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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!



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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 :*)

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  2. LynJune 15, 2015 at 7:32 AM

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

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  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.

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    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.

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    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

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  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

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  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.

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  8. SherryJune 15, 2015 at 9:53 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  9. RitaJune 15, 2015 at 10:11 AM

    Love your interpretation, so many ideas!

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  10. HeidiJune 15, 2015 at 10:14 AM

    Thank you Rita!

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  11. quiltmamaJune 15, 2015 at 10:25 AM

    What a neat idea, love the mice!

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  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!

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  13. JackieJune 15, 2015 at 10:48 AM

    Very cute!

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  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!!

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  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.

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

    Neat adaptation of the pattern. Very cute.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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!

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  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.

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  21. KaHollyJune 15, 2015 at 2:38 PM

    Cute, cute, cute!

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  22. dorothyJune 15, 2015 at 3:52 PM

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

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  23. JoanJune 15, 2015 at 4:11 PM

    Your blocks are so sweet. Love them!

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  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

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  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

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

    Great applique blocks. Love the dot fabrics.

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  27. UnknownJune 15, 2015 at 6:43 PM

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

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  28. AnonymousJune 15, 2015 at 9:53 PM

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

    remills at amtelecom dot net

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  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.

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  30. sisylyn2June 16, 2015 at 4:44 AM

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

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  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

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  32. GinaJune 16, 2015 at 5:01 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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!

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

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

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  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!

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  39. gaillopes149June 16, 2015 at 1:48 PM

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

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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!

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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    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.

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  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.

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  50. SusanJune 17, 2015 at 4:01 PM

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

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  51. UnknownJune 17, 2015 at 5:01 PM

    I really like your idea. Love the little mouse.

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

    These are so cute!

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  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.

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

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

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  55. JudiHJune 17, 2015 at 6:32 PM

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

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  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.

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  57. BertJune 17, 2015 at 7:20 PM

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

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  58. UnknownJune 17, 2015 at 7:44 PM

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

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  59. KathyKJune 17, 2015 at 7:47 PM

    Love these designs they are so cute and inspiring.

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  60. ashasueJune 17, 2015 at 9:15 PM

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

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  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.

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  62. RayJune 17, 2015 at 11:17 PM

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

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  63. UnknownJune 17, 2015 at 11:19 PM

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

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  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.

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  65. UnknownJune 18, 2015 at 6:10 AM

    I love your Christmas idea.

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  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!

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  67. LynetteJune 18, 2015 at 7:35 AM

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

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  68. MoeWestJune 18, 2015 at 10:43 AM

    I just love these cute embroideries!

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  69. SnoodlesJune 18, 2015 at 7:03 PM

    Wow! Great ideas! Love your Christmas blocks!

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  70. UnknownJune 20, 2015 at 4:41 PM

    Makes me think I really should make a winter quilt.

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  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.

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  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!!

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Thank you for sharing your comments!