Sunday, February 14, 2010

Progress Block #1

 
Well, I got to work on my block today. Yea! So far I am not liking the contrast of the threads I used. I also feel that I could use some lighter colors of wool for some of the applique. But, so far so good, all of the background pieces are sewed down to the muslin. It has been a little hard for me to handle, maybe I need to use a hoop to help me hold it. Let me know if there are any tips for how to handle the bulk of the block while doing the embroidery. It has been years since I have done this type of stitching. On my next block I might do the applique & embroidery first and then sew the pieces to the foundation.

5 comments:

Lori said...

It is looking really adorable!! I had a hard time holding the bulk at first too, but it gets easier. You'll figure out what works best for you. I am thinking a hoop may stretch your wool causing it not to lay flat once the hoop is removed.
Lori

Brenda said...

I read in an earlier post that the easiest way to handle the bulk is to lay your piece flat and work on a table. I haven't tried it but it would make sense. I wouldn't use a hoop; it might make it wonky...wonky is not good, LOL!

Brenda said...

Oh, I see what you mean about the threads and the contrast. I didn't even see the shamrock until I did the closeup...Yep, better reconsider those.
SOmething to consider is to use dark threads on light backgrounds, (as opposed to using brighter threads that might make the stitching POP but the applique seem like an afterthought) It's a balancing act. Good thing you noticed that right away... sometimes we're so involved in the project that the realization of a color problem comes at the end when there is nothing to do but start over; not that THAT has happened to me, LOL! OK, so maybe once...or twice, LOL!
It's looking good though. Can't wait to see more, B=)

Kim said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
paulette said...

I had this very same problem and JoAnn suggested working with it flat on the table. So now I work with my computer lap table on my lap and the quilt flat on it....WAY easier to managed. Try this...it just may work for you!
Paulette