It’s funny — I love collecting and sharing all kinds of vintage and antique embroidery patterns and transfers, but I rarely stitch these patterns myself. For some reason I am always attracted to vintage book illustrations — always trying to figure out how I can adapt them to embroidery and quilting. When the illustration is from a coloring book, it’s simple. When it’s from a book like this it’s more of a challenge, but that’s what makes the project fun. On two of these new motifs, I have even used a little acrylic paint, which works well in very small doses .
Wow, this is amazing! I love your inspiration, when I was in University, I studied marine biology, and these little single celled organisms have always fascinated me. I can’t wait to see the finished quilt!
Wow, it’s realy coming along! I enjoy following this! 🙂
I laughed out loud when I read this post Martha – I’m the same way about posting vintage embroidery patterns but never stitching them up myself! AND I’ve got a bee in my bonnet to do something with the illustrations from the charlie harper coloring books I bought awhile back but haven’t figured out just what yet. although I doubt it will be anything as wonderful as what you’ve got going on in your piece…it’s beautiful & I look forward to seeing more as you share your progress 🙂
Martha, you translate your inspiration perfectly!
This is just AWESOME, Martha! I love the little critters you already have done. It’s amazing to me how true you are to the original drawing even while working with fabric and thread. This will be a VERY special quilt.
It’s coming along really well Martha! I had thought of doing one all with acrylic paints. I’ve done quite a few painted quilts and really loved them; like coloring with a paintbrush. When they’re washed, they’re soft and you can get creative with the quilting. I’m going to have to browse my favorite illustrations of his and get busy – you’ve inspired me!