Calla Lilies

Here it is...after quite a bit of doing and redoing, my Calla Lilies block for the Forget Me Not BOM by Esther Aliu.

I am using this free BOM to experiment with different things.  For this block I used some Prisma pencils around the center and edges of the flowers.  I also used a bit of green stencil paint aound the centers.  There is wool felt for the stamens, as well as little gold beads.  I also used some burgundy wool felt for the vines extending from the center. 

I decided not to add any more stitching to the leaves as the fabric was such a large pattern and seemed quite effective without anything additional.  The little fronds are done with Valdani floss in stem and straight stitch with little brownish red beads added on the ends.

I think that about covers all the 'extras' for this block.  Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek. :))

Peonies

My first peony.  This is from Esther Aliu's free BOM entitled Forget Me Not.  You are able to get two flower patterns each month and decide which one you would like to use.  I had decided to use the sunflower.

But...(you know how that goes)....the peonies kept calling out to me, too.  On the block example, Esther has used some rich pink batik fabrics.  One, I do not have that many pink fabrics from which  to choose my flower.  I also did not want to go out and buy 'pinks' as they are generally not something I use in my projects.  So I 'googled' peonies to look at all the different colors.  I decided to try and convey the idea of a cream colored peony.  I am not sure I succeeded, but I do like the flowers. 

I also decided to go a completely different colorway for this block, as compared to the sunflower.  Blue greens, a natural grey-toned linen and the cream fabrics. Also, since the fabric is a linen, I decided to try and cross stitch my little bee, which is a little critter I decided to use (not a part of the original pattern).  I used the little bee graph from Flower Power by Crossed Wing Collection.  I really like how it came out.

Here's a close-up of the second peony, as well as the label I created using my printer for the lettering.

Finally, the entire block, with some fabrics placed around the perimeter with the shape of the arch, so as to give an idea as to what the finished block may be.

Going Gangbusters!

I have thoroughly enjoyed working on the first applique block for Forget Me Not by Esther Aliu.  Another freebie BOM!  I had to make a choice between a peony and the sunflower.  I really did like the peony, as well.  Both are gorgeous. 

This is sort of a 'rough draft' as far as the outside border goes.  At this point, it is unknown what the frame of the block looks like, since this is a mystery BOM.  However, in the pattern sheet for the blocks, it shows an arch.  I made a temporary kind of arch, so I could get an idea of how the finished block might look.  The fabric with the block at this point, is not the one I intend to use for the frame.  These were leftover pieces from cutting the sashing. 

The scroll with the flowers' names remains to be made.  I am trying to decide exactly how I want to do those.  I almost forgot!!  I did try to take a few close-ups, but they did not turn out too well.  Look at the little 'extra' on the leaf.  Esther had said on her blog that she considered adding a few little things.  I decided to try one on my own. :))

Here's a close-up of the second sunflower:

A close-up of the second cornflower (I added the extra stitching between the flowers and the base.)

And...the second sunflower:

What happened?

I did not realize until I looked at the date, that it has been a week since I posted anything!  The reason, however, is because Esther Aliu's newest mystery BOM, Forget Me Not, Block 2,  came out this week.  Actually, the project started in February, but did not have any actual 'work' involved for Block 1, other than deciding on fabrics for the various borders and background.

For my block, I chose the sunflower.  Sunflowers are pretty abundant here in Maryland.  I have always had a fondness for them, so my choice was simple.  The block is not complete, as yet.  However, here are a few shots of what I have accomplished as of today. 

Yes, I did say Sunflowers, didn't I?  There are some little cornflowers in this block, too.  You can see the petals of my sunflower on the very edge.   The little flowers were made with two different colors of wool felt; tacked down and then a few beads were attached.  The bud is held in place with all the backstitching. 

Here it is!  A little bit of brown braid to accentuate the center, and some pretty beads scattered about, as well.  You can see the top of the second cornflower below the sunflower.

A closer look at the beads for the center.

There is still a second sunflower, slightly larger to be completed.  It's all ready for the applique as of this morning!