After having a fairly mild summer, we have been experiencing normal July temperatures this past couple weeks. We have a few more days of high 90s-100 degree heat forecast before a "cold" front arrives next week, so a Christmas squirrel that sneaked into my room was welcomed with open arms.
I'm blaming this "Squirrel-spiration" on Canadian Needle Nana Jocelyn, who had the prettiest embroidery blocks in this post, and shared the link to the patterns. I was inspired to download the entire set of embroidery patterns and instructions for all the blocks from Moda's Holiday Quilt Stitch-Along from last year. Here is the link to the page that has links to all the patterns.
This is the goal! Quilt and photo by Susan Ache
The photo above is the finished quilt by Susan Ache, who designed the 13 Baltimore Album quilt-inspired embroidery blocks to mix with pieced blocks. I had never heard of Baltimore Album quilts, and the history behind them is quite interesting. Basically album quilts were blocks made with elaborate applique and sewn into a quilt, usually made by a group but sometimes an individual. From what I've read, they were first made popular in the Baltimore area. The name "album" referred to the popular photo albums of the 1840s, similar to today's scrapbooks.
I chose white with a faint star background for the embroidery blocks and added a lightweight fusible interfacing to the back. I am happy to say that I pulled entirely from my Christmas scraps for the log cabin blocks.
This is the first time I have done embroidery on a quilt, so I looked to embroidery guru Mary Corbet for advice and chose to purchase Sulky 12wt thread from Etsy. My thread arrived yesterday, and I gave it a try last night and love it! Since one strand is equal to two of regular embroidery floss, it is easy to thread and doesn't tangle or knot up.
I'm using a simple backstitch for the embroidery.
I hope to finish this project before Christmas, which is only 5 months away!
This will be a fun project, and I'm glad you like the thread. That always makes it easier. You'll be able to get this done - it's too hot to be outdoors, so sew away!
ReplyDeleteThat's going to be gorgeous, Linda! I love embroidery and patchwork together. I remember seeing that quilt on Jocelyn's post, too, and being interested in it. So glad you're going for it!
ReplyDeleteWell I see a Squirrel coming. I have so many Baltimore Album quilt patterns. I used to belong to the Baltimore Applique Society. I was inspired and purchased a lot of the patterns. Never finished one. They are some beautiful quilts
ReplyDeleteHugs and thx fir the Squirrel
I love this. Always wanted to make an embroidered quilt, but didn’t want a redwork one. This is fabulous - you may have inspired another squirrel (at least to be added to the list).
ReplyDeleteHow exciting, to start a new project! I will eagerly watch for the progress you make. Happy Stitching!
ReplyDeleteI don’t quilt, but I do embroidery, and these blocks are just beautiful. They look so nice in this quilt. I love the combination of quilting and embroidery.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful blocks - and really - acold front - what like 85? haha!! I am glad it made you think Christmas tho!!!
ReplyDeleteGood morning! I wanted to let you know that I am subbing in as the hostess for the Tuesday To-Do Linky party. Feel free to join in over at MelvaLovesScraps(dot)blogspot(dot)com
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