the itsy bitsy spider

itsy bitsy spider block

Erin asked for a nursery rhyme themed block for her month in the Cocorico Bee.   I have always wanted to make a spiderweb block and this seemed like a great opportunity.  For awhile I was stuck on the imagery of "down the water spout."  As soon as I decided to skip the water spout in the block, the rest came together. 

down came the rain

I had initially planned to do raw edge applique for the raindrops with some dark blue fabric and then embroider the spider. But then I decided to carve stamps for them both and I'm happy with how they turned out. 

spider and web
 
The spider looks a little misshapen, but believe me when I tell you that it is hard to carve a realistic looking spider without it looking creepy.  Since this block is going in a new baby's room, I opted for blobby spider vs. spooky spider.

stamp carving 

You can see that I carved a few other stamps for an upcoming block (on the right in the photo above). If you can guess what those stamps represent, you get bonus points and a fabric scrap pack from me.  Or, if there are no correct guesses by Tuesday at 5pm Maryland time, I'll pick a random commenter for the scrap pack.

35 comments:

Leila said...

Okay, I don't know why I'm feeling so obsessive but I just am! So I've been to the Ringo Pie page and the only month I can see that you've not yet done is Paris. I'm thinking that the little squarish one is a lamp and the curve is maybe the lamppost. Like you're going to do a Parisian bridge or something along those lines.

Gina said...

Completely amazing!! I think I will probably want Erin's quilt when it is done. Once again I am blown away with your mad paper piecing skills!!

Gina said...

sorry, i got so excited about your block i forgot to leave a guess about your other stamps. is it a stem and flower center or maybe a teeny, tiny typewriter key?

Ella said...

So cool! I'm going to guess part of the Moulin Rouge.

jeanne e. said...

i love the itsy bitsy spider block! :) i have no idea on the the other carvings...at first i thought robot bits...hehehe...

Melanie said...

I really love your itsy bitsy spider block! So cute!

I'm guessing your other carvings are of a quotation mark and a parenthesis.

Susan said...

I did a little research on the Ringo Pie blocks too and thought something Parisian- part of the Eiffel Tower? Or a macaroon?

Connie said...

I have no clue but I do think that is the cutest block I have seen in a while. ;^)

Heidi Staples said...

This is so incredible! I love what you did with the stamping -- fantastic!

Jilly said...

adorable! I love how you turned that fabric into a perfect spiderweb.

can I have two guesses? is it a happy face - a mouth and a little eye. Or a comma and a parenthesis for something grammar themed?

Rebecca said...

I LOVE this block! Fantastic job.

I'd love a fabric scrap pack from you! I know you said this is for an upcoming block, but all I can guess is it's for a smiley face sun.

Muriël said...

You did a great job on making the spider not scary, it's even cute!

I have no idea what your other stamps are for, so I'm going for the position of random commenter.

verykerryberry said...

That really is amazing Melinda. So charming

Kylie said...

I love this block so much, Melinda. I agree with Kerry, so very charming. Your stamps have me stumped. What springs to mind is a smile and eyes or maybe antennae? Or something to do with a bicycle? Little side mirrors?

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

Wow, your block is superb!!

Gill said...

I love your spider block!! but I have no idea what the other stamps are!
legs of an insect/beetle???

Unknown said...

LOVE it!!!! Oh my god, so, so cute!! Such talent!

melissa said...

i love this block quite quite a bit!
your creativity and talent are just too too much!

Wens said...

Lovely! Awesome job on making the spider 'unscary'! I think your stamps are maybe lines for making a circle and a mini postbox?

Wens said...

Lovely! Awesome job on making the spider 'unscary'! I think your stamps are maybe lines for making a circle and a mini postbox?

Amy's Crafty Shenanigans said...

Amazing block! I love the stitching details - so precise and lovely! The stamps - my guess is something to do with the sport of curling - my imagination sees that a a rock with a handle!!! I a wayyy off for sure!!

Anonymous said...

This came out fabulously!!! Lucky partner! It will be treasured, I'm sure!

MCA said...

So dynamic! The eye travels all over this block, from the web to the dots to the raindrops to the sun. Nice work. My guess for the stamps is that they are a side view mirror and windshield wiper from a car.

Marisa said...

I can't stop looking at the detail on this block. I absolutely love it! Um a periscope?

laura said...

My guess is an eye. I love the itsy bitsy spider block!

Unknown said...

Love your spider although I am terrified of them.
Cannot figure out the carvings on your stamp.

Usha
usharaneem@yahoo.com

Cheryl said...

My guess is some circles or the sun

Ella said...

I don't know if it's kosher to guess again, but the "man in the moon" keeps coming back to me. No idea why.

Jilly said...

an umberella?
a coffe cup and . . . oh I don't know. Can't wait to find out.

barbara woods said...

love the blovk

barbara woods said...

love the block

Karyn said...

That is very, very cool!

✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾ said...

I guess cat nose and whisker?

Lora said...

I linked here from Why Not Sew and holy cow, I love this block!! You are awesome!

BeMedina said...

Fantastic. What an inspiration!

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