February 4, 2012

Cy - CQJP January Block reveal

CQJP January Block

Just a few days after the end of January and I have my block at a good finish point for the Crazy Quilt Journal Project.

So this is the 9 inch completed block so far.


And here are a couple of close-up pics





In that last pic you can see I've added a piece of crochet to a seam. 
I have decided to create a piece of crochet lace (or maybe two or three pieces) for each of my blocks. Crochet is my 'other' passion, so it feels very natural to include my own crochet on the crazy blocks. Crochet pieces will be designed and made specifically for the cq block and staying within the colour scheme. That will make my blocks even more 'personal' to me.

I shall be adding a raised stitch butterfly to the centre fabric patch at some time in the future, but I want to have a few blocks at the completed stage so that I can stitch a few at a time for continuity throughout the 12 blocks. 
I'm not sure yet what form they will take. I've still got that part on the project design board.

I'm happy to have the first block of my CQJP done now, and I look forward to getting February's block started. I'm really enjoying the challenge of working on these blocks.

My stitching 'theme' is not entirely traditional looking. I am trying to incorporate a more geometric look to the blocks as I don't want to go too 'flowery' with them (although a flower or two did pop up on this block, lol)

I love experimenting with pattern, line, shape and form.

That's all for now folks!!

Happy Stitching


EXTRA.....EXTRA........

Susan asked for a close-up pic of the seam with the scallops ..... so here it is



.

24 comments:

Debra Dixon said...

Ohhhhhh Myyyyyy! Magnificent!

So contemporary, so elegant!
I L-O-V-E your turquoise stone flower, for starters . . . . .

Jane said...

I'm with Debra, beautiful combinations of stitches and beadwork... the varigated threads worked real well and I really like the scalloped stitches on the striped fabric, goes well. The colors are great Cy

Judy S. said...

I, too, like your beadwork as well as your stitching...and the crochet piece. Can't decide which of the beadwork I like best as they're all so nice, and I DO like the the multi-blue leaves and its flower. Don't quit making flowers!

Suztats said...

Marvelous! Your crocheted piece really picks up the colours on the block, and I love your beadwork, the flowers, that stone 'tree' or flower and the addition of french knots around the stones to soften the edge. I love this!!

Recycled Cottage & Garden said...

Fabulous! The colors pop so nicely and there is plenty to keep me looking. I especially like the scallops and the little life-saver circles. I'm glad you are adding the crochet pieces. I never learned to crochet, didn't know anyone to teach me.

Connie Eyberg Originals said...

Cy, I don't even know where to begin. Your first block turned out fabulous! There are so many great details that I keep looking from one to the other. Love the geometric layout, the details in your beads, crochet, ribbon and stitching, and your colors. It all works beautifully.

Susan said...

Of course the tree reaches right out and grabs me, being turquoise, which I love. The block is so well orchestrated! You didn't show close-up, or mention, the other thing that I love so much in this block - the whole seam treatment with those blue and white circles at the bottom. I really like the circles against the stripe.

Helga said...

Only wonderful work.
LG,
Helga

Cyra said...

Contemporary.... yes .... that was what I was going for, thank you.

Cyra said...

Many thanks Jane, I am rather pleased with how those scallops turned out. I shall be experimenting with it more on my next block too.

Cyra said...

Haha, ok Judy, I'm sure I can 'sneak' a flower (or two) on each block. I must admit that the flowers were fun to do.
Now, I wonder what sort of flowers I can invent for the next block ;)

Cyra said...

Glad you enjoyed looking at my block Suz.
I got the idea of adding the crochet after talking with JenClair about the addition of 'tatty old crochet' on her prayer flags. I love being a part of this group and how one persons ideas can be given a whole fresh perspective by someone else.

Cyra said...

Thank you Angela. Those scallops just sort of developed in front of me, lol. No stitching is planned, it all just evolves for me.
I'm glad I went with a restricted colour scheme too.
If you lived closer I would teach you to crochet. I give lessons at my local quilt/wool shop. I don't want crochet to be a dying art.

Cyra said...

Thank you Connie, I'm thinking it might be my artist's mind that makes me want to create things to keep the viewers eye on the 'page' by creating many interesting things to see and look around.

Cyra said...

"Orchestrated" is a lovely way to put it Susan, lol, thank you.
And just for you I am about to add a close-up pic of the scallops on the stripe fabric, so take another look above if you wish, and thanks again for the good feedback.

Cyra said...

>>>new pic has been added at the bottom of the post now<<<

Cyra said...

Thank you for your lovely comment Helga :)

Deborah M. said...

My - it's way beyond words. I absolutely love the colors and all the beautiful details. Lots of inspiration there. Thank you for sharing. The crochet is wonderful.

jenclair said...

Where to begin with all this eye candy to enjoy? Such beautiful beaded detail! And I love those blue leaves!

Susan said...

That is amazing! Thank you so much for the close-up! It's very inspiring.

Cyra said...

;) Loving all this nice feedback <3

Cyra said...

I once did a painting that had green sky, blue grass, and red fields lol. Must have been one of my 'confused' moments, lol, but there is a bit of a story behind that painting.

Glad you enjoyed the eye candy <3

Cyra said...

You're very welcome. The 'life-savers' are rings of thick string tacked down in circles and then satin stitched over.

Barbara C said...

Beautiful crisp stitching, and gorgeous embellishment!