Thursday, July 14, 2016

Finding the muse #7 Taking a workshop

For today's Inspiration post, I will discuss taking a workshop. 
This is a needle book cover, pattern by my friend Cindy Johnson. 

She led our bee through her process for a needle book using a pattern she designed. It was inspiring to learn new stitches and new ways of construction. 
It can be inspiring to be with friends in a workshop setting, so if you are looking for your muse, seek her in a workshop. 
As for this project, of course I didn't follow all the instruction but I love how it's coming out. My camera is throwing a fit so I can't take current pics of progress but will share the ones I already took. 
 I used perle cotton for the applique as well as embroidery. The seaweed is a fly stitch done in improv with hand dyed thread from ArtFabric, maybe size 5?? I use a self threading needle. The red perle cotton is from Metler and very smooth. The felt is hand dyed. 
 Here it is opened up before construction. I added the embroidery on the back, trying different threads, and stitches

Fly, fern, lazy daisy, french knots, and outline. Signed my initials with straight stitch. The book will be lined with cute fish fabric, have four pages. 





It will be beaded around the outside like the one I got at Christmas...


See the beads along the edge??
 Taking this workshop reminded me how much impact hand work has on a quilt. Using the hand dyed threads I own made me happy. 
Learning how my accomplished friend handles embroidery stitches was stimulating to my creativity. 

She said she would never have considered using the bright red on a bright blue, and I wonder if she would use sequins, lol! 

If you're seeking inspiration, consider taking a workshop! 
ps she does not sell this pattern at the moment 

26 comments:

PaintedThread said...

Adorable! Can't wait to see how it turns out.

I haven't taken any sewing workshops, but I've done others. They can be a lot of fun, learning something you don't usually do.

Julierose said...

I haven't taken any workshops either, but I would like to take one on beading. I kinda just fly by the seat of my pants pretty much--not always a good thing though...love your "crabby" needle book so cute...hugs, Julierose

Maria said...

So awesome! I love the crab, it's so beachy.

Tails Around the Ranch said...

What an adorable design! Even as a long-time vegetarian, I'd stop and nosh at Lee Anna's Crab Shack. any. time. As always, your handicraft work is just fabulous. ღ

Glen QuiltSwissy said...

Ohhhhh.......I like!

PaulaB quilts said...

It sounds like the creativity muse works both ways, or in circles from one person to the next. Maybe that's why it's so effective, because you are getting I put from all the participants and some of them will be a spark you need or they need to go further. So glad it was a great time for you and will keep on giving through your growth.

Kaja said...

This works really well;the workshop definitely sparked your creativity. I struggle to find much near me, but this is a great tip.

Norma Schlager said...

I love that little crab and all your fancy stitching that bring it to life. Red on blue? Looks perfect to me.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

Love the look.

SuperMomNoCape said...

What a pretty needlebook that is going to be! I love the different embroidery stitches that you've added.

Rebecca Grace said...

I love hand embroidery. So much more personality and whimsy than machine embroidery will ever convey. Your little crab is adorable!

quiltedfabricart said...

Agreed! Taking a class always gets me jazzed and exited to make and create.

Sylvia said...

I like taking classes! You never know what the "gem" is going to be,sometimes it is one tiny little hint that makes your life easier!

Joanne said...

A workshop is a great activity to join in!
I found quilt shop that offers fun classes and look forward to their new season of "what's on offer" !

Joanne said...

A workshop is a great activity to join in!
I found quilt shop that offers fun classes and look forward to their new season of "what's on offer" !

Julie said...

I'm glad you found a sparkle or two in your class. I'm going to venture to say that sometimes it's like taking a vacation from the status quo. Even a day away can give us fresh eyes to a project or attitude we have going. Interestingly, I've only ever taken one class, and at the time was very disappointed. It was not a project idea I enjoyed, and I finally packed up and left as soon as politely possible. I grumbled about how awful it was to my dh when I got home even. Would you believe it's the one technique I learned there which I've used over and over, and have even gone on to research and expand on it even more? You are right, LA. You just never know what you'll learn!

Val's Quilting Studio said...

Don't you love classes that stimulate your muse! Your little case provided perfect summer stitching!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

That crab is really cute. I like the look of beading on the edges too.

Sherrie said...

Hi,
Beautiful block. Have a great day!

Sarah said...

I love your needlbook case! Your stitching is fabulous.

CathieJ said...

I love that crab and sea scene. Your embroidery is very pretty.

AnnieO said...

How fun is that crab? Love your improv embroidery. Spending time with needle and thread is always a good use of time--with friends, even better.

Bonnie said...

That little needle book is going to be so much fun to use: great memories of a workshop and the friends taking it along with a very cute crab. I just took a great workshop with a quilting buddy. Because I stayed at her house I got much farther along on the project than if I came home. (of course, I live nearly 2 hours away and add in I95 traffic and I might have made it home by 9 pm!)

Susan said...

A lovely needlebook cover! I hope you're keeping this one.

AlidaP said...

Really cute! Making small projects with new techniques or experimenting new stitches is a great way to find your muse! Thanks for sharing!!

chitra said...

lovely design and work.it is interesting to know the details of this project.