CQJP 2012 - Block One - WIP

Below is my progress to date for my CQJP 2012. I have all 12 blocks constructed.

This first image shows my first layer, step 1, which is basic stitches on the seams. I chose to do blocks based on some paintings of family homes I remember from my childhood. These paintings were created for my senior thesis in college, 2002.

Step 2, I photographed the paintings and then scanned them into the computer, turning them to sepia toned prints through http://picnik.com/. I decided to keep some of the flowers the same color they were in the painting while just making the homes sepia toned. This is easy to do on PicNik! I love that site! I then printed the resized images onto printable fabric from an office supply store. I also typed up a little history about the home and also printed it onto fabric. The directions stated you could press the images into place or stitch them, but I was not having much luck with them sticking when I pressed them, so I secured them in place with blanket stitching.

For step 3 I am doing some embellishing and embroidery. Since I had peacock feathers in my painting I decided to also do a stitched peacock feather. I was not sure if I would be happy with my stitching of a peacock feather and almost backed out, but then I decided if I didn't like it I could rip it out and cover the possibly damaged area with fabric or more stitching such as flowers. Each of my blocks will have one of the 12 monthly gemstone colors featured while the blocks themselves will remain neutral tones. For this first block I chose Sapphire Blue. They will probably not be placed in Jan-Dec order on the finished piece, but it was an easy way to choose some pretty colors. My next block will be images of the families that occupied the home. This particular house is the one my husband was raised in.