CQI UTS RR #2 - Sandy's Completed Block

This morning, I completed my work on Sandy Black's block.  I do hope she likes it!

Before this round robin began, I purchased a set of Stitcher's Revolution Iron-On Transfers SR10 Sailor's Delight. (I am not affiliated with the shop or product.)

Some of you were guessing which block I would choose. If you thought I was going to choose the other block, you would have been correct. However, I could not bring myself to cover the swordfish fabric print with this octopus. And I really wanted to add the octopus! Rather than ironing the transfer on, I used a chalk pencil and traced it onto the block. Then, I outlined the octopus with split stitches (so I would not accidentally rub the chalk markings off) before embellishing the seams.

When selecting colors to use on a block in a round robin, I look at the work the other ladies completed. The mermaid block Annette embellished had a fair amount of pink. The other blocks did not. Adding pink to my block would help make the blocks more cohesive as a group; so, I used pink DMC flosses (#3689 & #3354) and needle painted the octopus. Mill Hill Petite Glass Beads #42018 were added as the little suction cups on the tentacles. (This motif took roughly 10 hours to complete.) This fellow is far from perfect, but for my first octopus, I am not complaining!

Two shades of green Mill Hill Petite Glass Seed Beads were used to make this little beaded feather stitched coral.

I also added a couple of Take a Stitch Tuesday (TAST) stitches. So you may see this photo again in next Tuesday's post sharing examples of Fancy Bobbing Edging and the Pekinese Stitch.)

I traced a couple of the vine shapes from Sharon B.'s Crazy Quilt Template Set 2 for the seam with the sequin flowers. (I am not affiliated with the templates, but I did receive a set to review and love working with them!)

I also added two pieces of lace I received from Raviolee Dreams (I am not affiliated with the shop.) To help cover the raw edges where I clipped the lace, I added bullion stitched sea stars.

And I just love this little seahorse bead! I purchased it and the little sequin flowers from Thearica through the Crazy Quilting and Other Supplies Facebook Group. (Again, I am not affiliated with the shop.)

Here are all of Sandy's blocks together. The photos do not do them justice. Sandy, I do hope you like them! They will begin their journey home tomorrow morning.

Thank you all for stopping by!

Renee