Monday, March 23, 2009

Blog Give-away

This is a block using some of my favorite color combos ~ raspberry, purple, lime green. These are fabric samples from a Paris fabric salesman. Ah, wished I could have bought all his sample books. Even with the Euro being equal to the dollar, when I was in LaBourboule, the fabric swatches were pricey. The fabrics were purchased in small swatches. Hope to come up with companion blocks, so this actually will turn into a wall-hanging. I don't piece with the flip'n sew version. I cut out shapes as I go and baste them in a puzzle fashion. I don't care for straight seams. I try to incorporate "flow" into all my designs. The five-sided piecing method seems to draw too much attention to the geometric, static shapes, for my tastes. Great as a learning cq piecing tool or for just doing seams, but I prefer to work with more embellishments other than thread. I "raw-edge" applique when I can, since I know I will cover the seams with embellishments. In this block I a used wire-edge ribbon gathered flower as a focal point. I took green wire-edge ribbon and twisted it tightly for a stem to cover a seam and tacked the ribbon into place with Nymo. Alas, the wire-edge ribbon sources in France are all disappearing. Now it will be more difficult to get French wire-edge ribbon.

The small millinery flowers were taken from a 1950's hat, as I hoard those hats for the flowers! Soon I will be selling vintage fabric kits with 1950's vintage fabrics and flowers for accent pieces.

I pieced this block in New Mexico at my parents home, and had a small stash, which forced me to work with what I had on-hand. Found a crochet hanky at a New Mexico junk shop and used that trim in the top right corner. What bliss! To be sitting on the cabin deck in that gorgeous New Mexico sunshine, covered with a blanket, a hot cup of coffee nearby, with the fragrance of Pinon pine and the view of watching deer graze a few feet away from my chair. Those times are never taken for granted and this block will always be a reminder of a few hours of peaceful creating. Mom always reminds me that in future trips, she will find a sequin here and there and she saves them in a small dish, as a memory of our times at the "Adams Treehouse"; where her daughter always shows up with "stitching stuff"!

Each time we send a newsletter, we will select via a random drawing, an email address from our blog posts. Even if just to say "Hi", we will have your email address to enter into the drawing. The package will be filled with RibbonSmyth trims, bits, buttons and ribbons. The winner will be notified via private email for address details. Anyone can enter and we will ship to any global address! The next drawing from this posting, will be April 5th.


Thank you!

Vickie

22 comments:

Connie said...

This is a great idea! Connie (cwkalina@aol.com)

Cindy Silberblatt said...

Hi,
Love everything I've gotten from you, Vickie. Wish I had the talent of those who post their pics here. Beautiful work. Cindy Silberblatt, Gallatin, TN csilberblatt@att.net

Sandy said...

That's a yummy block. I can see why you like that color combinations.

Cathy said...

I received an order today. I can't wait to use some of the goodies.

Kathy Raker said...

Beautiful block and a great way to remember your visit with your parents.

GailM. said...

My friend and CQ teacher, Linda H. highly recommends you. I'm going to place an order in April. gailmitchell@yahoo.com

Linda H said...

What a lovely block Vickie. The colors are brighter than what I usually work with, but I love it, especially that gorgeous raspberry color...
Linda
hubbard2@nbnet.nb.ca

Unknown said...

That block is absolutely gorgeous! The color combination is stunning! :)

Micki said...

Your block is beautiful. You do such lovely work.

Karrin Hurd said...

Love the block, it is beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Now I understand why your cq blocks are so appealing...you don't flip and sew. The softer, flowing edges are so much prettier, I think.
ddraper@rogers.com

Bernie said...

Hi Vicki,

This sounds like great fun. Love the things I have purchased and have gotten much inspiration from you. Thanks!
Bernie

Unknown said...

Vickie, I forgot you had a blog! I'm happy to find it again. :)
Beautiful ribbons on that project.
Please enter me in the drawing!
Thanks,
Dakotah

Unknown said...

Ooops, better make sure you have my email:
dmd19tfd@yahoo.com

Rengin Yazitas said...

Hi Vic,
I loved your color combo, they are all my favorite colors.
It is a gorgeous block:)
Love,
Rengin

Debbie said...

I love that color combo, too. The block is beautiful. I also love to win! debbiesther@gmail.com

Cathy said...

What a beautiful block - a perfect celebration of color, flowers and memories! Now I've got to try some creatively curved piecing. You never fail to inspire! Thank you. Hugs,
Cathy K

Judith said...

Hi Vic, I so agree with you about block construction. I am never happy with my blocks for some reason and I can never pin point what it is, and you hit the nail on the head, its all those straight lines. I do love this block as I love all your work. Your beautiful blocks always flow.
Tons of love
Judith

Anya said...

How nice of you...thanks.

Patricia said...

I'm so glad you posted this. Felt like I was cheating with some raw edges that I cover. Your block is just gorgeous, so nice to remember your visit with. I always moan when I get your newsletter, the temptations are so hard to resist, and I often don't, lol. Please enter me in your drawing (I hope I win, I hope I win).
Pat
Patricia Rose-A Potpourri of Fabric, Fragrance and Findings
www.patriciarose-apotpourri.com
www.patriciarose-apotpourriof.blogspot.com
pmorello@citlink.net

Jaja said...

Oh I Love it! Hope I win!
Jaja
tjlburke at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Love receiving all the packages of goodies! This is a very nice little perk.
Elizabeth K
stregalibby@aol.com