Monday, September 10, 2007

Stitching but not much sewing...

For 2 years now, I've been intrigued by Tonya's threadies and crusties. Not that I could dream of such original pieces as hers, never the less I decided to 'play around' with the idea.
Perhaps a smaller piece would have been a better choice, this one measures 14" X 17", The pumpkin in the middle being about 6" high. Sooo, how to begin???
I jumped in without a hoop for a change, some perle cotton, embroidery floss, 2 ply yarn, a few beads and lots of questions. I did a bit of machine quilting to hold the layers together. But...I don't like the look of it, and I'm taking it out as I come to the stitching lines. It's pretty much 'hit or miss', as to what I stitch. I don't feel I can or would want to cover the ENTIRE piece as Tonya did in her 3 Jack-o-lanterns of last week.
I tried yarn for the Trick or Treat letters and like the look, it puckers more than with thread. A few beads here and there, more to come I think. Some attempt to blend tones on the leaves...?? Not sure about that one. I'm almost sorry i started the leave vine around the edge, as there is soooo much green to do now..LOL But I do some and then do something else. I tried a couple of methods of doing the stars..just so-so on the outcome. The stitching part gets better as I go, and I gain sonfidence...after all, until I showed it here...who knew I was monkeying around with this...LOL? exactly! it can disappear and not be a big deal. My favorite part is the spider..*VBS*

17 comments:

dot said...

Looks like you are having fun and getting right into the Halloween spirit.

Nellie's Needles said...

FUN!

Donna said...

the spider is a great first attempt! Maybe he just got pounced on once to often by a black cat? :-)

meggie said...

I like the fun aspect of your pumpkin etc. Dont hide it away, it is lovely.

Texan said...

This will be really cute Finn..

This looks like a great idea .. where are the Tonyas Theadies and Crusties at? I would like to see those too :O)...

Granny said...

You're doing great! That spider is so cute . . for a spider! :)

Katie said...

Oh, I must have a play day too. Yours sounds so much fun.

Tracy said...

I love the spider block! Which is odd for me because I have a strong dislike for actual spiders...

Isn't it amazing how something you don't like at all becomes adorable because it is quilted? :)

Hedgehog said...

Just love your spider! Found one in the kitchen this morning - she approves of your work. :)

Tonya Ricucci said...

Wheee, playtime. I love how the trick looks - yes, do get puckering. that's okay though. you definitely went large though for this project. my threadies are usually about 6" and the crusties not that much bigger.

Your spider is fantastic.Lots of character - I love him.

Jenny said...

As long as you're having fun! I have to go check out Tonya's blog now.
I'm still here Finn.

Libby said...

Looks like you are having a great time - it's going to be a darling piece.

Quilting Memories said...

Horray, Horray, Finn, you've made my day.
Love that spider or as my great nephew used to call them when he was little. Love that SPADDER!!!!!

Juliann in WA said...

This is really fun. What a great way to use some of that holiday theme fabrics.

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

Great work, it's fantastic! I love the embellishments... the spider block is wonderful, can't imagine a whole quilt made from spider blocks, though! eek!

atet said...

What fun experiments -- hey, if you call them that -- no need to come up with something "finished" it's the process that's important!

Cher said...

a very fun and playful day ....it is great to see you venture into new waters...I too have been enthralled with Ton's threadies/crusties...one day!