This is my block 6 in the 2020 Challenge. Finished and bound, this hexagon has 4-inch sides and is 8 inches across from point-to-point.
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. I figure this is a slow and enjoyable project as I have a couple of years to complete it!
Meanwhile, this was my starting point. I used 5 pieces of fabric in the unembellished block. During the piecing process, I also added two pieces of lace and the cut doily.
As usual, here is the basic pattern of my 2020 crazy quilt block 6, for those who want to use it.
Details on my 2020 crazy quilt block 6
The first photograph illustrates two details on the block. The first is a lace motif in the shape of a butterfly.
Using my stitcher’s templates, I traced out the curving stems of the flower motif. I worked Portuguese Stem Stitch using a hand-dyed cotton thread the same thickness as cotton perle #5. The flower designs are lace flower motifs, that I also hand-dyed. I tacked them in place, then secured them using 2 Bullion Knot (previously counted on block 1) – worked in a hand-dyed cotton perle #8.
I covered the seam of piece 4 with a piece of hand dyed lace. It came from the same dye bath of the butterfly in the first photograph. After attaching this lace with small stitches I then added blue violet cats eye 3-4 mm beads.
The other piece of lace that you can see on the block was also in the same dye bath as the butterfly and lace. I used back stitch in the holes along the zigzag edge using a lilac coloured chainette metallic thread. Sorry, I don’t know the brand – I picked it up somewhere in my travels or bargain hunting and it no longer has a label. After I had back stitched the edge, I then used my stitcher’s templates to mark out the curves before stitching them in Stem stitch (counted on block 1) using a mauve buttonhole twist silk thread. I then added the blue novelty flower beads.
At the base of my 2020 crazy quilt block 6, I decorated the doily with bullion knots (already counted on block 3), straight stitches and seed beads. In the holes of the doily, I added pale blue cats eye 3-4 mm beads. I then added a lace motif that I call a flourish. It is cut from a much larger motif that was hand-dyed. I secured it to the block using regular sewing thread. And then I added the two pale blue flower shaped glass beads.
The last detail on my 2020 crazy quilt block 6, is a simple line of Detached Chain Stitch (previously counted on block 1), worked in sets of three. I added straight stitches between the detached chain stitches and topped them with seed beads. The detached chain stitches are worked in the same hand-dyed cotton perle #8 as the bullion knots on the flowers in the first detail photograph. The lace butterfly was secured with small stitches and seed beads
Count on 2020 crazy quilt block 6
Seed beads are not counted, and there are no buttons on this block – I don’t think I have made a block without buttons so this is a bit unusual!
- Fabrics: 5
- Lace and doilies: 3
- Lace motifs: 4, comprising Lace flourish, flowers and 2 butterflies
- Beads: 4 blue-violet cats eye 3-4 mm beads, blue novelty flower beads, pale blue cats eye 3-4 mm beads, pale blue flower glass beads
- Threads: 4 – hand-dyed cotton (unknown), hand-dyed cotton perle #8, lilac coloured chainette metallic, mauve buttonhole twist silk thread
- Stitches: 2 Backstitch, Portuguese stem
Total 22
Previous tally 142
Total of items to date for the 2020 challenge is 164!
I hope you have enjoyed reading about my 2020 crazy quilt block 6. The aim is to make a crazy quilt using 2020 different items by the end of the year 2020. If you want 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
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. 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 the shop where you can also purchase them.
I just love your blocks, all of them so pretty. Think I might have to have a go as they are such a nice size. Your book is definitely on my wish list. Thank you for the nspiration
This is just the thing I need…a deadline! I’ve been planning a large queen size bed quilt for some time now.Hopefully this will be the impetus to get me started. I was born in Hawaii and a couple of visits ago, bought one of those units of 70 6×6 pieces of fabric. Used 3 of them on the Hilo Hello pillow cover I did in your class, then designed the rest of the quilt to sort of follow through the Island them using cultures, flora, fauna and water. time to think harder….thanks for the challenge
Hi Bette enjoy the challenge – I am enjoying it!
It is very very beautiful. I embellish my fourth hexagon and I love to follow your challenge
Your book is my new go-to resource. What a great inspiration. I’m ready to try some dying now. Procion dyes. Hmmm. I’ll head to Google right now.
Thanks Nancy
if you use procion dyes – I use the cold water method ( would need to google instructions) and put bits – ie lace threads buttons etc inyo a zip lock bag – cover the stuff with dye and rinse out a few hours later. Its quick and if you are interrupted the stuff can sit for a day and not be a problem.
Wow! This sounds like something I could handle. I have lots of white cotton lace that I’d love to dye.
Hi Sharon Thanks for the tip about dyeing in snap lock bags, a good one to remember. My last dyeing session involved every small glass container I owned, food colouring and the microwave, which was all a bit messy. Now I’ll get the Procion dyes out and use your method. Thanks
You can get dyes, chemicals [mordants], fabric, dyeable fibers, and other fabric mediums at Dharma Trading. They have free instructions on their website also. It is where I have been buying for 12? years now.
Now Sharon you are a winner with this block, purples beautiful. Aside from that I am in love with hexie, just so gorjus! Hugz
So inspiring–as always! It’s great to see how you work your magic.
Portuguese Stem Stitch was one of the first stitches I learned from Pintangle – had never seen it before. I find it a bit hard to get even, but when I see yours here I know that it IS possible, so I will just have to practice. It is especially striking in variegated thread.
Well, the whole block is striking, of course. Eye candy!
Hi Queenie I really like Portuguese Stem but I often forget to use it. As to keeping it even I think it the first part of the stitch is key – keep that the same size will keep things even – I think. Thanks for the compliments
Stunning! You are amazing!
‘S’wonderful, s’marvelous, just everything a soul could absorb. Now you are going to start me on a new journey in 2018. Dyeing. It appears it’s integral to achieving these serene results. Nothing is discordant. Just love what you do as I suspect do you!
Hi Marilyn – I use procion dyes and they are very easy (just google them) In fact I cold water dye in zip lock bags! You are right I love stitching and always have I guess it shows …
What a beautiful block. Really enjoyed your description of how you did this block. I find your work to be very inspiring. Thank you.
Betty
This is such a pretty block Sharon. So far I have completed 14 blocks, and am learning how to do a blog so I can record them. I’m really enjoying the process, dyeing bits and pieces, sourcing materials and sharing my stash with my friends Alison and Lisa. Thanks for starting such an engrossing and fun challenge.
By the way, the reson for my industriousness is that I have carpal tunnel syndrome in my left wrist and waiting for shoulder surgery on my left shoulder, so can’t so much else at present. Lucky me!
All I could say was “Oh my God!” This is now my favorite! It is soooo lovely and dainty and reminiscent of the days of long bustled dresses, hats and parasols and walks in the park on Sundays! Love your work, Sharon!
Sharon, I love the colours, your blocks are so beautiful
Absolutely stunning. This is definitely going to be an heirloom project
Love all of the butterflies in these blocks.
Hi Sharon. I am just wondering if you have an overall colour plan for your quilt?
Hi Lin not really I pulled all the fabrics I wanted to use
at the time I just thought to myself – happy place -happy colours
so I went for mood
Thanks Sharon. xx