Block #21 Progress

I continued to work on block # 21 this week.  Like I said in a previous post this block is a bit more delicate than the other blocks I have done.  So I had to figure out a way to make some 1/8 inch stems.  I didn't want to have to purchase yet another quilting tool and did some research.  Then I remembered a Pat Sloan podcast where a quilter on her show said she used cable ties as bias bars.  I wish I could remember her name, but I do remember she was from Australia.  So I headed out to my husband's work bench and yes there they were, thin black cable ties.  The reason they work is that they do not melt when you put them under your iron.

So I cut some bias strips 3/4 inch wide and folded them in half right sides facing out.

This photo shows the original strip, the strip after it is folded and stitched The final one is after the seam has been trimmed down.

I then stitched straight down them leaving enough on the folded side for the cable tie to fit.  I then trim the seam down as thin as I can.  The cable tie is then inserted and the seam is turned so that is on one side of the cable tie.

The bias strip threaded on the cable tie.

Pressing the stem after turning the seam to the backside.

 A light misting of starch and good press and whala 1/8 inch wide stems.  A few drops of glue and  press them in place and they are ready to stitch down.

It really made them quite easy to do and I was able to move on. Today I will working on the flowers. I am using the back basting method because some of the pieces are very oddly shaped and quite small.  I love this method cause it is a easy way to get pieces placed exactly where you want them.  Once the flowers are complete this block will need some embroidered stems and accents. I always loved doing simple embroidery as a child and am looking forward to those slow stitches.