I'm finally getting back to picking up some hand work and doing some of my Baltimore Applique. I decided that this poor block needed to be finished. 
Remember back earlier this Spring when this little mishap occurred? If you missed it, you can read about it in this post. I figured I'd do an inking of our house and applique it in the center to repair the mistake, but after multiple attempts at sketching the house, it still looked like some kind of wonky cartoon house. It would have worked well for a folk art applique, but not the look I was going for with the inking. 
So I used a photo of our house and went on over to picnik.com. If you've never been there, check this site out. It's a fun and free photo editing software (you can upgrade to a paid premium service, but can do many things on it for free). I turned the picture into a black and white sketch, and printed it out on EQ Printables paper backed fabric. 
Then I reverse appliqued it into the center of the block. It's not perfect, I'm new at all this tech photo stuff, and I realize I should have softened the edges, but for the most part I'm happy with the result. I know, I know, using modern technology to finish a 19th century reproduction won't set well with everyone, but...I'm looking at a finished block :)Enjoy the day!
~ Dawn
8 comments:
Nicely finished beats perfect unfinished ANY TIME! The software idea was great - it looks like a old-fashioned plantation photo.
What a great idea! I would have never thought of doing something like that!
I love this idea! It also makes your quilt unique and personal.
I think you did something to be proud of in finishing that block. You could have just thrown the block away but you chose to personalize it and fix the little mishap, too!
I love it, what a great idea. I might just have to try that.
Beautiful block, Dawn, and it is finished! In our class, a couple of years ago, one of the gals was working on her block (with the silhouettes) when the lights went out. Determined to continue working (she had a good bit of the block completed), she stitched by candlelight. She evidently got too close to the candle and her block began to go up in flames! She quickly extinguished it but the damage was done. She brought the block to class and we all encouraged her to salvage her work. It would make a wonderful story to share later. Now you too can share your "snip" story with future generations.
This is just beautiful,thanks for the link regarding the photo's I will have to check it out. Doesn't it feel good when you finish something that has caused a bit of worrry in the past. Happy days.
Thanks everyone! Alice ~ Wow I think I'd just cry if my block caught on fire while I was working on it. Makes you think of the troubles our fore mothers must have gone through to make their quilts!
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