by Sandra | June 25th, 2010
The applique of the Goldfinch is complete. It will literally come to life when the embroidery stage is complete so it looks a bit plain and wimpy to me now. OK, really plain and really wimpy.
Just a note: The beak is not that orange, the eye highlight and white outer circle are from my chalk marker so I could see his eye come to life. I have no patience to wait for the embroidery here so this gives me a sneak peek. The yellow is also not as “orange” either. I am too lazy to adjust the photos in Photoshop today.
I warn you, after learning what a little bit of detail work with embroidery can do for applique, you will never look at quilts the same way again.
I will do the embroidery work after all of the applique on the block is complete. I admit that I am itching to get to it because I never get tired of seeing the transformation of the applique when it is added.
Remember those black tonal Kaufman fabrics I alerted you to a little while back? (The “Fusions 3″ collection). They worked absolutely perfect for all of the black wings on the Goldfinch. You can get them from Fabric Shack if you haven’t already.
The Multi-gold batik with the dots I talked about at the beginning of this block was exactly what was needed for the darker gold feathers at the breast and just above the tail feathers. I also used it for the beak.
I know there is very little of that batik but without it, the bird would be flat. Try and visualize just a yellow fabric there. Blah. Sometimes, it only takes a tiny amount to make a huge difference. This is a fabulous colored batik, so I have no doubt I will use it elsewhere too.
I am off and working on the next parts and will share them when they are ready. Everyone have a nice weekend. I have my husband building a bunny hutch for his weekend “honey do” project. We released the wild bunny back to his habitat, but somehow we later came home with a domestic bunny. How did that happen?
Oh Sandra– I’m speechless. So lovely. Perfect.
Sandra, The goldfinch is gorgeous – can’t wait to see how the embroidery will enhance it. I know that you just started this, but what’s the next bird going to be?
This is beautiful!
What a handsome fellow! Well done! Your colors are fabulous and vibrant; they look real!
Oh Sandra! Stunning! I see a bunny in one of your future Naturalist Notebook series – lol! Have a great weekend!
I’m HOME!! I was so surprised to see all youv’e done. It looks AWESOME ! I went fabric shopping trying to find some for the goldfinch block . I didn’t do too bad, seeing I had only a real flower to go by , I have to say your rubbing off on my fabric tastes . I concider that a very pleasurable thing ! Of course I picked up a few other colors , anticipating some other pretty flowers ; )
I can’t wait for your embroidery either It amazes me what you do to these already beautiful objects. It is like magic.
Thanks again for all the time you take to share with us . I know you put in a lot of time on this blog , when you have so much on your plate. It is very much appreciated !
Your little goldfinch already seems to have a personality! That multi-gold batik is the wonder fabric! Hard to believe such different colors came out of it! Hope you bought a lot!
Thanks for sharing!
Your goldfinch is just beautiful, love the way you have chosen the fabrics for another artistic applique masterpiece. What fabric did you pick for the head?
Wow! I just love this. You are such an inspiration. I just finished drawing my first applique design – a wreath with a couple of different shaped flowers and leaves. Boy, that is hard. I’m trying not to get discouraged because mine doesn’t look like your work! Your blog has been invaluable to me in getting a understanding of applique design. Thank you so much.
Thanks Frances, I am really anxious to see this one completed.
Peggy,
I am not sure what the next one will be. I was thinking of having an unofficial poll with several choices and see which one you guys choose.
Trust me Mercy, my brain has already started working on the bunny. Nothing concrete yet though.
Boop,
Hope the vacation was a nice break. You do start to see fabric choices in a different way huh?
Melanie,
I thought that too! It always is funny how they have distinct personalities and yet, they are made of fabric. I think that is why it is difficult for me to let go of any of my quilts. I become too attached!
Denise,
I used a “solid” black batik for the head. There is still some tonal qualities, though not as strong. I get that nice strong black, easy to work with for applique and tricky applique, and subtle, very subtle, highlights. Though I don’t really think you can call them highlights. More like areas of slightly faded strong black so the effect is not completely flat. Oh dear, I think that was babble. I hope it made sense.
Yeah for you Gini!
Just remember to keep your images in the form of a coloring book drawing. Start simple and then add more detail. Most importantly, don’t give up. You will learn through your experiences what will work and what doesn’t. You can’t have that skill right out of the starting blocks. You have to learn it through doing. It makes success much more sweet!
Shelley,
Wait until the embroidery. It is really amazing what a few simple stitches can do. I am still mesmerized by it. Bet you couldn’t tell huh?
Thank you Lisa!
Wow, everyone has said just about all there is to say. Can’t wait to see the embroidery. Have to really start thinking background fabric to be ready to start the “Wren”. Have a GREAT weekend, hope that it is not foggy as it is here. Tomorrow is the annual Humboldt Botanical home garden show, so hope that the sun comes out to take good photos.
Oh Brenda,
A garden show—sigh. Have a nice time!
Wish you could hear the “ahhhhh” that came automatically out of me when I saw this one. Thanks so much for sharing.
Would it make a big difference if the petal behind the bird’s head were a lighter colored petal ? Or maybe it is lighter but the picture makes it look dark ?
I love that little Goldfinch!! I’m from Iowa and the Goldfinch is our state bird and our state flower is the wild Rose..wouldn’t that be a good combination also?? I do love the coneflower and it’s one of my favorite flowers. Mine are just starting the bloom now..Your applique makes my fingers just itch…can’t wait until you do the embroidery…great job!!
Beautiful bird. So full of personality. I too love watching the embroidery make the applique “Pop”. Sometimes I don’t know when to stop with the embroidery though!
Wow, Sandra – this is amazing! I am glad that you share about actually using three different fabrics for the black… you inspire me to be more detailed-oriented! Just out of curiosity, how much seam allowance is that on the goldfinch belly?
Are those two yellows from that Avlyn ombre fab you used in Jason’s Pumpkin flower? By the way – how IS Jason’s Pumpkin coming along?
Oh, and… a titmouse, too! And maybe a junco.
Wendy, I use a 3/16th inch seam allowance. I always tell students who haven;t reached a certain comfort level to use a scant qurter inch and trim as you stitch if you get more comfortable. It is much easier to start with a larger seam allowance and trim as you go than too small of one and struggle.
Kathleen,
I have the same issue. Then I hear my high school art teacher (and Tim Gunn now) in my head telling me to edit when I am getting carried away with the details and killing the piece.
Stitches,
I love wild roses and I will see if I can work them into a block in the Naturalist’s Notebook series.
Michele,
Oh yes…Juncos! I love those!
Sara,
Thanks for the “ahhhhhhh”