bee beautiful

A finished Quilt!

2011-08-10T19:20:00.001-07:00

Signatures are on the 3 squares that surround the center white square.

You Ladies are Awesome!!!!! Love, Love, LOVE it! My quilt will be living in my family room, to be snuggled under and gazed at over and over again. Thanks so much :)

Stephanie's Blocks... Finally!

2011-02-28T11:31:00.000-08:00

I've been so all over the place (mentally and literally!) that I completely forgot about Stephanie's blocks till last week. I'm REALLY sorry Stephanie!!!

I finished them last night! Yaaay! I kind of wanna keep them...

The first block was a breeze, and I'm glad I started with it.

The second block took a bit of math to figure out but it was definitely fun to work on. And I promise you that it's square... I don't know why it photographed all wonky like that!

And since the sig block had little bubble prints, I decided to sign within the bubbles lol I hope you don't mind that, Steph!

Anyway they'll be in the post today! Phew!

Bee-Hind.

2011-02-11T20:47:00.000-08:00

These are my last blocks for Bee Beautiful. Some of them have been finished for months and just sitting on the end of my ironing board, I started hoarding them like the rest of my fabrics! oops.

This was a great bee! You are all lovely ladies with endless creativity,

inspiring lives and projects.

Thank you for including me, I couldn't be happier with all of the great techniques I've learned and friends that I have made....

Keep your eyes peeled for my quilt as you go quilt that you all graciously contributed to... My plans for a queen sized quilt have faded (along with my QAYG stamina) and I hope to have a generous lap quilt for my couch in the next couple of months. How the heck did you do it Penny? You are a QAYG rockstar!

Vicki, Michelle, Amy and Stephanie- I hope you like your blocks! They were all fun to put together, gorgeous fabrics all around. I will be sending them out tomorrow morning, Monday at the latest. Thank you for your patience...

Thanks again everyone!

~erica

Half of the way there...

2011-01-31T13:30:00.001-08:00

I've received about half of my blocks so far, and I'm just so thrilled with all of these awesome squares!!! This is going to be one happy quilt, and I can't believe it will be mine! Thanks everyone :)

My Bee Blocks

2011-01-12T21:04:00.000-08:00

I am so happy with my Bee Blocks! Here's what I've got so far.

I will be sashing them with a lot more white, but here you can at least get a general idea of what's going on.

You all rock.

Happiest Days!

2010-12-24T15:29:00.000-08:00

h a p p i e s t d a y s

With warm thoughts, hugs and misses,

from my house to yours

And many great wishes

for a

sparkling

New Year

Natalie Barnes

b e y o n d t h e r e e f

Holidays - a time to catch up

2010-12-14T15:14:00.000-08:00

The holidays.

...a time for catching up.

With friends, with family...

With quilting bees?????

You betcha.

What better way to say you care?

After all, the bobbins have been wound, the machine has been oiled...

You're working on finishing all of your hand made gifts, right?

So - thank you, all of you in beebeautiful

for a wonderful year of new techniques, new fabrics and new friends.

Happiest Holidays

and

Happiest Days.

Natalie Barnes.

Late but Alive?

2010-12-08T16:29:00.000-08:00

Or perhaps I'm better off not admittting I'm still alive as I'm three months behind on the bee blocks and haven't visited my friends for ages! I wonder how many posts my Google Reader can hold before exploding. Sorry!

But I'm loving making the dresden - and that yellow/green fabric on the bottom right is fabulous. I just wish life would cooperate and understand that a non-crafting Angela is a very grumpy Angela.

December's Block: It's Hip to be Square

2010-11-29T17:29:00.000-08:00

It's December! I can't believe we've come to the last month of the bee, crazy huh?! Well, the time sure does fly when you're having fun! :)

Ok, onto the blocks...

I saw this quilt a while back (Jan 2010) on Rebekah's blog, it is made by the empty bobbin (don't know her actual name). I just fell in love with this!

Inspiration Quilt

So here's what I'm thinking...

I would love,

2 blocks measuring 12" square unfinished.

One block a very simple Log Cabin square, with one square surrounded by another square, surrounded by another and so on.

Example...

For the second I'd love it if you got a bit more creative and make a 12" block with multiple squares, as many squares as you'd like, or not very many, that's up to you.

Some Examples....

I prefer straight and simple compared to wonky.

The fabrics I chose are a few of my favorites with some coordinating yellow, blues, light gray and greens thrown in, and for some contrast Kona Charcoal and Kona white crush.

2 blocks I made

A little helpful tip... if you don't like math like me, I just made the first basic 12" square (mine is actually a tad larger then 12" and needs to be trimmed) then used that as a guideline for laying out my small squares. It was nice to be able to eyeball it, instead of doing the math to end up with a 12 inch square.

A few common questions:

1. SCRAPS:: Please send the scraps back, I plan to use them in the quilt, plus I had no idea how much fabric would be enough so I think I sent a lot.

2. SIGGY BLOCK:: I sent everyone a separate strip of fabric to sign your name on. I will use those strips to make one large square for the back.

3. ADDING FABRIC FROM YOUR STASH:: I'm trying to stay with the colors I sent you. You may add fabric from your stash that is modern and is a lemon yellow, pale gray, medium blue or lime green.

Any questions??????????????? There's a lot going on lately, so my brain is mush, I'm sure I've missed something :)

I'll be shipping your fabric out tomorrow! Happy Sewing :)

Log Cabin's for Amy

2010-11-29T17:21:00.000-08:00

Love the red fabrics, thanks for letting me play with them :)

Hope you like them Amy!

catching up little by little

2010-11-29T13:23:00.000-08:00

I'm still behind... but little by little I'm catch up on some bee blocks.

Vicki's block in progress

and a blurry photo of it done

Here is Vicki's block w/ the siggy block and sashing strips.

Michelle's block in progress

almost done... time for the hand sewing.

Amy's block #1

playing with fabrics to make a 2nd block for her

the result of block #2

Amy's blocks done.

Better Late Than Never... ?

2010-11-10T08:26:00.001-08:00

I owe a couple of people apologies! I'm super tardy on my September and October blocks because life has a way of bulldozing your safe, happy routine. So Vicki and Michelle, I'm really, really sorry!!! I hope you like your blocks :)

Vicki's block... so fun to do! And LOTS of points to match! I just loved all the saturated colours.

Michelle's block... I'd never made a dresden plate before (though I've wanted to for the longest time!) and this was both scary and fun to make. I ended up machine stitching it, and I'm really not great at curved sewing, so Michelle, please don't look at it too closely. Thanks, I appreciate it.

While we're at it, Vicki, don't look at yours too closely either :P

Amy's large block... I have a special place in my heart for the improv log cabin, so this was right up my alley :) I tried to keep them simple and clean while injecting some wonk here and there. I signed this one after I was done with the pics.

The smaller block... I went heavy on the MoMo with this block! It ended up being not so much smaller (like 11" unfinished) because I got carried away and didn't stop to check the sizing!

All the blocks will be on their way shortly!

- Audrie

playing catch up

2010-11-09T08:18:00.000-08:00

Vicki's Squares

Michelle's Dresden Plate

Amy's Drunk love/log cabins

I had a lot of fun playing with these different fabrics. I can't believe that we only have one month left to go. (And, Michelle and Amy, your blocks went out in the mail yesterday).

November Block for Amy

2010-11-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

Hello you wonderful people! Your fabric for the November block is on it's way! When I first joined this Bee last year I knew exactly what block I was going to do - until I saw the fabulous improv quilting you all do and I totally changed my mind. And so, at the risk of being Lady Redundant Woman, I am asking for Improv Log Cabin blocks!

I would really love 2 blocks each, if that's feasible. One that is 13.5" unfinished and one that is anywhere between 8-12".

I'd prefer more square than wonky.

I'm feeling like I sent way too much fabric. Use what you want and please return scraps.

I'm going to sash with Kona Snow. I've included a piece for you to use where ever you like including the outside edge if you want.

Feel free to use any of your own scraps, but please stick to the color scheme provided - mostly reds and browns with a little bit of golds, blues, and greens. (Think Momo, American Jane or Denyse Schmidt.)

Don't worry about a siggy block. Just sign or initial one of your bigger blocks.

Many thanks to everyone - I can't wait to see what you do!

Here's a little inspiration: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31159787@N04/galleries/72157625254903078/

Block for Michelle

2010-11-04T17:11:00.001-07:00

I love making dresden plates, but I've never made one with such large petals. I really love it, shows off each fabric so nicely, and what nice fabrics! I'll be mailing this out soon Michelle :)

Flowers For Fall Directions

2010-10-06T11:48:00.000-07:00

I thought long and hard about what I wanted to have done for my October block. It was difficult to decide because there were so many choices. In the end I chose the Dresden Plate block. I named my blog Dresden Quilter because the Dresden Plate block is one of the first blocks I made and quilted as a wall hanging over 14 years ago. I do not however, have a Dresden Plate Quilt.

The directions for the block can be found on Oh Fransson’s tutorial.

I do have a few differences. My block has only 12 petals and it is slightly larger so my background fabric is cut to 18 inches. I do not mind if it is hand or machine appliquéd. The tutorial has a few different suggestions for appliquéing the circle, and any one of those is fine with me. Neutral thread is probably best. I will be sending 15 petals so that you have a few extra to choose from. I would appreciate it if you could send the extras back.

For the signature block please use Rachel’s siggy block tutorial.

I am sending you a white 3 ½ square for it and I am hoping that you would be willing to use 2 scraps of your fabric that represent something about you.

Thank you so much for all of your inspiration and creativity. I am so excited to be finally having a Dresden Plate Quilt of my own!

Erica's Block

2010-09-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

I am realizing I never posted pictures of Erica's block from last month. This block was so much fun to put together. I loved the new technique (yet again, one I've wanted to try for ages and finally a good excuse to do so) AND I loved working with Erica's vintage fabrics. I even added a little piece of a vintage fabric of my own (Erica - you were the first person for whom I ever cut into this fabric!) It's the ABC print fabric.

My only regret is that I wasn't very good at judging the seam allowance and so I cut off parts that I didn't want to cut off. grr. I think I would do a better job next time. Thanks for letting me be your guinea pig, Erica!

...and mine, too.

2010-09-29T09:20:00.000-07:00

(please iron into submission upon receipt)

natalie.

Rainbow Connection

2010-09-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

Here is my September block for Vicki. As with some of the others I used 3 squares of my own fabric and also made 4 rows of sashing. I had to hide these squares from my daughter because she wanted all of them. I did cut some squares for her and she told me that it was not enough. Guess I will be cutting more! I will send this along in a couple of days with my October fabric.

1963

2010-09-28T06:41:00.000-07:00

Here is my block for Erica. I really enjoyed working with all of the different types of fabrics. I had done one small quilt along block before and this one was great to do. I am getting my packages ready for October, so I will them along together.

Precision Counts

2010-09-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't help but start with this pic.

Because it reminded me of the "bright, cheery, colorful" that is in this month's block!

Will you just look at all those great fabrics, those great colors!

Yowza.

Finally, this late in the month, I opened my package to find quite a lot of

VERY TINY

blocks.

I worked on layout, and then it was time to sew.

How do you approach your precision piecing?

That's my question to all of you.

With pieces this small, I chain pieced rows, keeping threads intact.

What about the rest of you?

Of course, now, comes the real test...

Thanks for another fun month of sewing!

natalie.

I also made the four strips of 8 blocks each, and a siggy block.

I added the additional blocks from my own stash at the end of the rows

in case they are not to your liking and you want to remove them...

A block for Vicki

2010-09-21T16:59:00.000-07:00

I decided to follow Angela's tip and use three of my own scraps, which left me with enough squares to sew my siggy block and make 4 strips of 8.

I love all this bright happy color. So cheery :)

Vicki's Rainbow

2010-09-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

I finished up Vicki's block quickly - or I would have been too tempted to keep all those lovely 2" squares myself!

I added three squares from my stash and was excited that it seemed to be the perfect number. I had just the right amount to make your block, the signature block, and sew up four complete strips of eight for sashing.

Already in the mail back to you.

Late Start September

2010-09-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

Hi friends! I finally got everyone's packages in the mail today! Sorry I am so late with this--I wasn't feeling well and then also had out of town company, but now things are heading back towards normal. Please don’t feel like you have to rush to get the block back to me by the end of the month!

I have sent each of you a bunch of 2” squares. The block is simple: sew the squares into a block that is 6 squares across and 6 squares down. I will trim them (if needed) and add the white strips later.
*Please no interfacing; I don't want the extra weight from interfacing in some but not all blocks.
*Press your seams to one side rather than open--if some blocks have seams pressed open and some are pressed to the side, there could be small variations in the size of the finished blocks. (you could ask how I know this...)
*I would love it if each of you would include one or a few 2” squares of your own fabric choice in your block. Please avoid very pale pastels or prints with a large amount of white; also no browns or brownish colors please and thank you! (My sample block, pictured here, has more white and pale pastels than I’ve decided I want in the finished quilt, just FYI.)
*Use whatever thread you have on hand that you feel is appropriate.
*For your signature block, please sew together 3 squares, press the seams, and then sew the strip of squares to the white 2”x5” rectangle I’ve included. Sign your name on the white. :)

*You will have some left over squares. You can either send them back to me or sew them into strips of 8 squares (I’d love it if you do this.) The sashing in between the blocks will be made of strips of 2” squares.
*I only need one block from each of you--thanks so much!

I'm done, too!

2010-09-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

Perfect timing with the new quilt along starting up next week over at Heather's!

I'm so glad we got to try this out. I'm not sure I like the huge dust bunnies that form, so I'll probably back them with muslin when I make my own.

Your fabrics are just fabulous, Erica!

Erica's blocks

2010-09-01T05:38:00.000-07:00

Working with these vintage feedsacks and prints was such a treat, Erica! Every new piece I added to the quilt was like unearthing a new flea market find.

I definitely had to incorporate this little strip that says "Patchwork Love."

I'm adding one of these style quilts to my ever-growing to do list now! Thanks for letting me play with your amazing fabric, Erica!

Blocks for Erica

2010-08-31T16:19:00.001-07:00

Thanks Erica for making me try these blocks, not sure if I would have otherwise. I really do like the idea of quilting as you go, although I would've had more fun making these blocks if my sewing machine would've been behaving. I hope you like them! I really loved looking at all your neat fabric, very cool stuff.

Especially this one. What is it? Is it from some sort of feedbag or something? Those cherries are just too cool!

Natalie's blocks.

2010-08-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

Despite my inability to send these blocks out in a timely fashion, I did finish them early in July and had a great time doing so :) I'm sure by now you've all heard that I have spent the last month moving and settling into a new home. It's been crazy and fun all at the same time. I still have studio boxes to unpack and shelving to erect, but it is feeling like home.

Natalie, you chose awesome fabrics to work with... I've made about 500 or so Hope Valley hexies, so this line feels like home...thanks :)

I can't wait to see all of your progress on your August blocks. Are you all mad at me for choosing a quilted block for the hottest month of the year? If ya are, I apologize!

Take your time girls....there is no rush :)

Have a great Monday.

Quilt it!

2010-08-08T15:18:00.000-07:00

Another month.

Another technique.

Before you know it, your month has come and gone,

and it's time to work with Erica's fabric, Erica's project - - what fun!

I am nothing if not resilient.

No matter how many needles I break.

(I'm up to three snapped needles, and I've only finished two blocks)

And of course the fabric - - most of it vintage

is nothing to experiment with.

I have stacks of feed sacks I have never been able to cut up...

But that's the great thing about being in an online bee.

Stretching your limits.

Learning new techniques.

And finding those quilting muscles you never knew you had.

Thanks, Erica.

natalie.

(it's off to put in another needle and finish the last block)

pieced & quilted with

Weeks Dye Works hand over dyed Quilting Collection

size 40 - 100% cotton thread

Isn't it still July?

2010-08-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I don't know where the month went. Oh well...a little late, but they're done now, and so pretty, just love these fabrics. They will be mailed tomorrow Natalie :)

August block directions.

2010-08-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

To say that the last few weeks were hectic would be an understatement. I just moved to a new house about a mile up the road from where I was, which makes for many trips back and forth. I am not quite settled yet and most of my studio is still in boxes. Anyone wanna come help me unpack? It could be fun...

So if you haven't already received your supplies for this block, you should expect it today or Monday. Each of you were sent a 15" square of warm and white batting, I have marked a 6.5" chalk square in the "middle" of each of the blocks. Because I love lists so well, I will list the directions...

1. Begin with the little baggie of scraps, this determines if your block has a light center or a dark center. The block shown here has a dark center :)

2. Choose one for the center and work your way out, trimming your center fabrics to just within the chalked square.

3. Please use an off white thread. (If you only have white that's fine too!)

4. Feel free to use your own fabrics too, I would love some more text fabrics :)

5.Don't bother trimming the threads on the back of the block, I can do that later (if I do it at all)

6. Don't think too much, it's supposed to be scrappy and haphazard!

7. Penny has an awesome tutorial that I suggest you refer to before making this block. make sure you get to part II of the tutorial that explains sewing the block.

8. Just trim the fabric around the edges of the finished block, I am not yet sure if I'll be trimming them further at a later time.

9. Use only RED, YELLOW, GREEN, BLUE, BROWN, WHITE, BLACK, GREY fabrics if you wish to use your own. (please no candy colors like pink, purple, lime)

10. SIGNATURE: You've all gotten a piece or two of the "lined paper" fabric, I'd love it if you sign or stamp or embroider that fabric and work it into your block. You can see mine above, I've given you extra "lined paper" fabric, so you have a little wiggle room for mess-ups.

11. Have fun and take your sweet time getting them back to me.

12.Do what you want with leftover fabric...keep it or send it back

I can't wait to see your blocks!

Thanks again,
erica

Not Little Miss Muffet

2010-08-06T06:58:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed making these Spiderweb blocks. They were much more enjoyable to make than the Spiderweb blocks I made last summer for a Halloween block swap. I did not get frightened away like Little Miss Muffet, and would love to make my own Spiderweb quilt some day. I mailed these out at the end of July. Thank you Natalie for the inspiration.

quilting bee beautiful friends

2010-08-03T21:59:00.000-07:00

quilting bee

bee beautiful

beautiful friends

I recently purchased a small farmhouse table

from a friend's shop in LA

I recently had friends come and stay

at the house - they brought me sunflowers

I recently found on sale

two great big deep transferware plates

I recently found two packages

in my mailbox

And so I created a still life

full of friends

thank you

natalie.

walking in the spiderwebs

2010-07-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

These were fun to make--it's been great having this group challenge me, push me to make things outside of my comfort zone.

Natalie, you only sent me 3 pieces of your special paper, so I used a piece of normal printer paper for one of my block halves.

I made this for the Alzheimer Quilts group:

It might be a little while before I quilt it and send it off, but I won't wait too long.

Natalie's Blocks

2010-07-26T05:46:00.000-07:00

I had a marathon bee block making session on Saturday and made these three blocks for Natalie's quilt. I've got a set of Hope Valley fat quarters in my stash and now the wheels are turning for a new quilt or project to made with this pretty fabric line. Thanks for the inspiration Natalie!

I LOVE snail mail!!

2010-07-09T18:48:00.000-07:00

While I love receiving mail

in this mail box

While I love how email has reunited me with so many

and flung my doors wide open

to others

I do

LOVE

snail mail

Just LOOK at what Chuck the postman

brought me today!!!

Thank you Angela.

(no siggy block?)

BeginAgain

Natalie.

Drunk love for Neptune

2010-07-07T07:47:00.000-07:00

I know how much Julie loves Tula Pink, so I felt really special getting to use Neptune to make blocks for her. It was my first time working with Neptune and I must say I fell in love. All the blocks are so beautiful. I hope mine will fit in nicely.

Jack and the Tulip

2010-07-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

I originally thought about naming this last, but hopefully not least! I have had a crazy 6 weeks, but luckily things are slowing down now. I could not bear to cut up Jack so he has become the centrepiece of the tulip. I hope you like it Penny!

Will you do my dirty work?

2010-07-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

After a ton of consideration (nearly 7 months), I've decided that I'd like to have a little help with my quilt as you go (QAYG) blocks. I guess I'm just checking with all of you first to see if that's OK. The end of July and early august will be very busy for me, so I'd like to get the fabric packaged up soon.

Penny, can you stand to do another one? ha. If you haven't checked out Penny's quilt or her tutorial and quilt-along....check it out! You can find it here. If you go to Penny's home page and follow the tutorial and patterns button, you'll find instructions for the Quilt As You Go Quilt Along. Please keep in mind that most of the dirty work will be done for you... I will send the batting and fabric and the center square will be marked for you. You can just sew with reckless abandon.
So what do you think? Is this OK with all of you? It will cost a few more pennies to ship because it will include the batting but I don't think it will be outrageous.

I plan to make a queen sized quilt out of this so I will need about 50 some blocks. I know that I will love and cherish this quilt forever so I'd like a little bit of you all in it.
Please let me know two things: 1. Is sewing this block together cool with you?

2. would you like supplies for 1 or 2 (or more) blocks? :)

Thanks Ladies! After I hear from a majority of you I will let you know more details....

thanks again!

The 4th of July

2010-07-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

Happiest 4th of July

Happiest Summer Days

natalie.

2010-06-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

I used Neptune on one of my first quilts and loved it. Poor Becket has a mod Bento Box in Neptune that's been sitting in pieces for ages.

It reminds me of Hawaii - and the honu that I love. So it's fitting that the first thing I make when I FINALLY turn my machine on since we left for Hawaii more than a month ago - is a Neptune block for Julie.

It was a wonderful way to get back into the groove!

...the early bird...

2010-06-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

...I didn't mean to be so early with my July blocks...

(and Julie has hers done already?!?!??)

it's just that July

such a busy month

It's summer in Cali

Summer International Quilt Festival

and all that

BUT

so many of you were kind enough to help me select a color scheme

so many of you were so fond of this color scheme

so I thot I'd share

(after all, I did cut all of the strips for twelve peeps)

You're just going to have to visit again some time in August

to see the finished quilt

Thanks to Denyse Schmidt's quilt for inspiration

and thanks to all of you for your input

it's nice to know I can rely on you

all of you

natalie.

More Neptune Love

2010-06-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

At the risk of sounding rather unoriginal, Julie I loved working with this Neptune!

S0 darn pretty. This quilt is going to be amazing.

And yes, the blocks are square. They only look like parallelograms.

measure twice, cut once. or not.

2010-06-25T14:42:00.000-07:00

Here you go, Julie! I adore this fabric line. The colors are so pretty together. Oh, and the Kona crush fabric? I totally love it. So soft and cushy. I might have to get some for the sashing in my 9-patch quilt.

I made the bottom block (with the seahorses) first, and near the end of the process, I trimmed a bit to square it up and ended up making the block 1/8" too short! So I trimmed some more and added another strip. Now you would think that wouldn't happen again, right? Well, it didn't, not exactly. What I did though was cut the very last strip 1/4" too narrow. Sigh. I didn't want to chop and add this time, so I unpicked it and remade the strip in a wide enough width.

I can't wait to see all the blocks together, it's going to be so gorgeous!

co-simpatico

2010-06-25T00:40:00.000-07:00

I didn't get what all the neptune fuss was about, until I started putting these blocks together for Julie. I love how the fabrics contrast each other, really helping one another to shine. It's a co-simpatico relationship!

And now I've ordered a few neptune prints of my own!

I hope you love them Julie......

Ok... I'm in love!

2010-06-22T16:21:00.000-07:00

My first impression of this fabric... I admit, it's not exactly my style. Although, after cutting, arranging, sewing and seeing my creations...

Well... I don't want to send them back!
You won't miss these, will you Julie?

July is Natalie's Month

2010-06-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

I'm just so excited it's my month!!

I will keep the tealturqgreygreen for another day - after all, it's all cut and ready to sew!!

Thanks to Julie, once again, for this inspiration.

Or Tallgrass Prairie Studio.

Or quiltville.com

Or Quilt-it

There are a lot of different techniques out there - this one is foundation pieced, flip and sew.

Your toolbox - rotary cutter/mat, square ruler, basic grey thread & loaded bobbins, scissors, straight pins, iron

oh, and patience.

In your package - special beyond the reef foundation paper, strips and extra fabric - I hope enough fabric...

I suppose the key to the accurate points is placement of the first grey piece - centered on the foundation paper.

So, step one, center grey on center of paper and secure (I sunk a straight pin in the grey)

Trim your strips to a length that covers the paper, starting a pile of smaller pieces to use on the points.

With scant 1/4" seam, sew first strip to grey, right sides together.

That's it, I think, for accuracy. That, and getting that first fabric all nice and centered.

At this point, I am a chain stitchin' kinda girl.

It's right sides together, check strip length and trim, sew.

strip, trim, sew...strip, trim, sew.

My favorite part of a project.

the fabric, the machine, the tools

the peaceful rhythm

See, I forgot a step - finger press, or for me, I use a wooden ceramics tool

to flip those strips over and get them nice and flat, ready for the next strip.

Repeat peaceful sewing of strips until paper foundation is covered.

Trim block to paper - I used a large square ruler to be sure things were - ahem - square.

Leaving foundation paper intact, sew two 'half square triangles' together.

I used those pins to line up the points - you all have your own technique.

And that's why you're making these blocks, not me!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Miscellaneous

Make one, make two, either way I'm a happy girl.

Siggy block...how about a 4-6" 'Stella's Punch Drunk Love"?

Add fabric? Denyse Schmidt, just a strip or two to personalize it, if you like.

Embellishments, stitching, stuff? No thanks - next time.

Finally, if there are strips left, please make an Ami Simms Priority Quilt for auction.

If you don't have time for this part, just return unused/unwanted fabric with the block; thanks.

NEXT

b e y o n d t h e r e e f

Summer International Quilt Festival

July 23-25

Hey, wait a minute...

that's right around the corner!!!

Girlfriends...the tool for getting your points to match!!

2010-06-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

I can't get my points to match.

And since next month - July - is my month

I thought you could help?

(sorry folks, this post is all about me)

I would never ever in a million years make these blocks for myself.

But I fell in love with Julie's new spider-whatcha-call-it quilt.

And being a part of a bee means that one month a year, you get someone

to sew with on the project of your choice.

Actually 11 other someones.

I love Denyse Schmidt fabrics.

And thanks to Audrie I have a collection of the new Denyse Schmidt fabrics

Grey is my new black.

Grey/aqua/teal/acidgreen is my favorite.

I'd love to have 12-1/2" blocks, but I think I would like to have you practice

my sharp piecing

on some specialty product I am developing.

(shhh, it's a secret...)

Which means 7-1/2" blocks for now.

Now, all I have to do is decide between teal, grey, green

and

Denyse Schmidt

Whaddya say? Please weigh in...the fabric'll be sitting in your in box, so I figure you should have a say.

Truly, the key to sharp piecing and getting your points to match?

GIRLFRIENDS

natalie.

A tulip for Penny.

2010-06-12T20:49:00.000-07:00

This is what I get for being so smug last month about keeping up.

Penny, I'm sorry I'm so behind this month! This guys is on his way.

I hope you will love your flower - it was a pleasure to make it.

Another quilt I can't wait to see.

Rebekah's Scrappy Log Cabin Quilt

2010-06-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

Thank you all so much for contributing to this quilt!

It was so much fun to see how my pile of scraps from old projects were turned into these beautiful blocks.

The colors and patterns are wild and crazy, and while I could have added sashing between to tone things down, I decided to sew each block directly together for a true patchwork look. This quilt is a birthday present for a hippie and color loving person and I know that she'll love the craziness of it.

I started with the 20 blocks that you all sent me and then I added five blocks of my own to make it a square quilt. The final size is about 55" x 55."

Thank you all so much for contributing to this quilt! I know that my cousin will have lots of fun examining each of the fabrics in this (she's going to school for fashion design). Now I'm just catching a few more peeks at this before I have to wrap it up and give it away.

To Julie with love...

2010-06-10T14:35:00.000-07:00

These are not my colors.

This is not my fabric.

It's hard to work with OPF sometimes.

I know, you've heard me say, it's such a treat to work with OPF.

But.

Now you all know I love Julie.

She's one of my peeps. She is a great help in the booth at beyond the reef.

She is a fabulous quilter, designer, she has a great 'style' of her own too.

So.

I just gotta go with this project - in I go...

I cut the fabric - well most of it.

I start sewing.

I have to cut more fabric.

.....daaaang.....

These blocks are looking pretty great!

(the colors, you guys - not the blocks, well, the blocks are coming along too)

But, daang, Julie!!!

These are coming together!!!

So I decide to keep sewing.

Then I think - wait.

"Punch Drunk Love"

Hmmmmm.

Now I'm not sayin' anything here - not promoting the use of any distraction while using heavy machinery...

But I just couldn't stop sewing!!!

I did a partial punchdrunklovewithpiecedcenterblock

just because at this point

I'm lovin' this project - I'm lovin' the tulapink fabrics

I'm thinking,

Yep.

this Julie knows her stuff!!

Thanks for letting me out of my box.

Out of my comfort zone.

Again.

Natalie.

Blocks For Julie

2010-06-09T08:25:00.000-07:00

I loved putting these blocks together... definitely the style I feel most comfortable with :)

I left the centre of the block pretty large because I couldn't bear to cut it any smaller. Love that submarine.

I seem to like doing the right angle blue lines. Oops. I only realised this after the fact!

I fussy cut the turtle print because Angela had been talking about turtles after her Hawaiian trip so I had turtles on the brain :)

The siggy block is about 5.25" square and fairly simple, in keeping with the other two blocks. (I promise the sides are all straight... I don't know why that right side looks so wonky.)

Julie, I had fun doing these, and working with Neptune was a joy :) Plus I really liked that Kona Crush! So squishy! Hope you like the blocks!!

-- Audrie

drunk love for julie.

2010-06-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

Here they are Julie!

I loved working with these fabrics, the colors are great and will be gorgeous for a bedroom! I am sorry that I didn't completely follow the directions; it was only when I went looking for signature block directions that I noticed your request for simple and clean blocks. I hope these aren't too busy! And if they are, I kindly ask some of you who haven't started your blocks yet to maybe tone it down. :) I guess I was trying to cram all of those pretty little bits in each block.

I put them in the mail today, so you should get them by the weekend!

Thanks for sending such fun fabrics!

Julie's Blocks

2010-06-06T07:05:00.000-07:00

Julie gave me my first chance to work with Tula Pink fabrics. It's only fitting that Julie is my first introduction to Tula Pink, right? I think she may have a new Tula Pink convert here in Michigan now! My favorite fabrics of the bunch are the green hexagons and the cute little anchors. Jon likes the navy wave fabric because it reminds him of a Hokusai painting.

I made this block first and started to freak out a little that I wouldn't have enough fabric to make two blocks.

Then, I discovered a giant piece of white fabric folded up nicely under some other prints (whew, thanks Julie!), and I was able to make another block too.

Here's all three blocks together, including my siggy block made with leftover bitty scraps. These are going in the mail tomorrow, Julie.

Penny's Block

2010-06-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Tulips are my absolute favorite flower! It's a shame they don't last longer. I was so excited when Penny first showed this block on her blog and happy to have the chance to make a block for her in the bee.

I think the center section is my favorite part of the flower. It looks a lot like popsicle colors to me, which is perfect for these hot summer days.

Sorry it's so late, Penny! June appeared out of nowhere around here. It's going in the mail first thing tomorrow.

tulip time.

2010-06-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

I had a great time putting this tulip together for Penny. I love this style of piecing, thanks ladies for turning me on to it! Between the long weekend, travel and thunderstorms I had to wait until the sun was bright enough for a photo shoot. Thanks for your patience, Penny!

I'm certain this quilt will be a show-stopper when it's all put together. All of the blocks I've seen so far have been gorgeous! Thanks for sending such pretty fabrics to play with Penny! I'll get this in the mail today or tomorrow :)

penny's flower

2010-06-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

penny i finished your flower!

and i didn't burn any fingers in the process!!

this block is not something i'd usually make...

so thanks for making me try something new!

{your block is on its way to you.. with the fabric for my month!}

it's june?

2010-06-03T06:02:00.000-07:00

time flies sometimes i guess!!

so it's june...
and i did it...

i cut up some of my beloved neptune stash!!!

and it's in the mail..

and on the way to you!

so what block do i want?

i want blocks inspired by denyse schmidt's quilt drunk love!

DRUNK LOVE for JUNE!

What size quilt block do you want your bee partners to make?

-It would be great if you could make blocks that are 13.5" {so 13" finished}

Can your partners use any of his/her own stash fabric to use in your quilt block? If so, are there any limitations?

-Please only add in Fabrics from Neptune by Tula Pink if you have them in your stash.

Is there a specific color of thread (white/off white) you want your partners to sew with?

-Anything Neutral works

Does your partners have to use at least a little bit of every fabric you send or can your partners decide?

-I've sent lots of fabric. Please try to use some part of the layer cake squares i sent as you may be the only person that got a specific fabric. Also please do not have any of the light blue kona crush in your last “ring” as that is the fabric I’ll be using for sashing. {See image below}

Do you have a general theme or is it up to your partners to decide? Are there any specific themes that you do NOT want in your quilt block? Likes/dislikes?

-I'd like blocks in the style of Denyse Schmidt's Drunk Love. As was said to me in another bee

“I like simple, clean blocks (less is more) Wonky or straight is just fine. I love to see everyone's style come through with this type of block!”

Will you allow any embellishments on the quilt block (i.e. embroidery, raised items such as yo-yos or fabric origami)?

-Please do not add any embellishments

Can you link us to any flickr photos that you would like us to use as inspiration for your quilt block?

-Please see below for photos & links to inspiration

If your partners are super motivated and are able to make two blocks out of the fabric you send, would you accept more than one block from your partners?

Yes please!... i'll need 25 total blocks for my final layout.. so the more the better. {but no pressure}

Do you want your partners to return any leftover larger size scraps to you when they return the completed blocks or can they keep them for their own scrap stash?

-Please Pleas return the extras & scraps... I'm going to make a few more blocks to add to the quilt!... and this is neptune after all... my most favorite fabric line ever!

siggy blocks

please make a "mini" drunk love block... i'd say in the 4" - 6" range... using some of the white kona crush i included in the block somewhere... and sign the white part. i'll be piecing the backing with these. please don't sign your actual blocks for the front.

thanks!!

Let me know if you have any questions!

my overall layout plan

i hope to make my quilt queen size for my bed!

a quick photoshop of what it could look like

{these blocks are all straight... because it was fast to do in photoshop that way... see photos below for inspiration!}

denyse schmidt drunk love quilt

ashley's request for drunk love on bee imaginative

here are some inspiration photos from flickr!

sewdeerlyloved

thank you all!!
;-)

Block For Penny

2010-06-02T13:47:00.001-07:00

I pooped myself the entire time I was working on this block. It was not a pretty sight.

I knew I could do this, but I was scared. Scared that I'd make a mess of it. Scared that I'd read the instructions wrongly and end up with something completely horrific. Just plain ol' scared.

But I have to say... It wasn't half as scary as I thought it'd be. I'm not saying it came out perfectly (Penny, I'm sorry it looks like it was sewn by a 5-year-old)... far from it. But it started to get fun by the middle, and by the end, greatly satisfying.

After finishing the block, it dawned upon me that I didn't mind the machine applique. The part I didn't like was turning the edges in 1/4 inch. That was sooooooo tedious. And I always think I'm going to iron my fingers or cook my fingers with the steam gushing out. I like to complain, don't I?

I added a couple of my own fabrics because I stupidly chopped up most of the scraps, not realising that I'd need much longer strips than I thought.

Penny, I hope you like it and I'm so sorry for the delay!

-- Audrie

there's a quilt block in there somewhere...

2010-05-30T21:17:00.000-07:00

I know my month isn't until July

but I have been giving this block thing a lot of thought

for those of you following along, by now you realize

I'm in pretty fast company

the

beebeautifulquilt

participants

are really really really talented quilters

and even tho I have my block fabrics cut and ready to send

(can you tell I'm excited)

I am now thinking there is so much more I'd want from each of you

other than what I have selected

so many quilts

so many talented girlfriends

you just can't pick just one

(girlfriend or quilt, that is!!)

natalie.

...or maybe something more geometric...

My Flower for Penny

2010-05-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

I kind of procrastinated this. Then I started it without remembering the directions. Then I looked at them and continued doing it "right."

I like how it turned out. Edge stitching the applique down was a good feeling for some reason.

I like the little piece of Happy Camper fabric I got. Are we supposed to send scraps back?

Happiness is a Bloomin' Flower

2010-05-21T23:03:00.000-07:00

I didn't want to do it.

The block.

Then when I did,

I didn't want to sew it down by machine.

Especially with white thread.

(I didn't even HAVE white thread)

And then?

I fell in love with it.

It's a great block.

And I, for one, can't wait to see all the blocks together

in a quilt top!!!

Again, here I go down this same path - now, I want to make my own

big old bloomin' blocks!!

Thanks Penny for broadening my horizons.

natalie.

A happy tulip

2010-05-12T14:39:00.001-07:00

I finished up Penny's pretty flower and sent it on its way already! Just noticed you can see my ironing board under the white.

Glad I got it done quickly, my machine just threw a fit and is skipping stitches horribly. I had to take it to the 'Sewing Doctor' as Becket said. Hope it's back soon!

Good thing I've started making hexagons, huh?

A Tulip for Penny

2010-05-11T10:38:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I just received Penny's package yesterday, and well... all I can say is it must be the florist in me, because I couldn't wait to make this pretty flower :) I used some of my own fabric, and yes the seam ripper made one appearance... note: take the background fabric to a well lit area to be sure you have the correct side before sewing, oops. Hope you like it Penny!

Blocks Received So Far

2010-05-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

Natalie, ask and you shall receive :) A picture of all the blocks I have so far... including mine, that's 13.

I love love love how this quilt's coming together! I thank you ladies for making it possible :)

-- Audrie

Audrie's Blocks

2010-05-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

I thought Audrie was crazy to set us up with so pre-cut pieces to make a block, but now I'm very thankful that she put so much prep into her blocks.

I was worried about getting this block to work out after hearing lots of complaints from all of you. I took things slowly and I only had to rip out one seam, so there are no complaints from me for these blocks. :) They went out in the mail today so please pardon my tardiness!

Audrie's blocks

2010-05-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

These were in the mail before the end of April (barely) but I keep forgetting to post the pictures.

Your quilt is going to be amazing, Audrie!

If only May would have come 7 or so days later......

2010-05-04T18:30:00.000-07:00

But it didn't.
And now I'm busy finishing up the final touches to get everyone's fabrics in the mail by Thursday. Thanks everyone for being so patient with me!

Ok, so here it is:

May's block is the gargantuan tulip. I got the idea from the Material Obsession Two book.

I will be sending everyone:

an 18 inch square white background fabric

two side petal pattern pieces

one middle petal pattern piece

scraps for the petals (these will be all colors BUT green)
green scraps for the stem and leaf

Please do not use any green scraps in the petals, but only on the stem and leaf. Feel free to use some of your own scraps if you like, but if you don't, that's fine too!

You can arrange your tulip on the block however you like.

Please keep any leftover scraps that you would like.

Please sign your tulip on the leaf instead of sending siggy blocks.

This block is MACHINE applique'd, not hand. Yay!!

Here's a how-to for this block:

These are the paper pattern pieces I will be sending to everyone. The seam allowance is already included in each pattern piece.

Sewing the fabrics right to the paper, using a similar technique to this or this, cut and arrange your fabrics to your liking onto the paper pieces. The fabrics don't have to be straight strings, feel free to get creative with it! *tip, make sure you sew the fabric to the opposite sides of the two end petals so they will fit on either side of the center petal.

Trim excess fabric around the paper pattern:

Next, free-form your stem and leaf however you like and turn under the edges about 1/4 inch and press.

**edited to add (and thanks Angela for bringing this up :), please do not use interfacing for any of the pieces. And seriously, don't feel like your edges need to be perfect. Mine are far from perfect, but I think this imperfectness will add to the charm of the overall quilt**

Remove the paper backing from the petal pieces, following the instructions in the tutorial(s), and then turn under about 1/4 inch and press both edges of the center petal. For the two side petals, you only need to turn under and press the outside edges and the top (since the inside edge will be tucked under the center petal).

Arrange your pieces to your liking on the block:

Then remove the center petal and pin down the stem and two side petals. Using a straight MACHINE stitch and white thread, machine stitch the stem down first (close to the edge), then the two side petals down.

Now place the center petal and leaf back down, pin, and straight edge-stitch them in place.

Yay! You're done!

(sorry about the lengthy instructions!)

thanks again everyone for your patience with me!

Tool Time Girl

2010-05-04T17:10:00.000-07:00

Lookey what I found!!!

The story goes like this:

I wanted to try Julie's hexagons, so I purchased this template.

Wrong one for Julie's blocks, but lookey, lookey - right one for this month's blocks!!

So I trimmed the strips to 5-1/2" inches (actually just a little greater than...)

And went to town on - oh, sorry, LAST month's blocks.

Here are the blocks - - in tomorrow's mail, I promise!!

Thanks for waiting.

Natalie.

Pretty Pretty Pretty!

2010-04-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

The blocks I have so far are making my head spin! They're so gorgeous sitting together like that! :)

I love the blocks and I love you guys for toughing it out and doing them despite wanting to cause me bodily harm.

Vicki sent me a little pressie in her package! How'd you know I love Orla Kiely! lol! Thanks Vicki! :) It was very, very sweet of you!

-- Audrie

angela & audrie!

2010-04-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

march was crazy..
but angela told me not to worry..
i finally had some time over the weekend to work on her blocks..

and i ended up making 2 for her.

first i started with a square... and built around it..
and around.
i made the last border in different widths so it ended up being off center.
i like this one a lot!!

and for the second i started similar..

but then got a bit more "free" with my piecing.
i sewed the greys together with the green & white dot..
and then chopped them into strips.. and so on.
last step was adding the blues..
i just love the blue on blue dots!

then it was time to work on audrie's blocks.
and i had similar issues that other people did.
and let me just say.
audrie you are lucky i like you.. and fought through the bias for you!!

they aren't perfect.
but i think they look good!

and like i said on my blog...

"i'll never make this block again."

"sometimes bees inspire you to make blocks

and sometimes you learn what you don't want to make"

audrie's block, one of two.

2010-04-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

Well, hopefully. This block came together rather painlessly, over three weeks ago! I LOVE the style of these blocks...this is going to be an awesome quilt. I used one or two little pieces of my own scraps I'm sure you'll spot it, Audrie. I had so much confidence going into the second block a few days after the first. I didn't re-read the instructions. Instead, I turned on my Pandora Internet radio really loud and dove in with an air of fearlessness that turned out to be my downfall. I was so caught up in piecing that I just kept adding my wedges in a clockwork fashion. Of course, everything was going smooth until that last wedge! Ummm...lets just say I had to use my seam ripper very creatively. After seam ripping and sewing 3 times I decided to let it rest a little. So on my ironing board it has sat. Tomorrow I will try again. If it doesn't come out or my seams become too threadbare to sew again I promise to send along something sweet Audrie.
Aside from the drama, I really love these blocks. :)

...me too, me too!

2010-04-27T13:16:00.000-07:00

...I made the stars too...

natalie.

Audrie's Blocks

2010-04-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

Here are my blocks for Audrie. I really enjoyed making them, but I wish they had turned out a little better. I love the fabrics chosen. I am having so much fun and have learned so much already from this bee. Thanks everyone!

Maverick Star Quilt

2010-04-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

Thank you all so much for contributing such lovely blocks to this quilt!

I received the quilt back from the long arm quilter on Tuesday and sewed the last bit of binding on last night. I wish I would have taken a "before washing/drying" picture because the quilting is so pretty (my first experience using a long armer to quilt any of my projects). She did a fun daisy pattern with some wandering loops.

The quilt ended up being 70" x 84". I binded it with a teal flowery polka dot print and used a big pink polka dot print for the backing. It's such a fun and cheery quilt!

I'm passing this quilt along to my dad tomorrow so that he can give it to his coworker for the collection of quilts. Thanks so much for your contributions! I know that the girl at Children's Village who receives this will really appreciate the quilt!

Fish Heads!

2010-04-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

After posting that I hadn't heard this song, I thought I'd look it up to put Penny out of her misery. Thanks for the laugh Penny... the song's extraordinarily ridiculous haha!

(The song only really starts after the 2 minute mark so either be patient or skip ahead.)

-- Audrie

through the ringer

2010-04-23T13:38:00.001-07:00

Yeah. I totally put myself through the ringer when making this block.

It went like this: L-man was on the computer, so I thought, "I can totally do this without the instructions". Not so much. My first version had a nice big mountain in the center, since I sewed each piece together one at a time instead of by twos, as Audrie recommended in the instructions. I wish I would have gotten a photo. It was really quite comical.

I ended up using one piece of fabric from my stash in the block, can you spot it Audrie? For some reason, I thought you needed some fish heads. Which reminds me. Have you ever heard that song? "fish heads, fish heads. rolly poley fish heads. fish heads, fish heads. eat 'em up, YUM!" L-man swears I made it up, but I didn't! I need someone to help me prove him wrong, please?

p.s. I'll just come out now and apologize too Audrie, I pressed all my seams to one side. I should have read completely through the instructions BEFORE I started sewing the second and third time. I'm a total spaz. I know.

Inspiration is at your fingertips...

2010-04-19T17:44:00.000-07:00

I just have to say.

IF you want to move your quilting forward,

join a quilting bee.

I did.

And with a little inspiration...

I combined the string quilting

and the quilt as you go

and a jaybird's binding tutorial

(well, a little modified)

and some flicker group 'surfing'

about

potholders

After cutting and sewing 5-1/2 yards of fabric for a new quilt

I needed a quick project.

I'm participating in the Seven Sisters Quilt Show in San Luis Obispo

Central Coast of California

and staying with friends

I needed a hostess gift

I wish you could all come to the show

and we could quilt and shop and look together

all of us

But until then

we can all surf right in our own homes and revel in

our inspiration

our design

our quilting

by being

the virtual quilting community

bee beautiful

BeginAgain

2010

natalie

Audrie's Blocks for April

2010-04-14T10:13:00.001-07:00

These were making me a little nervous. I think it's because I'm not always the best at having points meet up, but I think they turned out well. I added three scraps of my own, and had so much fun matching all the scraps together. Great scraps Audrie!

Hope you like them :)

Now I need to go locate my packaging tape, there will be a LOT of tape on my envelope, sorry mailman no pretty quilt blocks for you!

early in the month

2010-04-10T13:39:00.000-07:00

Here are Audrie's April blocks. I hope you like them! I am enjoying trying out block styles that I probably wouldn't have come across if not for my 2 quilting swap groups.

I added one strip of my own fabric, can you spot it?

belated blocks for angela.

2010-04-08T15:13:00.000-07:00

So....You send me fabric in my favorite colors, in some of the cutest prints, you tell me to do pretty much anything and I am supposed to have it done on time? You are asking a lot out of this fabric lovin' girl. :) These fabrics sat on my ironing board for weeks...I went in to iron them, then pet them and lay them out. Then I would get online and see what you ladies came up with, then back to the studio where I would pet them again, followed by a sigh. The horror of cutting into these cutie bits overcame me, and then I would have to leave the room.

Obviously, I overcame my fear and consumed with the guilt that I was hoarding other people's fabric, I took the plunge. I love all of the blocks you ladies have made, this is going to be one seriously cool quilt! I hope you like them Angela...I left a little wiggle room for you, and they were mailed yesterday :)

p.s. Audrie is so lucky her pretty fabric is pre-cut AND has a definitive design! She may just get them on time. :)

Charity Quilt

2010-04-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

Here are the last three blocks that I made for the charity quilt:

And here's the result of all of our hard work...

one pretty quilt top! Thank you so much for putting together such cute blocks. I think they look great together and make for a fun patchwork quilt. I had a lot of fun seeing the different fabrics you chose up close and smelling the different detergents you used to pre wash your fabric while I was pressing the blocks.

I dropped it off with the long arm quilter today and it should be ready in a few weeks. If everything goes according to schedule, I'll be able to make the April 30 deadline.

Cool 90deg blocks!

2010-04-06T11:43:00.000-07:00

How awesome are these!? Thanks for all the blocks so far!

So how do I sash it - snow, ash, other? The back is going to be cool, too with all these little signature blocks!

barely made the deadline

2010-04-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

I sort of forgot exactly when these needed to be done. I looked it up the night before last though, and I got them made and in the mail yesterday!

Block for Angela

2010-04-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

I had fun playing with such beautiful fabric. I hope you like the block Angela.

More April Block Stuff

2010-03-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

I totally forgot to add the bit about the signatures...

I'd like everyone to sign their name on the little triangle.

You get the idea :)

For those doing two blocks, just sign on one of the blocks. Basically I want there to be one signature from each bee member on the finished quilt.

The parcels went out today (finally!)... let me know if there's any questions. Also do feel free to add your own fabric scraps if you wish :) Thanks!

-- Audrie

Angela's right angle block

2010-03-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

with a little improv touch.
I hope you like it Angela., I sure do love the fabrics you chose!!

April Block Instructions

2010-03-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

I've changed my mind yet again. I'm insane and I know it.

Instead of the spiderweb block, I thought I'd choose the Stashbuster quilt blocks from Material Obsession 2. I'm completely in love with this book, possibly even more than the first.

So pretty! :)

Anyway, here are the instructions to make a block...

I'll send everyone a bunch of scrap strips.

Sew a few strips together and trim so that they're all the same length. I think there's 10 strips there but since the strips all vary in width, I'd say just sew as many as you need together so you can cut four triangles (if you're making one block) or eight (if you're making two blocks).

Using the template I'll give you, cut triangles with the strips going lengthways. Just alternate the direction of the triangles for easy cutting. [I should've trimmed the strips to 5.5" for easier cutting. I only realised this after the fact. Of course.]

Tada! Four triangles.

I'll send these white blocks already pre-cut... four to a block.

Sew the triangles made with the strips to a smaller triangle like so... I'll send the little triangles also pre-cut.

Then sew this to a white pre-cut triangle...

Then sew two sections together...

Then sew them together...

And you'll get a finished block!

The blocks end up being about 10.5" but you don't need to trim them... I'll do that once I get them all back :) Also, please press all the seams open. Makes the centre of the block a little less annoying to deal with.

I'll be sending out the fabric on Monday so if possible, let me know if you want to do one or two blocks. They're a little fiddly so I don't blame you if you don't want to do two. Those I don't hear back from will get enough for two... just return the extra bits if you only end up doing one. Thanks.

So... clear as mud? Feel free to ask me any questions. I'm watching telly while I write this so it may not make sense hehe

-- Audrie

Few more Stars

2010-03-26T15:16:00.000-07:00

I finished up my fun stars!

charity blocks

2010-03-25T05:50:00.000-07:00

here are my blocks!

i had lots of fun making these...
even made a mini one for another charity...

i even blogged all about my charity blocks today

thanks again for coordinating this rebekah!

Charity Blocks

2010-03-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

Here are my blocks for the charity quilt. They were fun to make and something I had been wanting to make for awhile. I love the colour combination chosen. Thanks Rebekah!

Blocks by Amy

2010-03-23T13:27:00.000-07:00

Charity quilt blocks. I got carried away pulling and cutting fabric.

Yet another block I've always wanted to try.

Thank you Bee friends for giving me the chance to

try all the things on my "make-someday" list!

Angela's blocks.

The greatest fabrics!

I don't think anything could look bad with this combo.

Angela's blocks trying to run away from me.

Don't worry. I stopped them.

Rachel's Blocks

2010-03-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

My blocks for Rachel are finally done. I enjoyed making them. I have been wanting to make this block with my daughter for a while, because she likes to sew scraps together. It is definitely something we will do together someday.

for charity.

2010-03-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

*click to make pic bigger*

♥ rachel

for angela.

2010-03-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

*click to make pic bigger*

hope you like it.
♥ rachel

for rebekah.

2010-03-19T16:18:00.000-07:00

*click to make pic bigger*

hope you like it.
♥ rachel

Right Angles.

2010-03-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

Right Angles in the Garden.

(thanks for a great March challenge, and for the chance to work with such fabulous fabrics!)

Blocks For Angela

2010-03-12T13:09:00.000-08:00

These blocks were so much fun to do :) And Angela, I must say your choice of fabrics are amazing!

This is the first one I did... it's a little more modern.

This one's a little more traditional but I thought what says right angles more than a log cabin! I kind of wish I didn't use the little green dots now because they throw off the right angles just a tad (I promise they're right angles though!)... but I do love dots and am always drawn to them in a pile hehe

The sig block. I apologise for my handwriting... the fabric wasn't cooperating.

All done... they'll be off to you asap, Angela :) Hope you like them!!

-- Audrie

Charity Star Blocks

2010-03-12T10:23:00.000-08:00

Finished my Maverick Star blocks today. That one on the bottom is bothering me a bit. Those bottom two points got a bit too short. At least I had three to make. Between figuring out how to get the colors were I wanted and the points a bit longer, it took me until the last block (the top one) to figure it all out. I really love how bright these are, especially on a very ugly, gray, rainy day.

Charity Blocks Done!

2010-03-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

I finally got round to making the charity blocks... it's been on my list staring at me for the longest time. It took me quite a while to match fabrics, and even then I'm not 100% certain they're right! I think it's that block on the top right that's bugging me most because of the blue and teal sitting together. In person they don't look so similar but in the pic they just look like big blobs of blue.