Friday, March 22, 2013

Hurrah Spring



The last challenge for Project Quilting was an inspiration of the celebration of Spring.  A little hard around here with the recent snow squalls - and more on the way.  But Spring's arrival always means the return of lovely seasonal birds and our orchards flowering.  We have lots of bird houses around the property, but the prime locations are in the orchards.  So I did up a little cross stitch of a 'tweet' couple setting up housekeeping in one of our houses in the orchard in bloom.  And pulled fabrics for framing.


My photos of the process of 'flip-and-sew' are missing - I have a tutorial for that method HERE-Fabric Framing .  With my piece all framed and pinned out - next is the beading  and stitching flower centers for some added bling and to help 'quilt' the center.  And I want to do a large framing hand stitch with floss around the piece.


Once that was done, I could add the set-in corner hangers and attach the binding.


And the finished piece - 'Sing In Spring' - already hanging on the wall above my computer.  And I know you will catch it - so careful to cut that directional fabric and then sewed the side pieces on UPSIDE DOWN - didn't even notice until half way thru the large stitching.  - it stays that way!


Close up of the beads in the blue flower centers and lazy-daisy and french knots with pink floss in the pink flower centers.


And the back - Lori Holt's 'Happy Cottage' - you can see the flip-and-sew method quilts the piece.  Finished size is 12.5" square.

I have really enjoyed playing with the challenges during Project Quilting - and I do have my fabric bundle for the bonus challenge - Tradition Times Three (a traditional block in three sizes).  I'll be cutting into that next week.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

19 comments:

Sheila said...

I love it, Sharon. I can't believe that I missed your tutorial in 2011!! But we were on vacation in Florida with No wireless connection where we stayed. This is the first time I have seen your tut. Most excellent pictures and easy to understand. I'll have to give this a try.

Barbara said...

What an adorable quilt.

QuiltSue said...

That is so gorgeous Sharon. I bet Mr and Mrs Bird are very happy in their new home.

Pauline G said...

Love this Sharon - and see you used your corner hanging sleeves - these are such a great idea I've even shown them to our quilt group

Michele said...

The birds and the house are great. The lack of spring around here certainly isn't.

Sparky said...

Gorgeous stitching....love the bird house design very pretty

Debbie said...

Great little project....love the stitching. Makes me want to sing!

Belinda said...

Oh Sharon, that is soooo purty! I love it!

Needled Mom said...

That is darling!! I love the backing fabric too. I hope it brings a little spring to all.

Quilting Babcia said...

What a sweet little quilt! And I really love the backing fabric too.

Mrs.Pickles said...

very lovely!

ThreadCatcher said...

Lovely spring project. Thanks for the tutorial link. I've been thinking of doing something like this for awhile now, framing traditionally is getting too expensive!

Christine M said...

Your cross stitch is beautiful Sharon. I hadn't even noticed the upside down fabric until you mentioned it! I was focussing more on the little birds.

KatieQ said...

The birdhouse cross stitch is perfect to welcome spring whenever it decides to arrive. The flip and stitch frame is a great technique. More snow is predicted for tomorrow. At least you can "think" spring looking at your wall hanging even if there is snow outside the window.

Lesley said...

Sharon, this is beautiful! Love the cross stitch with the embellishments and the fabric frame. Gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

So sweet. Nice finish!

rubyslipperz1052 said...

I do sooooo admire your cross-stitch!

hugZ,
annie

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Beautiful Sharon.

Gmama Jane said...

Sharon, I like seeing cross stitch come back in vogue and incorporated into our quilting. I know a friend who buys up all these old cross stitch items at yard sales from the 70's and 80's and uses them to make lovely quilts & wall hangings, bibs, etc... I would not have thought to do that.
Gmama Jane