Block #5 - Pattern #3

June 16, 2020

Block #5 - Pattern #3

I am back teaching all my classes so that means my posts might not be very regular - but I will post every week.

Seam that joins pieces #6 and #7

Threads used:

Nymo thread

4mm silk ribbon

Perle #12

Small round beads in two sizes

Stitches used:

Beaded forget-me-not

Ribbon stitch

Colonial knot

Couching

1. Scatter a few beaded forget-me-nots along the seam. Do not create a rhythm- by this I mean, do not place the flowers evenly over the seam. I have used two different size beads so that the flowers are not all the same size.

It is best to use perfectly round beads for these flowers.

Beaded forget-me-not - FOOLPROOF CRAZY QUILTING - page 82

2. Add the centers of the flowers with a colonial knot (or bead) with a Perle #8.
The little leaves are ribbon stitches in 4mm silk ribbon.

Colonial knot - FOOLPROOF CRAZY QUILTING - page 71
Ribbon stitch - FOOLPROOF CRAZY QUILTING - page 77

3. The little twigs are couched straight stitches in Perle #12 (or 2 strands of stranded cotton).
Form a straight stitch (keep the tension of the stitch loose) and then couch the stitch down at jaunty angles.

Straight stitch - FOOLPROOF CRAZY QUILTING - page 73

                                        --------------------------------------------------------------

                      Seam that joins piece #6 and pieces #5, #2 and #3

                                                     Threads used:
                                                        Perle #12
                                                    Nymo beading thread
Small bead

   Stitches used:
   Fern stitch
Straight stitch
      Single bead stitch
         Free form flower with beads
   Lazy daisy
                                                        Colonial knot

1. Make sure that the fern stitch (Perle #12) creates a lovely elegant curve over the seam. Be careful not to make the individual stitches of the fern stitch too small - this will create a heavy looking fern stitch - AND WE DON'T WANT THAT !!!!!!

Fern stitch - FOOLPROOF CRAZY QUILTING - page 72.

2. Add straight stitches to the alternate arms of the fern stitch. Not too short, please!

Straight stitch - FOOLPROOF CRAZY QUILTING - page 73.

3. Add a small bead to the single arm of the fern stitch.

Single bead stitch - FOOLPROOF CRAZY QUILTING - page 85

Then repeat the above steps to create another fern stitch seam treatment over the seam that joins piece #3 to pieces #1 and #2.

If I am planning to repeat a seam treatment I will always complete the initial seam treatment in all it's glory before adding the second. This way I can see how much space it will take up in the block.

4. With a 7mm silk ribbon create a free form flower with beads.

Free form flower with beaded center - FOOLPROOF CRAZY QUILTING - page 91

5. Add lazy daisy leaves in Perle #8

Lazy daisy - FOOLPROOF CRAZY QUILTING - page72

6. Add as many free form flowers as you would like along the seam. Bead the centers and add the lazy daisy leaves. Sprinkle a few colonial knots around the flowers.

Lazy daisy - FOOLPROOF CRAZY QUILTING - page 72
Colonial knot - FOOLPROOF CRAZY QUILTING - page 71

                                                            -------------------------------------------------

                                             Seam that joins pieces #1 and #2


                                                      Threads used:
   Nymo beading thread
   Perle #12
   Bugle beads
Round bead

   Stitches used:
Single bead stitch
           Straight stitch
   Colonial knot

****** As you know, I am very frightened of bugle beads - they are powerful little things and have the potential to be rather unfortunate! Please take your time choosing the correct color and size. If you prefer, just use straight stitches in a thick thread instead. Also, follow the directions below to get this bugle fan neat and compact.*********

1. Remember to go through the bugle bead twice and anchor before and after every bugle bead.
Begin by stitching down one bugle bead along the seam.

Bugle fan - FOOLPROOF CRAZY QUILTING - page 84

2. Attach the round bead (or colonial knot).

3. Add the next bugle - snuggle them up tightly!

4. The top bugle comes next.

5. Then fill in the other two bugles.
All nicely compact and firmly stitched down.

6. Continue along the seam.

To complete the seam treatment - add straight stitches and colonial knots in Perle #12 to one side of the bugle fans. On the opposite side add two straight stitches and colonial knots in a single strand of stranded cotton or Perle #16.

You will also notice that I have continued with the free form flowers along the seam that joins piece #3 to pieces #1, #2 and #6.

A beading tip - as you know, sewing machine feet and beads are not the best of friends. If you need to add a bead to a seam treatment which is very close to the edge of the square (where they will be stitched by machine) attach the bead onto the foundation fabric close to where it will be stitched after the blocks have been joined. This way you will not have to rummage through all your beads to find it at the end of the project.