Sunday, November 24, 2024

Elegant Garden, Block 4

Block 4 in the Elegant Garden quilt is finished. Sometimes a block just doesn't turnout like I hoped which is what happened with this block. The fabrics looked nice in the civil war box but just rather blah in the block.

The bright gold/orange fabric definitely added color but the flower and buds really needed help.

For help, I embroidered the outside edge of the flower and buds. I used a slightly darker thread on the edge of the light lavender. 

The fabric in the buds and flower center has a small mulberry colored motif so I outline the edge with a mulberry thread while the bud leaves and the bottom of the flowers were embroidered with a dark purple thread. 

The block still needed help so I added the gold french knots, that helped the most.

I used 12 weight Sulky thread for the embroidery. I'm going to keep the box upstairs, more embroidery might be happening in the future.

Fabrics always blend so well and compliment each other in fat quarter bundles, that doesn't always mean they're going to play well together in a block.

Elegant Garden is an older quilt designed by Edyta Sitar from Laundry Basket Quilts. 

I am taking a blogging break until the middle of December. Chat more later and hope you find some time for stitching during the rest of this year!

Linking to Kathys Slow Stitching Sunday, Stitching Stuff, Oh Scrap, Handmade Monday, Sew & Tell, Craftastic Monday, Design Wall Monday, Monday Musings

14 comments:

Sarah said...

The addition of the embroidery looks nice and I love a French knot!

Kate said...

it's a very pretty block, the orange is a nice contrast to the rest. Even with the muted colors it looks really good.

Connie said...

Excellent addition!

Linda said...

I love this block, and your embroidery just made it sing! I guess I should say I'm taking an "additional" blogging break since I haven't posted since August - lol!

Angela said...

The embroidery goes so well!

CathieJ said...

I really like how this block looks with the added embroidery.

Jayne Honnold said...

You may be too critical of yourself, Gretchen! Once all the blocks come together, don't you think it will blend perfectly? It becomes one little part of a much larger masterpiece, and it will be gorgeous!

grammajudyb said...

I love the addition of the embroidery stitches. It’s a lovely block!

Lin said...

Always nice to add a touch of individuality to someone else's design, the embroidery works well. xx

time4stitchn said...

I love your applique, always admire it so! I have the same issue with choosing fabric. The placement of colors in the blocks can really spread them out and make them not as attractive. But your addition of embroidery really makes them spark so. How creative you are and what a great solution!

TerryKnott.blogspot.com said...

I liked your block; but loved it after the embroidery embellishments. It is a beauty now!

Robin said...

You did a lovely job on the embroidery for this block. The color of the leaves is the exact color of the ornamental pear trees (about 5 in a row) across the street. As the sun shines on the leaves each morning the gold color glows into my living room making every thing shine.

QuiltGranma said...

beautifully done!

Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting said...

Love the addition of the French knots! Happy Thanksgiving, Gretchen!!!