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.
on

35 comments:

  1. LeilaFebruary 3, 2013 at 4:54 PM

    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.

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  2. GinaFebruary 3, 2013 at 5:11 PM

    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!!

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  3. GinaFebruary 3, 2013 at 5:41 PM

    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?

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  4. EllaFebruary 3, 2013 at 5:58 PM

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

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  5. jeanne e.February 3, 2013 at 6:49 PM

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

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  6. MelanieFebruary 3, 2013 at 7:04 PM

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

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

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  7. SusanFebruary 3, 2013 at 7:44 PM

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

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  8. ConnieFebruary 3, 2013 at 8:21 PM

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

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  9. Heidi StaplesFebruary 3, 2013 at 8:30 PM

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

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  10. JillyFebruary 3, 2013 at 8:36 PM

    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?

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  11. Rebecca February 3, 2013 at 9:23 PM

    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.

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  12. MuriëlFebruary 4, 2013 at 3:24 AM

    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.

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  13. verykerryberryFebruary 4, 2013 at 5:56 AM

    That really is amazing Melinda. So charming

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  14. KylieFebruary 4, 2013 at 6:22 AM

    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?

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  15. Archie The Wonder DogFebruary 4, 2013 at 6:29 AM

    Wow, your block is superb!!

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  16. GillFebruary 4, 2013 at 8:38 AM

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

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  17. UnknownFebruary 4, 2013 at 9:12 AM

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

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  18. melissaFebruary 4, 2013 at 9:12 AM

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

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  19. WensFebruary 4, 2013 at 10:17 AM

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

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  20. WensFebruary 4, 2013 at 10:17 AM

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

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  21. Amy's Crafty ShenanigansFebruary 4, 2013 at 10:44 AM

    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!!

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  22. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2013 at 5:56 PM

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

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  23. MCAFebruary 4, 2013 at 7:46 PM

    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.

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  24. MarisaFebruary 4, 2013 at 9:25 PM

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

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  25. lauraFebruary 5, 2013 at 5:11 PM

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

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  26. UnknownFebruary 5, 2013 at 5:25 PM

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

    Usha
    usharaneem@yahoo.com

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  27. CherylFebruary 5, 2013 at 5:37 PM

    My guess is some circles or the sun

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  28. EllaFebruary 5, 2013 at 6:43 PM

    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.

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  29. JillyFebruary 5, 2013 at 8:57 PM

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

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  30. barbara woodsFebruary 5, 2013 at 9:25 PM

    love the blovk

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  31. barbara woodsFebruary 5, 2013 at 9:26 PM

    love the block

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  32. KarynFebruary 5, 2013 at 10:48 PM

    That is very, very cool!

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  33. ✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾February 7, 2013 at 6:38 PM

    I guess cat nose and whisker?

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  34. LoraMarch 21, 2013 at 5:33 PM

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

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  35. BeMedinaJuly 18, 2013 at 7:04 PM

    Fantastic. What an inspiration!

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You are awesome! Thanks for leaving a comment :)