Dazzling Diamonds Sew-A-Long: Part 3

We have arrived at the "bling" part of our blocks. Beautiful Silk Ribbon Embroidery (SRE) and beads/sequins/etc. layered on top of the fiber embroidery just completed.

Here is how Block #11 (which you saw me construct in the Part #2 post) now looks. If you compare the elements in the book photo (see page 59) you will note some minor changes. Well, the most obvious is that these colors are not the same as was used in the "Spring" inspired quilt in the book.

I have chosen to include some light green bugle beads between the spokes in the center seam. You can alter any of the seams in Dazzling Diamonds to fit your available stash of supplies.

The bottom seam is short one rose compared to the photo in the book (see page 58). I’m okay with this as my plan is to include an enamel or crystal butterfly charm in this space.

Lastly, I substituted beads, sequins and a tiny glass butterfly bead for buttons in the top seam. This block was embellished last week, while I was attending a Retreat with friends. While I brought plenty of beads with me...not a single button made it into my car! 

The next task is for me to finish embellishing all of my blocks (and sewing together a few as well). As that is done, I'll post more photos on finished blocks to my blog at shawkl.com. 

Finally, we will piece all of these finished blocks together following the piecing diagram (see pages 12-13) when they have been completely pieced and embellished. Blocks can be assembled into the quilt top in two ways: (a) traditional method with a quarter-inch seam allowance (but use a zipper foot to help prevent you "running over" any beads; or (b) butt blocks together and "zig zag" down the center, catching both edges at the same time. This second option will require that you cover the butted-seam with lace, ribbon, bias binding, etc. to finish the top. 

Borders can be added after either of these joining methods; just as you would to any other style of quilt. Crazy quilts do not contain batting; but you will attach a "faux backing" to hide all of the embroidery and beading work on the back of your foundation piecing blocks.

Connect with us!

You are invited to share your progress by tagging @ctpublishing on Instagram and using #DazzlingDiamondsSewALong. If you have any questions, reach out to Kathy via her blog here.

This is the last part in the Dazzling Diamonds Sew-A-Long!

For more information on the Dazzling Diamonds Sew-A-Long, including the supply list and schedule, visit the first Dazzling Diamonds Sew-A-Long blog post here.

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Kathy Seaman Shaw has always shared her knowledge of the needle arts by teaching basic skills in sewing, crocheting, cross-stitch, ribbon embroidery, beading, jewelry making, and traditional quilting at local guilds. Crazy quilting allows the use of skills from other hobbies as possible embellishment ideas, keeping creativity flourishing and expanding Kathy’s knowledge in various techniques. She just can’t imagine a more enjoyable creative experience and is happy to share that love of needle arts with anyone who will listen.

She offers a full range of free downloadable classes in crazy quilting embellishing techniques on her blog. These were offered as free online classes; but now can be finished as a self-pace volume of instruction in Basic, Intermediate & Advanced techniques.

Kathy is happy to answer questions via her blog at shawk. Just leave a comment on any of the Dazzling Diamonds Sew-A-Long posts.