size - and then fit a monogram, name, or small motif within the framework. Wondering lately if I could do some semblance of a doily. Hmmmm. maybe. I really enjoy the filet lace!!!!!

Check out my Slide Show!