2020 quilt block 20

Here I am, waving another crazy quilt block around! I managed to use 30 different items on my 2020 quilt block 20.

This was my starting point after the block was pieced. I usually share a photo of the bare block in order to help beginners to see what a block looks like before I have embellished it. The embroidery always adds another layer of visual interest that can often pull a block together. In this case, however, there is also the advantage of seeing what I did with the twist of fabric that is on the block. I started out making half a Suffolk puff that I tucked into the seam while assembling the block. During the embroidery process, I twisted it and secured it with a small stitch.

 Here is the pattern. My hexagons have 4-inch sides and measure 8 inches across from point-to-point. Feel free to use the block pattern of my 2020 challenge Block 20 if it appeals to you.

The details on my 2020 quilt block 20

The 2020 challenge is to use 2,020 different items on a quilt by the end of the year 2020. Items can appear twice but must only be counted once. An item can be material, lace, braid etc or bead, do-dad, charm etc technique or stitch. To find out more about the challenge, you will find the guidelines and list of resources here 

Seed beads, bugle beads, and regular perle #8 and perle #5 thread are not counted.

• Beads: 5
• Braids: 2
• Charms: 2
• Fabrics: 7 (includes the fabric used in the Suffolk puff)
• Lace: 1
• Lace motifs: 1
• Sequins: 1 (dome shape)
• Stitches: 3 – Beaded triangular buttonhole, Alternating Buttonhole, (you can find directions for this stitch in module 6 of my worksheets ) and Backstitch Stacked and Threaded (you can find directions for this stitch in module 6 of my worksheets )
• Threads: 6
• Techniques: 1-  using half Suffolk puff

Total 30 items on my challenge block

The Tally from previous blocks is 605

2020 challenge block 20 brings the total of items used to date to 635! 

More about the details on 2020 quilt block 20

Sharing a few details the scallops below the beaded hand-dyed lace motif were worked in threaded backstitch. I also snuck in a small brass bead/charm on the beaded lace motif.

A close up illustrates how I used Beaded triangular buttonhole, in combination with detached chain stitch ( already counted on another block). I added small brass heart-shaped beads/charms to the braid.

Here a line of Alternating Buttonhole, (you can find directions for this stitch in module 6 of my worksheets ) embellished with dome-shaped sequins. The circle is Backstitch Stacked and Threaded  which you can find directions for in module 6 of my worksheets

A useful resource to manage tracking items

I get many questions about managing and tracking the count of items, as it’s a bit of a task in this challenge to keep track of what you use. I use my studio journal.

Janis Stoker of Journeys With Janis has incorporated all the suggestions I made for things you might count in the challenge and has created a PDF printable to help you keep track of what you use! Janis has generously offered to share it and share.  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.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about my 2020 challenge Block 20.  If you want to see my other blocks you can find them under the 2020 Crazy Quilt Category.

Have you seen my  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 and they are compact in your sewing box.

To see what they look like, find out about the free ebook of patterns that come with them visit the information pages.
Or go directly to the Pintangle shop to purchase them.

 

I have also written a book

My book The Visual Guide to Crazy Quilting Design: Simple Stitches, Stunning Results shares detailed practical methods about how to design and make a crazy quilt. From fabric choice, to balancing colour, texture and pattern, in order to balance and direct the eye around the block.  I cover how to stitch, build decorative seam treatments in interesting and creative ways. My book is profusely illustrated as my aim is to be practical and inspiring.