I hope that you are all enjoying my Goldilocks and the Three Bears Quilt Block. Today I am sharing my technique for using crayons to add color to your thread sketched or embroidered blocks.
The technique is fairly simple, especially if you enjoy coloring books. It is also a great inter-generational project that could create many fun memories.
Here is my tutorial, hit the play button in the center to watch it:
Tomorrow is Diamond Day for the SAQA (Studio Art Quilts Associate). If you ever wanted to own a piece of my work this is a great opportunity to support the promotion of art quilts around the world!!!
SAQA's Annual Benefit Auction will take place online from September 13 through October 6, 2019. With over 440 pieces of beautiful artwork available for bidding, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
All proceeds help support SAQA's exhibition programs, publications, and education outreach. Plus, your purchase helps increase the recognition for art quilts and the artists who make them.
The online bidding form will be live on September 13 at 2pm EDT for Diamond Day bidding. All quilts will be available for $1000. Starting September 16th at 2pm EDT, only pieces in Section 1 will be available for bidding that week.
You can read about how I created Missouri Spring #2 by checking out these posts:https://lindabcreative.blogspot.com/2019/04/creating-my-own-missouri-spring.html
The day has finally arrived when I get to share with you what I have been working on! First off thanks to Marian Pena of www.SeamstobeSew.com for hosting the Once Upon a Story Row Along. Also a special thanks to Northcott Fabrics. Their Stonehenge Gradation fabrics gave me a multitude of color values to play with.
This is the first year that I am able to participate, and when Marian posted the opportunity, I knew what I wanted to design right away.
The original story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears was written by Robert Southey in 1837, and was called,The Story of Three Bears.
It evolved several times since it was first published, and claims to be one of the most popular tales in the English language.
The version I grew up knowing was the story of a little girl with golden locks of hair, thus Goldilocks.
I remember many Little Golden Books in my youth.
So when designing my block I went back to my traditional quilting roots and started playing with the Bear's Paw Block in Electric Quilt 8 software. Marian had given us different size options, so I chose the 30"x 30" as this could easily become a crib quilt if desired.
However, the art quilter in me took over and said, it needs some mixed media. So for my block I have included 5 patterns that can be placed in the paws. These designs can be hand embroidered or thread sketched (another love of mine!). So then the block began to look like this.
And because I like choices, I have included a second pattern for Goldilocks. I was trying to come up with a Goldilocks that was ethnically diverse so young ones could imagine themselves or family members being part of the story.
If you have never tried to thread sketch with your sewing machine, be sure to check out a brief tutorial I did while sketching the Mamma Bear paw.
While working on this block, memories of my childhood kept coming up. One of my favorite things to do was to color in a coloring book. So here is where the fun comes in.
Mamma Bear that has been thread sketched.
Blocks could be embroidered or thread sketched and used as is in the block.
Once you have the outline completed, you can add some color by using Crayola crayons or Derwent Inktense pencils and blocks. If you are not into mixed media, you can definitely use fusible web and a raw edge applique technique to complete the blocks.Tutorials to follow on how to apply these mediums to the blocks.
A sample with the Crayola Crayons.
I used a black satin stitch to achieve a coloring book look with the raw edge applique.
To be entered for this giveaway I ask that you follow my blog, Linda B Creative and submit your name and email address so I can contact the winner. The giveaway will be open until September 17, 2019, and the winner will be announced on September 19, 2019. All rules and guidelines set up by Marian Pena for the Once Upon a Story Row Along apply to my give away. Be sure to go to the other pattern designers posts for additional giveaways!
And to entice you a bit more.... I am creating machine embroidery applique and red work designs for those of you who do not like the other options. They will be available for purchase on my website: www.LindaBrattenCreations.com
Here is a sneak peak at the machine embroidery applique block!
Remember to check back for a lesson on adding the mixed media to your block.
Time to get ready for the Once Upon a Story Row Along!
All the fun gets started on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. Each pattern designer is only required to offer their pattern for free for one week, so set a reminder to check on Tuesdays and Thursdays to get the patterns before they expire.
Also there will be super giveaways to enter to get some fun quilting supplies and patterns!
Here is a list of the pattern designers and when they will be posting their patterns.
The Schedule For The Once Upon A Story Row Along Is As Follows
This week has be full of testing and re-testing my pattern for the Once Upon a Story Row Along. I am sure any pattern designer will tell you that they are always thinking of ways to improve the techniques and layouts of their patterns.
This week I am experimenting with digitizing machine embroidery applique patterns. I love the ease of in the hoop machine applique and felt it would be a quick and easy way to test color paths and options.
My frustration comes from the designs I have created are for a very large hoop, 8"x 12" and it takes quite a bit of time to stitch them out, some more than an hour.
So when I identify something I want to correct, I repeat the process again! By the time I am satisfied with the results, I may have tested each pattern several times! It truly makes me appreciate the well digitized designs that others have created.
