Monday, April 11, 2011

Inking

It's drummed into quilters to add labels to quilts they make, I don't always succeed in doing that but years ago I got interested in making labels with the micron permanent pens. I was full of good intentions and I have used a few. I have some left which I found recently. Now I'm more likely to just write on the quilt backing or spit something out of the computer because I've got lazy.
Some of the drawings got a bit over the top.
Some were simpler, it was fun to do but it's not what I'm into anymore.
Doing the drawing all those years ago has given me the confidence I need to do some inking on my Baltimore blocks before they all get joined together. The inking on this block is from a Susan Mckelvey stamp using a Fabrico ink pad . I'll add a word or something to the banner later.
This one is traced from one of the Baltimore books.
The  calligraphy bird is traced from a free clip art site but simplified a little.
There are two blocks featuring cherubs, a  favourite of my daughter so they got added. This one is from free clip art and re sized. She'll get the quilt eventually.
These cherubs I got off some old wrapping paper. I traced the outline and did some shading with dots.
I know it would have been smart to do inking before the applique but I didn't know what I wanted to put on and I did pay for it. I had to replace one block because I put the wrong birth date on.
I'll just be adding some names or something and then that part is all done.
I suppose I'd better not put off making that last block any longer. I'll be back when that's done.

44 comments:

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

Your inking is amazing! The labels are beautiful, and you are so brave to ink your baltimore blocks after all the applique is done!

Anonymous said...

Janet you are so clever i am in owe of the things you make

Shirley said...

That is one huge leap of faith to work ink into your materpiece but then you have the confidence to do it and go for it. You are one talented lady - great drawing skills.
Love Shirley.x

Oops-Lah said...

You just never cease to amaze me! Those ink drawings are gorgeous and are are the icing on the cake! Loved seeing the Baltimore blocks in detail.

antique quilter said...

just beautiful, I have always wanted to take a class to learn how to do this....
I bet it was relaxing!!! HAHA nerve racking is more like it doing it on your beautiful blocks
Kathie

Deb said...

OMG - is there anything you can't do you amazing woman? Just stunning.

Anonymous said...

Janet once again wonderful, thank you for sharing.

Christine

Susan said...

What a unique and beautiful feature these stamps make to your quilt! And brave!

Unknown said...

Wow! They look just like the inkings on some of the signature quilts from the civil war period. Beautiful!

Janet said...

What a lovely addition to your blocks. You did a wonderful job.

*karendianne. said...

Oh Janet, be still my heart! I don't know what else to say. You've left me breathless.

Crispy said...

WOW the inking is amazing. I would be so chicken to do it LOL. I'm a bad quilter too, I never do labels :o)

Crispy

Joan said...

Wow Janet - you are very brave - its very effective too...You could always use fabric pens to put colour in if you so desired :) Love what you have done

Abby and Stephanie said...

I enjoy your creativeness. There is always something different and beautiful to see. That is one very special quilt.

Pinkadot Quilts said...

Your inking is amazing! I love the bird especially. I have many of those same blocks sitting in a box and a couple have inking on them.

Cheri said...

This quilt is going to be such a classic, the inking so much a part of the old Baltimores. Can you add a applique flower or bug on the wrong birthdate and save that block?

Happy Stitching,
Cheri

Thimbleanna said...

Wow Janet! That's like the icing on the cake. I LOVE that grape block too -- is each little grape stuffed?

Jill said...

I love the inkings. They add such a personal touch. Beautiful!!

YankeeQuilter said...

The inkings look wonderful! I would be a wreck doing them after the applique!

Laurie in Iowa said...

Wow... your inking looks fabulous and adds so much to your quilt top.

Teresa Rawson said...

Wow...I'm so impressed with your inking! I love how that looks on your blocks, ecpecially the cherubs.

That duck (or goose?) label really quacks me up!)

Your grape wreath block is spectacular, as are ALL of them (drool, drool....).

In stitches,
Teresa :o)

Ann Champion said...

Your inking is beautiful! It adds another layer to the look of the blocks.
The times I've done inking on a quilt it was after doing the applique too. It always makes me nervous, but I don't think to do it before.
Your blocks are beautiful and so is the quilting in the DWR.

Quilting Queen said...

All I can say is "WOW" AND DOUBLE "WOW" !!!! Your work just blows me away...

Lori said...

I love that! I am pretty sure I'd like to do somethign similiar to the center of my BTCT. I know I would be afraid to mess it up though. Thanks for sharing your lovely inking!

Phyllis in Minnesota said...

Your inkings are breathtaking and my hope is that one day you will produce drawings for embroidery. I love to incorporate embroidery into my quilts and would love to see a packet or book of your inkings on your blog or in my favorite quilt store. Go girl go!!

Mitt lille rosa syrom said...

Gorgeous! That is one great idea!

Sharon said...

STUNNING!

Anonymous said...
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M and M plus 3 said...

Wow, you're much braver than I could be! Amazing results!

Pat said...

Janet - your inked drawings and inscriptions are wonderful...I have always thought that element adds so much to an appliqued block. When I took a class from Susan McKelvey, I foolishly asked if we started by using a pencil & then go over everything with the Pigma Pens...she gave me that withering look that a teacher knows how to do so well...we were taught to jump in and start writing in the ink immediately. I still tremble when doing so.

Doris said...

I'm loving this...you are totally inspiring me right now!

Rachaeldaisy said...

Those labels are works of art in their own right!!!

Charlotte Scott said...

Another talent you've been hiding from us! I'm slightly ashamed of my very basic, text-only labels now - time to up my game a bit methinks. You've shown me what can be done with a bit of ink!

Julia said...

You amaze me again Janet..
Love the inkings...you are so talented...I would have messed it up for sure..
Go Janet!!
Julia ♥

Jan Marie said...

I love those labels but I am sure they were as lovely as the quilts. Love the little drawings in the quilt.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful work!

Andrea, the little collector said...

Just lovely! It's so fun to see all the different parts of this process.

Sonja♥ said...

You're really gifted, Janet!!!:)

Carrie P. said...

Wow, your first drawings are so cool. Love the geese.
I have a friend who has made a Baltimore album and added the inking. It was so neat. So is yours.

Dixie Howard said...

Love your inkings! You are always an inspiration, Janet!

Mary said...

Wow!!!! These are beautiful and you are so brave! I love it and this is completely authentic for a Baltimore Album quilt. Absolutely lovely!

Kim D. said...

Your ink drawings are wonderful and the baltimore blocks are amazing. I've wanted to take one of those inking classes and hope to someday.

Barb said...

Just lovely!
I used to do a lot of inking and I've fallen away from it too.
It's a good reminder to add it back to work.
do you use PFD fabric or just regular fabric for your inking?

Robin said...

I really need to step up my labels. Yours are like little works of art themselves.

What a difference the inking makes in the Baltimore blocks. It really seems to make the blocks sing even more. And how much more personal the quilt is becoming. It is wonderful.