Monday, June 15, 2015

Cozy Afternoon Blog Hop - The Big Reveal!

Today marks the start of Cozy Afternoon, a Free Block of the Month led by Jacquelynne Steves!
Each month, the patterns offer embroidery and applique options. Search your stash for the perfect fabric, make it scrappy, or pick up a kit with these beautiful fabrics:
Jacquelynne's designs are always adorable and her fabric lines never fall short either! I love love LOVE the Christmas fabric line she designed for Henry Glass,  "Joy, Love, Peace, Noel". 
The characters are so sweet!
With the idea to feature them front and center in my version of this quilt along, these critters inspired me to try my hand at embroidery!
Mr. Mouse was first up, and he became the center attraction of my first block:
The background fabric is from Jacquelynne's 'Happy Town'. I wanted to add color so they could really 'pop', and I spent a good deal of time experimenting before I found a method I am confident   with. A heavy-handed Crayola crayon won out as my preferred method, followed by a HOT heat set with the iron, and an aggressive, warm water wash in the machine. I believe these are now colorfast!
My version of Block Two features an amorous snowman, another character from the same line.  I outlined using backstitch. It took some practice, playing with a few different stitches before I decided to go with the 'stab-style'. I am still fairly inconsistent with stitch size and tension, but I did see improvement pretty quickly and I'm happy with the results:-)
Looks like I forgot to go back with red floss to add French knots for the berries on his hat... funny how things go unnoticed until photographed!

Blocks One and Two are released today!
(July, August, and September will each offer one block for this five-month QAL)

As well as fabric from the Joy, Love, Peace, Noel line, I included the green and red polka-dot fabrics from Fruitful Hands, plus two aqua prints I found in my stash.
Interested in participating? Jacquelynne has a unique talent for accurate pattern writing, with clear instructions that suit all quilting levels. Cozy Afternoon is suited for beginning or advanced quilter's! And, sewing along is even more fun with giveaways planned along the way!
 
Jacquelynne has generously offered an electronic 'pattern bundle' giveaway -
This bundle will be awarded to one lucky reader at each stop in the blog hop!

To enter the giveaway: Please leave a comment on this post prior to Sunday June 21st, at midnight. Any comment qualifies, but perhaps you know a method for coloring on fabric that you would like to share?

For more inspiration, (and more chances to win!!) check out the creative genius of the following guest bloggers revealing their blocks today!
 
 
 
 
 
Kahryn @ Kathy's Quilts
 
 
 


Linking up with Myra, today's guest host for Building Blocks Tuesday!



Posted by at

76 comments:

  1. Teresa in Music CityJune 15, 2015 at 6:53 AM

    I absolutely LOVE your little embroidered creations Heidi! And using crayon to color them - genious!!! I'm going to enjoy watching your blocks come to life :*)

    ReplyDelete
  2. LynJune 15, 2015 at 7:32 AM

    I have not done any coloring. Looks great! Like your designs and fabric. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJune 15, 2015 at 8:17 AM

    Thank you for the idea of using crayons! Never knew about this technique! Also, I'm absolutely in love with the idea that you turned a Cozy Afternoon into a winter quilt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HeidiJune 15, 2015 at 8:49 AM

      I saw Barbara at Cat Patches use this technique and gave it a whirl! Definitely play with practice swatches first - some colors cooperate better than others!

      Delete
  4. Marti MorganJune 15, 2015 at 8:45 AM

    Just a great way to show us how to be creative....make it your own.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HeidiJune 15, 2015 at 8:51 AM

      I love seeing all the different versions!!
      BTW, if I reply here it is because you are a no-reply blogger :)

      Delete
  5. AnonymousJune 15, 2015 at 8:47 AM

    These are adorable! I'm looking forward to seeing more. mfhagopian@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. KarenJune 15, 2015 at 9:09 AM

    I love seeing everyone's take on this project. Looking forward to meeting some new bloggers as well!
    createdandbeautiful@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. SherryJune 15, 2015 at 9:53 AM

    Your blocks are great, it is fun to see a different way of making these blocks. I use crayon when coloring embroidery, I like to use white crayon first in the area I am coloring and then go over with the color and heat set it. It will be fun to see your blocks and follow along. Now I have to make up my mind about fabrics and get started tonight on my project.

    ReplyDelete
  8. SherryJune 15, 2015 at 9:53 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  9. RitaJune 15, 2015 at 10:11 AM

    Love your interpretation, so many ideas!

    ReplyDelete
  10. HeidiJune 15, 2015 at 10:14 AM

    Thank you Rita!

    ReplyDelete
  11. quiltmamaJune 15, 2015 at 10:25 AM

    What a neat idea, love the mice!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Quilter KathyJune 15, 2015 at 10:41 AM

    These are so sweet! What a great idea to take inspiration from the fabric and make your design totally unique!

    ReplyDelete
  13. JackieJune 15, 2015 at 10:48 AM

    Very cute!

    ReplyDelete
  14. jangunter@live.comJune 15, 2015 at 10:51 AM

    I love your blocks they are just sew cute! I am still picking out my fabrics for this..I know I am slow!! Thank you for sharing! I love seeing other folks ideas for more inspiration!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. JenniferJune 15, 2015 at 11:13 AM

    What an adorable Mr.Mouse you have highlighted! I have never tried to color my fabric, but I would probably go out and buy a special fabric, permanent marker kind of thing to use. The crayons sound do-able too.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Renata SJune 15, 2015 at 11:39 AM

    Neat adaptation of the pattern. Very cute.

    ReplyDelete
  17. SallyJune 15, 2015 at 12:42 PM

    I love your blocks! I've never seen the idea of coloring before but I may have to try it.

    ReplyDelete
  18. SallyJune 15, 2015 at 12:42 PM

    I love your blocks! I've never seen the idea of coloring before but I may have to try it.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Julie I.June 15, 2015 at 12:59 PM

    Thank you for sharing your holiday interpretation for this BOM. Your fabric coloring for the embroidered block centers is a perfect compliment to your inspiration fabric! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Kathy HJune 15, 2015 at 1:10 PM

    Love your Christmas version. I don't have any special tips for the coloring, have only done 1 project that way and need to improve my own. Someone told me to color heavier than you would think you needed to.

    ReplyDelete
  21. KaHollyJune 15, 2015 at 2:38 PM

    Cute, cute, cute!

    ReplyDelete
  22. dorothyJune 15, 2015 at 3:52 PM

    Love your little mouse! My favorite tea is Mountain Thunder by Celestial Seasonings.

    ReplyDelete
  23. JoanJune 15, 2015 at 4:11 PM

    Your blocks are so sweet. Love them!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Deal.licious Real Food DebbyJune 15, 2015 at 4:22 PM

    I never have even thought about coloring on the fabric. I am new to quilting... so maybe this isn't new to others, but I think it is really cool.

    determineddebby at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Gretchen WeaverJune 15, 2015 at 5:13 PM

    I've never tried coloring on fabric but I watched someone doing it once. She used regular crayons and lightly colored. Then she heat set them. I thought they were beautiful and yours are too.

    villacrestfarm@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Pamela KopplebergerJune 15, 2015 at 6:16 PM

    Great applique blocks. Love the dot fabrics.

    ReplyDelete
  27. UnknownJune 15, 2015 at 6:43 PM

    Love your take on the embroidery. I want to try it! What cute little characters.

    ReplyDelete
  28. AnonymousJune 15, 2015 at 9:53 PM

    I had never heard of the crayon trick. Love the results!!

    remills at amtelecom dot net

    ReplyDelete
  29. ShinyNewThingJune 16, 2015 at 4:16 AM

    What a great twist for the blocks, well done! I tried batik once as a child and I would like to do that again some day for colouring fabric in designs.

    ReplyDelete
  30. sisylyn2June 16, 2015 at 4:44 AM

    Have never done this kind of block but would enjoy learning
    Nancy
    gandn74@ymail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. GinaJune 16, 2015 at 5:01 AM

    I love your version of this quilt. I often use crayons to colour in my embroidery as I love the effect it gives

    ReplyDelete
  32. GinaJune 16, 2015 at 5:01 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  33. wildprairieJune 16, 2015 at 7:39 AM

    What cute mice. The block turned out wonderful. I am wondering how the glitter glue would work for adding color.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Teatime CreationsJune 16, 2015 at 8:06 AM

    Your quilt will be so cute with the snowmen fabric. What a good idea to embroider the centers with snowmen. I have never used crayons for coloring but it might be a new technique to master.

    ReplyDelete
  35. carolJune 16, 2015 at 10:27 AM

    Your two blocks came out really nice. I have never tried coloring on fabric. Looks like fun.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Myra @ Busy Hands QuiltsJune 16, 2015 at 12:02 PM

    I just love the rich tones you've selected for your blocks! Thanks for linking up to Building Blocks Tuesday!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Jacquelynne StevesJune 16, 2015 at 12:10 PM

    Love what you did with the embroidery on the blocks, Heidi!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Lara B.June 16, 2015 at 1:08 PM

    Oh my gosh Heidi - I bet Jacquelynne will be thrilled to see your embroidered renditions! They are so charming and perfect! Love the way you colored in the designs! Have you ever given Derwent Inktense pencils a go? They work really well for fabric and are colorfast once set. I'll have to try crayola as a way to color in embroidery. The blocks are beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  39. gaillopes149June 16, 2015 at 1:48 PM

    I love your blocks! Thanks for the opportunity to win the patterns!

    ReplyDelete
  40. UnknownJune 16, 2015 at 2:58 PM

    You blog ladies really do know how to inspire, I have learnt so much by just visiting, looking, reading and watching, I am going to stay with the pattern as is (not that brave) but am thinking I may make it again (if I am successful) and use different stitcheries, I am a cat and dog lover so am thinking of expanding into that direction.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Julie @ The Crafty QuilterJune 16, 2015 at 3:54 PM

    Hi Heidi, Your embroidery is so very cute and so very clever! I really like the added shading from the crayons. The motifs are just adorable, too.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Judy1522June 16, 2015 at 10:35 PM

    You have made one of the cutest versions of the quilt blocks I have seen. I also love Jacquelynne's fabric design and have some of them in my stash. I am going to enjoy seeing what you do for the rest of the blocks.

    ReplyDelete
  43. LeeJune 17, 2015 at 2:12 AM

    I adore your blocks the most! Love the coloring with the embroidery - such a nice effect - I need to try it!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Karen SJune 17, 2015 at 4:41 AM

    These are delightful blocks. What a great idea to use the designs from the fabric to create the embroideries. I have this fabric and am quite inspired by the way you have used it. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with for the next blocks.

    ReplyDelete
  45. UnknownJune 17, 2015 at 5:54 AM

    Your idea of embroidering the characters from the fabric is so adorable. I am getting so many ideas. Must make a trip to the fabric store today. I am really getting inspired now.

    ReplyDelete
  46. BarefootThunder June 17, 2015 at 7:37 AM

    I love your blocks, I use Pigma markers to color on my quilt labels. I have recently purchased some sharpie fabric markers, I don't yet know how they will last over time, but I can tell you the pigma pens have lasted years.

    ReplyDelete
  47. cooneenJune 17, 2015 at 8:37 AM

    I have never thought of outlining pre printed fabric with embroidery in the way you are. What are very cool idea. now to go stash diving. Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HeidiJune 18, 2015 at 11:13 AM

      I love the idea you mention to outline/enhance pre-printed fabric. I think I will look my stash over for possibilities as well!!

      FYI: Your email is bouncing-back, I hope you see my reply as I want to thankyou for visiting!

      Delete
  48. Ms AmyJune 17, 2015 at 11:02 AM

    You can also add color to quilts by using inexpensive water color paints and heat-setting the color with an iron. I learned this technique from quilter, teacher, appraiser,and author Cindy Brick from Colorado duing a workshop at the Southeastern Quilt and Textile Museum in Carrollton, GA.

    ReplyDelete
  49. TinaJune 17, 2015 at 11:07 AM

    My favorite color is green, however I have some sweet purple fabric that has frogs on it. I am not sure what fabric I will use yet. I will just have to think about it for a few days.

    ReplyDelete
  50. SusanJune 17, 2015 at 4:01 PM

    Really cute, love the embroidery. I have never tried coloring......

    ReplyDelete
  51. UnknownJune 17, 2015 at 5:01 PM

    I really like your idea. Love the little mouse.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Stacey TrichelJune 17, 2015 at 5:15 PM

    These are so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  53. UnknownJune 17, 2015 at 5:55 PM

    I like the idea of coloring little squares for this quilt. It is something I could get my grandkids to do for a memory quilt. Thanks for a cute idea.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Anita GambrellJune 17, 2015 at 6:13 PM

    Love these blocks so much! Coloring .... Nope never done that!

    ReplyDelete
  55. JudiHJune 17, 2015 at 6:32 PM

    What a great idea using crayons to add colour. I love your blocks!

    ReplyDelete
  56. CeciliaJune 17, 2015 at 6:59 PM

    Cute blocks! I love seeing how different everyone's quilt . I took a class where we used a type of artist's pastels to paint on fabric. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  57. BertJune 17, 2015 at 7:20 PM

    Love the blocks. I will be starting my BOM next week. Thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  58. UnknownJune 17, 2015 at 7:44 PM

    I love the mouse and snowman designs. Very Cute. I have used crayons, but only once.

    ReplyDelete
  59. KathyKJune 17, 2015 at 7:47 PM

    Love these designs they are so cute and inspiring.

    ReplyDelete
  60. ashasueJune 17, 2015 at 9:15 PM

    Crayon coloring is fun. Kids like to see their art in a quilt!

    ReplyDelete
  61. UnknownJune 17, 2015 at 9:53 PM

    Hi, I am new to the BOM (online anyway) so was surprised to see your "version" of the blocks. They are lovely and I wish I had thought of it! Thank you for sharing your blocks.

    ReplyDelete
  62. RayJune 17, 2015 at 11:17 PM

    SO CUTE!!!! Love how you have personalized your version.

    ReplyDelete
  63. UnknownJune 17, 2015 at 11:19 PM

    I love the way you did your blocks. They are so whimsical.

    ReplyDelete
  64. ButzJune 18, 2015 at 1:06 AM

    What a great idea. One could do the BOM once for spring/summer and once for winter. :-)
    I bought some noname fabric colouring pens on amazon. They work fine.

    ReplyDelete
  65. UnknownJune 18, 2015 at 6:10 AM

    I love your Christmas idea.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Carla June 18, 2015 at 7:28 AM

    I'm inspired by what you did the create the focus centers just with crayons. In the past I've used liquid embroidery paints for text. Yours creates such a cute, whimsical, lovable effect!

    ReplyDelete
  67. LynetteJune 18, 2015 at 7:35 AM

    Oh my gosh - this is just too cute with the little figures. :D

    ReplyDelete
  68. MoeWestJune 18, 2015 at 10:43 AM

    I just love these cute embroideries!

    ReplyDelete
  69. SnoodlesJune 18, 2015 at 7:03 PM

    Wow! Great ideas! Love your Christmas blocks!

    ReplyDelete
  70. UnknownJune 20, 2015 at 4:41 PM

    Makes me think I really should make a winter quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  71. NellJune 20, 2015 at 4:52 PM

    Wow, I haven't colored fabric pieces with crayon since I was in Girl Scouts! Your blocks are delicious. I love snow, and the dots make me think of giant snowflakes or snowballs. Your hand embroidered designs are lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  72. LinJune 20, 2015 at 5:58 PM

    Your blocks are gorgeous and thank you for introducing me to the Joy, Love, Peace, Noel line - I had somehow missed it. Love the mouse!!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for sharing your comments!

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...