2020 quilt block 14

As you can probably see, I really enjoyed working my 2020 crazy quilt block 14. I think you will probably sense that I am getting back into the swing of things!

This is how the block started out. As I have said before, I evolve each block as I work it. So, by the time a block is embroidered, I’ve changed it to look totally different. The embellishments and embroidery add another layer of visual interest. In this series of articles I share a photo of my unembellished blocks. That way, if you are new to crazy quilting, you can see this and won’t fret about how you begin. Just keep on stitching!

The pattern for 2020 crazy quilt block 14

Feel free to use the basic pattern of my 2020 challenge Block 14 if it appeals to you. My hexagons have 4-inch sides and measure 8 inches across from point-to-point, but you can use this pattern for other sized hexagons too.

 

The 2020 challenge block 14 item count

The aim of the 2020 challenge is to use 2,020 different items on a quilt by the end of the year 2020. Items that are the same can be used twice on the quilt but must only be counted once. A counted  ‘item’ can be material lace ribbon etc, an object (such as buttons beads etc), an embroidery technique (thread painting, Brazilian embroidery, ribbon embroidery etc) or a type of stitch (eg herringbone stitch). Seed beads, bugle beads, and regular perle #8 and perle #5 thread is not counted. To find out more about the challenge, you will find the guidelines and list of resources here 

The item tally from previous blocks is 359

• Fabrics: 7
• Lace ribbon and braids: 3
• Thread: 3  shades and thickness of copper metallic thread
• Silk Ribbon: 3
• Buttons: 0 (that’s right no buttons!)
• Beads Sequins: 10 novelty sequins in flower shapes,  novelty beads flowers and yellow square beads
• Charms: 2
• Stitches: 5

Total 33 items on my 2020 challenge block 14

2020 challenge block 14 brings the total of items used to date to 392!

Janis Stoker of Journeys With Janis has created a PDF printable to help you keep track of what you use in the 2020 challenge Janis has generously offered to share it and share it with you all! If you can use it for the challenge please do so – you can download this printable  here. No strings attached – no email required or anything like that. I would like to thank Janis for making this handy tracking sheet available to the community.

Stitching details on 2020 crazy quilt block 14

This first photograph highlights a seam embellished with Tied Herringbone stitch which I further decorated with detached chain stitch and squarish beads.The next detail highlights a grid I worked in Threaded back stitch. I threaded the stitches with a copper metallic thread before adding sequins to the middle of each square. Below that is ribbon which has buttonhole worked along the base. The flower shapes are sequins actually two sequins that are a different shape stack on top of each other and secured with a seed bead.

The next detail takes up a good third of the block. Silk Ribbon woven roses and flower shaped novelty beads are the main feature. There are a few different types in the floral spray.

Finally the last detail from the 2020 crazy quilt block 14 is a band of lace that is bordered with chain stitch that has been whipped on one side and a line of Pekinese stitch

If you want to see my other blocks in this series 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 

 

Thread Twisties!

Experimenting with different threads can be expensive, as you would normally have to buy a whole skein of each type of thread. I have made up my thread twisties as a combination of different threads to use in creative hand embroidery. These enable you to try out stitching with something other than stranded cotton. For the price of just a few skeins, you can experiment with a bundle of threads of luscious colours and many different textures.

These are creative embroiderer’s threads.  I hope to encourage you to experiment with them. Each Twistie is a thread bundle containing silk, cotton, rayon and wool. Threads range from extra fine (the same thickness as 1 strand of embroidery floss) to chunky couchable textured yarns. All threads have a soft and manageable drape so that twisting them around a needle makes experimental hand embroidery an interesting journey rather than a battle.  Many are hand-dyed by me. All are threads I use. You may find a similar thread twist but no two are identical.

You will find my thread twisties in the Pintangle shop here.