The Need for Blobs and Black

In my last post, I showed you the start of my latest red quilt.  I was beginning to add colorful “blobs” to improve the composition and to add interest.

Click any image for a larger view
Two blobs added:

ip-9-2nd-blob-added

I added a couple more blobs and then began to add hand stitching.  Much of this will be subtle, and will be the reward for up close inspection. 

Still, I think the quilt needs some more definition.  A little black. should do the trick.  So, I’m adding that with hand stitching.  Maybe you can see it, below.

1a-black-lines-added

No?  How about now?

1a-detail-black-lines

I think the little black lines work very well.  Click on the image to see French knots and cross stitches, as well.

I have more hand stitching and quilting to do on this piece.  Then, probably some beading.  It’s all fun!

Ellen Lindner
P.S.  Do you use much hand stitching on your quilts?

Check out my Pinterest board about quilts with hand stitching.

3 Comments

  1. debby says:

    Do I use hand stitching??? I LOVE hand-stitching. And I loved what you said about it–” Much of this will be subtle, and will be the reward for up close inspection. ” That’s what I think many times, but sometimes I doubt myself. Its good to hear you say that! The close-ups of your quilt are so fun–I HAVE to try this technique!

  2. ellen says:

    Hi Debby,

    Thanks for your supportive comments. Sometimes I think I’m CRAZY for spending so much time on hand stitching. But then, I find myself reaching for it again, thinking “just one more line.” And so it goes.

    I really enjoy working with raw edge collage. It gives me TONS of flexibility, which keeps me engaged in the process throughout.

    FYI, I’m including two links about my process, in hopes that you might enjoy them. I think you’ll have to cut and paste the URL into your broswer.

    http://www.adventurequilter.com/e-Learning/Articles/Fabric_Collage_1.html

    http://www.adventurequilter.com/e-Learning/Articles/Raw_Edge_Collage.html

  3. ellen says:

    Correction, Debby. It looks like those URLs (in my previous comment) are “hot.” You can click on them and go directly to the web page.