Monday, June 15, 2015

Blending with an old favourite...

A few years back I purchased two yards of this beautiful print because it had an 'olde world' feel about it and I knew that one day it would feature in something special...
(Sophie by Chez Moi for Moda)

In fact, I loved it so much that while waiting for inspiration to strike it would often be found gracing our home disguised as a tablecloth! The two raw edges were hemmed, and wash after wash it's colours remained vibrant and homely - I wished I'd bought more of it. 

Last month when stitching the Dove Garden design for this month's Stitchery Club I purposely chose my thread colours to compliment this fabric because in my mind a plan was forming for a bag...

I knew I'd need a blender fabric to bring the bag to life, so wasn't it a blessing when some Origami squares arrived in the mail from Lecien fabrics with the perfect fabric in the perfect colour and print? 

In fact there were a number of fabrics which would have blended beautifully...

...but in the end I settled on this.

Saturday afternoon I pieced the outer bag, backed it with an off-cut of cotton quilt wadding, and began hand quilting.
The red blender added just the right amount of colour beside the floral...




I'm hand quilting with Perle #12 threads in red and olive, both colours to compliment the fabric...

Up till now my fabric stash hasn't included many blender prints, but I can see just how important they are so shall invest in more for future projects.
Later this week I'll show you the finished bag, but for now there's a little more hand quilting needed before I assemble it. Fun.

May your week contain many blessings!


19 comments:

Christine M said...

I can see why you had to get that fabric, Jenny. It is gorgeous. I'm looking forward to seeing your bag. xx

Ju said...

Querida Jenny,
Um lindo tecido e a estampa parece pintada à mão.Ficará um lindo saco!
Beijo
Ju

Nanna Chel said...

That is a beautiful fabric, Jenny. I can see why you love it so much.

Jacqueline said...

You always find the most beautiful fabrics. You have a gift at putting them together in soothing, feminine ways.

Christina said...

That's coming along very nice. Great color combinations.

Leeanne said...

beautiful! The sweet beauty of hand quilting too.

Baa. xxx said...

You are blending with the best of them!! That red brings your fabric alive beautifully!

Martha Roberts said...

It is always a happy day when you find the fabric you need is the fabric you already have! Beautiful work.

Christine B said...

What a lovely fabric and I love the look of the project.... I can't wait to see the bag! :) x

http://thankfullga447 said...

I love that fabric, brings back wonderful memories. I felt a bit down this morning but your blogs just cheer me up. I am off to the sewing room and to finish a project.

Brenda said...

I agree with the fabric you chose; it is a spectacular match. Love your embroidered patch and hand quilting stitches. Looking forward to seeing the bag project! Have a wonderful day!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful piece of fabric. That red is perfect, and so is the quilting perle. I look forward to seeing this finished project. Great idea for using that design!

TerriSue said...

Love it!

Createology said...

I really love it when fabrics and colors "just" come together for a project. My wardrobe does this as I tend to keep my clothes forever and through the years colors and patterns "just" come together. Your Dove is looking right at home with these beautiful fabrics. June JOY...

Tammy said...

Oh I love that fabric..It is gorgeous....Can't wait to see your finished bag...

sandi s said...

I love the look and fabrics in your project! I can't wait to see it finished. I read the article about you in the magazine, congratulations! I downloaded the magazine . Have a good week. Hugs,

Barb said...

I have been following your blog for a while. (you are in my fav box) I truly love your embroidery work. You certainly have a gift. ;). I would like to ask you, if you don't mind, what size needle you use when you quilt with perle cotton. I have tried several sizes and it is quite challenging finding the "right" one. I would appreciate your advice. :)

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Hi Barb! I use my regular embroidery needle - a size 9. :-)

RoseMary Baty-Willcox said...

Love your gorgeous find.
Your work is always a blessing to see.