Sunday 8 February 2015

BCQC Progress

Hello! Today I thought I would share with you an update of how my Basic Crazy Quilt Class is going!  Last time I posted about this fabulous class run by Kathy Shaw, I had added some basic embroidery to most of the seams on my block.



Since then, I have also added some freehand embroidery using a template (where needed) to mark the position.  I have also had some excellent, very detailed instructions from Kathy as to how to complete the next embellishment to the block: silk ribbon embroidery irises.


Practice irises on my 'Doodle' sampler

I had never attempted silk ribbon embroidery before and it has been very exciting to learn a new technique.  It is amazing how differently the ribbon behaves compared to thread.  I had to practice a fair amount on my 'doodle sampler' before I could attempt to add the irises to my actual block.  I tried out both 7mm (the pink) and 4mm (the purple) silk ribbon on the sampler. Although it was easier to work with the 4mm silk ribbon, the 7mm ribbon gave a fuller flower which I preferred and it was this that I used to add to my actual block.


Silk Ribbon Embroidery Irises and Leaves (Actual Block)

I also had to add some leaves around the irises and, initially I had only added the dark green leaves but, with some great advice from Kathy, I added the lighter green leaves and the french knot flower centres too.


Silk Ribbon Irises with extra leaves/stitches (Actual Block)

I am so pleased with how the additional leaves and stitches make the irises come to life much more. Kathy has also suggested that I add some straight stitches like grass and a few beads at the base of the flowers to make them seem even more natural. I will add those details later on in the final stages of embellishing the block.  For the moment, my next task is to learn how to create a 'woven rose' in silk ribbon and add that to the block.  Another new technique.... how exciting!! 




30 comments:

  1. Hi Christine, Your irises are Gorgeous! Bravo! I can't wait for this part of the lessons...I've been waiting to learn to ribbon embroider for so long....Kathy is sure sweet to offer these classes...

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    1. Thank you Shelly! I was keen to start the ribbon embroidery too... I had never attempted it before and it takes a bit of getting used to. Kathy is really sweet with all her help and comments and she is so generous to offer the classes! Hope you enjoy your SRE when you get there! :) x

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  2. Your stitching and SRE are beautiful. Your block is lovely!

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    1. Hello Renee! Thank you... I was very nervous of the SRE but it does look nice when it is complete. I am loving the class and learning a lot! :) x

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  3. You have done a fantastic job of those irises, Christine. Your block is looking gorgeous.

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    1. Hello Christine! Thank you... I am glad that they turned out as well as they did... I was a bit nervous putting them on the actual block! It is a great class and I am learning lots! :)

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  4. So lovely und so well done. Love your irises and they look really real. Wow! I am still on my second part of the seams. It is really a great class.
    And thanks for your sweet note to my bag over at my blog.
    Have a lovely day, hugs Martina

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    1. Hi Martina! Thank you! I saw your block on the BCQC blog and it looks great! I left you a comment over there about the 'vellum'. I used tracing paper which I bought in CH and was able to print straight on to.... I got it at the Coop Brico... I think the German is 'hochtransparentpapier'. You will enjoy the silk ribbon embroidery.... I'm really enjoying the class and learning a lot! :) x

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  5. Liebe Christine,
    entzückend, einfach nur entzückend sind deine Crazy Stickereien! Ich habe auch noch nie mit Bändchen gestickt, deine Iris ist dir super gut gelungen!!!
    Liebe Grüße
    Steffi

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    1. Hello Steffi! Thank you! This is such a great class and I am having so much fun learning the new techniques! Have a great week! :) x

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  6. Liebe Christine,
    Deine Crazy Stickereien sehen wundervoll aus. Die Iris ist ein tolles Motiv. Diese Technik mit den Bändchen habe ich bisher noch nicht ausprobiert. Vielleicht wäre es mal ein Versuch wert.
    Liebe Grüße
    Monika

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    1. Hello Monika! Thank you very much! I did enjoy learning how to stitch the irises and the class is a lot of fun! :) xx

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  7. Hi Christine. Your crazy quilt block is looking wonderful. You have done a great job on your silk ribbon irises and I have no doubt you will love woven roses - they are easy and lots of fun. Cheers, Tracy.

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    1. Hello Tracy! Thank you.... I have since completed the woven roses and I have had a lot of fun with them! This is a great class! :) xx

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  8. Looks great Christine - you have reason to be proud!

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    1. Thank you so much! I am so enjoying the class... and I'm learning lots of new techniques! :) xx

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  9. The block looks fantastic, I can not wait until May when Kathy is starting a new course.

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    1. Hello Brenda! Thank you! You will love the class Brenda.... Kathy is great and gives the most fabulous instructions. It is great fun to learn the new techniques! :) x

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  10. That is all so gorgeous! I would love to take a class like that if that is the result. BTW, I'm visiting from the GYBP.

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    1. Hello Marti! Nice to meet you and thank you for your lovely comments! If you would like to take part in my GYB giveaway please could you leave a comment on my GYB post. You can get to it by clicking on the GYB button on the right hand side bar of this blog. Hope you will come back and visit again! :) xx

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  11. What beautiful iris, I bet you felt on cloud 9 when you did them. Your block is coming along so well. I couldn't wait for each email when I was doing the silk work. Can't wait to see the next flowers.

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    1. Hello Dawn! Thank you! It is really exciting getting the next task email through.... I am learning such a lot from the class and really enjoying it! :) xx

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  12. Stunning Irises Christine. So dainty and small. It is good fun to learn new techniques isn't it?

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    1. Hello Amanda! Thank you! I am really having a great time with this class! It is such fun and I'm learning lots at the same time. :) xx

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  13. Absolutely beautiful Christine, your block is so pretty with all the special stitches and that ribbon embroidery is stunning. Clever girl.

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    1. Hello Leanne! Thank you! This is such a wonderful class and I love learning new techniques! :) xx

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  14. Dear Christine,
    your progress looks so exiting!!!
    Hugs
    sigisart

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    1. Hello Sigrid! Thank you! I am really enjoying learning how to embellish the basic block! So much fun!! :) xx

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  15. Christine , your block is looking so pretty , well done on the ribbon embroidery , I signed up for Kathy's class the last round but sadly didn't finish as I was healing from a broken wrist and keeping up was too difficult but I hope to finish it eventually .

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    1. Hello Sheila! Thank you! Sorry to hear you didn't get your block finished... I hope one day you will! It is such a fun class and Kathy is fantastic! :) xx

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