You have to imagine me sitting in my twirly chair, big silly grin on my face, hand in the air waving to all North, South, East, and West as 2020 crazy quilt block 13 is finished. I have worked out that in order to do this challenge and meet the challenge by the end of the year, I am going to have to set a cracking pace at stitching these. But I figure I am not the only person in that situation!
Enough with the babble, this is what the block started out as. By the time a block is embroidered and embellished, it always morphs into something else and looks totally different. Stitching adds another layer of visual interest and can often pull a block together while embellishing. In this series of articles I share a photo of my unembellished blocks so readers can see how each block starts out. So, if you are new to crazy quilting, don’t fret too much about how you begin. Just keep on stitching!
The pattern for 2020 crazy quilt block 13
Feel free to use the basic pattern of my 2020 challenge Block 13 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 13 item count
Briefly incase you a new to this series 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
- Fabrics: 5
- Lace ribbon and braids: 4
- Thread 2: Green silk and purplish metallic
- Silk Ribbon: 2 (light and darker purple)
- Buttons: 10
- Beads: 7
- Charms: 1
- Stitches: 1 Alternating Up and Down Buttonhole
Total 32 items on my 2020 challenge block 13
2020 challenge block 13 brings the total of items used to date to 359!
Stitching details on 2020 crazy quilt block 13
The first photograph highlights a series of scallops which are made of hand dyed lace. I beaded the line and added silk ribbon leaves and novelty beads.
The next detail highlights another piece of lace where I added seed and bugle beads.
Finally the last detail from the 2020 crazy quilt block 13 is also I line of lace that has been beads. I seem to have gone a bid mad with beads on this block.
The last detail is a line of Alternating Up and Down Buttonhole to which I added seed beads and little dome shaped beads. I worked detached chain stitch in the forks to give the seam a bit of body. I looked a bit visually week up until that point.
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
Have you seen my book?
My book The Visual Guide to Crazy Quilting Design: Simple Stitches, Stunning Results
That’s a lovely block. you are a very good and inspiring teacher. I do have to start crazy quilting.
After stitching on your online class, all the ideas are in head only and not in stitches.
love your posts.
Chitra
Thanks Chitra – I would love to see you make a crazy quilt project even a small one as you would have access to sari materials – it would be beautiful (I have just purchased a pale of sari ribbon/thread and recycled sari off cuts …guess how I will use it?
I just stumbled upon your 2020 challenge a few days ago, and while I know I can’t catch up I’m still going to tag along and see how far I can get by the end of the year. I can’t wait to start!
Patti
HI Pattie lots of people have started in the last few weeks – I am behind too but hope to scamper through the door on the dot of midnight … its fun trying anyway
Hi Sharon I am glad to see the start of your crazy 2020 block. My block/quilt I must find and sent you a copy of what I have done so far. Reason for this I feel I’ve gone off the beaten track. I love your block and all it’s trimmings. I am looking forward to your next one. I do have your book on my kindle and check it for help often. The only other thing I need to get are your templates. I think they would give me better idea’s. That’s it from me Sharon until next newsletter. Julie
HI Julie thanks for the compliments I did not receive the copy you mentioned
Oh, you have made another beautiful block, perfectly colour coordinated. After having taken a rest from my cq block project to work on other things, it is now time to take up needle and thread again.
Hi Queenie great to hear from you and know you are still stitching
Wow!
I am truly blown away by yout creativity. I am SO basic, lol.
Love this block! I finally gathered the courage to put a hexagon block together and now am looking at it to decide where to start. Is nice to see what your unembellished block looks like as I look at mine the same way as a sad unadorned piece of fabric waiting to be turned into a beautiful swan! Between your book and this blog, I am getting inspired to just go for it! Thanks for the inspiration.
Hi Joy – yes part of the process is learning that you just have jump in and get stitching and embellishing. Some people get so stuck! I just say go for it!
I’m really out of touch with the blogosphere these days, but I’m really glad to see you’re ok. 🙂
Yes apart from bad smoke from the fires all is good here Elizabeth