Stash Bee

 

Hive 4 August Tutorial

Thank you all for understanding earlier this year that I was very sick and needed a couple months off and those that shuffled so that I could have a month later in the year.  So, now it’s my turn and I created this block to use up scraps and keep it bright and cheerful. I’m calling the block, Dots.  Because that’s what it is!  Just some background with appliqued dots however, I do have a specific color scheme and applique method to use.

The color scheme uses a Split Complementary scheme of Red/pink, Blue-Green, and Yellow-Green.  The color wheel picture has the colors outlined in black and the other picture is my fabric pull. A 16” square of white on white, or white, or mostly white low volume is needed as the background. Various sizes of scraps are needed to make the 5-8 dots to be appliqued on the background.  For the color dots, I prefer prints rather than solids and the prints can combine colors as you see in the middle of mine as long as it “reads” one of the colors in the split-complimentary choices.  The dots should be about 1” to 4”. The largest dot should be in the centerish of the square and all the other dots are placed randomly across the background square.

 

This applique method requires a lightweight fusible which is one side with the bumps/glue and the other is smooth.  I am using Pellon Featherweight Fusible -911FW or Pellon SF-101 is also very popular.  If you do not have a one sided lightweight fusible, I can send you some.

This linked tutorial shows the method for applique to use; however, the shape is various circles rather than an orange peel or melon shape.

Here are some detail instructions with pictures.

Use templates or everyday objects no bigger than 4” for the largest circle in the centerish portion of the block (eyeball it is fine)– you can have multiple larger circles or small circles – totally up to you and your scraps you have available.

• Draw circle on smooth side of interfacing.
• Put interfacing glue/bumpy side down on right side of pretty fabric.
• Shorten stitch length to 1.5
• Sew with needle going through the drawn line
• Go slow Reposition presser foot often
• Trim to scant 1/4” around circle 

Pull up interfacing and snip middle to make slit for turning inside out 

Use purple thang (yes mines mint green) or bamboo stick or chop stick with dull end to smooth out circle

Remember to place your largest circle in the centerish part of the background square and all other circles place randomly.

Press to background – follow your interfacing instructions - If circle does not hold - use glue to attach to the white square while you stitch around to secure to background fabric

Topstitch close to edge of circle – no more than 1/8^th inch in from edge – straight stitch - Aurifil colors as follows if you have it, if not any white thread for the top stitching. Natural White - 2021 or White - 2024 to top stitch around circle.

5-8 circles per square - Other circles random placement

Leave 1.5” around space at edges of block - I’ll be trimming to 15.5” so they finish at 15”.

Thanks Everyone!  I retire on 8/15 and I'm looking forward to putting this one together with all of your beautiful fabrics!

Lisa...