Bird In The Hand Primitives

Primitive Folk Art Designs and Finished Items
By: Robin Leuschen

" Who you are is God's gift to you........ What you do, is your gift to God !"

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Working on a new Wool Applique Pattern...the process...


I'm spending this weekend doing a number of things, but trying my best to finish up this new wool applique runner and the pattern.
The process of turning an idea into a design and then into a pattern can be lengthy, and especially if you take time off in between projects, it's almost like re-learning the process, well, at least it is for me....lol
It all started with an idea that I wanted to do something with a chicken in it. I love chickens...they are a big part of my "Old Farmhouse Kitchen" theme....Not so much roosters, but hens and eggs....

With Spring coming up fast ( it is forecasted to be in the 70's here in NW Pa. this week) I did want to incorporate some spring into the mix. Then I had to decide how big I want the project to be.
So I started drawing up other animals,...what else to add in the design??? placement is next...

choosing colors is done in my paint program once I have the design drawn up and put together....I usually end up tweeking and changing backgrounds or other elements even after this process, which you will see...

Do you know how many times I've drawn and traced and re-drawn and re-traced up to this point ? I lost count so don't ask, but my scraps in my trash will tell that story

After that I re-draw all the needed pieces for the actual pattern, then re-trace them all on freezer paper, to iron on the prospective wools...I choose the wools from my stash ( hopefully once I really get dyeing underway I will enlarge the variety of colors and hues I have to choose from )

Then, I cut all of the pieces out and arrange on the background...not sure how I will affix them while I stitch in place...I've used the liquid stitch before, but it's usually easier to just pin the larger pieces and stitch the smaller ones as I go....
Oh well, just a peek into my process ....it's a little like organized confusion....lol
Back to work for me..
Hugs,
Robin

20 comments:

WoolenSails said...

Wonderful new piece, love all the designs put together.

Debbie

Cathy G. said...

Really interesting to see your process Robin! I wonder how many people think you just sit down and draw it out the first time and have it work?!! So many times I start getting an idea on paper only to have it end up in the round file for good!!
I love the new design for the runner! Keep up the marvelous work..... we need more designs to hook!
Hugs!
Cathy G

Ronda said...

Thanks for sharing this Robin, I like probably most will say 'I had no idea'. Wonderful design.

Blessings,
Ronda

Unknown said...

I love your designs~and your color choices are very soothing~ It's fun to watch your process Robin~thanks for sharing! ♥E

Kathy (woolfind) said...

You never stop do you Robin? Do you sleep?? Great job, and loved your step by step. It is not easy!! We appreciate your work :)

Raymond Homestead said...

What a lengthy process! I didn't realize it took all that. You are so talented though, love this pattern, it is so cute but then again all your patterns are awesome!

acorn hollow said...

I love the pattern I have done penny rugs before and hate the small pieces now I know to do liquid stitch.
Cathy

Michelle said...

Love it. Have you tried 505 spray adhesive? It is what I use to put all my pieces down...so easy.

Angie Berry ~ Berry Homespun Primitives said...

Organized confusion, lol! You sound like me but hey... at least we are organized, haha! That's a lot of work for a pattern but I'm sure it's worth it in the end. It's gonna be a beautiful piece Robin!

Happy Sunday~

Rugs and Pugs said...

Robin ~
Thanks for sharing! Very interesting.
Hugs :)
Lauren

Joanne said...

Your end result is always wonderful but thanks for letting us in on the process - it's nice to see your "thought" process!

Cat Nap Inn Primitives said...

oh Robin..I love your work and love this latest one..I am in heaven.;)(sing it with me)..I am heaven.;)

BeFRuiTFuL KReaTioNS said...

How fun and thank you for taking us through your process. As a pattern designer I can totally understand the time involved. I Have a question how do you get your design into where you can play in the paint program on the computer?

Prims By The Water said...

Can't tell you how much I draw something and redo it..lol..your piece looks wonderfu! Take care, Janice

Anonymous said...

I love your pattern and the colors look so nice together..

jody said...

wow robin, i do love what you come up with! and i have problems just picking colors..... enjoy your evening!

BeFRuiTFuL KReaTioNS said...

I started playing around in the paint program. I see all you have to do is scan a photo and then bring it up on the screen. Thank you for posting this because I think this will be fun for trying color planning.

The Gathering Room said...

very nicely done Robin!

Bigfork Bay Cotton Company said...

I just LOVE this design!
You are an inspiration!
Traci

Traci Suzanne Marvel said...

I just love this design!
You are an inspiration!