Monday 12 January 2015

January 2015 Block: CQJP Challenge

Hello! Did you have a good weekend? I had quite a quiet weekend as the weather here was very mixed from wet and very blustery to sunny and bitterly cold.  I am also still trying to shake off the remnants of a very nasty cold, so a relaxed weekend was definitely needed!! Quiet weekends inevitably involve some sewing and, this weekend being no exception, I was able to complete my January 2015 Block for the CQJP Challenge.



The last time you saw this block I had just pieced together the base fabrics. Although I gave you a sneaky peek of some of the hand stitched embellishments in my last post, a lot more stitching and embellishment has been added and here is my finished block.



It is far from perfect but, given that this is my very first attempt at crazy quilting, I am delighted with how it looks.  These blocks tend to 'grow' as you go along.  You can have a basic idea what you want to do but as soon as you finish one line of stitching, it is easy to think 'oh, I'll add that over there now' and 'it would look nice if I added a button or two'.




In the process of making this block I have decided that my overall theme for my challenge blocks is going to be 'The Garden'.  You can see I have added some 'garden' themed buttons and a lot of the stitches have a 'flowery' look.



In more detail, I added some basic embroidery stitches like this double feather stitch and the glove stitch (the variegated thread above).



There are lots of combination  stitches such as this cretan stitch with colonial knot flower buds and lazy daisy leaves.



As well as these pretty fans made using chain stitch combined with straight stitches and a lazy daisy stitch for the handle.




I added some sequins, held in place with straight stitches and combined chevron stitches with some beads.




I even tried my hand at a technique I haven't tried before called 'couching' where you lay a thread (in this case a variegated boucle silk thread) on the surface of the block and hold it in place with tiny straight stitches.




Finally, I added a piece of lace and a heart charm.



Since starting the CQJP Challenge which is organised and run by a lovely lady called Kathy Shaw, I have also signed up for an online class which Kathy offers called 'Basic Crazy Quilt Course'.  More details can be found on Kathy's blog 'Shawkl' where registration for the class (which is free!) is open until 13th January.  I am hoping that I will pick up some great tips and advice from the class in time to get me started on my February challenge block! I am especially looking forward to learning some silk ribbon embroidery techniques!!

14 comments:

  1. Christine your quilt is "crazy" beautiful! I love the variegated thread and your sequins and the variety of stitches. And of course the Tilda fabrics! Will you be using different types of fabrics, or do you try to stick with cotton?

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    1. Thank you Linda! As this is my first attempt at crazy quilting I think I will use the fabrics I have to hand, which will be cottons. If I decided to take crazy quilting further I may invest in some different fabrics such as silk.... I'll have to see how I get on!! :) xx

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  2. Hi Christine
    so,so beautiful! I love it very much! I also joined the beginner class with Kathy and I am getting ready with all the things needed. Great inspiration for me to see your block. Have fun stitching!
    Thank you also so much for your sweet comment on my tammybag and pinny. I am so glad that I learned this technique too. The problem is, that I have so many things I want to do, but where to find the time for it? Lol! But it is always the same every year, isn't it?
    Hugs Martina
    Hugs Martina

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    1. Hi Martina! I think it is going to be a great class and I am also gathering all the supplies I need. I certainly know what you mean about there being so many things you want to make and as you say, it is the same every year!! Looking forward to seeing your crazy quilt block for the CQJP! :) xx

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  3. Thank you for sharing your lusciousness!!! I am so inspired I can hardly sit still. I signed up for the beginner class, Thank you for posting about it for I hadnt heard about it at all. Your block is beautiful, Christine, I am impressed....Keep up the good work. Please. Hahaha

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    1. Hello Shelly! So glad you have joined up too! I think it is a big class but that is the beauty of the internet!! I think it is going to be a great class and I am really looking forward to learning lots and seeing all the beautiful blocks everyone makes! It is really exciting!! Hugs Christine x

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  4. Liebe Christine,
    dein Crazy Block ist wunderschön!
    Ich liebe solche Stickereien, sie haben einen enormen Suchtfaktor, man kann fast nicht aufhören zu sticken!
    Liebe Grüße
    Steffi

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    1. Hello Steffi! Thank you! I really enjoyed making this block I have wanted to try and make a crazy quilt for some time, they are so appealing to look at! It was really fun adding all the stitches and I can't wait to learn more! :) xx

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  5. What beautiful block, so inspiring. I dare not join the class as I always take on too much and I have not finished 2014 BOM's yet..

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    1. Thank you very much and thank you for visiting! I know what you mean about taking on too much.... you see something else you like and you think I could manage that as well and then you can't! Very sensible to finish of the 2014 BOMs first! Good luck with them! :) x

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  6. Lovely block especially all the little embellishments, cant wait to see your Beginners Class block.

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    1. Thank you Dawn! So glad that you started me down the crazy quilt path! I have admired them for years but never got round to making one until now! Can't wait to get started on the class!! :) xx

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  7. This is so beautiful! Thank you for showing us your projects. It's always an inspiration for me. :)

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    1. Hello Christiane! Thank you so much! It is great fun sharing ideas! Have a good week! :) x

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