It's a perfect little project for beginner silk ribbon enthusiasts. And this block is a breeze to piece. I use silk doupioni from the RibbonSmyth doupioni assortment packs. Give a seasonal block a bit of contrast by using apricot and plum fabrics together. Always a great combination and I don't often see the colors used together.
Once the block is pieced, fuse the vintage cottage image into place. That's what I love about the RibbonSmyth fusible vintage images. Never a pucker and no time wasted stitching the image to the fabric.
A great way to use up that floss in your stash, make a tree! I've been teaching the "tree" technique for years and it's an enhancement to the cottage image by continuing the landscape. Add silk ribbon French knots to the foreground for dimension.
Add a bit of RibbonSmyth leaf garland and sprinkle Silk French knots and gold beads among the garland. Did you know in New York the garland sells for $7.50 at a popular trim store? We sell it for $1.75 a yard. You can embellish quite a few pieces with a yard of leaf garland.
Add a few more simple silk ribbon blooms and a glass butterfly for added dimension. The Czech luster glass butterflys are 6 pieces for 99 cents.
Turn this piece into a block for a wall-hanging and use a different cottage image for each block. The 9"x9" block will be a small cushion complete with fringe. A great shabby chic statement for a guest bed or a small love seat. I will add the finished cushion once I can make up my mind on which fringe to use!
Just lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your note! The block was fun to do!
ReplyDeleteJust found your site and shop.....I am in heaven! Off to nose around for a while....can't get enough eye-candy. Maybe some day I will work up the courage to start one of these beautiful creations...for now I will just envy yours! So glad I found you. Beth
ReplyDeleteHi Beth, Today is the day to start a "creation". You will be glad you did! I will help any way I can. Anytime you can spare to embellish, is time well-spent.
ReplyDeleteI've made many kits of this little block, for my workshop. I know I will have extra kits left. If you want one, please let me know.
Vickie, I would like to purchase one of your kits for the English cottage Crazy Quilt - Beginner Basics. How much are they? I have purchased from you before and just love your store!
ReplyDeleteThe previous comment was to go to this email. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Vickie....
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun block. I am also interested in purchasing a kit...I would like to teach my daughter this beautiful art. I've been a fan for a while now and have also ordered from you before. Beautiful work!