Block 6 - Thorn Birds & Bees, part 2

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 the focal point of Solstice Dream containing so many elements of a garden right down to the fuzzy bees.  Let's not wait any longer to finish this block.

Bee Skep:

 It's easy to see in the above photo that I didn't mark the stitching lines on the skep.  If you want your lines perfectly straight start by drawing a line 1/2" from the bottom of the skep, and 4 more lines 1/2" apart.  A chalk pencil works well for this.

Thread a #1 Milliner with size 3 Pearl Cotton and stitch the 5 rows in Palestrina Stitch (page 117).  Using the same needle and thread, outline the bee skep with Back Stitch (page 10).

Fuzzy Bees: 
Whenever someone sees my Solstice Dream for the first time, they love the fuzzy bees and reach out to touch them.  These 4 bees are a real eye-catcher on this project.  Have you been worried about stitching the bees?  Don't be concerned, they are easier than you may think.

This bee looks quite naked withought his "fuzz", doesn't she?  With a #24 Chenille needle and Dazzle thread cover the head with Satin Stitch (page 132) and add 2 straight stitches for the antenna.

With a #24 Chenille needle and  Sheep's Silk thread, cover the bee body with Turkey Work (page 155) which is just a loop and straight stitch. You can also watch this helpful video.

Cover the bee body with loops.

 

 Cut the loops.

 

 Fuzz it up.

 

 Trim the fuzz to give a rounded shape.

 

Tip:  I used the point of my needle to fuzz up the threads by running it through the cut threads.  A bunka brush is made specifically for this but I find the needle or a small eyebrow brush works just as well.

 

Bunka Brush

Thread a #24 Chenille needle with Dazzle and add 2 Lazy Daisy (page 47) stitches to each side of the body for wings.

Ovals: 
Using a #24 Chenille needle and silken pearl #5, Fly Stitch (page 91) around the inner oval.  Inside each Fly Stitch, add a Lazy Daisy using the #24 Chenille needle and size 8 Pearl Cotton.

There you go! You have just completed the largest block on Solstice Dream.

Solstice Dream Stitch Along Class

 Join me for a fun day at My Girlfriend's Quilt Shoppe in Midway, UT on September 29, 2017.  I will be teaching stitches used to embellish Solstice Dream.  Bring your appliqued blocks and questions.  For price, time, and to register contact:

Jennifer or Teresa

My Girlfriend's Quilt Shoppe

435-654-2844

midway@mygirlfriendsquiltshoppe.com