Time to share my next block I have worked for the 2020 challenge! The aim is make a crazy quilt using 2020 different items by the end of the year 2020. You will find the guidelines, information and a list of free resources are here. I will start off sharing a photo of the finished block and what it started life looking like. I have been hiding things on the block. This time around I have two items (counted as one) that are hidden insight. You are bound to spot them in the close ups, but in life they are not easily noticed on the block.
As you can see there are 6 pieces of fabric and piece of shibori silk ribbon which I treated as you would a piece of fabric.
Here is the pattern for those who want to use it.
Details on my 2020 crazy quilt block 3
The first detail I will write about runs along the side of piece 7. This decoration is made of is made of threaded double chevron stitch (not in my stitch dictionary yet). It is made up of two rows of Chevron stitch worked in Cotton perle #5 (not counted as it has been previously used in this project), then laced with a hand dyed tubular knitting yarn before adding a row of metal heart shaped beads.
The seam that runs along piece 5 is decorated first with cotton lace which I then added a line of Fargo Roses worked in a hand dyed 7mm silk ribbon. Next I butted a line of buttonhole stitch worked in Edmar Lola Rayon thread, before adding some dolls buttons. These are in different shades but I counted them as one item.
Next to the cotton lace I have 3 buttons, a vintage heart shaped button, a hexagon button which seemed appropriate to add and on the other side a white round vintage button. The heart shaped button has a small shank and the two tucked either side stops it from wobbling about.
Above this seam, between piece 3 and 4 I have a line of whipped stem stitch which is worked in cotton perle #5 (not counted) and whipped with a pale green flat silk thread which I also used for the pairs of Detached Chain stitch (counted on block 1). I then added flower shaped cup sequins secured with a seed bead. In this close up you will also see the items that are “hidden in sight”. These little butterflies that are the size of sequin, are not easily seen on the block as they sit on a background fabric that that is of a similar tone and colour. They are a little surprise for someone to notice if they look. I counted them as 1 item.
Using my templates I traced off the line to establish the stem for the floral motif that runs up the middle of the block. I used Stem stitch (counted on block 1) worked in cotton perle #5 and the two leaf shapes are of course Detached Chain Stitch (counted on block 1). I then arranged the “flowers” made up of heart shaped mother of pearl beads. Poking out of each “flower” I used straight stitch (counted on block 1) topped with a seed bead. For these I used a green/aqua silk thread that is about the thickness of cotton perle #8. The bead tassels I have directions for in my book (page 139).
Here is a closer detail of the heart flowers.
The seam that buts piece 6 I added seed beads too and French Knots (counted on block 1) using a hand dyed cotton perle #8.
The lace butterfly was easy to embellish with seed beads.
For those who are interested in how I am keeping track. I am using a spiral bound sketch book. As I pieced the block I stuck in a small scrap of the fabric (I did not do this with the shibori ribbon as I had o scrap!) I did the same with threads noting what they were and I photographed the completed block. Basically I am taking notes along the way of the stitches I use etc and checking the notebook as I go. After about 20-30 blocks its easier to flick through the pages than lay out all the blocks checking to see if you have used a particular bead or thread. I will at some stage start an alphabetical list of stitches used for easier reference (probably at the back of the notebook). As you can see in comparison to some of the people who are doing the challenge and have shared how they are keeping track my system is far from fancy!
Count on 2020 crazy quilt block 3
Seed beads, Bugle beads Stranded cotton floss, cotton Perle thread are not counted
Fabric: 7 (includes the shibori silk ribbon)
Lace: 2
Buttons: 4 Vintage heart shaped button, dolls buttons, hexagon button, white round vintage button
Novelty beads: 4 metal heart shaped beads, flower shaped cup sequins, little butterflies, heart shaped mother of pearl beads
Lace motif: 1 buttterfly
Specialty threads: 6 hand dyed tubular knitting yarn, Edmar Lola Rayon thread, 7mm hand dyed silk ribbon ( for the Fargo Roses), pale green flat silk thread, hand dyed cotton perle #8, green/aqua silk thread
Stitches: 3 Buttonhole stitch, Fargo Roses , Whipped stem stitch
Total 27
Previous tally 65
Total of items to date 92
I hope you have enjoyed what I have doneon my 2020 crazy quilt block 3. The aim is make a crazy quilt using 2020 different items by the end of the year 2020. You will find the guidelines and list of resources here
Admins on the big Facebook groups Crazy Quilt Divas and Crazy Quilt International are happy to see people share there work there. So follow the links and join the groups if you are Facebook person. For those who have blogs you can leave your web address in the comments – each week as you progress. Instagram people can use #2020crazyquilt to share progress photos.
Have you seen my book?
My book The Visual Guide to Crazy Quilting Design: Simple Stitches, Stunning Results
Stitchers Templates
As someone who loves crazy quilting and embroidery, I designed these templates with other stitchers in mind. With my templates, you can create hundreds of different patterns to apply to your stitching and crazy quilting projects. They are easy to use, totally clear so you can position them easily. They are compact in your sewing box.
For more information, see what they look like, find out about the free ebook of patterns visit the information pages in my shop where you can also purchase them.
Pretty block Sharon! I love all the beads.
Barbara x
Thanks!
very beautiful!!
I like that
Oh how I want to be your bff and live near you. Your new blocks are like a rich desert. While devouring the block I’m wondering where you look for some of your delicious add on buttons or sequins. Also it appears that you are backing each block as you finish it? Such a wonderful way to enjoy my morning coffee.
Patty thanks for the compliments I have scavenged and shopped for years building a stash of buttons and stuff – I shop online too – all over the world.
eeks Patty I realise I did not answer your question – yes I am backing and binding each hexie as I go then will top stitch them together
Sharon the lace and fabric hexagon is lovely to begin with and even more so with your embellishments.
You are indeed an inspiration to so many needle-workers. It’s a joy to see them so enthused to join in the 2020.
Maureen it’s a total joy for me too! Love it when people join in – chatter get excited etc about a project its infects everything!
Just lovely! You are doing a great job. I need to go back and track my threads and I need to use 2 pages. I decided I am going to count my stitches if I use a different fiber. I posted on my blog and I did use one of your templates.
Beth I checked out your blog – you have a lot of stitching going on! I thought I was bad. (grin) Have fun with the challenge – and great to have you stitching along
I like the colour palette of this block. And I had a long look at your heart flowers with bead tassels, they are great!
Thanks Annet – I liked working on it too
je découvre votre site j aime beaucoup le crazy et depuis quelques temps je cherche comment utilise tous mes petits bouts .la j ai trouve je vais aussi acheter votre livre car j adore
This is such a pretty little blocl! My favourite so far. Great work. you are so talented
This is stunning Sharon, and a real inspiration. I haven’t started mine yet but this has given me some ideas. Thank you.
Just amazing. You are quite a talented lady. We are lucky to have you teaching us as you go. Thank you for that. I wish had your imagination and appreciate that you share your “fruits of labor” with us. Thank you again Sharon. Love your book.
Just love this block, especially the shibori ribbon! I’m wondering if you have an overall color scheme in mind for your 2020 quilt. Your three blocks so far are all different, yet somehow seem to be related.
Hi Pat Basically when I pulled all the fabrics for the quilt they more or less went together and I am making the blocks from that pile. I will make each block then lay them out and figure how I will set them when they are done or three quarters done – I will do the half blocks for the sides of the quilt then too
I have too many things going on at the moment to carve out time to participate in the 2020 challenge but I sure am enjoying watching your progress. Very inspiring!
Marelene you can join the challenge when ever it suits you – I know lots of people will be starting it next year
I have just discovered your blog and the amazing embroidery. I have wanted to make a crazy quilt for ages and you have inspired me to have a go. Can I just ask what size your hexagon block is? Thank you for all the information and ideas that you share. I can’t wait to start!
The hexagon when finished and bound has 4 inch sides and is 8 inches from point to point across.
Hello Sharon,
What a delightful block!
I still have not had time to consider joining in this project, but I did find time to look at your block carefully. I love the red and light green whipped stem stitches, the surprise butterflies and the shibori fabric. I am also impressed by the Laced Chevron stitches, it took me some time to ‘see’ how that seam was made.
Keep up the good work.
Sharon,
This hexie is my absolute favorite of all your stunning work, it speaks to me. The colors are gorgeous and I love the heart flowers. I think you neglected to include your own book in the resource section of the 2020 challenge. I am considering doing the 2020 challenge but first I must unpack and organize my stash as I recently moved to senior/disabled housing. Thank you for sharing and for all of your work. You are awesome!
Love it Love it Love it!
Hooray!! my Templates arrived.
I love your book. It is absolutely perfect for me. I am working on a small crazy quilt.
Thanks Cathy so pleased you like the book – I hope it brings many hours of pleasure
Love both books, the templates and your CQ work. What an inspiration you are! Thank you.
BTW, I have ‘CQ templates from 2 other sources. Yours are far sturdier, easier to use are more portable. Great buy.
Thanks Sara – so pleased that the templates stand up to competition!
WOW!!!! It’s amazing!! Gorgous!!! This curved fabric, how are they attached?
Absolutely gorgeous! Your work is so inspiring!