by Sandra | July 19th, 2010
Normally I would wait to make these the last part of the embroidery process. Why? because that way they don’t get a bit smashed in my hoop as I go on and do the other embroidery work. No worries though, I can plump them back up easily enough with my fingers. I just couldn’t wait to see them come to life. Patience is not one of my virtues.
I first came up with these when doing Jason’s Pumpkin quilt. I have ideas swimming around in my brain for other versions too. There had to be some reason to attract the Goldfinch since I was not going to use thistles in the design. I took some artistic license here.
I used two shades of the Cosmo threads (not combined) so they would have just a slight bit of shadow and highlight. The Cosmo threads look so much like silk embroidery thread that the slight sheen really works here. I used three threads and a #9 embroidery (crewel) needle. I know—–tough way to make Bullion knots. But so many threads and at least twelve wraps, I had no choice.
Each seed head has two bullion knots side by side. The seed head stems are stem stitched, one strand of sewing weight thread. Unfortunately I can’t hold and/or click the camera while making a Bullion knot.
I just love these, if I do say so myself and can’t wait to experiment making other versions!
I am working on the feathery foliage that is amongst the flowers now. This is the most time intensive of the embroidery on this particular block. However, it is this supporting embroidery that really lets the applique sing and gives it depth.
Sandra,
Who else could make pretty ordinary seed heads look stunning?
WOW!
Judy B
Sandra, Absolutely love the seed heads!
Do you practice your stitching on a scrap before you dive in? Any suggestions (besides the obvious, practice) to producing a consistent stitch?
Thanks for sharing!
I love it…I love those bullion stitches (still trying to perfect mine!) Sent your blog site to another quitler on my “Applique Your Way” yahoo group, and she is going to recommend your book at her quilt shop, where they carry embroidery supplies (wish mine did too)- your block is lovely! Sandy
Sandra, your work is incredible. What is the size of the goldfinch block and are you going to incorporate it into a larger quilt? I began doing embroidery as a young girl watching my mother. It is one of my favorite art forms. I look for your blog every day. Thank you for your inspiration. Joan
You did it AGAIN ! Fabulous ! I love it when you add the embroidery . It makes the whole block so much more interesting to look at . I can’t wait to see the next step . You always have me wondering what you will come up with to enhance your already beautiful work . Every post is a highlight in my day . : )
I love the seed heads. They have such dimension! I think the finch likes them too!
I love the seedheads and I think the Goldfinch likes them too!
LOVELY block and the embroidery makes it sing. I have the wren pattern and am agerly awaiting the pattern for this one.
Thanks for sharing!
The seed heads are just the right touch. I am waiting anxiously to see the feathery foliage next. Your work is always amazing.
Ah thanks Judy!
These don’t take much time either. Something I always like! LOL
Melanie,
Sometimes, but not always. If it is a new stitch I have not done before then, yes, I do practice on a scrap. If I am comfortable with the stitch, no. I do remove the stitching if I see it isn’t working. Only if I were to do this over and over several times would it be a bad thing. But a couple of times if necessary? not a problem.
Sandy,
Thank you for the nice word of mouth!
I am seeing an uptick in shops now carrying embroidery floss. Hand embroidery is starting to gain in popularity. It is the one technique that can not be duplicated succesfully by machine. Not a slap towards machine embroidery mind you, just a textural and visual fact.
Thank you Joan,
Right now the Goldfinch block is 11″w x 17″long. Yes I am going to incorporate it with other similar, sampler style, applique blocks. I have to credit my blog followers and supporters for this project. It was their idea to expand the Wren block to a quilt series of blocks I call the “Naturalist’s Notebook series” . As I have time, I create a new one.
You are so right Boop, the embroidery is what makes the end result so wondreful. It is an extra bit of work, but oh my, what a difference!
As always dear Boop, thank you.
Kathellen,
If the Finches don’t like them, we will pretend they do. LOL
You are so welcome Kathy! This block in person is so beautiful and hopefully I should have a pattern ready by the end of August. (fingers crossed).
Thanks Denise.
The feathery foliage is easy, but takes a bit more time. I thought about decreasing the amount, but nah, it wouldn’t look as nice in the end.
Chickadee! Did you get that one?! LOVE the seed heads. Had an interesting time googling the boullion knot stitch – felt the need to stand on my head for a minute trying to figure out the needle in and out deal – but finally got it!
Hey! I got the AQS magazine yesterday, along with the July/August book catalog, and your book is in there seemingly available to order! Is it really available now?!
So lovely ! Will instructions for the bullion knots be in the pattern ? Or did this come up in an earlier blog ?
Sara,
A stitch illustration will be included with the pattern as always.
I have it on my growing to-do list to photograph the process of the stitch (if possible). So no, you are OK, I haven’t show the mechanics yet of the Bullion Stitch.
Michele, you crack me up. So no one is bored with the Chickadee yet?
As far as the AQS book catalog. The book is not “out” yet, like Amazon, they are taking pre-orders. I still haven’t seen an edited copy. I am in the dark so far with all of you.
Sandra, love the write up of your new book in the AQS catalog. Nice photos too! Sure wish it was available now! Bet you are more anxious than us!
I’m so glad you’re adding more patterns for sale. Perhaps a video is in the works? Hands only?
Videos—YES! PLEASE!—
I think your design is absolutely darling!!!!!!!!
Thank you Annie!