by Sandra | August 20th, 2010
She is quite tiny, (approx. the size of the eraser end of a no.2 pencil) but adds the final bit of interest to pull everything together. This is another example of introducing a small amount of contrasting color to add some subtle punch and surprising detail. I think details should be discovered like little visual treasures and not thrown at me all at once.
A small running stitch behind her suggests her flight pattern and creates movement in the design. I like this better than quilting it in. She is so tiny, along with her flight path, that the quilting would get lost amongst the background fill. A tiny running stitch does the trick.
I used Cosmo thread #345 for the red of the wings, DMC 310 for the head+body and the rest is sewing weight thread. Satin Stitch and straight stitches. This is so much better than a clunky appliqued version don’t you think?
The block is now finished and as I tweeted earlier, I sent off the pattern cover image to the printer. I will clean up the pattern and write up the instructions and it will be ready for you to create your own!
This little ladybug is PERFECT! Not too much, not too little….I love this pattern and KNOW I could not really do it like this, but I want it anyway! LOL… We’ll only get better if we keep on tryin’- sigh. Sandy
This just takes my breath! Beautiful does not do it justice.
Perfection. Grazie.
She may be tiny, but she is perfect! I love the tiny running stitch for her flight path. Thank you for the Master Class, and the good news about the pattern. What’s next????
She’s wonderful!
Love the ladybug detail:) I love the whole design and how you incorporate applique and embroidery to bring it to life!
Laura T
Fantastic! I am awed and inspired!
Oh my, what a wonderful addition the ladybug makes, perfect.
My background fabric arrived yesterday. Great incentive to finish my other project so that I can start the wren.
cutie patootie bug ! Just the right touch !
I’m so excited to get a pattern for this, but you know you are getting me in trouble LOL ! Our Husbands aren’t going to let us hang around together if we aren’t careful , LOL !
Just kidding, he loves your Birds too !!
I’ve been watching your progress with much interest. You have done such an amazing job. I love everything about this lovely piece.
~a
OH MY GOODNESS! The ladybug is the cutest thing I have ever seen. Congratulations on another winner! And thank you for sharing the journey with us.
Best stitches!
Mercy
FANTASTIC!
Another beautiful block and, as usual, I’ve loved following along with the construction phase! Thanks.
My background fabric arrived from Shabby Fabrics and the background is more of a beige than off white with brown writing, so I think I’ll have to figure out something else to use or else …
Looking forward to working on this one.
Kathy
Lady Bug, Lady Bug, fly away home. Or you could get eaten by a Goldfinch, so be careful!!! It’s just as cute as can be and it’s about as big as an eraser???? Wow!! I would need my magnifying glass to embroider that one. But it added just a sparkle to the piece, not that it really needed one..lovely, it is..Wish I could take a class from you sometime and see your work for real..
Kathy,
The fabric is a beige-y background with a taupe (khaki?) script. You have the right fabric. It did not come in any other colorway so what you have is correct. Shocking until you put the applique on it, then it comes to life!