5/23/2011

Georgia's on my mind!!

This is Gayle's block for the Artist RR and she chose Georgia O'Keeffe as her artist.. I'll share some of my thoughts as I started on this block... First I wanted the seams mostly to add texture and didn't want them to stand out.. I put radiating lines in each seam because that symbolized desert heat to me... I know that's silly but when you're stitching it is nice sometimes to think you have a purpose even though no one else will ever notice.




Next she had that lovely little black patch in the center which I didn't want to cover.. That meant the main elements had to be off center... and of course since it was Georgia, it had to be BOLD and graphic.



I chose a poppy and used a technique we learned in Allie's class in CT. We used silk ribbon in class but I used a peach silk strip which worked just as well... I painted it with dyes, gathered it and then spritzed it with water and pressed until it was very very flat. Then I singed the edges with a candle. It is very batik looking.






The center repeats the black and is clipped threads and is 3D even though it doesn't show that way in the photo... I didn't want it to sit like a lump in the corner of the block so I used the bud and stems to bring it all out into the block... So we still see most of my radiating seams (LOL) and the little black patch.







One thing I adore are cordings, especially satin cording and even more especially gold satin cording... Whenever I can find it I buy LOTS. We went to a fabulous bead shop in CT and there was an entire shelf of cording and I really loaded up..
It is great on seams and as an element to add movement and interest... The ends were always a problem because they fray. I used to either hide them or satin stitch near the end and clip close...



But Sharon shared this SUPER technique... You start at if you were going to make an ordinary knot in the end but you wrap it 4 or 5 times through and then pull tight. You then clip right at the knot and it doesn't fray or come undone...truly magic!!!! I just love this... and will use it over and over. Cathy K. said she knew it as a quilter's knot.... whatever it's mine now.



Do you like the new header?? I've been painting ladybug buttons for several days..






13 comments:

Momma Bear said...

you're goin' buggy!
I love the ladybugs they are so sweet and the block is gorgeous georgia!

Cathy said...

FABULOUS block, Dear One!!! One of my all-time favorites. Your new header is darling; the ladybugs are cute and the green background is so fresh. Perfect for spring. Hugs, Cathy

Maureen said...

Gerry, That is a truly beautiful square. Love the flower and the radiating seams. I think I'll use that know over and over too!

Mosaic Magpie said...

Great post and the header is super looking! Looks like a summer picnic, ladybugs are much better than ants! The block is a beauty and the tip on the cording will come in handy.
Thanks for sharing with us again!
Deb

Suztats said...

I love the ladybugs! And the block? Wow!

Anonymous said...

Oh yes the header is really nice!

I LOVE< LOVE your block.The red poppy is so beautiful, as is your stitching!

Heikki said...

Oh Gerry! Wonderful work! I always admire your intensive work on the design. Thank you for sharing the process!

Ritva

Susan Elliott said...

There are so many things I love about this block...

I love the monotone palette of the piecing with the center black...and I LOVED that you didn't cover it...

LOVE the seam treatments in the same monotone..

LOVED the huge poppy in a slightly deeper tone...

It's just fabulous! And I don't think it's crazy at all to think of desert heat even though no one will notice...that's what lends the "Je ne sais quois" to the entire piece. Keep 'em guessing Ger!

Unknown said...

I was going to say I like the new header before you asked! And the block is definitely Geogia O'Keefe. That size, I'd say from seeing your other work, is outside your usual style. Well done.

Marty52 said...

Blogger ate my comment so I'll try again... love the poppy, Gerry! This block is a true stunner!

Wilma said...

The poppy is beautiful Gerry. And I love the new look of your blog with the cute ladybug buttons!
Hugs from Holland, WILMA

gaylenona said...

I love what you did on my block! Reading about your thought process while working on it is so helpful and gives a hightened appreciation of the finished block. Thank you!

Cheryl said...

Another great lesson in design. Thanks.

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