My 2020 challenge Block 18 is complete. As usual click on the image to see a larger version. The block has an item tally of 41. Why is the tally important? 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 .
This was my starting point for the 2020 challenge Block 18. Many beginners worry over their unembellished crazy quilt blocks. I like to share my starting point to illustrate that once a block is embroidered and embellished, it looks totally different. I hope this helps beginners to see that the stitching adds another layer of visual interest that can often pull a block together.
Here is the block pattern for the 2020 challenge Block 18. Use it if the block appeals to you. My hexagons have 4-inch sides and measure 8 inches across from point-to-point.
The details on my 2020 crazy quilt block 18
How am I progressing with the challenge to use 2,020 different items on a crazy quilt? To be honest I am going slowly but hopefully I will get there OK!
Two details I can talk about this week are the use of bullion roses in crazy quilting are very common. I created these from a thread that is a mix of wool and silk.
Here a close up of embroidery on a seam.
The item count
Seed beads, bugle beads, and regular perle #8 and perle #5 thread is not counted.
- Fabrics: 5
- Lace ribbon and braids: 2 pink lace and shibori ribbon,
- Lace motifs:1 lace doily
- Buttons: 10
- Charms: 1
- Buckle: 1
- Beads: 5
- Threads: 11
- Techniques: 2 (Bullion Rose and using Shibori Ribbon)
- Stitches: 3 Fern stitch, Whipped Buttonhole flower, Satin stitch
Total 41 items on my 2020 challenge block 18
The Tally from previous blocks is 528
2020 challenge block 18 brings the total of items used to date to 569! Over a quarter of the way to meet the challenge.
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 have some wonderful news about a shared resource that helps with this!
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 18. If you want to 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
I have your book Sharon & I refer to your website anytime I need to learn a new stitch, which is many, many times! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Sometimes I just go to your site to look at all the beautiful eye candy! I am rather new to all these beautiful stitches so I really appreciate your tutorials. Again thank you!
Thank you Paula That is a lovely comment to wake up to.
LOVE the shibori ribbon! I ordered a couple of pieces from Etsy. I have 7 of the hexagon blocks that I’m working on. Thank you for all the patterns. I may do more than 7 but I was planning on a small wall hanging for my bedroom. I pulled out my stash of CQ stuff. Have been organizing the threads and ribbons in clear bags according to color. What a mess that was. I did 50 of the “I dropped the button box” squares. I use your stitch dictionary frequently.
A big fan,
Gail
Thanks Gail – have fun with your hexies and sorting out stuff
Sharon: Can I ask where you get all the unique lace & trims. There isn’t as much here in the States anymore.
Jo Ellen/Topstitch
Hi Jo Ellen I get most of my supplies from the States –
Vintage Vogue https://www.vintagevogue.com/pres156/
I get a lot of lace from this lady https://www.etsy.com/shop/RavioleeDreams
other than that I search for individual things ie beads in bead shops, sequins, trims etc I google but 90% of what I use comes from America
I love the shibori ribbon. Do you stitch the edges down or anchor them some other way? I’m hoping to use some in my crazy quilt blocks as soon as I get brave enough!
Hi Joyce I use a few slip stitches to secure the ribbon in place.
I’m curious, how did you count 3 fern stitches? I would have counted it as 1 stitch.
Hi Mary It says “Stitches: 3 Fern stitch, Whipped Buttonhole flower, Satin stitch” that is 3 different stitches. Fern stitch is the first Whipped Buttonhole flower the second and Satin the third. Hope that makes sense!
Of course the spray of flowers is beautiful and makes me think of spring, but I especially love the pleated ribbon and buckle.
Thanks Queenie once I thought of using the buckle that way I had “YES!” moment
I love how daring you were using the wider silk ribbon. But, that being said, it really looks good. I really enjoy reading your stitching adventure. Maybe, I get started one day. Thanks. Diane
ThanK Diane incorporating the ribbon was a challenge
Love it Sharon, especially your idea to use as many embellishments etc as possible. Thank you for Pintangle
Thanks Susan I am pleased you like Pintangle
What are the little yellow flowers?
HI Nancy they are little glass beads