Monday, April 30, 2012

Framed Victorian Quilt Blocks


This miniature Victorian Wall Quilt was inspired by my original full sized Victorian quilt that I had finished back in 1996. With the recent interest from my friends on Craftsy.com I decided to post it to the public at this time. I wanted to have fun with some handwork and thought a miniature Victorian quilt would be just the project.


It consists of 9 totally different Victorian blocks each measuring 4 inches. I had it professionally framed with a deep purple frame. A black suede mat with a white core center was used in the framing process.




The blocks were constructed of quilter’s cotton fabrics. I stayed with very small scale printed fabrics. I really like the jewel colors, and decided to select fabrics in those tones for each block. I then chose to use rayon embroidery floss. The strands had to be separated, because they were too heavy for the stitching I was going to do. Making this type of quilt is a good opportunity to try out a large range of embroidery stitches. As a reference guide for stitches I quite often referred to a wonderful book by Judith Baker Montano titled, Elegant Stitches. This text is a beautiful example to use as a reference guide while doing a project like this. The book is small enough to keep in your sewing basket and the illustrations give step by step instructions on creating lovely embroidery stitches and combining them to expand your stitching variations.




After the blocks were put together, I used black Kona cotton fabric to piece them together, with ½ inch sashing strips. I also added a narrow black border. I did not quilt this project because I thought it would distract from the embroidery and beadwork. Below are some close up photos for you to enjoy and view the details I put into each block.



Block one


Block Two





Block Three




Block Four





Block Five




Block Six





Block Seven





Block Eight



Block Nine

As you can see the little blocks are heavily embellished with glass beads. I chose a variety of bugle beads and seed beads, and then added tiny glass buttons, stones and a Mother of Pearl bird. If you were interested in buying this quilt project you can contact me at:   juliesoodlesofdoodles@mail.com







Friday, April 6, 2012

Wool Art Quilts

I love making these little art quilts. It gives me a chance to use my original drawings that I have printed onto fabric through the Spoonflower Company. The roving wool that Wistyria Editions makes is a beautiful product to use in these quilts. When I use the wool felt as a base, it provides a nice background for the roving wool and the additional embellishments to cling to.




Romantic Hearts
15 ¾ inches by 13 ½ inches

Best Friends
14 inches by 12 inches. 

Friends Forever
14 ¾ inches by 15 ¾ inches

My New Dress
 16¾ inches by 15 inches

Summer Afternoon
15 inches by 12 ¼ inches



Liz's House
17 inches by 17 ¾ inches


Winter Berry's
17 ½ inches by 17 ½ inches

Catch of the Day
20 ¾ inches by 18 ¼ inches

Pumpkin Patch
11 inches by 13 inches

Dancing Sunflowers
16 inches by 14 inches

Autumn
16 inches by 14 inches