Stitching Around the Block – Part 1

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Here we go….Please enjoy the next four weeks of stitching and sharing

- Requirements:

I have used 8 charm squares and two fat quarters.

The 2 fat quarters needed for this project, do they both need to be plain for stitching or I plain and I patterned??

I used a plain soft pink and a rose tone on tone soft pink – so both background fabrics for stitching on…

Threads to match

6-8” embroidery hoop

Crewel and appliqué needles

Sewline Glue pen

Sewline Ceramic pencil

lightbox

general sewing and quilting supplies

Rules:

there  really aren’t any rules! but,

you will make your first centre block and then post or deliver it onto your next friend

You will each make every round, but each one will be on a different friends quilt.

You may choose to forward your fabric with the centre block or let your friends choose and surprise you

You do not have to use the patterns I provide – but you do have to do a round of choice on every block – it will be easier to keep each border/round the same size as mine in case the next friend wants to use my round.

Put you own personal touch onto each round for each friend – this may be a special charm, design or block that says something about yourself, where you live or about your friend if you know them well. (eg, if your friend was a cat lover you could include a kitten hiding amongst the flowers)

You will get your quilt top back at the end to quilt and bind.

You may like to include a diary to travel with your quilt or include a card with each round you stitch for the final owner.

have fun, do your best work, make new friends and send me a finished photo in 4 weeks!

happy stitching, hugs, Helen

Instructions part one:

Cut a square of background stitchery fabric 8” x 8” (we will trim this back after stitching.)

Download the pattern sheet below and trace onto your background fabric using a lightbox and Sewline Ceramic pencil.

Download Block1stitchingaroundtheblock

Place into your embroidery hoop (you may like to attach a stabalizer to the back first such as pellon, weaveline etc.)

Choose threads to match your fabrics or you could do it in redwork…..

Stitches used include backstitch, french knots, straight stitch, chain stitch, stem stitch and satin stitch…

The butterfly has french knots on his tail, satin stitch body segments and the rest is backstitched.

These flowers have their centres stitched in chain stitch and the stems in stem stitch. The petals are backstitched.

I backstitched the petals and then straight stitched the lines inside them.

Once all stitching is complete you can trim your block back to 5 1/2” and then prepare for delivery to your next friend.

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