I belong to a couple Facebook Crazy Quilt Groups (crazy quilt divas and crazy quilt international) and a new member, Marianne Hoeksema, posted her blocks recently and I just love them because of the all over stitching. This style is seldom done by American crazy quilters so I knew she had to be European or Australian.. and sure enough she was from the Netherlands.
I am always so caught up with my laces, trims, and other whimsy, I forget just what a wonderful medium that just thread is.
When I did my rainbow vest to wear to Houston I only used thread and knew that at some time I wanted to explore this more and maybe the CQJP2017 will be the perfect opportunity.
In CQJP2012 a stitcher from Austria used just thread and I kept photos of all her blocks... Her name was Claudia Weinwurm and she used to blog but hasn't for a couple years. She did all types of embroidery but it was these "under the sea" blocks that are my favorites.
You can still see more of her work on her blog but don't wait too long because inactive blogs tend to disappear...
It was this all-over texture created with just thread that fascinates me and bring me to my favorite thread artist.. an Australian wildlife fiber artist Annemieke Mein...
She does lots of butterflies and other insects but it is her birds and frogs that I especially love. Her works are huge and she uses a sewing machine but it is the thread that creates the magic.
There is a lot about her on the internet and she does have a gorgeous book if you are interested in seeing more.
I have that Annemieke Mein book and I pour over it regularly. I think it's my absolute favourite book in my library, along with Jan Messent's 'Celtic, Viking & Anglo-Saxon Embroidery'. Beautiful work from all the artists in your post today.
thanks for the post and the reminder as you are so so so right about thread - I too forget that it can be a medium on its own and produce wonderful texture in its own right
I had Annemieke's book years ago but it has disappeared. In fact, I was so taken with her artistry that I pre-ordered the book before it was even published. I saw the blocks posted on CQI facebook page and loved them too. I put them in my inspiration file.
I have been lazy and not started my crazy blocks this year but plan to just stitch and tatting, no lace or ribbons when I get started. Love Claudia`s work. Annemieke`s book is beautiful, my sister`s best friend used to live next door to her and her Mum has lots of her origonal work before she became so well known
Gerry, these blocks are gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing photos of work you find inspiring. I just love seeing the magic a simple needle and thread can create. (How I wish I could create jellies like Claudia's. Marianne's stitching is fabulous. Like you, Annemieke Mein's frogs are my favorites.
I also love Annemieke Mein's book. and guess what, she's originally Dutch. Also, have a look at "the art & embroidery of Jane Hall, reflections on nature". She has a new book about butterflies. It's gorgeous.
I have that Annemieke Mein book and I pour over it regularly. I think it's my absolute favourite book in my library, along with Jan Messent's 'Celtic, Viking & Anglo-Saxon Embroidery'. Beautiful work from all the artists in your post today.
ReplyDeleteThe title of your post says it all, Gerry. So very true!
ReplyDeletethanks for the post and the reminder as you are so so so right about thread - I too forget that it can be a medium on its own and produce wonderful texture in its own right
ReplyDeleteI had Annemieke's book years ago but it has disappeared. In fact, I was so taken with her artistry that I pre-ordered the book before it was even published. I saw the blocks posted on CQI facebook page and loved them too. I put them in my inspiration file.
ReplyDeleteOh How Beautiful1 what an Art!!
ReplyDeleteI have been lazy and not started my crazy blocks this year but plan to just stitch and tatting, no lace or ribbons when I get started. Love Claudia`s work. Annemieke`s book is beautiful, my sister`s best friend used to live next door to her and her Mum has lots of her origonal work before she became so well known
ReplyDeleteGerry, these blocks are gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing photos of work you find inspiring. I just love seeing the magic a simple needle and thread can create. (How I wish I could create jellies like Claudia's. Marianne's stitching is fabulous. Like you, Annemieke Mein's frogs are my favorites.
ReplyDeleteI also love Annemieke Mein's book. and guess what, she's originally Dutch.
ReplyDeleteAlso, have a look at "the art & embroidery of Jane Hall, reflections on nature".
She has a new book about butterflies. It's gorgeous.