Block 13 - Curvy Caterpillar

 
Caterpillars don't appeal to me in real life and I only like looking at them from a "safe" distance if they have interesting colors.  Although, I do love this curvy caterpillar making its way up the stem of the flower.

There are a few tricks to this block so let's get started.

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.

Flower:

Outline the flower in Buttonhole or Blanket Stitch (page 22) using Silken Pearl #5 and a #24 Chenille needle.  

Tip:  Notice in the above photo that I did the Buttonhole Stitch with the straight stitches extending out into the background.  Just a little different twist on this stitch.

Using a contrasting color of Silken Pearl #5 in a #24 Chenille needle, whip the Buttonhole (blanket) stitch.

Outline the inner flower with Bullion Knots (page 18) using Silken Pearl #5 in a #1 Milliner needle.

Beginning in the center of each small circle, make 8 Straight Stitches that extend towards the outer edge.  Begin each straight stitch in the center using a #24 Chenille needle and Dazzle, coming up in the same hole.

Outline each of the small circles with Back Stitch (page 10) using Silken Pearl #5 in a #24 Chenille needle. 

Stem:
I appliqued a length of small ric-rac from Painter's Threads in place for the stem. 

Leaves:
Outline all of the leaves in Chain Stitch (page 43) using Silken Pearl #5 in a #24 Chenille needle.

Fly Stitch (page 91) down the center of wings with Silken Pearl #5 in #24 Chenille needle.  I curved the Fly Stitch in the top leaves.  Whip along the center of the Fly Stitch with Pearl Cotton #5 in a #24 Chenille needle.

Caterpiller:
Thread two #1 Milliner needles with Silken Pearl #5, one with the red color and one with the yellow color.   Stitch Bullion Knots (page 18) along a section of the stem, alternating colors.  My bullion knots each had 10 wraps.

Tip:  There's no need to knot off the thread after each color bullion.  Just pull the thread out of the way at the back and make the next stitch.   

Make the caterpillar head by stitching 1 Bullion Knot in a dark Dazzle in a #1 Milliner needle.  Using the same Dazzle thread in a #24 Chenille needle, add small straight stitches for the legs.

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