Sunday, November 05, 2006

Encrusted Block

A summary of my experience in Sharon's Encrusted Block class.

This is week four of the class, and I've done a little more to the block. The swan is turned and some darker tatting added below for a wavy effect, some 'hairy' yarn through the cretan stitch seam, and little ribbon and beads below the Fleurs block seam - although I can't get the picture to download...





I decided to add a ribbon flower to the striped area to break it up. The ribbon looked so stark, a few beads there would bring in the color. Now for something in the green area - it was shouting WORD, so I got to thinking, what is the theme of this block? Flowers? Well, I didn't want to write that out, so decided on the French, fleurs. I wrote the word, then embroidered it. It still looked lonely, so added chain stitched little flowers, in varying colors. This photo is from a new printer/scanner, and it doesn't pick up the colors as well as the camera does.
11/06 - I need to take a new picture. I added a tatted blue chain below the swan to look like water...




This photo is the most actual color. I've been working on a few motifs for the third week. In the past when the seams were stitched, and a motif in the block, perhaps a few beads, I may have thought it complete. Trying to follow Sharon's lead, I'm attempting to build a fuller block. After the flower basket and tiny tatted swan were added, it seemed really unbalanced.


Now I've added some seam treatments during the second week. The ribbon is a tea stained cotton. The seams are mostly covered, but even I realize it needs more.




Here's the beginning of my block for the Encrusted Crazy Quilt block for the first week. I love these 'neutral' colors together. Sharon suggested making the block square for this class, so I took some off the right side as the block sits here.

7 comments:

JK said...

Hey hon! WOW! This block is looking fantastic!!! I just love, love that basket with the flowers. And there is that pretty little swan.. has she spoken to you yet? Yes, the lace looks great with those bead clusters. Have you thought about putting some SRE leaves on either side of them? Looking forward to seeing more pics!! Beautiful darlin!

Ati said...

Hi Charlene, I am very curious how it will end up. Until now it seems that it will be a very nice block.

Gerry said...

Charlene, your block is looking just wonderful. I can't wait to see it completed. Are you just loving this class? I bet so.

Susan said...

I like the additions you made. It seems more complete, without being too busy. I love the lace going down to break up the stripe - it's a wonderful contrast, especially once you added the beads. The word to summarize the block is a nice touch, too. You have lovely handwriting. I like the way your post took us through the evolution of the block. Mine is barely begun!

Anonymous said...

I love what you did on the green piece! I'm going to work on my w on w block today. I can't seem to figure out how I would want a motif on it!
You are doing great though!

Lin Moon said...

Thanks for sharing your progress on your block. I wanted to take the class, but the timing was bad for me, so you are making it possible for me to enjoy it vicariously until next time it is offered. Your block is looking wonderful! - I love the addition of the beads on the lace.

abeautifulcraft said...

This is a really lovely looking block, am looking forwards to seeing the progress. I really enjoyed taking Sharon's class earlier this year.....