Pages

▼

Monday, July 11, 2011

Applique with attitude

Its been a long time since I have done any applique, well it seems like it anyway. I have a new and exciting little project on the go. This pattern is from Sandra Leichner. I'm loving the challenge of getting back to layered small pieces. This is applique with embroidery for a more realistic rendition that gives it that extra visual punch. This pattern is called the Goldfinch block and is part of a series called the naturalist notebook block series.
This is the first flower that I've done and is an Osteospermum also known as the African Daisy.
I haven't been able to put it down and this is how far I've got. I'm not happy with some values of a few petals in the second flower so I'll replace those.
The hardest part was the tiny piece for the birds eye. There is the option of embroidering it with satin stitch but I decided not to wimp out and applique it. Can you make out the tiny circle in the middle of the head? It will stand out much better when the embroidery is added.
I have to say that Sandra's patterns are incredibly detailed and beautifully presented. I opted for the kit and freezer paper templates and I'm so thrilled with them that I can't speak highly enough about them.
I haven't been slack about visiting, I have a good excuse, really. I've had to change computers, mine finally slowed down so much it was just about dead. Now I'm back with more speed and promise to do more blog visiting soon.  We've had a lovely dinner invitation for tonight so must dash.
Janet

64 comments:

  1. AnonymousJuly 11, 2011 at 6:15 PM

    Gorgeous work Janet! The patterns are quite delightful, no wonder you have found the Goldfinch hard to put down. Look forward to seeing your progress.K

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJuly 11, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    Wow Janet thank you for sharing, the pattern is just beautiful.

    Will go and check it out. Have been busy today so I too can do some more applique on my Kmcl quilt.

    Christine

    ReplyDelete
  3. dutchcomfortJuly 11, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    This is absolutely beautiful Janet! Love the blue/purple layers of applque and the bird, so detialed!

    ReplyDelete
  4. antique quilterJuly 11, 2011 at 6:34 PM

    the flower and bird are just beautiful....
    hoping to get back to applique soon too, I am itching to work on my Mary Mannakee again as well as a few other projects I have in the works ;)
    good luck with the eye, there are some great eye fabric out there you have to look at fabric differently :)
    Kathie

    ReplyDelete
  5. DebJuly 11, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    It's beautiful Janet. Does it grow into a big quilt or are they individual pieces? Would love to know what the background fabric is.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Cheryl (aka Kayly)July 11, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    Your work is absolutely beautiful!Looking forward to seeing some more of this project.

    ReplyDelete
  7. RaewynJuly 11, 2011 at 7:21 PM

    I can see why you were taken with this pattern - it is beautiful and your handwork is divine!! Good on you for appliqueing the eye - that looks tiny!! I am going to the link now - thanks for including that.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jess @ Scrappy n HappyJuly 11, 2011 at 7:39 PM

    Wow! It looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  9. DebJuly 11, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    Awesome work, it looks exactly like the gold finches that are at our feeders. I know what you mean about the eyes I have a Maggie Walker all done except for the eyes of my roosters, still thinking what is the best approach I too don`t want to embroider it but what fabric...it is still a thought but it will come to me.
    Can`t wait to see your eye..

    ReplyDelete
  10. BarbJuly 11, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    so beautiful, your work is just amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Steffi´s Candy QuiltsJuly 11, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    Wow! You are really the appliqué queen! So many tiny pieces - would drive me mad!
    The design and the colors of the block are very beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Pinkadot QuiltsJuly 11, 2011 at 8:43 PM

    This is going to be a beauty! Your applique is really amazing. Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Nat PalaskasJuly 11, 2011 at 8:43 PM

    Lovely colour scheme. Are they hand dye fabric? I like the background fabric too.
    Enjoy
    Nat

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oops-LahJuly 11, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    Absolutely stunning! I'm also wondering if you used hand dyed fabrics (and did you prewash)? I also love the background fabric!

    ReplyDelete
  15. UnknownJuly 11, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    What a beautiful block and simply stunning work, Janet, I can't say enough how original and beautiful this block is
    Is there a series of them?
    So nice to have something do different

    ReplyDelete
  16. CrispyJuly 11, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    It's wonderful seeing you back to applique!! That birds eye is amazing. I tried my hand at a 1/8" circle one time just as a lark and know how hard they are to do :0)

    Crispy

    ReplyDelete
  17. MaryJuly 11, 2011 at 9:40 PM

    Janet your work is so lovely! I really like the background fabric with the gold lettering. Very nice :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Sew Create It - JaneJuly 11, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    Amazing appliqué! Thank you for sharing those great pictures of your work.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Stray Stitches (Linda G)July 11, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    Stunning! Your work is amazing. Love the pattern - thanks for the link.

    ReplyDelete
  20. BetsyJuly 11, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    Janet, I love Sandra's designs. I have her new book and I have been very tempted to buy some of her patterns. As usual , your work is always beautiful and so crisp. How do you think the finch design will work with the basting method of applique?

    ReplyDelete
  21. MaryJuly 11, 2011 at 10:35 PM

    What a beautiful design, and your sewing of it is gorgeous. The bird is incredible. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  22. ThimbleannaJuly 11, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    Wow -- that eye is teeny tiny! It's all just beautiful -- your work is gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  23. ShirleyJuly 11, 2011 at 10:54 PM

    Oh my word Janet. That applique is just amazing and looks like a painting. I love it and it looks great on that background. So different. I may be in danger of gushing now. Beautiful.
    Lots of love.x

    ReplyDelete
  24. Donna~~July 11, 2011 at 11:26 PM

    Really gorgeous--as always! :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. CathyJuly 11, 2011 at 11:30 PM

    Very pretty, I like the unusual background fabric you used. You do great applique work.

    ReplyDelete
  26. MonicaJuly 11, 2011 at 11:38 PM

    Simply beautiful! I love the soft purples used for the flowers. And that background is perfect!

    If I live to be 100 I still couldn't hope to applique as beautifully as you do Janet. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with us.

    ReplyDelete
  27. HJuly 11, 2011 at 11:40 PM

    It's superb! I can't imagine appliqueing that teeny tiny eye and admire your skills - simply gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Fischtown LadyJuly 11, 2011 at 11:45 PM

    excellent work!

    Greetings, Marita

    ReplyDelete
  29. PatJuly 12, 2011 at 12:15 AM

    Have long been an admirer of Sandra's designs
    and in your gifted hands they will be beautiful. Have also been a fan of backgrounds with vintage look script & can see why you are so taken with it!

    Enjoy the journey!

    ReplyDelete
  30. DACHA ARTESANAJuly 12, 2011 at 12:16 AM

    ¡¡¡que maravilla!!! ese apliqué está precioso.Saludos

    ReplyDelete
  31. LoriJuly 12, 2011 at 12:19 AM

    That is an amazing quilt block and so detailed! What a fun new project.
    Congrats on the new computer.

    ReplyDelete
  32. LoriJuly 12, 2011 at 12:19 AM

    That is an amazing quilt block and so detailed! What a fun new project.
    Congrats on the new computer.

    ReplyDelete
  33. AnnetteJuly 12, 2011 at 12:48 AM

    The little bird and flower are beautiful and your stitching is amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  34. JanetJuly 12, 2011 at 12:48 AM

    WOW Janet!! Your applique is incredible!! I love your bird and flowers - they're so beautiful. The background fabric is wonderful as well. Are you going to do more of the series?

    ReplyDelete
  35. Arantxa puntadasJuly 12, 2011 at 1:08 AM

    Es un trabajo precioso, te ha quedado perfecto, felicidades

    ReplyDelete
  36. BrowndirtcottageJuly 12, 2011 at 1:47 AM

    OH MY! I'm VERY impressed you didn't wimp out on that eye!! Fabulous!!!

    On this 'layered' appliqued, I was wondering if you stitch a-l-l the way down to the background fabric or do you just stitch the pieces down to the next layer?? I'm assuming just to the next layer, I guess it could get too thick to reach down to the background!

    ReplyDelete
  37. AmyJoJuly 12, 2011 at 2:19 AM

    Wow beautiful work, that little bird is just adorable

    ReplyDelete
  38. Judy July 12, 2011 at 6:37 AM

    Lovely choices for fabric for the flowers!

    ReplyDelete
  39. JolciaJuly 12, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  40. JolciaJuly 12, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    Janet, jestem zachwycona Twoimi aplikacjami! Pozdrawiam serdecznie :)

    ReplyDelete
  41. JolciaJuly 12, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  42. RachaeldaisyJuly 12, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    You appliqued that teeny weeny tiny little circle!?! You are amazing!! I wouldn't have thought it possible! Your new project looks wonderful, you'll enjoy making all those flowers and birds come to life with your stitches. I really like the text background.

    ReplyDelete
  43. DarleneJuly 12, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    As usual, Janet, it's stunning! You're incredibly talented. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  44. JuliaJuly 12, 2011 at 8:57 AM

    It's beautiful Janet..amazing work...love the different shades in colours of the flowers..that eye is so small I can barely see it!
    Julia ♥

    ReplyDelete
  45. CardygirlJuly 12, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    Beautiful work.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Ann ChampionJuly 12, 2011 at 10:46 AM

    Your applique is absolutely stunning! That eye looks tiny..and you did it so well. I love that background choice too.

    ReplyDelete
  47. SewCalGalJuly 12, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    Beautiful applique'. I too love Sandra's designs. Met her at Asilomar Quilt Retreat and she is just as lovely in person as her designs. She has some lovely new designs that will be released soon too.

    SewCalGal
    www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Dixie HowardJuly 12, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    Beautiful - your applique is way beyond my capabilities, so will enjoy your progress! I did spy the little eye...

    ReplyDelete
  49. KarenJuly 12, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    Stunning applique Janet. It sounds like you have come across a 5 star pattern and kit.

    ReplyDelete
  50. LisaJuly 12, 2011 at 1:09 PM

    Janet, it's just gorgeous. And not just because purple is my favorite color! The background is perfect for it. Can't wait to see more.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Donna KeatingJuly 12, 2011 at 2:27 PM

    This pattern and your work is just lovely. Can't wait to see more.

    Donna K. from N. TX @ http://www.quiltingbeargal.blogspot.com
    “My soul is fed with needle and thread, my body with chocolate.”

    ReplyDelete
  52. LurlineJuly 12, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    Lovely, lovely - I can see you will be thrilling us all once again!
    Hugs - Lurline♥

    ReplyDelete
  53. UnknownJuly 12, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    WOW! the Colours in this Flower are Gorgeous...Looking forward to following you in this Project...
    Nice to have You Back.
    cheers

    ReplyDelete
  54. KristenJuly 13, 2011 at 1:22 AM

    This is beautiful! I can't see the petals you talk about either. If it were me I would wimp out and use a bead! :) I know I'll love it either way you choose to do it. Again, don't worry about the colors in your petals they look perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  55. TerryJuly 13, 2011 at 2:57 AM

    That's beautiful! I love goldfinches and coneflowers! :0)

    ReplyDelete
  56. MiriamJuly 13, 2011 at 3:11 PM

    Beautiful work, Janet!
    Are you going to make all of the series?
    The detail in the Goldfinch is amazing! Congratulations on that tiny eye!

    ReplyDelete
  57. DignaJuly 13, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    Wow, Janet, this is really amazing! How tiny is this eye? It looks really lovely (the whole picture, I mean..). Lovely colours too!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Teresa RawsonJuly 14, 2011 at 12:01 AM

    Oh, this is absolutely beautiful and you do such nice work! I could sit and look at this all day! I can't wait to see the next block!

    In stitches,
    Teresa :o)

    ReplyDelete
  59. M and M plus 3July 14, 2011 at 2:54 AM

    Absolutely stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  60. DorisJuly 14, 2011 at 4:06 AM

    Wow, Janet that is breathtaking... Love your fabric choices and the finished applique is stunning.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Carrie P.July 15, 2011 at 4:29 AM

    Wow! it is gorgeous. I have seen her patterns before. She has some amazing stuff. Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  62. BarbJuly 16, 2011 at 10:26 PM

    Sandra's work is so beautiful and your excellence in stitching is the perfect combo.
    I was lucky to have seen her work in person last year - incredible detail.

    ReplyDelete
  63. ranetteJuly 17, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    Beautiful patterns and amazing applique work Janet. You are always my inspiration...lol...I enlarge the photos and study your stitches in hopes that I can someday applique as wonderfully as you do!

    ReplyDelete
  64. RobinJuly 18, 2011 at 2:37 AM

    Oh, Janet! Your work is beautiful and inspiring. And, OMG... that little tiny eye! Wow.

    ReplyDelete

I love recieving comments, thanks for taking the time to leave me one. I try to reply to all of them but if you don't have your email address enabled in your blog profile, I can't reply to you.