Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Art Nouveau Blocks for Round Robin

Today I mailed off my blocks for the next Round Robin I'm participating in with Crazy Quilting International.  The RR is Art Nouveau I (there is also an Art Nouveau II because there was so much interest).   Here are my "naked" blocks:

This is a "Do Your Own Block" (DYB) Round Robin.  So, I've pieced six individual blocks.  Each participant chooses a block (they're 6" square) and embellishes the entire thing.


I chose to piece my blocks around the colors of the images I liked best (most, but all are the art of Alphonse Mucha).  Often, a DYB participant will piece all six blocks with the same fabrics and color scheme, especially if they're intending to use them together in a single project.


You can see that in five of the six blocks I pieced, I have just pinned the silk print on the block.  In that way, the person who selects that block to embellish can place it where it best fits in with her intended design and stitching.

These blocks will travel around the world before they arrive back home.  The six participants are in Washington, Utah (me), Colorado, Finland, Japan and The Netherlands.


This is the only block where I actually pieced the silk print in to the design.  I love the piecing (that curve was fun), but really do not like how the colors look together (even though they look good - much better than on the computer screen - with the print).  Oh well - the stitchers in this round robin could make a rag look beautiful!  :-)

And this one is my favorite.  I LOVE that print, and tried to keep everything soft to complement it.  I can't wait to see what's done with this block.


I'm off to post the new pictures on the home pages of the Crazy Quilting International Yahoo group, draw a name for the May Challenge (dimensional embroidery) winner, and announce the CQI June Challenge, which is frames & framing.  It's about different ways to frame things like the silk prints (as in my blocks above), cabochons, and other things in our work with beads, ribbon, or ???      And when I'm done with that, I've got handouts to finish for the presentation I'm giving on Crazy Quilts this Thursday evening to the non-profit arm of the Utah Quilt Guild.    Too many "irons in the fire"?!?

Cathy maroon

17 comments:

  1. Wow, all of those are so beautiful! I'm in love with all the colours

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  2. Hi Cathy...What beautiful material. I sure like the colors you have chosen. once the embellishment are done ,the blocks will be fantastic. I have some satin material also and one day I will do something too.
    Laurette

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  3. These blocks are just lovely Cathy. I especiallly like the 3rd one (Blue). Can't wait to see them when they return home.
    Debbie

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  4. I forgot to tell you I made the dryer balls. They are great seems as though the clothes have less wrinkles. Anything to cut down on ironing is great. I used all that coarse yarn I had and made 40 balls out of it. Now guess what will be in everyone's Christmas Stocking??????
    Debbie

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  5. WooHoo! I get to pick first and I know right now it will be the black and blue one....I'm in the mood for some REAL drama and that looks like the one...nothing soft and yummy for me this time... I can see it all now!!! Bring them on!!! Hugs Ger

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  6. Cathy, these blogs are absolutely beautiful as are the art nouveau images... can't wait to see how they end up finished. Hugs.

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  7. You do sound busy! At least most of them are fun jobs though, right?
    Love the silkies you have chosen for your AN blocks - the blocks are so lovely it makes me wish I was in this round robin!
    Hugs,
    Kerry

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  8. These are just lovely Cathy - you sure do have the gift of using color to its best advantage!

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  9. Hi Cathy, I'm looking forward to watching this project! The DYOB's are always fun!

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  10. Gerry, Serious?? You picking blue?? I would've guessed the top one (rose & black). You like blue about as much as I do...... whoa! This is something to look forward to - I love your stitching drama! Hugs, Cathy

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  11. You blocks are really beautiful. I love Alphonse Mucha and am wondering where you got the silkies and if they are copyrite free. I would really love to do some crazy quilting with his images.

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  12. The blocks are beautiful and the colors are great. I can't wait to see them embellished!

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  13. Phew! You ARE busy but I've got to tell you that the piecing of those blocks inspired by the colors in the transfers are absolutely amazing. You did SUCH an incredible job...and yes, I agree...the one you are worried about...that's the kind of challenge I love....someone will love making that the star of the group. Sometimes what we like least to start with...actually ends up the favorite. Life has a way of working that way sometimes. xoxo Susan

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  14. Thank you very much for answering my question about Alphonse Mucha and you wishes for the return of my muse. I am a daily follower of your blog and look forward to seeing the finished blocks.

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  15. I mentioned you in my blog today.
    Debbie

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  16. WOW so glad I found you .I like to do the small art card but not sure what I'm doing. Will follow you and see what you are doing.Laura Q

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