Sunday, March 23, 2014

Relaxing and stitching...

It doesn't get any better than that, does it?

 I just love this "me time" when I feel like I can just sit and stitch aimlessly and be creative at the same time.

 I'm making great progress on my autumn-themed, wool crazy purse.

 The first stage is done.
 
All the elements are blanket stitched into place using Valdani threads. And if you take a closer look, you can see that I've started my favorite part...the embellishing!
When I start the embellishing, I really have no plan in mind.  My goal is to fill in as much of the negative space as possible with whatever strikes my fancy at the time. 

 So far I've added a tendril to the pumpkin stem, some bumble bees, a spider web...the spider will pay a visit later...and what is destined to become a flowering shrub.  The flowers will blossom forth with the addition of glass beads.

 The only rule when making anything in the "crazy quilt" style is that there are NO RULES. Anything goes!  Being a flower child of the 60's, that works for me!

 I wonder how many other things I can add today?
Happy stitching!

on

28 comments:

  1. DianeMarch 23, 2014 at 11:47 AM

    This is so fun! I'm looking forward to seeing this come together. You are so creative!

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  2. MarieMarch 23, 2014 at 11:48 AM

    Love it, This will surely be a masterpiece!Hugs, Marie

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  3. ColleenMarch 23, 2014 at 12:05 PM

    Kaaren, I am curious about your history in handcrafting; has your work with needla and thread always been a part of your life? If so, when did it eclipse your painting? If the Nor'easter heading to you corner dumps more snow, hope you have lots to keep your needle creating.

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  4. Margs Primitive QuiltsMarch 23, 2014 at 1:28 PM

    Kaaren... Your work is beautiful as ever! Looking forward to seeing the finish. Have a wonderful week end !

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  5. CandaceMarch 23, 2014 at 1:57 PM

    Oh my - we were both flower children in the 60's, Kaaren! I remember embroidering our jeans until you couldn't even see the jeans and they nearly stood on their own! Your bag is really going to be one of a kind - I can't wait to see your finish!
    Cheers!

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  6. BevMarch 23, 2014 at 2:05 PM

    SO CUTE! I love all of the stitching you do! XO

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  7. tink's momMarch 23, 2014 at 2:41 PM

    Your foundation piece is wonderful but I just love to watch the embellishments bring it to life. Love the bee's.

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  8. SheilaMarch 23, 2014 at 3:37 PM

    Wonderful Kaaren , love your choice of appliqués .

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  9. Kate/MassachusettsMarch 23, 2014 at 3:55 PM

    I love that little bee! How do you do that? Is it all embroidery or is there some wool in there too?

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  10. Yankee Valley StitcherMarch 23, 2014 at 4:49 PM

    I love watching your creativity bloom :)

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  11. SandiMarch 23, 2014 at 4:56 PM

    Looking good Kaaren, your squirrel is great. It is always inspiring to see what direction you take with your embellishments. Can't a it to see the final design.

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  12. UllaMarch 23, 2014 at 5:19 PM

    Great to see how this develops!

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  13. LesleyMarch 23, 2014 at 6:25 PM

    Looks like another awesome wooly treasure! Love that bee!

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  14. AnonymousMarch 23, 2014 at 6:38 PM

    How cute!! I just love it!

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  15. CharoMarch 23, 2014 at 6:47 PM

    Oh, Karen, it's so beautiful! I love the embellishment you are adding! You are so creative!

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  16. MiriamMarch 23, 2014 at 7:27 PM

    Beautiful, Kaaren!

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  17. moosecraftMarch 23, 2014 at 7:48 PM

    Love it! Such a very happy and playful piece!

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  18. annieMarch 23, 2014 at 8:02 PM

    love this! esp. all the colors and bright stitches, joyful!

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  19. AnonymousMarch 23, 2014 at 8:02 PM

    I KNOW how good it will be! You were so kind to gift me the most beautiful wool pincushion a few years ago. (this is what it reminds me of) Then I have two painted pieces of yours on display as well...bits of Kaaren my ARTIST friend here and there....its love!

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  20. SherryMarch 23, 2014 at 9:28 PM

    It is fun to see your fabulous projects come to life. I love crazy quilting even though I have done very little of it. You are an inspiration to many.

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  21. Pam in ILMarch 23, 2014 at 11:39 PM

    Relaxing and stitching sounds good to me! The wool piece is adorable!

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  22. Janet O.March 24, 2014 at 12:24 AM

    I love seeing your creative process--how you go with the feeling of the moment. The end result is always so wonderful!

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  23. SusannahMarch 24, 2014 at 1:54 AM

    I love it when you make one of these! So spectacular! I can not wait to see what else comes into your mind with this! Thanks for showing this. I enjoy watching you embroider.

    Susannah

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  24. margaretMarch 24, 2014 at 4:15 AM

    loving what you are doing here and you are giving me ideas for my crazy blocks thanks

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  25. KarenMarch 24, 2014 at 8:42 AM

    The spider web is my favorite embellishment on your piece. I am trying to remember. Doesn't it symbolize good luck?

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  26. Maggey and JimMarch 24, 2014 at 5:56 PM

    I love that bee, spectacular
    Maggey

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  27. Elaine/Muddling ThroughMarch 25, 2014 at 12:39 AM

    Just beautiful! I love to see your work.

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  28. gracieMarch 25, 2014 at 12:08 PM

    It is always a pleasure when I visit with you....I am enjoying the progress on this.

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