H's block Mk2...

After an overnight pause and then viewing the block via the scanned image I decided that it needed some 'tweaking'... Firstly, I felt that the first wing 'disappeared' when compared to the second larger wing and because of the stitching lines the stitched wing made the crown also disappear - the eye followed all the lines and saw them all as the same if you can follow my drift... So to remedy both 'problems' I created another tulle wing -only smaller- the same as the larger one... I then double threaded the crown to give it more definenition... I also added some french knots in the variegated thread on the stomach to give eye interest and a 'challenge' ... I felt that the area behind the seahorse was a little empty and that the bubbles were just 'floating' without 'an anchor'... I added a single thread feather stitch seaweed trail to bring that portion of the block together... I am still unsure whether to add another starfish to the top of the block so that the eye is 'caught' on the colour and 'observes' and moves around the block rather than just gliding down the seaweed to the seahorse...

I made the choice not to add a seam treatment as I didn't want to separate the seahorse section from the rest of the block... I felt that if any of the other stitchers involved wanted to continue on with the scene then it would give some sort of continuation... Perhaps even roaming over the seam line would keep it all together - but of course it is up to each individual to make their own choices and stitch their bits... I only hope that the rest of the stitchers have as much fun as I have had... :-)))

WIP...

Today I was very restless I think mostly because of the events over the last 24 hours (see previous post)... Today we went to visit M and D to see how they both were - both were wearing brave faces and it made me sad to see them so sad... What can one say when to someone when they have lost something which they have loved and cherished...

After stitching the seahorse for H in the CQRRO6 I have been involved in I have been thinking about other ways I could reproduce it... As I am contemplating taking part in a lino printing workshop and I thought I could use the seahorse image again... So for an hour and a half this afternoon I drew - I had a a couple of pictures for reference but I was determined to make an original drawing for the printing process... I am mostly happy with the above result and see that with a little more fiddling I could start the next part of the process...

E suggested I have a go at colouring it in photoshop ( steep learning curve here!!!!) but again it gave me a sense of what it might look like if I used it as another medium... I hope to have a go at colouring the prints to some degree - but we will see... I was also thinking about printing it onto fabric and then embellising it in some way - perhaps an underwater CQ block... Why do I get these inspirations on Sunday night????

On a lighter note P has just 'wrestled' the first huntsman spider for the year out the door... Why do they persist in getting so high up on the wall...

Another colourway...

...of the same design... I am slowly getting the hang of the PhotoShop program - well, little ity bits of it! It is amazing how different colours can completely alter the look and feel of something... I think I must have been in a dragon mode when I coloured this one - even though he is a seahorse - this one has quite definite dragon energy...

In the midst of chaos...

... I played. You may remember the seahorse which I drew last year - another thing put aside into the 'someday' pile... I found it while I was cleaning up and thought (in the midst of the mess) to have another go - this time paint. -Ultimately I would like to 'do something' with this image but I am unsure as to what... Perhaps something in fabric and stitching...

Today however it was with watercolour paint and watercolour pencils... It actually looks better in the scan than in real time but who 's looking... I haven't finished it yet but it has definetely given me some ideas...

I am a little disappointed as I never got as far as completing my entry for the Linden postcard exhibition... E has hers ready to go while mine is in the pile for next year - least I will be organised... With so much going on at the home front my concentration level is next to zero...

But it was nice just to play for awhile today and perhaps it will be the promise of things to come when I have this house finally under control and get a few other home front issues sorted...

Another addition/edition...

Firstly I would like to say thankyou to those of you who have left comments on my blog... Unfortunately between working full time, still being not 100% health wise and the general hurly wurly of everyday life I have had little time in which to either contribute to my blogging life or respond to your comments... To those who have asked me questions I will reply in due course - I believe you Calidore wanted some instructions for the Seahorse - I haven't forgotten you and will get there soon...

It seems 'resistance is futile' - to coin a well known saying... This latest find (above) was at the local art shop where it seems of late they are also stocking some needlework books... The designer uses crewel embroidery in less traditional ways and infact I am 'borrowing' one of her ideas to finally complete jam_mam's block... I am itching to have a go at some of the ideas she presents and it is looking good for the CQRR blocks which are 'gliding' through this address...

But funnier still - this book fetish which I seem to have - is was that last weekend I had a call from a friend whose sister had had a 'if I haven't used it in (use your own time frame here) out it goes'. As it turns out she as relieving her craft shelves of numerous books - her sister- my friend saved them all for her friend - me... When K told me she had some books for me she neglected to say she had a lot of books for me... I now have needlework books, soap making books, a clay jewellery book, a felt making book a couple of quilt/patcwork books, general craft books and numerous 'Anne's Glory Box' magazine type editions including a largish book which seems to a collection of her projects and last but not least a collection of various craft magazines... K said she knew that they would be going to a good home when she gave them to me... Please don't get me wrong I am more than pleased to have been given these books/magazines and the majority look like they have just come from a book shop and are in better than new condition - but oh the temptation I have now - all these books just waiting to be explored... P now just nods his head sagely when I announce I am not buying another book!!!! I haven't had a chance to have more than a brief look through them but what I have seen so far doesn't disappoint me... It is suggested that 'money goes to money' I think I might edit that to 'books go to books'... The way I am going I coulds start a second hand craft bookshop be well stocked!!!!! Now there is an idea... Just kidding...

I was more than pleased to find this ( below) amongst the pile it is one in a series I have been endeavouring to collect... Funnily enough it contained a chapter on whitework and its origins... LOL jam_mam the chapter suggests that whitework is to show one's prowess with a needle - I hope my attempt doesn't disappoint you!!!!!! It seems that whitework is more about the actually application of embroidery stitches rather than as I have done used other white bits to fashion the piece... Still I am doing Crazy Quilting and there are no rules in that... Well, that is my excuse anyway... Since having jam_mam's piece I have never had as many cuts etc... I am so careful as it is an all white block, and like with any of other people's work that passes through here, keep it well protected and handle it with the greatest of care... But with it all white I am extra careful to the point of obsessive!!!!! Speaking about jam_mam's piece reminds me its lift off date (well overdue as it is) - is Monday so I had better get to it and finish it!!!! Bye for now...