Wednesday, May 30, 2012

ANOTHER FAMILY CQ BLOCK COMPLETED (almost)

I've completed my 5th CQJP block.  At least I thought I had it completed.  Stay tuned, I'll explain shortly.


Immediately below is the naked block.  I tend to use the same basic 'stand-by' stitches for my base.




Here is the problem.  I was getting ready to post the image of the original key to the house when I noticed in the photo something that did not please me.  The photo with the key has the wrong last name!  I will need to replace that photo or at least a portion in order to correct the name.  Ugh!  I can't just leave it since it will (hopefully) be kept in the family and may totally confuse some future generation working on our genealogy.  Since I work in layers, some pieces are tacked over the photo and maneuvering over beads, keys, ribbons etc. can be frustrating.

Meet the Wilkinsons, not the Hesters: 


I guess I just need to accept it has to be done and do it ~ but I can't do that without whining first (giggle).  By the way, he (James Wilkinson) designed and built the home that you will see on the next block.


For now it will do.  I'm sure it won't be the only thing I need to fix before the year is over.


I also wanted to share my butterfly.  For some reason I have just really struggled with this.  What is now a blue butterfly was once a butterfly identical to the one I've left in the upper left corner of my block.


I tried different things with it to try to give it more substance, but it just cut into the flow of the block, so I ended up covering the lace butterfly completely with embroidery. 
Still not real happy with it (above and below) I have added a bit of a lace look to the edges of the wings, but then went back and finished the edges better.  The result is shown in the photos that follow.  The original lace still shows through slightly.




I am very please with the results now.  I had tried different colors thinking a color such as orange that would pop would be nice, but when I held different colors where the butterfly would be, nothing worked until I tried this almost periwinkle blue.  The butterfly shows up but doesn't steal the scene.


My final (other than the name change) step was to add my aqua ribbon with a little angel holding it in place.  I  am much happier with the addition of this ribbon.  It seemed to have been the needed element on the block.  

When I started this year long project the bead color of the month was going to be the common element and the color accents were going to be smaller in scale and more of an accent than center stage.  It has taken on a life of its own and evolved.  The sheer ribbons and embroidered lace have become unifying pieces on each block.  I have been developing my own stitched/embroidered lace which started because I could never find the size or shape or color of lace I wanted for a particular area.  The gifted lace makers who see this are probably either giggling or appalled at my ignorance of lace, but I am happy with it so far.

This block will represent the month of March with the birthstone of Aquamarine.  It feels good to finally be happy with it.  I was ready to scratch the entire block and start over.  If I weren't so lazy busy I probably would have.  Now on to April's diamond displaying the home these people lived their lives in.  I know why this is called a challenge by the way.

I love your comments and feedback, so please feel free to share your thoughts!

13 comments:

Cyra said...

As an easy fix for the photo problem, would adding a panel of the correct text over the original text on the photo be good enough? Then you wouldn't have to unpick anything, and you could perhaps add a few more beads, ribbon or embroidery to hide the join.
The rest of the block is beautiful and such an interesting work.
I love your periwinkle blue butterfly by the way ;)

Debra Dixon said...

I was going to come over and say the same as Cy--patch it with a new patch.

Lorraine said...

I like the ideas suggested above - always so much work to re-do an element isn't it!? Love the colour combinations and overall composition. The butterfly is gorgeous and love the little angel charm - really delightful!

Connie Eyberg Originals said...

Thanks for the great suggestion. I am going to partially take your advice I think. You are right that it isn't necessary to replace the entire patch. If these darn things would iron on securely as they are supposed to it would be easier. Because it is really tough to stitch through two thicknesses of this material I am going to try removing just the lower portion and replace it with a lighter and less obtrusive thread through the center while attaching and continuing the darker thread on the outer edges as on original. It helps to have fresh eyes and perspective.

Anonymous said...

Problem solved, I see. My suggestion was just applique another one right on the top of that one, but if you can do the piecing, that would be great! Best of luck in making it something you like! I know you'll be checking all the future photos extra times. =) Look forward to seeing that house.

Createology said...

Your block is such an amazing work of family history and art. The embroidered blue butterfly is blissfully beautiful and my very favorite. I was thinking the same idea for not removing your named piece. Glad you have a resolve for the fix to have the proper name. Lovely work...

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Connie I think your creation is truly lovely. It will certainly be a family heirloom. The blue butterfly is wonderful. Lovely artwork. Hugs Judy

Jil~Say It With Roses said...

Oh how I hate to redo something that is in place!
Your work is lovely and that is stating it mildly! Your family is very lucky to be getting piece of their family history!
I am a novice quilter and the crazy quilt is one of my most favorites. My oldest granddaughter has asked me for one in velvet's and jewel tones with other fabrics. I foolishly said I would try, so one piece at a time is how it is going! The embroidery does not worry me, it is the piecing!
♥ Jil

Anonymous said...

I love the blue butterfly - what stitches did you use on that and what's the thread? - it's absolutely gorgeous!

Connie Eyberg Originals said...

Thank you all for such nice comments and for your suggestions. Mary-Frances, the embroidered butterfly is created over top of the lace butterfly. I first added satin stitch in dark and light blues then chain stitched around that. I was thinking I would leave the original lace on the edges exposed but wasn't happy with that so I added buttonhole stitching for a blue lace effect. The center looked out of place so I simply wrapped the two strips with my floss. It is all done with two strands of embroidery floss.

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I love the way the ribbon winds around the key and how the green (at least it looks green here) leaves seem to anchor the block. Nice!!

scarlett clay said...

Gorgeous And you know I love the blue butterfly no matter how you use it!! I like the way you incorporated so many materials as usual, it's such an amazing keepsake!

suziqu's thread works said...

Hello Connie
This is so beautiful and an absolute credite to you. I also admire your persistence in getting it just right.
You would have never been happy otherwise.
Love the whole piece.
Thank you for your lovely visit to my blog just recently.
I wish I could keep up with everybody's blog but do my best.
Warm hugs to you friend,
Suzy