The first was my September block:
The pattern for this house was "the Ole' Crow Saltbox". ""Where are the crows? you might ask. Well, I'm not a big fan of the noisy black birds so I chose to edit them out and replace them with a few swirling leaves. The Aida cloth I used for the background on this one was a slightly mottled beige color which I have also seen called "Fiddler's Cloth".
I have been trying to find some non-white Aida cloth to buy locally, but have not been successful. I even ordered some fabric online called "Old Beige" that looked about right, but when it arrived it was a fairly whitish cream color. I finally decided to try to tea dye the white Aida that I had, and I was happy with the results:
You can see the before and after in the picture above. Now I could tackle those wintry months using a background that would contrast with the snow. I decided to do December's block first:My third finish started with the pattern called "Autumn's Saltbox".
I chose it for the colored leaves, and the black cat. I liked the pattern as it was, but I also liked many of the Autumn motifs that Melisa had designed for her "Autumn Stamp" sampler, so I made some changes to the left side to include the scarecrow and the basket of pumpkins. I think it's amusing that two little crows are having a little chat right at the base of the "scary" old scarecrow, so I had to include them in this one.
I sure hope Melisa doesn't mind that I've let my imagination take over on her delightful designs. I'm not sure which month I'll do next, but it will get started this weekend.
Linking up to Slow Sunday Stitching at Kathy's Quilts
Love these saltbox houses you are making. So pretty.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I seem to be drawn to house patterns in general.
DeleteI love those houses. I have to check these out.
ReplyDeleteYou won't regret visiting Melisa's blog. It's always an enjoyable read.
DeleteBeautiful houses, love them all!
ReplyDeleteThank you. It's fun to put a different spin on each one.
DeleteYou are creating a year round neighbourhood with great personal touches. Gail at the cozy quilter
ReplyDeleteThank you. I like the term "personal touches". Works for me!
DeleteThose are so sweet! I love the personal touches you've given them. They going to make a fun calendar!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's fun to do these small seasonal patterns. Each one has it's own color palette for a change of pace.
DeleteOooh all of your saltboxes look amazing! It is so exciting to see how you personalized them; you made them even more special!!! Beautiful job! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You made my evening. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteIt means a lot to me that you like what I did. Hugs right back at you! I only discovered your blog at the end of last year. You have such a nice catalog of past projects that you have so generously shared and it was satisfying to be able to include a few from the ones I missed.
Deletethat's fun. editing and improving is something i like myself...
ReplyDeleteand i too just discovered Melisa's blog and creations. and i don't know where to start! i often love monthly projects. you call yours blocks, how do you plan to finish them..? thanks