It’s been quite awhile since I posted an Alice block. I have so many different projects going on right now, it doesn’t seem like much progress is being made on any of them. Thankfully, Alice’s face on this block went pretty smoothly and I didn’t have to do the normal unpicking and re-stitching. I am still thinking of using an alternate pieced block, but I haven’t decided on a pattern yet — it’s much harder to design a quilt with rectangular blocks.
This is my favorite type of embroidery — outline stitch with one stand of floss and a complex design. Vintage children’s book illustrations are my favorite source of designs. Although I love collecting and sharing vintage transfers and embroidery patterns, for some strange reason I rarely use them in my own work.
UPDATE: Thank you, Shasta, for pointing out that I forgot to embroider one of the lines on Alice’s arm. I might never have noticed that 🙂
Martha your redwork blocks are lovely! I love the fine detail and the excerpts from the story, how marvelous!!
I agree, setting a rectangular block can be hard, but you might not want anything too detailed which would detract from the embroidery itself.
I’ve seen the standard plain red sashing or simply butting the blocks together, but one old redwork quilt I used to own (sold it and wish I hadn’t) had a narrowish white sashing, same as background, with a charming embroidered vine….
I absolutely adore these blocks Martha!
The rectangle shape will make it harder to design setting blocks. You could do double nine patches with rectangles instead of squares..or maybe some pieced sashing and a border? I like Kate’s idea too. 🙂
I had been wondering how you were coming along on your Alice blocks. Looking forward to seeing more!
Ah so pretty – you do such lovely work – I love that you’re putting the words on there too!
Beautiful block! All of these Alice blocks are just wonderful.
BTW a pieced six pointed star comes out as a rectangular block.
I found your blog when I put in “vintage embroidery patterns.” I feel like the heavens opened! I love old books, quilts and I love embroidery!!!!! I love this site and I have bookmarked it. Thanks for providing such great inspiration. I’ll come by often 🙂
The expression on Alice’s face is so cute! And the critters are adorable! Very pretty block, Martha!
This is such a beautiful block. Does Alice needs another line coming out of the sleeve for her arm?