It's almost impossible to get 'holes' into the layers of fabric to anchor the crochet so I begin by machine stitching about 1/4" around the outside edge of the block. That ensures the block stays nice and flat and also serves as a guideline so my stitches are even. I then use pearl cotton (or sometimes crochet cotton, depending on the colour I need) and stitch a row of buttonhole (also called blanket) stitch around each square, making 3 stitches on each corner. Then I switch to yarn and use those buttonhole stitches as a base to do a row of single crochets around (remember to do extra stitches in each corner). Once that's done I go ahead and do whatever pattern I like for a couple rows before I attach it to to the next block. Hope that helps!
My stitching time over the past couple of days has involved a whole bunch of cross stitching and I hope I'll be able to show you the more or less finished project next time.
- Thank you to Dolores for THIS amazing link. I would suggest you make a pot of coffee AND find some bread crumbs before you visit!
- THIS would be cute for Easter.
- And THIS would be nice to have on display to welcome spring. And so would THIS.
- For some reason I thought THESE were charming and would look so pretty during these dull winter days.
This quote is from J. Prince..."There are two things we get every day when we wake up, a chance and a choice"
It does seem mysterious until you see a demo or a drawing. Blanket stitch is the one you do, rather than buttonhole. The second has a little knot on top, and is worked opposite direction to blanket, turning the needle around the thread to create the knot, so that the buttonhole can tolerate the friction of a button passing in and out many times. Blanket has a smooth top, for comfort in use. Signed: convent-trained stitcher!
ReplyDeleteI do know the difference but the terms are often used interchangeably (at least here) and so that's why I used both terms.
DeleteLovely linkies today;))); those free quilting patterns all in one place are really a great resource to bookmark
ReplyDelete[which I promptly did!! ;))] thanks so much hugs, Julierose
Yes, there's enough quilting patterns there to keep us all occupied for a very long time!
DeleteNow that is a very interesting way to join. Good for you on figuring that out.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I don't think it was my original idea and suspect I found it somewhere but can't remember where in order to give proper credit.
DeleteThank you for the tutorial. I'm confident that's going to come in handy some day.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually toying with making another fusion quilt but have to see what my stash will yield.
DeleteExcellent quote!
ReplyDeleteI thought so!
DeleteSherry of createology: Hello MA Dear: Very nice description of your join on the fusion quilt. I think I am ready for Spring because all these adorable links are helping me smile. FABULOUS SIMPLE QUOTE…CHANCE AND A CHOICE!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm certainly ready for spring as I look outside at nearly two feet of snow. We are definitely having an old-fashioned winter.
DeleteMary Anne, are you making your hand-stitched blanket stitches into the machine stitching? Sorry, if I'm being dense. I remember making blanket stitches along the edge of a pillowcase once that I then crocheted an edging to. I'm pretty sure I stitched right into the pillowcase, but I also bet it wasn't the easiest thing to do.
ReplyDeleteNo I don't make the blanket stitches into the machine stitching - I just use the line of machine stitching as a guide to help me keep the blanket stitches even. Sometimes I tend to let my stitches get a little wobbly. Plus the line of machine stitch helps to stabilize the block, particularly if there's batting inside.
DeleteMy problem is to get it measured properly so that I have the same amount of stitches on each side.. I keep messing it up... need to come over to your place... xx
ReplyDeleteWish you could! For me I think it's just experience and I seem to be able to pretty much always come out the same. Perhaps try counting as you go along and then as you get towards the end adjust your width.
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