It’s time to share my next block in the 2020 challenge. Here is my 2020 crazy quilt block 5. The hexagon, when finished and bound, has 4-inch sides and is 8 inches from point to point across.
For those readers who have not yet come across the 2020 challenge, the aim is to stitch a crazy quilt using 2,020 different items to mark the year 2020. You will find the guidelines, information and a list of free resources here.
Meanwhile, back to my starting point for 2020 crazy quilt block 5.
I only used 4 pieces of fabric and 1 piece of hand dyed lace on this block. As I was piecing it, I included some prairie-points made from 1-inch-wide satin ribbon. The ends were tucked into the seam joining pieces 1 and 2.
Here is the pattern for those who want to use it:
Details on my 2020 crazy quilt block 5
The first photograph illustrates two details on the block.
The first detail covers the seam that runs between piece 3 and the first 2 pieces on the block. I used my templates to mark the curves and then worked Stem stitch (counted on block 1) using a hand-dyed cotton perle #5. I added Oyster stitch worked in the same thread, along the lines. After that, I added some straight stitches to the top in a pinkish Metallic Kreinik Fine Braid (sorry I don’t have the shade number as the label has fallen off) and pale blue cotton perle #12. I topped these with a small seed bead. The flower shapes are made of Preciosa Pips which are Czech glass beads in a pale rose copper colour. I arranged them in whole or part circles so they looked like flowers. In the middle, I used some small glass beads that are flower shaped but have a bit of shank so they sit in the middle well.
The next seam is decorated with a line of Triangular buttonhole stitch worked in the same fine pale blue cotton perle #12. I topped these with a small blue seed bead.
I then used six flower shaped buttons to form a herbaceous border of flowers. The stems are worked in silk ribbon that has been hand-dyed. I used Stem stitch (counted on block 1) and Leaf Stitch (counted on Block 4 and can be found on page 133 of my book). This row was fun and quick to do!
The next crazy quilt detail here, is the seam that runs the length of the block along piece 4. I attached some hand dyed lace before beading the edge. The curves were created using my templates and marked using a dissolvable pen. The chain stitch covered the marking. To work these lines I used a hand dyed silk thread that is the same thickness as cotton perle #8 thread. I then tucked some Detached Chain stitches (counted on block 1) into the corners and added the camio last.
Count on 2020 crazy quilt block 5
Seed beads are not counted
Fabric: 4
Lace and ribbon: 2
Buttons: 6 Vintage buttons
Novelty beads: 2 Preciosa Pips Czech glass beads pale rose copper colour, small glass flower shaped novelty beads.
Charms: 1 camio
Specialty threads: 4 Metallic Kreinik Fine Braid, 4mm hand dyed silk ribbon, hand dyed cotton perle #5, hand dyed cotton perle #5, pale blue cotton perle #12
Stitches: 3 new stitches which are Triangular buttonhole stitch, chain stitch , Oyster stitch
Total 22
Previous tally 120
Total of items to date 142
I hope you have enjoyed seeing what I have done on the fifth block of my 2020 crazy quilt. Feel free to ask questions or simply leave a comment.
If you want to join the challenge the guidelines are here and the admins on the big Facebook groups Crazy Quilt Divas and Crazy Quilt International are happy to see people share their 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.
I thought I’d come check on how yours was going. It’s a beautiful block, and has given me a quandary. I’m going to start mine in conjunction with the CAJP2018 project, finally. This is the perfect sized block, and I like hexagons, but I had been thinking in another direction! Decisions, decisions. I appreciate seeing your count at the bottom. I have worked what mine will record, but I am still open to ideas. Thanks!
What a sweet little block. Love the curved seams!
Ihis block is elegant. Good to see how you create and build a block.
vraiment très joli!!
What a beautiful hexi, I love how you’ve stitched it. I love the prairie point satin ribbon , I would love to use this in one of my hexi’s if I may.
Thank you for being so generous with explaining your hexi’s .
Anita – you dont have to ask – of course you can
So elegant. Simple, but beautiful. Do you count the prairie- points and the curved fabric in your total tally?
Hi Eileen Yes you can see what I count in the list – the prairie points are made of the ribbon
All your blocks have been soooo beautiful! This one is my favorite so far; I love the delicacy. I am going to borrow your little button idea and make a little tote bag for my grand daughter. Your skills are always inspiring and the beauty of your work is equally so!!
Oh thankyou so pleased you like it and I hope your grand daughter likes her tote bag!
A very pretty block. Love it!
Lovely, Sharon. I especially like the way you have followed the curve of the check fabric with the floral scrolls. Really takes the eye on a journey up to the flowers. Well done, you!
Another fantastic block, I especially like the prairie points and the checked fabric which contrast the curves and soft embroidery.
Lovely!
Pretty block.