BEES, BUTTERFLIES & BEETLES I

Bugs and insects and the like may seem an unusual subject for a crazy quilt round robin, but traditionally butterflies and beetles were “regulars” in vintage crazy quilts.   They were, of course, not as frequently stitched as the good luck spider, but were popular nonetheless.  This round robin was organized to practice and showcase the stitchers’ talent for stumpwork.  Stumpwork is generally defined as embroidery raised from the surface of the work to give it a 3-D effect.  Often it is stitched separately and then attached to the base piece (which, in this case is the block).  Our stitchers, as you will see, came up with many clever variations to depict bees, butterflies, beetles and other charming little bugs and critters.

The accomplished stitchers in this round robin were Diane M. (Canada), Cathy L (USA), Arlene (Australia), Janet (USA) and Meg (Uruguay).  

CATHY  L’S  BLOCK

Cathy’s Naked Block

Diane’s work on Cathy’s Block

Work by Janet

Arlene’s beetle - front view

Arlene’s beetle - back view

Cathy’s block with Meg’s work - Completed

DIANE’S BLOCK  

Diane’s Naked Block

Janet’s work

Diane’s block after Meg’s work

Arlene’s Beetle & ribbon trail

Entire block after Arlene’s work

Diane’s completed block after Cathy L’s work

ARLENE’S BLOCK

Arlene’s Naked Block

Beetle and flower by Cathy L

Bees and flowers by Cathy L

Butterflies and flower by Cathy L

Parade of beetles by Diane.  Bees and a butterfly, too!

Janet added lovely floral work and a big blue butterfly

After Meg’s additions in upper right and lower left,
here is Diane’s completed block

MEG’S BLOCK

Meg’s Naked Block

Stumpwork bee by Arlene

Another one of Arlene’s great stumpwork beetles

Meg’s block after Arlene

Lovely floral by Cathy L

More work by Cathy 

Meg’s block after Arlene and Cathy

Diane did this seam.  It’s a variation of (what else?) the FLY stitch

Beaded butterfly by Diane

Another seam and butterfly by Diane

Meg’s completed block

JANET’S BLOCK

Janet’s Naked Block

Beetle by Meg

Janet’s Block after Meg

Work by Arlene

Janet’s block after Meg and Arlene

Cathy L’s Work

Beaded butterfly by Diane

More butterflies by Diane

“The Showdown”  as playfully titled by Diane.  Great bugs!

Dianes block completed.
The ladies left room for Janet to add her final touches.