I have finished my 2020 challenge Block 8 even though I have been stupidly busy. When ever life is on overload it is great to settle down to some stitching. The result is that block 8 is now finished, bound and ready to share.
The aim of the 2020 challenge, is to make 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. I figure I have a couple of years to complete this project so I can pick it up and put it down as needed. The fun is in finding and using 2020 different items.
This was my starting point for 2020 challenge Block 8. I share my unembellished blocks, as many people who start crazy quilting get worried over the look of the block before they start stitching. It is often the embellishing that pulls a block together so I say don’t fret too much about how a block looks when you begin. By the time a block is embroidered and embellished it looks totally different as I think you can see. I used 5 pieces of fabric and during the piecing process, I added the lace and and the large lace motif. Both the lace and the motif were hand dyed with Procion dyes. I use Procion dyes for most of my hand dyeing including my threads.
Here is the basic pattern of my 2020 challenge Block 8, for those who want to use it. My hexagons have 4-inch sides and measures 8 inches across from point-to-point but you can use this pattern for other sized hexagons too.
Details on my 2020 crazy quilt block 8
The first photograph illustrates how I embellished the lower seam with Feathered Up and Down buttonhole stitch using 1 strand (so #5 perle) Caron Watercolor thread. (I am not affiliated with Caron threads, so I do not gain financially for mentioning them here)I stitched seed beads and bugle beads in between the arms of the stitch. This stitch was counted on block 2 so it is not new to the project. You can find a tutorial for Feathered Up and Down buttonhole stitch in my stitch dictionary here.
The next detail is of some bead tassels that emerge from some small blue buttons. these 3 buttons were counted as 1. You can find out how to make these tassels on page 139 of my book The Visual Guide to Crazy Quilting Design. In the same Caron Watercolur thread I stitched the chain wrapped bullions. I have not used this stitch variety before in this project so Chain Wrapped Bullion Knot is counted in the tally. Between the leaf shapes I have small glass flower shaped bead.
This is how I decorated the lace. I added V like shapes using my templates and between them I added blue glass faceted beads. Between the V shapes I stitched some mother of pearl heart shaped buttons which were counted as 1.
The final detail on my 2020 challenge Block 8, is the button cluster over the lace motif. I really enjoyed digging through the buttons and using many antique and vintage buttons on my 2020 challenge block 8. I have been hoarding these for ages. The little blue flying insect fitted well with the flower theme too! Elsewhere on the block I used a cloisonné butterfly also from the hoard and 2 different glass butterflies.
As I have explained already the aim of the 2020 challenge, is to make a crazy quilt using 2,020 different items to mark the year 2020. So how am I going with my count?
Count on 2020 challenge block 8
Seed beads, bugle beads, and regular perle #8 and perle #5 thread is not counted.
Tally from previous blocks: 185
- Fabrics: 5
- Lace and motif: 2
- Buttons 12: blue, heart shaped, 10 in a cluster
- Beads 2: glass flowers beads, faceted oval glass beads
- Charms 4: cloisonné butterfly, 2 different glass butterflies, 1 flying insect on button cluster
- Threads: 1 Caron Watercolour
- Stitches: 1 Chain Wrapped Bullion Knot
Total 27 items on my 2020 challenge block 8
2020 challenge block 8 bring the total of items used to date to 212! Hey I only have another 1800 or so bits to go!
I hope you have enjoyed reading about my 2020 challenge Block 8. If you want see my other blocks you can find them under the 2020 Crazy Quilt Category . To find out more about the challenge. You will find the guidelines and list of resources here
Have you seen my book?
My book The Visual Guide to Crazy Quilting Design: Simple Stitches, Stunning Results
My Crazy quilters templates
My templates for crazy quilters are designed to help you take your stitching to the next level. With my templates, you are able to create hundreds of different hand embroidery patterns to embellish your seams with flair. These templates are easy to use, made of clear plastic so you can position them easily, and are compact in your sewing box.
These are simple to use. You simply position the template in place and use a quilter’s pencil to trace along the edge of the template. Stitch along this line to decorate the seam. I have a free ebook of patterns to accompany each set which illustrates how they can be used.
TO ORDER your Crazy Quilt Templates visit my online shop
HI Sharon, lovely block as always. My only comment is that I feel the blue lace motif is a bit too covered over with all the buttons. Such a shame because it is so pretty. This project has saved my sanity over the past months, as it was all I could do whilst waiting for shoulder surgery and during the recovery time. So far I have completed 46 blocks and have another 12 in progress. I have used a total of 908 items so far so nearly half way there. I have had a lot of goodies contributed by friends who have kindly cleared out their stashes and given me the bits they no longer wanted. I love things that people give me, so it makes my project even more special. Happy 2020-ing!
Hi Joan I am so pleased you are enjoying this project – I love to hear from people who are. You are right about gifts that people give/donate towards a project like this as it is something I dont forget later when I look at the finished quilt. I hope your shoulder is doing OK now.
Such a shame that you covered up part of that lovely blue lace motif, but the finished block is beautiful.
I tried loads of stuff with that motif – it was too big I think but lovely I agree. It looked bare without anything and I tried beading but it looked too iffy – the buttons were my best solution.
Gorgeous! You work is so inspiring!
Thanks Angela !
I especially like your feathered up and down buttonhole seam. That’s really appealing to me.
Love your block. Appreciated you sharing beginning and where you are now. Thank you for helping our …my…uneducated ekes to”see”
Nice going! I was working on a block earlier this summer but don’t like it. So it is waiting until I get inspired or make a new block which I think will be later this month….
Just lovely and an inspiration! Thanks for sharing these lovely pieces of art!