Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Envelops and Mailbox Block for Ringo Pie

My block ~ Ringo Pie Bee

Remember I told you that May is my month in Ringo Pie bee?
Seriously, you have no idea how excited I am about
receiving everyone's blocks - 11 members besides me; therefore,
11 envelops/packages to come. Ever since I picked my theme which
is "Delivering letters and packages," I knew I was going to
paper-piece 11 envelops. My initial plan was to embroider
everyone's initial on each envelop, but I wasn't sure if
I could pick the best envelop for everyone, so I decided not to.
Or in other words, I just got tired of working on this. lol




I used photoshop to design a simple envelop pattern,
and then picked 11 different solids that seemed to work
well together. Well, that may just have sounded an easy
step, but choosing 11 solids was one of the hardest part of
this project. Most of my craft projects are improvised;
I barely ever go fabric-shopping with any particular projects
in mind, but I couldn't be happy with my solids collection,
so I had a few trips to fabric stores to get just the right
solid. Yellow was the trickiest color. I ended up with
Kona corn yellow - what a lovely color it is!!




Choosing print cotton to match solids was easy and fun.
My favorite envelop might be the orange one with a
boy and girl. Isn't the vintage print super adorable?
Thank you so much erica for sharing me this beautiful fabric!




Another tricky part was this mail box, because it has curves!!
Yikes! In the past I've always avoided paper-piecing anything
that has curves for Ringo Pie bee blocks, because I suck at curves.
But I took this opportunity to step outside my comfort zone to grow up.
And I am very happy I did, because it wasn't as difficult as
I expected and It was such a pleasure to know that I am
capable of tackling curves! well, not perfect like everyone
else's in Ringo Pie, but I think I will get better.
A positive attitude is indeed necessary when I sew.
Without it, I would be too overwhelmed to do anything.

Yes, this sewing blogland intimidates me too.
It has been sort of nice to read what people have
said recently about sewing blogland being intimidating.
I thought I was the only one who is terribly intimidated
and worried too much about presenting myself/my projects,
but clearly I am not alone. (a big sigh of relief.)

It's been hard for me too. I could have a
loooong post about my fears to blog/sew, but
I try to be optimistic. When I am too overwhelmed,
I get fresh air, go hiking, hang out with a hubby/friends
for some laugh, and eat really yummy stuff
until I am ready to have some fun again with sewing/blogging.

I am just grateful that there is anybody out there
who is willing to spare some time to stop by my blog,
read what I have to say, and leave me nice comments/emails
that constantly encourage me to keep
doing what I've been doing.

Thank you SO much for allowing me to share my
projects here. Have a fabulous day!

73 comments:

  1. Wow, another piece of art work! you go girl, well done.

    Daphne

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  2. This is sooo adorable and clever!! I love it :))

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  3. that is just stunning! I adore it!

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  4. That is so incredibly cute!!!!

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  5. Delivering letters and packages is a wonderful theme Ayumi! Who wouldn't want to receive mail that is as cute as yours. The envelopes are a terrific way to showcase the novelty prints. Looking forward to seeing what the rest of the group come up with.

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  6. Wow. I am speechless. That is amazing! I love the little envelopes, and the mailbox...OH! the mailbox! This may be my favorite thing you've ever made....but I have so many favorites from your work. Spectacular job!

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  7. Linked to your blog in mine today - rather than rant about how awesome you are in the comment box, I did it on my page:) You rock!

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  8. Oh my gosh!!! I am in love! Where to you come up with these ideas!!! It is amazing!

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  9. Wow, you are so creative and that looks so wonderful!!!!

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  10. This is DIVINE!!! Love the curves on the mailbox, and the old letter print fabric. Love the colours, I'm intrigued to know how big the final piece is. And in case I wasn't quite clear about what I thought of this design: DEEEVINE!

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  11. I think it's pretty clear that you DON'T suck at curves! It's lovely!

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  12. Goodness, Ayumi! This is incredible! Any chance you could come to Portland and teach us all how to paper piece??? Your designs and fabric choices are so lovely.

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  13. Love the quilt, I work for the Post Office so it is right up my alley. Might have to remember your quilt someday when I go to make one work related.

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  14. How much do I love this quilt?
    T.............H.............I...............S............M..............U.................C..............H!!
    Can you see my arms stretching wide? This is perfection. Never, ever feel intimidated. You are awesome!

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  15. Amazing! I think the orange envelope is my favorite too. The letter fabric on the mailbox is fabulous. Great job.

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  16. Unbelievable. Those envelopes are about the coolest thing I've ever seen!! Well done!

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  17. Your work is always exceptional Ayumi! And totally intimidating! LOL! But also extremely inspiring! It makes me want to try so many new to me techniques and sew sew sew!! Just have to learn!

    Thanks so much for always sharing with us all and encouraging everyone through your beautiful pieces!!

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  18. Oh, I love those little envelopes. How cute! I was just talking with a friend about learning how to paper piece, I have no idea how to do it but I will certainly try someday! Hopefully soon! It's always intimidating to try new things, but with practice there is nothing to be scared of.
    jessicaoliveto@gmail.com

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  20. This is just adorable ! All the envelopes are so lovely, they make me happy just looking at them !

    I always find your blog and your sewing so inspiring ! Don't worry too much, the people who come here, I'm sure, share my delight !

    Flo

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  21. Thank you so much everyone!

    mycraftyways-
    What a sweet thing to say.. thank you :)

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  22. Ayumi this (and all of your work) is beautiful! You are an inspiration!!

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  23. this block is beyond amazing, beyond fantastic, and beyond any other word that i can think of. i feel privileged just to look at your beautiful work. i can't believe how humble you are. you are an inspiration in many ways other than sewing.

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  24. IOh my goodness, just incredible! The way those envelopes burst open with their beautiful fabric contents is just amazing and the mailbox is perfect- curves and everything! Maybe creative wobbles make us stronger. This is Fantastic!

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  25. I already say your block on flickr! I love it! And thanks for the encouraging words! Probably the secret is enjoying what one does without comparing oneself too much to others ... Thank you for sharing your art! :-)

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  26. Ayumi, you are amazingly creative! I love this block so much. What a great way to kick off your month of the bee. Now I have to look through my stash and get sewing, too ; )

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  27. Hi Ayumi..you SO underestimate yourself and your creativity! I love your work and the colours and techniques you use..You are an inspiration to me!

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  28. Ayumi this is so gorgeous!
    Could you please come to the UK and teach me how to make one???? (and all the other Brits of course!)

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  29. This is one amazing block Ayumi,as always!! You're so incredibly talented!

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  30. Hi Ayumi, you always have the bestest ideas!! I love everything about this, the envelopes, the individualized fabric for each, the mailbox and yes the curves too - you did great as always! I'm surprised to read that you feel intimidated when you're so talented. Your work is always so ingenious, inspirational and yummy eye candy. I love to come back again and again to gawk at all the gorgeousness here at Pink Penguin!
    THANKS!
    Grace

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  31. Ayumi, you are my favorite designer! Don't doubt yourself, you make such beautiful things! I've made your baskets for Christmas gifts, loads of wristlets as gifts and now your checkerboard bag from Stitch magazine. I'm still fairly new to sewing, just got my sewing machine about a year and a half ago. You taught me to do patchwork and not to fear zippers, you've been such a great help to me! Thank you and just keep doing what you're doing. I learn so much from you!

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  32. Your blocks look great. Your post was so sweet. Honestly your blog was one of the reasons I started my own. You are very inspiring. It's comforting to know that the people who inspire you also feel the same way you do, the same fears and all. Thanks for sharing all your beautiful creations with us, Ayumi! ♥ Erin

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  33. Ayumi! This is beautiful! I have been gearing up for your Ringo Pie month as well, its such a fun theme. I finally have some time away from classes and can't wait to finish up my Ringo Pie blocks and start yours :) I am so glad that you are able to use the little boy and girl fabric...let me know if need a little more!

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  34. Wow, your block is fabulous! How big is it? I was really surprised to hear you're one of the sewers that's intimidated, you are one of the most talented sewer/bloggers out there!

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  35. I LOVE this block. I especially love the mailbox's colors -- very cute. (: I just wanted to let you know how completely addicted I am to your blog! I'm always excited to see what you've been working on. Keep up the good work! (:

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  36. This is my favorite of all your quilt blocks!! It is just so clever and beautiful. What size is this? You have learned and mastered so many sewing skills in a short time!!

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  37. This is so sweet! I've never been remotely tempted to try paper piecing (well, apart from english paper piecing, which I am addicted to), but your blog has really inspired me to give it a shot, so thanks :)

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  38. I cannot even to begin to explain how much I love this....you are such an amazing artist :-)
    It's absolutely fantastic and now i have to think of something - aackk!!

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  39. Amazing! You have some mad piecing skills!

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  40. You never cease to amaze me. It is always so stimulating to me to see what you've done. And your technique is fantastic.

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  41. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamazing, Ayumi! I can't even begin to express how much I love this. And everything you do! I'm so crazy in love with the beautiful things you make… that I can't find the words. I adore you, I adore your art. xxoo

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  42. Wow, this block is so fabulous! I love all the little details you've included. Looking forward to seeing the other blocks you receive!

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  43. Ayumi, your block is stunning. I am constantly in awe of Ringo Pie's blocks and amazing talents. I aspire to be able to make blocks as stunning as this someday.
    Lovely!

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  44. I love you right back Ayumi. I'm having trouble expressing how much this block impresses me. You're talent is one of a kind. I hope that our feedback on your posts helps you to find the confidence in yourself that WE all have in you!

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  45. p.s. I just showed your block to my 12 y.o. daughter who said "WHAT? How'd she do THAT?"

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  46. There is so much thought and love and care behind all your works. This is so adorable and such a happy block. It reminds me of illustrations in children's vintage books. It would be fun to see everyone's clever blocks :)

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  47. I really look forward to your posts! You are so creative. I am glad you take the time to blog and share your creativity with all of us. I can't wait to see all of your bee blocks-it's going to be adorable I am sure. I love the mailbox and envelopes-so great :)

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  48. Brilliant brilliant BRILL-I-ANT work Ayumi! *sigh* You're so clever, you always leave me wondering what you're going to come up with next!

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  49. You rocked the curves, Ayumi! I am always impressed with how you gain the proper perspective with the paper pieced blocks so they have depth. And the envelopes. Oh my! They totally remind me of mail from my grandmother whom I loved dearly. She used to send us the coolest envelopes and most special letters. She would have loved this. What size is that block you made? I'm trying to figure out how you are going to incorporate this with the other blocks and more importantly, how long am I going to have to wait to see all the others?!! ;-)

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  50. This is So cute. I can't wait to see all of your posts. What a talent.

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  51. this is the most lovely thing i have ever seen. will you consider poting a tutorial on an envelope block? i tried it myself onve, but got flustered and never figured it out!

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  52. amazing!! you are so creative and great at putting prints and colors together!! I want one!!

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  53. Wow, looks great! I've only done paper piecing once and it intimidated me, so I went applique. I need to try again, yours looks so good! Happy sewing!!

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  54. Ayumi, I can't believe you find blogland intimidating -- everything you make is so adorable and creative! I hope you continue to blog from Japan!

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  55. So creative! I love the envelopes!!!

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  56. What an absolutely cute quilt top!!! I love your envelopes and mailbox.

    Blessings & Aloha!
    (...once again behind on blog reading...but wanted to stop and say hello!) ;o)

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  57. Fantastic piece of artwork. Keep it up. create more.

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  58. I would surely have a bright smile once opening envelopes with such fun and artistic designs.

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  59. Ayumi! Everything you do is so adorable and your stuff blows me away consistently. I was at the fabric store the other day and picked up Stitch for the very first time while I was waiting in line to check out. As I was leafing through it to see what the hype was all about I saw the most adorable little slippers and I thought to myself, "It looks like someone ripped off Ayumi's style! That is adorable!" Anyway, you can figure out the rest of the story . . . I eventually read the rest and realized it WAS you. :) Your blog is a must read for me. I only hope that someday I can inspire sewists the way that you do.

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  60. I could just die that block is so amazing. Thank you so much for sharing your work, Ayumi! I can't tell you how inspired I am when I leave your blog!

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  61. these are so cute ayumi! your work is such an inspiration for me all the time-- it is always such a pleasure to visit here and leave feeling inspired to pick up fabric and sew! i'm so glad that you'll still be blogging from tokyo :) so happy for you and joe about the move!

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  62. The fox is such a cute detail!
    I am currently working on a set of 4 placemats using your tutorials - my first big project! I'll keep in touch to tell you when it's done.

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  63. The envelopes are so artistically adorable!!! Can't wait until you share the tutorial for making these. You are so utterly gifted and you generously share your patterns. As my mother says "those who give receive three fold."
    Your generosity and your willingness to share is greatly appreciated. You have so many fans. Believe in yourself, as long as you love what you make and you're having fun----that's what matters. Thank you, Gracias, Merci.
    Brenda
    Texas

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  64. Thank you so much everyone!!!

    Brenda-
    What a sweet thing to say! Thank you!! I was going to write up a tutorial on paper-piecing something other than anything I've made for Ringo Pie bee. I had something in mind, which didn't turn out great, so I have to give some thought to a new design for a tute more. I hope that will help folks learn how to paper piece things :)

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  65. Adorable quilt... your all projects are really great. This colors and the pieces are looking beautiful. Thanks for this great post.

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  66. This block is just perfect. I love the "insides" of the envelopes.

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  67. http://www.gearthblog.com/mt/mt-comments.cgi

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  68. Love your idea - what a great "get well" quilt this would be.

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