A Branch of Blossoms

The snow is falling steadily outside, but inside I've been thinking of spring as I stitched this branch of apple blossoms with a little bird! The branch was created by combining several threads of pearl cotton and linen thread, twisting them together a bit and couching them down with the same threads. The little bird was stitched on felt first and then appliqued down with a bit of additional felt in spots to add dimension. The beak and eye were stitched last.

Block 3 Complete!
The lace above the branch was in need of something extra, so I added some little mother of pearl elements that added the finishing touches! Now I'm on to finish up Block 4! I've been working on this project for 3 years now. I envy those who seem to be able to start and finish multiple large projects within the timeframe of a year, as it takes me ages just to finish a 12" square block! I'm so glad to see this one getting close though!

Allie Aller's Crazy Quilting Book
A few days ago, I received Allie Aller's Crazy Quilting book! What a gorgeous book! Now she's not only one of my very favorite blogger's but author as well! I love that she took a slightly different approach to it and didn't focus on embroidered seams, but gave us a look at her methods of piecing and embellishing blocks with as well as how she finishes the backing of her large (and small) pieces. She also included some beautiful and inspiring work by other crazy quilters. I know this will be a book I will return to again and again! Thank you Allie for publishing such a great book!

Comments

Phyllis said…
The bird is stunning, and so is all your work.

I agree with you about how some other folks can turn out projects quickly. I'm not one of them :)
Christine said…
I love the bird and branch, especially the texture of the latter. So beautiful!
Anonymous said…
I love how you are able to add/insert color in a neutral piece and it is so natural. The lilacs and then the teeny tiny flower print right next it, like they grew together;) Beautiful! Mary
Anonymous said…
Beautiful work. I love those button flowers.
Tatkis said…
Such a beauty! Bird on the branch is very sweet, and blossoms are just real!

Best wishes,
Tatyana
Laurie Brown said…
That's so beautiful! I love the way you did the branch- what great texture! It's a lovely, lovely block.
Kate said…
Beautifully delicate
Rachel said…
That's delightfully done. I particularly like the way you've worked the blossoms - lovely!
just blog hopping and stumbled across your little blog...simply gorgeous!! this post and previous posts are just lovely. how lucky you are to be blessed with such wounderful talents.
xxxrosey
kitchinstitchin said…
hi Mary, the entire block is so beautiful, my eyes want to take in everthing at once. your work is always an insperation
zooperson said…
Your work has to be one of the most beautiful pieces I have every seen. It is simply wonderful! I have not tried my hand at your kind of needlework, but it gives me the nudge to at least try it.
Sandra Foster said…
This is just gorgeous - love it. Sandra

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