Sunflowers in Lancaster County, PA

 

Sunflowers by the side of the road in Lancaster County, PA

Universally loved!

 



Summer afternoon at the farm

My favorite time of day! It's been a wonderfully, cool week, which means a comfortable studio. Fall is just a few weeks away and I wonder where summer went.   After all these years at the farm, still grateful to spend a little time sitting in the porch swing and enjoy the colors of summer. The little bike is filled with  begonias and sits near our front door.   



Quilting Arts Mermaid Seascape

This little piece is approximate 11"x14. The Mermaid is designed with vintage sequins harvested from a 1920's flapper gown. Her tail is very old French wire-edge ribbon, found at a Paris flea market. Her tiny "shell" ear was made with a special South American clay, that I found at a Cake Decoration convention in Detroit, Michigan.

Quilting Arts Mermaid Seascape with Seahorse Detail

Using hand-dyed silk ribbon, that I dyed for the project, and Kreinik metallic fibers, I stitched a little seahorse above the treasure chest. See the little crab floating out of the chest? Assorted fish with silk bias-cut "fins" are floating among the seascape.



Quilting Arts Mermaid Piece Seascape Close-up

Many years ago, I designed a Mermaid seascape for Quilting Arts Magazine. This photo offers a bit of detail of the seabed using little shells I made with clay and tinted with Pearl Ex pigments. A velvet pod is included among the collage of beads and small sea shells. Such fun to create.

 



Maroon13 First Four Embellished Crazy Quilt Blocks

 

Even though all fours blocks will receive additional embellishing, it's great to see that one-third of the wall-hanging, is coming together!



Maroon13 Block Four with Rayon and Velvet Ribbon Detail

No secret, that I think our hand-dyed rayon tape, adds vintage elegance to every design. Here I've added hand-gathered deep gold, dyed rayon tape, among pewter velvet ribbon. These trims balance the large buttons. Love the dimension!

Maroon13 Block Four Lace detail with Mother of Pearl Beads

This is a close-up shot of embellished lace, using our Mother of Pearl Discs, some of our Rose Glass leaves and assorted silk ribbon French knots among small wire-edge ribbon roses and vintage pearls.

Maroon13 The beginning of Block Four

For this block, I wanted to use an assortment of lace pieces. Lots of stitching to go, but I like where it is heading. I am intrigued by 1940's coat buttons. The size and the different textures, are simply the best. They are heavy buttons. Now to balance the buttons with embellishing.

Maroon13 Finished CQ Block Three

This third block features dainty, Victorian Inspired, soft silk ribbon and dyed motif sprays.

Maroon13 Block 3 Vintage Button Collage

Add a small group of buttons to spruce up boring rows of seam treatments. I prefer old brass buttons and Czech glass buttons, when making a small collage. Stitch the buttons on top of a seam. Add some lazy daisy leaves, a little bit of Feather stitch, using Krienik metallic braids and finish with  loose-wrapped French knots. Add seed beads among the floral spray.

Silk ribbon embroidered bouquet on Maroon13 Block Three

Using silk ribbons in size 2, 4, 7, and 13mm, different looks were acheived, Our ribbons are affordably priced. Colors and widths can be seen at www.ribbonsmyth.com Great results in using a variety of  different widths. We carry every size of chenille needle to coordinate with ribbon widths.

Rayon Dyed Motif on Maroon13 CQ Block Dyeing tutorial

 

This is such a great rayon motif shape. We sell them at www.ribbonsmyth.com and I believe there are a few pieces left. I wet the motif and dried it until damp, placed on a foam paper plate and brushed on dyes in periwinkle, olivine and antique gold. Allow to dry, press on the back with a hot dry iron. That easy to get stunning results. Our rayon Rainbow Dyes are non-toxic and the large bottles allow you to dye a gazillion pieces at affordable prices.