When I designed my first Moda Blockhead snowflake for the center of a quilt block, I knew there would come a time (or two) (...or more) when a block would not be conducive to a snowflake. Didn't really expect that to happen on Week 2!
The BH2 Block 2 – Buckeye Beauty – is an attractive block, but it doesn't really have room for a snowflake, unless I make four tiny snowflakes with size 40 crochet thread. Believe me, I was tempted!!!
I even toyed with the idea of making four of the 6.5-inch blocks with the same color on all four center corners and then appliquéing the snowflake over the seams. I fantasized about making all the components except those four center corners, then drafting and cutting a seamless block of one fabric for the center, making this block totally mine.
This block looks incredible when four are put together, and it's even better as a whole quilt full of colorful blocks.
However, one of the things I found most exciting about this year's Blockhead project is the varied block sizes, from 6.5 inches to 18 inches. Four 6.5-inch blocks would make a 12.5-inch block, and I don't want all the blocks to be 12.5 inches. I'd already be taking away a degree of the fun factor for me in just the second week. Plus, how awful a snowflake name would Buckeye be?!? YUCK!!!
Buck Eye... ha ha ha!!!
Long before the second Blockhead project kicked off, I'd dug out a couple of 12.5-inch blocks I thought I could throw into the mix in case there is a block I don't like. I expect that to happen eventually... I don't think I've ever liked EVERY block in EVERY sampler pattern I've undertaken.
The Dancing Diamonds block has been screaming out at me, and the block's name makes a magnificent snowflake moniker, too. Now, when the day comes I decide I want to do my own thing instead of the official BH2 block, I'm a week ahead of the game!
And if I end up liking all the BH2 blocks... I guess I have an orphan block perfectly suitable for another snowflake quilt. I don't think there is any such thing as enough snowflake quilts.
You may do whatever you'd like with snowflakes you make from this pattern, but you may not sell or republish the pattern. Thanks, and enjoy!
Finished Size: 2 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, size 7 crochet hook, empty pizza box, wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, water soluble school glue or desired stiffener, water, glitter, small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, clear thread or fishing line
Dancing Diamonds Snowflake Instructions
Make magic ring.
Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in ring, [ch 3, 2 dc in ring] 5 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2. Pull magic circle tight.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.
Round 2: [In next ch 3 sp work 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, ch 7, sl st in 2nd ch from hook (picot made), ch 5, sk next 4 ch, sl st in next ch, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc] 6 times; bind off. Weave in ends.
Finish: Tape wax paper or plastic wrap to top of empty pizza box. Pin snowflake to box on top of wax paper or plastic wrap.
If using glue, mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint snowflake with glue mixture or desired stiffener. Sprinkle lightly with glitter. Wash paintbrush and container thoroughly. Allow snowflake to dry at least 24 hours. Remove pins. Gently peel snowflake from wax paper or plastic wrap. Attach 10-inch clear thread to one spoke, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around tree branch (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch the snowflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Snowflake also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.
Linking up with Busy Hands Quilts and Confessions of a Fabric Addict and My Quilt Infatuation.
Can't always like them all, Buck Eye can make you stall? lol The fun factor is key, when it becomes waaaay too much like work, time to rethink it.
ReplyDeleteQuilting is my escape from work, Pat. :)
DeletePerfect execution of what is indeed a great snowflake name!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that the word Buckeye sounds fine to me - probably because I associate it with the beautiful state of Ohio. :)
Thanks, Sue! I have no Ohio connections, so that never would have dawned on me, but... I still don't think Buckeye is a catchy name for a snowflake. ;)
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