CQJP 2015 - January Block

Once this block started coming together, it went very quickly!  Getting that lower right corner of flowers done was the turning point.  It helped me think beyond the seam, to realize that I didn't have to focus on seam-work, but rather simply on filling the block, that stitches could have their origin away from the seam.  

When I hit midpoint on this block, all of a sudden the block was overwhelming and I felt like I had lost my way with it.  The colors were suddenly intimidating as much as what to do next.  That central button motif wasn't helping as the colors of the leaves ended up being too pale.  So many of you provided great encouragement and I decided to leave it after all.  

Now, I think this January block is done.  I've left just a little blank space as the eye needs a place to rest now and then.  The space will also give me room to place elements that border the joining seams later should I choose to do so.  

One of the things I wanted to do on this block is to have it work well when viewed from different directions.  For the most part, I think I succeeded!  I'm so happy with the floral patch.  Oyster stitch made perfect little tulip blossoms along the rick-rac.  

The central button motif got enlarged and some fern like leaves added in a medium variegated green.  Instead of using the ribbon flowers separately, I moved them around the button.  To fill in the soft yellow patch, I added a feather stitched branch of leaves and bead flowers. 

If there is a seam I'm not entirely happy with, it is the lower chevron seam.  Those orange bullion flowers look a little too much like carrots to me!  I may go back and add a pink bead at the top of each one.  I also wish I'd used a couple different colors in the leaves. 

The upper right corner has one of those slightly bare spots.  I may add a bee here later, or allow a motif to spread across to this area once I join blocks down the road.  

I love the pattern of embroidery on the gold patch.  It's one I spotted somewhere and jotted down in my idea book, though I have made minor variations to it.

As I get more and more near sighted as the years pass, my field of focus narrows, just like in this photograph!  I find that my eyes get tired more quickly when working on these bright colors, which makes me wonder if that's way I tend to go for the soft quiet colors most of the time.  

I'm looking forward to getting started on February's block, though I'm going to take a little break and work on something completely different for the next couple of weeks.  I won't be able to share it just yet, so I may not be posting quite as much for the next couple weeks.  

It's Monday, so there was a new seam at Joyful Embellishments to stitch!  This one an alternating curved feather stitch with three colors of beads.  I'm really enjoying having a new stitch to do each day, with no decisions other than what thread and beads to use! At this rate, it won't be long and this runner/bell-pull will be finished!