For me an odd 'bit and piece' is the crazy quilt block I started in summer. I have now completed the decorations and what remains is to put a frame around the block itself.
Anyway here is the un-framed block:
It is rather overworked, don't you think?
It was made just for fun, using a kit of fabric and trimmings I bought from Hideko Ishida and her quilt group's charity wagon at Yokohama International Quilt Week last year. I have then added a variety of memorabilia from 2012 and a number of the TAST stitches we have covered this year.
These are the latest additions:
An undulating line of Chain stitches, a few spiky straight stitches in green metallic thread (which was hard to work with) and Pistil stitches for filling.
Golden pearls to fill out an empty space next to the Indian ornaments.
Pistil stitches and a line of Stem stitches connecting the Triple Lazy Daisy stitches.
Christmas light have been taken down and the night sky is very dark. That is why I changed the background of this blog to black to reflect the winter darkness. Soon, and new bright year is approaching!
For more Work In Progress, please visit Sharon's blog Pintangle.
12 comments:
lots of eye candy to see here and be inspired by, all the best for new year, sounds like you are going to party
A beautiful block and so much to discover on it. I always admire your even stitches.
I wish you the best for 2013 most of all health!
Looking forward to meet you in the upcoming year!
I don't think it is overworked, that is a matter of taste. The thing is that when a block is crowded on the left it has to get crowded on the right to restore balance.
One thing that catches my eye is that the top right corner seems heavy and the top left corner seems light. The blue and pink patches are nicely divided over the block, good balance there.
The Indian ornaments are pretty but I feel they don't fit in this block because of their style and the yellow attracts too much attention.
Of course I can only judge on what I see on my screen, in reality it can be very different.
I wish you a wonderful New Years Eve and all the best for 2013,
Marjolein.
Party? No, New Year in Japan is Christmas, NY and Easter all thrown together. A bit family event, but quiet, lasting until January 4th. Most people just want to take it easy and recharge batteries for another year of hard work. I am sure you have heard how seriously the Japanese take their work! Now is a time to do anything BUT work, hence the frantic cleaning and cooking before December 31.
Thank you, Claudia.
This block was totally un-planned and that I think is the reason why it is, in my opinion, 'too much'.
Wishing you a happy end of 2012 and all the best for a Happy New Year.
See you soon in the stitching world!
Thanks for your comments. It is so valuable to hear from someone as skilled and knowledgeable as you. This block started out as 'something to work on during travelling in summer' and was worked totally without plan. After looking with squinted eyes (always a good way to 'see') at the block, I, too, realise it is top heavy in the right corner and the left side is a bit tame. I will do something about that. The Indian ornaments will absolutely stay - they are of utter importance because of the story behind them. There are many items in this block that will remind me of 2012, and if the yellow colour of these ornaments draw a lot of attention, the better! I will be happy to tell the story!
We are nearing the end of 2012 and I am still very busy with final arrangements for the biggest event of the year in Japan.
Wishing you a happy end and great beginning.
A stitching friend of mine would sat it is impossible to overwork a piece, to have too much stitching, bling, adornment. I don't agree but do know that it's hard to know when enough is enough, especially when you're having fun doing all that embroidery.
A very happy New Year to you and your family Carin, an email will follow soon, I promise. 2012 was special in so many ways, not least the great times we spent together in Tokyo, I wonder what 2013 will bring?
Queenie, your work is great, and your passion for embroidery and embellishment shows in this block - you must have had so much fun working free-style on this!
Best wishes
Barbara
That is very pretty. I think that all the stitches compliment each other.
2013 will bring new energy! I have plans for my embroidery/quilting projects but don't want to put them down on paper as New Year Resolutions. The Japanese economy will pick up, and I hope the European dito will, too.
Yes, it was fun. It was done totally off the cuff which is an unusual way for me to work. I should do it more often!
Thank you, Carolyn.
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