Hooray! The sunshine came, and it's dried up a bit! I've spent the weekend hoeing,weeding, cutting down shrubs,scrubbing cold frames and bird feeders; it's beginning to look like a garden again. It was so lovely to be outside listening to the birds singing, and watching them scoff huge amounts of sunflower seeds from their new clean feeders.
Despite all this outside activity I've been stitching like mad too. I designed four stitcheries which will be going in a quilt I am creating jointly with Jayne at
Poppy Patchwork. She's going to create the pieced blocks using the
Itsy Bitsy range from Makower, and put the quilt together.
They're in a folk art style, but with a few twists as I've added in a few stitches like bullion knots and Ghiordes knot for tufting to add a bit of texture. Or they can be stitched up really simply in back and straight stitch.
Spring has bluebells, nesting birds and a bunny with a fluffy tail, just about to hop down the hill.
Summer has foxgloves, butterflies and a furry tailed red squirrel assessing the future nut situation!
Autumn's tree is full of berries for the hungry birds - and of course I had to include toadstools!
Winter brings snow topped teasels and a shy doe hiding behind the tree looking for food.
I wrote this little poem for the centre block. I'm so looking forward to seeing what Jayne creates for the pieced blocks.
Now though, I can get back to a little creature who is giving me a Paddington Bear hard stare from the table where he is waiting impatiently to be dressed.....x
Oh my goodness the blocks are so beautiful. I love the four seasons theme and the stitching is gorgeous. Oh it's so cute. I wish I could say I've been outside getting ready for gardening but there's still snow everywhere, though it is melting as it is warmingup a bit this week. I hope you are well. Blessings, Bird
ReplyDeleteOooo. I love these!
ReplyDeleteJules I adore these four season trees you have stitched so cleverly. And your poem will completely add to this amazing quilt that will come together as a collaborative effort. Creative Stitching Bliss...
ReplyDeleteThese are just wonderful, Jules! they have a sweet, vintage feel to them which I LOVE. Can't choose a favorite - I tried! I love all the little thoughtful elements in each one from the bluebells and nesting birds to the toadstools to the shy doe and lovely snow. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThe four seasons always fascinate me and your trees capture all the qualities beautifully. I couldn't live in a country without the four seasons!
ReplyDeleteAdorable blocks , this will make a lovely quilt!!
ReplyDeleteOh, those Paddington Bear hard stares - I've been on the end of a few, too!
ReplyDeleteStill, I'm sure he'll agree it was worth the wait to see these charming designs completed!
These blocks are beautiful and so delicate looking.
ReplyDeleteTo answer the question in my blog. I used polymer clay to do the head sculpt then used the 2 part mould making stuff that you get in hobby craft, which is kneeded together to make the mould. Once it is cured you can use paper clay or any other light air drying clay to get your sculpt done
I too don't like to use the kitchen oven so bought a very cheap one that sits in the garage and safe to use as you don't inhale any fumes
ReplyDeleteWhat I like about the quilt is that it is so simple and clean looking. By that, I mean that it is not cluttered and you can see each of the details without being overpowered by too much. Yes, you are definitely inspired by the spring in both quilt and your outdoors activities. I know the UK has had it's share of bad weather this winter as we have here in the states. Brutal. We have more snow in the offing so I will wait to attend the garden for a few more weeks. Love hearing about yours.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Jules and your poem is the perfect finishing touch!
ReplyDeleteI am so in love with these Jules! They are fabulous and make me smile big!
ReplyDeletethey are adorable, I particularly like the bunny!
ReplyDeleteI love your stitcheries! They are so sweet!
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