
I often get comments on my ‘style’ of Crazy Quilting, which I have never
consciously considered before. I must create, therefore I just…do! I
love the encrusted look, but as a student of all things Fung Shui in a
previous life, things must be structured, uncluttered (encrusted doesn’t
mean cluttered), orderly and balanced, definitely balanced.
How I embellish a block is dictated by its purpose. If it is a block for
a round robin, or wall-hanging, then no holds barred. I love to add texture,
height and beads to catch the light, lots of visual eye candy. Silk Ribbon
Embroidery, button clusters, bead trails. I am not a particularly “girly”
girl, and I love to vent my feminine side through laces and trims and all
things petite.
How I piece a block depends on what its purpose will be. Items I make for
sale, swap or gifts tend to be a monotone palette for the foundation, with
embellishments in the same color family, with only one or two contrast
colors. If I am making a round robin block, I will use two or three colors
in piecing, just to give the stitchers more options. I rarely use prints in
my piecing.
I don’t shy away from large stitches, or thicker threads. My preferred
thread is a perle 8 or 12 cotton. For me the block is about the story the
embellishment tells; you have to be able to see it from a reasonable viewing
distance. My very first block was made out of all prints, and I spent many
hours executing perfect, tiny seam treatments, only to be disappointed with
the overall result. Luckily, I learn quickly.
    
While putting this article together, it struck me that my blocks (pieced
and embellished by moi) are very much a reflection of my personality. Things
are clearly stated from the beginning. Stitching is no fuss, clear and
concise, and wants to be viewed as strong and dependable, definitely not
flamboyant. When I stitch on other's blocks, I can empathize and see their
point of view, and be considerate and inclusive of that. I hadn’t realized
that my work varied so much depending on what I was doing. Do you feel your
work reflects your personality??
…back to our original program...
Since
finding the online CQ community, I have learnt many techniques and tricks to
add to the appeal, and visual balance of a block. The “rule of threes”–
three main focal points on a block. Taking motifs across seams and patches
to keep the eye moving around the block. Breaking a long seam with a motif
or cluster of stitches to “rest the eye,” the same applies to a piece of
lace. In the block pictured you can see this with the lace running up the
right side. Before I took the vine across that lace, and into the next
patch, my eye was drawn to the whiteness of the lace, and just slipped off
the top of the block. Now you follow the vine around to the next patch,
which leads your eye down around the other embellishment on the block.
This block was for a Do Your Block round robin. The block was pieced by
someone else, and embellished by myself. You can see again how I limit my
color palette with the embellishment. When working a traditional block round
robin, I take the time to look at the overall composition. Is there a focal
point? Does it need off-setting with something on the other side of the
block? Are the shades, density of color, or texture of the fabric balanced
around the block? If not, how can I use embellishment to create a balance?
Is the block a stand alone project, or will it be incorporated with others?
I
don’t have any hard or fast rules when starting the embellishment of a
block. If I have a favored seam treatment currently, I might start there. If
I am first to stitch on a round robin block, I like to add a big bold motif,
to set the tone of the block for subsequent stitchers. If I don’t know where
to start, a feather stitch vine with some silk ribbon leaves, and some
beads will usually get the ball rolling.
One of my most useful design tips, is to take a photo of the block when you
‘think’ you are finished. Viewing your work on a screen gives you a
different perspective. You can see any gaps that aren’t obvious when the
block is in hand. Look away from your block several times and see where your
eye goes when you look back. Do you need to break a seam, or pull one
forward with the addition of some bugle beads or sequins (never
underestimate the power of sequins). Does your eye move around the block, or
become ‘stuck’ on one feature (my eye still gravitates to that piece of
lace!).
I find Crazy Quilting an incredibly rewarding pastime, and especially
enjoy stitching for others. I would stitch regardless, and I think my
husband is thankful that most creations leave in an envelope to head off to
a new home.
Jo Newsham
http://www.nzjo.blogspot.com |