Over the weekend I decided to catch up with my Spring Wreath quilt, I had two blocks waiting to be stitched and I knew the next pack was on it’s way. This is a Block of the Month I started in the autumn, It’s designed by Andrea Walpole of Raggedy Ruff Designs. I’d not done machine embroidery before so it’s been a huge learning curve, but Andreas instructions are great and she’s always on facebook for any queries or support.
I made the blocks one evening, I was planning to just stitch the squirrels, but having pieced the background I decided that having enjoyed two glasses of wine it really wasn’t the time to start machine embroidery…so I made the owl background block instead and prepped all the applique for both blocks.
I started embroidering the squirrels the next day. I think this is the trickiest block so far, possible due to all the thin branches. One of my squirrels has a leg in mid air, but perhaps he’s mid-step! I find with this type of machine embroidery it is important{for sanity!} to keep taking a step back, as close up you can see all the wiggles and squiggles, but from a distance the eye sees the right line…fortunately!
In some ways the owl was a little easier, mainly because his eyes are closed, the eyes are definitely the hardest bit as they do make or break the picture, closed is much easier! The lower squirrel looks a little cross because of his eyes!
I really enjoyed stitching all the plumage on the owl, I love the effect of his wings in particular.
I’ve now stitched five wildlife blocks and a four extra blocks for in between, all that’s left is the borders which are made over two months (one arrived today so I can crack on with it!) I had a bit of a play yesterday on my design board, working out where the blocks would probably go, I’m so pleased with it, it’s been a delight to make, once I got over the nerves!
thecraftycreek 
I like the squirrel’s leg in mid-air. It shows motion and it is fun to look at! He’s (or is it a she) got personality!
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s certainly got personality 🙂
LikeLike
wonderful work!! so sweet! Happy Sewing from Iowa !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Melody, I’m really enjoying this quilt
LikeLike
The owl is lovely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, I’m really pleased with him
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the squirrel faces, they look just like the ones that scold Max as we walk in the park. The owl though, I love him!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kathy, I think the owl looks lovely too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love how you enhance this animal print!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Linda, it’s not actually a print, it’s just applique and machine embroidery on a patchwork background. It’s been a huge learning curve 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So I’ve got a lot to learn! I’m going to go back and read again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Margaret, I love this design so far, the machine embroidery would scare me off, I would probably do a back stitch by hand instead. Well done xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Mandy, I’d never done machine embroidery before, it is just a matter of take a deep breath and go for it!
LikeLike