Block 10 - Big Bloom

The stitch along instructions and tips for Solstice Dream blocks include the needles and types of threads used in this project.  Thread colors are included in the pattern.  Book pages refer to those in the Right (or Left) Handed Embroiderer's Companion available in my Etsy shop.

This block is going to be so easy for you!  Let's get started with a new stitch, Pekinese.  We used the Double Pekinese for the flower petals on Block 3 and this is a more simple variation.

Flower - light purple:

The Pekinese Stitch (page 13) is a 2-step stitch beginning with a Back Stitch (page 10).  Thread a #24 Chenille needle with Dazzle thread to Back Stitch an outline along the top of the flower.

Tip: Don't make the back stitches too small.  Making them just a bit larger will make the next step easier. 

 Thread a #1 Milliner needle with Silken Pearl #5 and weave through the back stitches to complete the Pekinese Stitch.

Finish off the light purple with French Knots (page 94) scattered along the top.  Use a #24 needle threaded with Dazzle and just 2 wraps.

Flower - bright pink:

Thread a #1 Milliner needle with Silken Pearl #5 and outline the bright pink center with a row of Bullion Knots (page 18)

Flower center - dark purple:

Begin near the top edge of the dark purple center and work Cast-On Stitch (page 39) with a #1 Milliner needle and Silken Pearl #5.  About 1/4" below this row continue with another row.  Continue stitching 2 more rows of the Cast-on stitches about 1/4" apart.

Large Petals:
Inner Petal
Thread a #24 Chenille needle with Silken Pearl #5 and outline the inner petal with Crested Chain Stitch (page 58).  

 Tip:  There are multiple steps to the Crested Chain stitch.  Practice on a wool scrap with the Silken Pearl #5 to learn the size of the chain and the small stitch for the knot.  I made small stitches and yes, it took some practicing to get it just right. 

Outer Petal
With a #1 Milliner needle and Silken Pearl #5, outline the petal with Palestrina Stitch (page 117).

Leaves:
Create the vein in the center of the leaf with Fly Stitch (page 91 ) using Pearl Cotton size #5 in a #24 Chenille needle.  Using the same needle and thread, outline the leaves with Back Stitch (page 10).

The bees are stitched as explained in previous blocks.