Please Note: Throughout this project you will find many hints. They will help you complete the project.
Important: The pattern pieces DO NOT have a seam allowance included. You MUST add a 1/4” seam allowance BEFORE you cut out the pattern pieces.
Materials:
Fabric scraps – 5 colors, light to medium weight cotton or cotton blends
Felt scraps – white and green (Note: If you plan to wash this project do not use wool felt as it will shrink and the color may bleed. Chose instead a high quality synthetic felt.)
Embroidery floss for quilting
Buttons – 1 for the doorknob, 1 cat button, 2 1 1/4” for front straps, and buttons for the roof (I used 5 star buttons but use any buttons you find pleasing!)
Thread – for sewing machine or hand sewing
Pattern
(You will need a thin batting and backing but the size will depend on how you plan to finish the block. Wee Folk Art will include patterns for a pillow, a tote bag and a banner. Fabric and batting requirements necessary to complete those projects will be included in those patterns.)
Note: You will be using The Crooked Vine House Block instructions for making this block, however, MAKE SURE TO USE THIS PATTERN, LINKED TO ON THIS PAGE! Because the instructions are almost identical (changes are listed below in green) you can use the previously posted instructions for The Vine Crooked House to construct The Bush Crooked House Pattern.
Preparing the Pattern – Step 6
Cut out the pieces as follows:
Color A (sky) – 1, 3, 4, 10
Color B (house) – 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14
Color C (grass) – 15
Color D (roof) – 2
Color E (windows and door) – 6, 8, 13
White felt (cloud) – 16
Green felt (bush) – 17
Piecing the block – Row 1 – Steps 7, 9, and 15.
(In steps 7 and 9 the order of how you attach the pieces is different.
7] With right sides together sew piece 3 to piece 2. (Note: There are circles with numbers in them on each template which indicates which pattern piece, or pieces, that seam is meant to attach to.
9] Attach to piece 1 and iron seam.
Continue piecing the block together following steps 10 – 14
15] When you have finished your block, trim your block so it measures 12 1/2" x 12 1/2". (You will be cutting away approximately 1/2” around the entire block. This allows for slight imperfections while piecing the block together.)
AFTER USING THE VINE HOUSE INSTRUCTIONS FOR PIECING THE BUSH HOUSE, RETURN HERE FOR INSTRUCTIONS TO FINISH THE BUSH HOUSE.
Bush:
16] Using the pattern as a guide, embroider the bush as follows:
Flowers – lazy daisy stitch using 6 strands floss
Buds – French stitch using 6 strands floss
17] Using the pattern as a guide, position the bush and pin in place. Blanket stitch the bush to the house using 6 strands of floss.
Cloud:
18] Because the cloud over extends the block, you will need to wait until you have added borders before you applique your cloud on.
Buttons:
All buttons will be sewn on after you have finished quilting. Refer to pattern for placement.
Quilting the Block:
Decide on how you wish to finish your block. Wee Folk Art has instructions for setting the Crooked House blocks in a pillow, a tote bag and a banner. You may decide to finish it in a different way. But the quilting of the block will remain the same. You will need your finished block, a thin batting (I use an organic cotton batting) and a backing. Exact sizes will vary depending on how you finish the block.
I have included an illustration of how I quilted my block, but the choice is yours. Because the block is “busy”, I wanted my quilting to be subtle. To quilt I used 3 strands of floss in colors that matched my material. This gave the block dimension without creating extra detail. But have fun with your choices and make it uniquely your own!
