As I have mentioned before, my Mom loved to do handwork, whether embroidery or applique.
She also loved some of the older-style patterns….something reminiscent of her younger life.
So, for her birthday one year, I gave her this book…..
She enjoyed doing the embroidery, and I inherited these blocks…..
I am sure that you can already see the problem.
They are perfectly embroidered, but there is so little color in them that they really don’t stand out at all.
For example, the body parts embroidered in white simply disappear…..
I have considered using Inktense pencils and coloring in all of the areas, but I am concerned that I would just make matters worse.
This style is NOT something that I would ever enjoy having and am struggling to figure out how to honor Mom but not spend a ton of time.
I would LOVE to hear your thoughts……
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A blogging friend who loves vintage textiles agreed to accept my Grandmother’s handwork. She was happy, and I am very happy to have the work go where it will be appreciated.
That may be what I do too Mary. I would love to finish them myself, but I know it will be a while before I can get to them!
These are precious. What about making a soft book for little ones. Maybe on one side have a word like “rake” and on the other side have the block of the kid raking. Just a thought.
You and Linda G. both suggested books and I think that is the perfect idea. Seeing the pictures up close will look better than far away as part of quilt!
Frances, How about using a flesh colored Inktense pencil just to go over the lines of the body parts, tracing the white lines delicately?
Madeline
I had thought about that Madeline. Mostly I am concerned that I will ruin the blocks, but I guess doing something with them is more important than keeping them “safe” at the back of the closet. Maybe I will bring them to you and let you do the coloring!!
I wouldn’t worry so much about the colors in the block, just frame with the blocks with soft colors. How precious this would be with some antique colors and lace and tidbits of the past. Perhaps a future grandchild or great grandchild would love this heirloom of a baby quilt made by your mom and yourself. Precious!
My Mom would certainly approve of antique colors and lace. This is a fun idea. Thanks so much Leona!!
Frances, enjoyed your presentation last evening at MPS! OKAY, for your Mother’s embroidery…… what about thinking WAY outside the box! Make a cloth book with the embroideries as pages in a book. You could design the cover with something that reflects your mother. Have a title page at the beginning and at the end of the book, add a little bio of your mother and her love of embroidery. The book could be something special handled down thru the generations. And certainly anyone could make up a story about all the activity on each page when ‘reading’ it to a youngest (future grandchild or grand grandchild). And up close, one could see the colors your mother selected. I would fear that the blocks quilted would not be shown well. SO…outside the box and go with a cloth book! Just a thought, linda
I LOVE this idea Linda. Have NO idea who it would go to, but I think the pictures are going to look better when seen up-close.
And, I had so much fun last night. Ya’ll are the perfect way to start my new year!!
Frances, After posting my comment about making a cloth book, I read Christie’s comment suggesting a book as well! So funny as Christie and I are friends – we often think alike!
I can see why you two are friends!!!
Some of the areas – such as hair, dress , pants etc can be colored in with Crayola
Crayons- cheap ones don’t work
Then heat set
I did that with similar blocks that were flowers
I am thinking the same thing Sue, but I may try Inktense pencils. I am truly afraid of ruining them!!
A friend used crayons, all you have to do is heat set the coloring after you’re done. You can shade a little, comes out very pastel, not bold. Good luck!
Thanks Becky. Several people have mentioned crayons. I will definitely spend some time playing with them!!