When I was first invited to join the Texting While Sewing flickr group a few strange thoughts popped into my head... Maybe I won't join because I don't text while I sew. It's probably a good thing because that sounds dangerous. I don't want to see pictures of horrible accidents caused by texting while sewing!
I cautiously took a peek and realized that it was actually an online sewing contest held by Amy Friend of During Quiet Time. The challenge was to create a 12 x12 inch finished quilt block using text fabrics in a creative way. There were no other rules but sometimes too much choice can be a bad thing!
As the deadline approached and I was starting to worry, an idea finally came to me while searching with a friend for inspiration in my mountain of text fabrics that I seem to have collected over the years. We started to giggle as the words started coming together in a very odd way as we shouted out a combination of food and sewing terms. A creative trip to the cafe was called for and I was asked several times if I needed help as I stood at the counter sketching their espresso machine!
The idea for a cafe scene came to me early on but I couldn't figure out how to add text fabrics in an interesting way. Thanks to my friend Jana for suggesting a sandwich board because it ignited the menu board idea! I had way too much fun making it. I used a variety of techniques including regular patchwork, paper-piecing, three kinds of applique and embroidery.
I am thrilled with how my block turned out even though it did leave a huge mess in my sewing room! And finally the big reveal... my contest entry for the Texting While Sewing Contest entitled "Scalloping on the Bias Cafe". Wish me luck!
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UPDATE: I'm excited to announce that I won first prize in the contest!
Wow!!! Laurraine your work is sooo lovely! Great result! :-) Jolana
ReplyDeleteBIG rounds of luck!! This is awesome!
ReplyDeleteYour block is incredible!!!If this doesn't win......
ReplyDeleteLove how you have fitted so many text styles and words- the board was an inspired choice!
ReplyDeleteWOW- sieht das toll aus, suuuuuper!!!!
ReplyDeleteLG, Gudrun
this is just amazing! what a piece of art! :D
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun block! That's really something... so many tiny pieces on such a small space.
ReplyDeleteEs una maravilla¡¡¡¡, no hay quién te supere en el patchwork.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations
Fantastic you are absolute my favorite patchworker!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great block wow!
Your attention to detail is just so incredible! I have been discovering a lot of cute details in your block! The fresh sewing machine is such a funny addition!!
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy good! Wonderful job! Thank you so much for entering! Linky is up.
ReplyDeleteIt turned out great! You are so creative and I am always amazed at what you come up with.
ReplyDeleteThis is so clever. Hope you win.
ReplyDeleteWow... so much detail in 12 inches!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of this one done a bit larger!!!
Hermoso! te felicito.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo desde Costa Rica,
Zuly Castillo U. :-)
it is amazing! love it Laurraine!
ReplyDeleteYour sewing machine is on fire! from so much wonderful things you've done there!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats. and good luck!!!
Your sewing machine is on fire! from thoose wonderful things you've done there!
ReplyDeleteCongrats and good luck!
Laurraine, this is incredible and hilarious! I think the original rick rack soup is my favourite menu item. There are so many amazing details to take in! I love the syrup bottles, the tiny mugs, and the coffee machine.
ReplyDeleteWhat good fun. Reading the heading I also thought it meant texting on the phone. But this is way much more fun and what a superb job you have made of it .... as always.
ReplyDeleteit is beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteIt was totally worth the mess, because it's really, really neat! How creative. I wish I had a mind and inspiration like you! Well done!
ReplyDeleteOh,my gosh, that's astounding!!!!! I was just about to head off to my sewing space (the garage) to work on my entry, and now it seems so paltry... Never mind! I love what you've made! Really breath-takingly visually appealing and clever as anything!
ReplyDeleteAmazing as always!!! :)
ReplyDeleteAmazing detail
ReplyDeleteOlá, muito lindo seu trabalho, voce é realmente uma especialista, na arte de fazer a tecnica de fundação. Parabéns, Salete.
ReplyDeleteWOW, I just can't imagine the amount of patience and accuracy it must take to make something so amazing like this!
ReplyDeleteLove Lorraine
ReplyDeleteyour work is really beautiful,
best regards,
agnes
Such a fantastic block!! So creative and fun!!
ReplyDeleteI'll take a chocolate bobbin, a 100% cotton cupcake and a fresh sewing machine to go please! Good gravy Laurraine, you've really outdone yourself this time! And I've decided to eat in because if the counter is this amazing, the rest of the cafe must be downright fabulous!!
ReplyDeleteit is beautiful, all the details are amazing, the idea was great but the execution was perfect!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on winning first place! This is an amazing AMAZING block!!!
ReplyDeleteSimplesmente incrivel!
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Você é fantastica!
Congratulations on your block winning first prize! WELL deserved! Absolutely superb block and I'm so glad you won the competition!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Your creation is simply amazing!
ReplyDeleteYou WON!!!! Your hard work paid off! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteCathy from QC retreat 2010. I love following your blog, your work is beautiful. Thank you.
That is so funny, my brain refused to read "texting" I read it as Textiling..I thought isn't all sewing textiling? LOL Beautiful work as always :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on winning. Your project is one of the cutest things I've seen in a long time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Debbie