February 12, 2012

Free pattern Thoughts in Thread - Block 2

We're halfway through February already, so it's time to give you Block 2 of the free BOM "Thoughts in Thread".  It's been lovely hearing that lots of readers want to follow this programme each month. You've all seen my lovely logo button (and thank you to those who have put it on their blog) - I was so pleased with my little dove in block 2 that it was given pride of place as the logo for my quilt.


 As soon as I started thinking about how to convey purity, immediately the white dove came to mind. How wonderful that in the midst of a world where there is so much evil, we can fill our minds with pure thoughts.  I hope my little white dove will be a reminder to you as you stitch this new block.  Here is the complete block:


I'll include here a close-up of the dove. For my first couple of years as a designer, I was very careful to stick to the status quo and stitch "according to the book". After I had had 20 or 30 designs published, I decided I would break free and stitch in whatever way the design was calling out to be stitched, even if it wasn't the way things were normally done. I went off on a tangent in quite a few areas and the dove is an example of that. I have blanket-stitched around with matching cream thread. I could have used red but I didn't want lots of colour encroaching on the edges of the fabric.  However, I DID want to highlight the outline of the bird, so over the top of the blanket stitch I have backstitched just the edge part of the stitch in red. I just love the effect that this creates.

As usual, you can download the new block on my website.  Scroll down past all my wall-hangings till you come to Block 2. I'd love to see photos of your completed blocks. I have set up a Thoughts in Thread Flicker group where you can upload them. Click on this link:


Quite some time ago, I bought a metre of lovely blue floral fabric when it was on special.  It's been sitting in the cupboard and I really had no idea how I could use it, till one day the inspiration hit!  I combined it with the most unlikely fabric - a burgundy and white check and a bit of burgundy solid and my "Cook with Love" oven mitt and trivet was born. Here it is in a recent edition of "Handmade":


The binding cut on the bias really lifts the design I think:


Last  week we looked after four of our grandchildren while their parents were on an overseas business trip.  The children have all been working on and off on one of my blocks from the Gifts of Grace quilt. The oldest, our grandson who is 11, decided his goal for the week was to finish it while I was there - and he did!


I am very proud of him.  He has done really good stitching - neat backstitch, great lazy daisies ... and have a look at his French Knots.  I had more success teaching him to do them than I have had teaching ladies at craft workshops! In future when I am teaching them, I will break it down into small steps as I did for him as it worked so well.  The knots on the butterfly are inside little backstitched circles:


Thank you for all the sweet comments that you have made on my last post.  The giveaway is open for another week, so if you haven't entered, you can do so by commenting at this link:


Have a great week.
Val

18 comments:

Brenda said...

Wow your grandson does wonderful work! You must be a great teacher. Going to print out the 2nd pattern for the QAL right now.

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

Love your cook set! A great gift for hubbies for valentines LOL!

WoolenSails said...

Beautiful piece, love the design and thought behind it. I am working on a comfort quilt for my sister, but made a mess with the first block, so have to think on how to fix it.

Debbie

Susan said...

What a fantastic job your grandson did - must have taken quite a while

Dawn said...

OH Val this is just adorable... so true too..keep our thoughts pure... thanks for sharing another gorgeous block
Bless you
Hugs Dawn x x

Anonymous said...

lovely post Val.xx

Marsha B said...

Thank you for another beautiful block. I really like this one! Your oven mitt and trivet are gorgeous, the fabrics and colors are perfect together. Your grandson did a wonderful job stitching the butterfly. It's fun to see kids interested in needle and thread!

Christine M said...

Hi Val. Your grandson has done a fantastic job on his block. Very impressive for an eleven year old boy! Please congratulate him for me.

Sharon said...

I am amazed at your grandson's stitching! He did an absolutely fabulous job!! I'm now going to go download block 2! :)

Quilt Kitty said...

Your Grandsons putting us all to shame. What a clever little stitcher he is. Love the blue fabric & the sentiment on the handmade kitchen items. Off to download block 2. This is the one that hooked me in. I love how you have outlined the dove. Tracee xx

KaHolly said...

Sweet little pattern, Val. Thanks. I've got to get hopping if I'm going to keep up! I haven't even started :(. Love that cook set. Your grandson is amazing! Just like his grandmother.

Allie said...

Oh Val I LOVE the dove, and I love how subtle the outline is, what a great idea!!! Thank you darling girl! Your "Cook With Love" design is really special too, love the binding.
Your grandson does AMAZING stitching - I think I need to come get lessons from you as well!

Ondrea said...

wow! I am stunned by your grandson's stitching! He is so neat. I think you have a very talented stitcher there. Thankyou so much for the 2nd block I am looking forward to stitching it and I love the effect you have created with the backstitching on the edge.

Teresa in Music City said...

My, my! Your grandchildren have definitely inherited your stitching talent! I love the new block and can't wait to see if I can back-stitch over the blanket-stitch like you have. It looks amazing!

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Beautiful block Val and oh my gosh your grandson did a wonderful job!

Susan said...

I'm very impressed with his stitching! Backstitch wasn't done all that much over here, stem and outline were, until you down under ladies started making patterns we all love. I've been doing a lot in the last year, and it's becoming a favorite, but I think he might be doing it a little better than I do! The thing that made the French work for me was realizing how tightly the thread had to be wrapped against the needle.

Quiltin' Sandy said...

Hi Val- the new block is beautiful. I was so lucky to track down some yardage of Scarborough Fair, as well as a FQ bundle from 2 different sources,(the FQ's haven't arrived yet and I waiting somewhat impatiently at the moment. :)
The blue floral and burgundy look so good together, too! Sandy.

Unknown said...

I love your page. I follow your blog now and download Thoughts in Tread Blocks. Have a nice day. From Guatemala ...Ileana
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