Stitching Round the block part 4

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How are your fingers? I am sorry, I know it was quite a bit of stitching. It was so nice to see three of you and your work at Market last weekend, even some girls from NZ! Good to hear you all brought your work with you and I think its really nice that busy store owners have taken the time out for themselves to stitch something just for fun when most of your stitching time is normally for work.. So glad you chose to join in :)

So you now have a a block measuring 10 1/2” square.

This week:

Cut two strips 10 1/2” x 3 1/2”

Cut two strips 16 1/2” x 3 1/2”

Join the 10 1/2” strips to both sides of your centre block. Press outwards

Next join the two longer strips to the top and bottom, press outwards.

Download the pattern sheet and using your light box and Sewline Ceramic pencil trace the stitchery designs into place. Put into your hoop and stitch all of the drawn lines as before.

Download Stitchingroundtheblockpt4patternsheets  - note they are two A3 sized sheets to join for the full design or you can just print the design bits you need to trace and use the photo for layout.

The flowers go along the bottom border and the butterflies are scattered around the other borders – trace them in random directions.

I used a backstitch for all flowers and a simple cross stitch on the stems.

The butterfly wings are stitched in backstitch and the body in satin stitch. Stitch a backstitch around each circle section first before satin stitching over the top. When the circles get too small use a colonial knot then a french knot as you get smaller.

We need to make 8 hexagon flowers so that’s 56 hexies! now I know some of you are now hooked on hexies, some had never done it before and some are just continuing their passion! sorry if I didn’t explain to newbies before how to do them in detail, I should never assume everyone has played before… but they are addictive aren’t they? I use the Glue pen method – just a slick of glue around the outside edge of each paper and then fold the seam allowances over. Stitch your hexies together using a fine thread and a fine appliqué or milliner needle – fine so it doesn't make big holes.. We are using the same size hexie papers as in Part two – so download and print some more if you need them or you can purchase them already done here.

Once you have made your flowers press them well with a steam iron and then carefully loosen the glue and remove the papers.

Position them around your borders following the photograph and glue into position. Stitch into place again using your fine matching thread and needle.

Tada, you are done – this is the end of my contribution to your project – it should measure 16 1/2” square (unfinished).

You can now choose to continue adding borders and sending your quilt on to the next friend on your list (yes you’ll be back to the beginning) or you can choose to finish now and make your top into a cushion, bag, table centre, wallhanging etc. BUT I want to see your photos! please send them on in and put them on your blog

I do hope you have enjoyed the process and possibly made or renewed stitching friendships.

hugs to you all

don’t forget to come back tomorrow to see the beginning of all of our new patterns and giveaways for the week…

a little hint – do you visit here often, do you have this blog in your blogroll?

hugs

Helen

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