Blocks for April and Emily

April's block: I will admit - this block tried my patience at the beginning, but by the end, I was really enjoying it! I am going to make a pillow out of this block for my Grandma for Christmas. But don't tell her. 

Emily's Block: I loved making this one! I loved playing with the scraps. 

I'm feeling like my paper-piecing skills are getting better, thanks to these two projects - and I really liked doing them. I'm definitely excited to see both quilts!

A Little Late

I'm caught up! I have to say I had a great time making April's block...I will have to make one of these for myself...maybe not a whole quilt...but a delightful, scrappy version that I can make into a pillow!

And when I make mine...I won't forget to start using the background fabric again for the last two pieces in each section...!

I also made Emily's block...and found out that I don't have many pale yellows in my stash. All I was able to add were a couple of tone on tone Sweetwater yellows. This is going to be a great quilt...I can't wait to see all the color wheels together! I think they will really sparkle!

I'll get these in the mail asap!

November blocks

 

I'm sending out blocks TOMORROW! I'm a little behind because of market and festival but I figure since you have an extra month this time I didn't need to rush it.

 

Everyone will get a bundle of fabric in one color family (i.e. orange, teal, blue etc.) and two templates for paper piecing. Use the scraps provided and a few of your own to make two half circles. Trim the inner and outer curves of each one, then sew them together. You won't need to do anything else at this point. I will be appliqueing them onto background fabric later on. After you're done fold it gently and place into the ziploc bag to prevent any unnecessary frayage.

 

As you can see in my picture some of the fans cover two spaces and others only one. Feel free to mix this up as you wish and as size of each scrap permits.

 

Most of all- HAVE FUN!!!

 

What size quilt block do you want your bee partners to make? (Give finished and unfinished measurements, just to be sure.)  10.5" circle

 

Can your partners use any of his/her own stash fabric to use in your quilt block? If so, are there any limitations?  I would LOVE if you would add a scrap or two from your own stash! Obviously staying withing the same color family.

Is there a specific color of thread (white/off white) you want your partners to sew with? Try to use a similar color as the fabrics you recieved. If you don't have one, a neutral is fine.

Does your partners have to use at least a little bit of every fabric you send or can your partners decide? I would prefer that no fabric is repeated in the block. Some of the colors I had lots of so there might be extras. Other colors I had less of so you might have to repeat. Use your judgement.

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? I only need 1 block from your bundle of fabric.
 

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? You are free to hang on to any leftover scraps and add them to your scrap buckets.

 

Ok, I think that's it. If you have any questions let me know!

 

HAPPY SEWING!

 

-Emily

 

It's Me! Trying to Catch Up

Here are my blocks for Amy E! 

I hope that they work out in her quilt!

I made 4 small log cabin blocks and set the 4 blocks together

to make the 12 1/2" size block.

They looked much more traditional  log  cabin style before I 

sewed the blocks together... so I hope it's not too far 

outside the box!

 I loved working with this fabric. I had never even heard of it before!

The colors are brilliant!

Since I was so late in getting this done... I went ahead and made 2 blocks.

{Catching Up} Erika's Block

Please forgive me as I'm catching up on all my Quilting Bee Blocks! Sorry Erika for getting this to you so late! The improv block was a bit of a challenge for me, because i wanted to catch her vision for her quilt.

I used every bit of fabric I could and even created some smaller blocks that she can either use or add too. It was fun to sew up and came out fun with all the colors of fabric she has sent to me. I can't wait to see her finished quilt! I'll be back with all my catching up to do!

Happy Sewing!

october block

posted : october bee block over at notes of sincerity

Blocks!

Catching up on my blocks!

I love the simple string blocks we made for Amy - I might be adding this project to my list!

April's block was a fun challenge! These stars are stunning.  

My only suggestion for ease of fabric included, cut four 6" squares before you begin, then on the diagonal once. The biggest piece is last, and can be a challenge to get big enough...(trust me!) the rest of the pieces were pretty simple to work out!

These will be in the mail later this week ladies!

Amy

amylouwho's block

I had a lot of fun making Amy's block for September's Bees Knees.

String blocks are a great way to use up scraps!
I will be keeping this fun little project in mind as I am always looking for ideas to use up all of those left over pieces of fabric that are too cute to toss.

And I loved Amy's suggestion to use newspaper for the foundation to make the 12 1/2" blocks.

I put the comics on the back so Amy can have a little laugh as she puts our blocks together.

Every day needs to have a little laughter :)

 

Nedra

October Block Instructions

Hey ladies! I'm excited that it's my month!

I've been wanting to make a quilt from these super cute Lone Starburst blocks for a while now, but I just haven't gotten to it. I started making a couple blocks and had so much fun! It is paper piecing (don't hate me!) but it goes together pretty quick. If you are new to paper piecing, Faith @ Fresh Lemons Quilts has a pretty good tutorial here. If you know of (or have on your blog) a paper piecing tutorial that will help, could you post it in the comments?

I sent you all the same fabrics: reds, yellows, deep turquoise, and grey--and I'd love for you to add one more color to the block. Your choice what color that is. I also sent some white for the background and that little stripe of white in the inside of the block. I put some extra white in the packages just as I was sending them out because I was nervous I didn't send enough. It's really hard to estimate for paper piecing! Odds are, it doesn't match exactly what's in the package. I'm okay with that--trying to follow Callie's Make it Do mantra :) Trying to use up my white scraps. If it really bugs you, the white in the package is Moda Bella 97...I should have more in a few days and I can send you some.

Photo from Six White Horses

What size quilt block do you want your bee partners to make? (Give finished and unfinished measurements, just to be sure.) 

12" finished, 12½" unfinished, please. That's the size of the templates.

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

Please add one additional color (can be the same fabric, or multiple fabrics in the same color) to the blocks--your favorite perhaps? I want each block to be unique!

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

Nope. Whatever you usually use is great.

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

You don't have to use every fabric, but I would like each color I sent to be represented.

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 to stick with the template I provided, and please make the little strips between the colors white. 

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

Not this time around. :)

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

The last block on this post is what I'm going for. Lots of color, and scrappy.

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? 

You can of course make more than one! (But I don't think I sent that much fabric. :)

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? 

Of course, keep whatever you like. Send back what you won't use.

I'm so excited to see what you make!!
xoxo
April

PS I'm all caught up on my blocks, just need to take pictures. I'll post them soon!

September's blocks (amylouwho)

Hi Friends!

You should be getting your bundles any day now.  I'm sorry that it took me so long to get them out.  I was using fabric that I had cut up for a different project and I had to reorganize it to fit this one!  But I'm glad the fabric will be used now!  Plus, I have POAD (Post Office Avoidance Disorder) and that's never good when you are trying to mail stuff out!

blocks I made for my first bee

I have always admired string block quilts and thought these strips I had would work really well.  Since I wanted to ease the workload on your part I thought it would be fun to make BIG blocks instead of a bunch of tiny ones.

Here's the fabrics that you'll find in your bundle!

So here's the questionnaire and my answers!

What size quilt block do you want your bee partners to make? (Give finished and unfinished measurements, just to be sure.)

I would like 12.5" unfinished blocks.  I sent a 12" piece of scrapbook paper in the packet so please trim 1/2" wider than the paper once you are finished sewing so that the blocks are 12.5" for a 12' finished block.

I only sent one piece of paper but if you are inclined you can make more than one block.  ;)

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

I think I sent enough fabric so just stick with what I sent.  Of course feel free to email me if there are any problems!

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

Thread color doesn't matter to me.  I usually just use white when I make blocks...

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

You don't have to use every piece of fabric - use your creativity for color placement/theme.  But there aren't many darker fabrics so I would love it if you could use these two fabrics in each block that you make.

They don't have to be prominent but I think it will help balance out the rest of my medium tones.

I sent a WOF Kona Snow in every bundle. I would like the white to be the center strip and used as is (width-wise), but if you would like to cut down some of the wider strips of the prints to make them more narrow that would be okay.  Although, keep in mind that I would like some of the larger prints to show. And remember you'll be trimming to 12.5" once you are finished sewing.

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?

String block is the theme!

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

No embellishments necessary.

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

I love THIS TUTORIAL from Film in the Fridge.  You can see how the white in the middle will tie it all together.

And a FLICKR gallery for 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!  The more blocks the merrier!

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 return scraps so I can make more blocks. Of course if there is something you can't live without please keep it! :)

I know I'm severely late, so I don't expect these back in two weeks.  I'm excited to see what you do!! Thank you so much!!
amy aka amylouwho aka one of those darn blogging amys

august blocks.

I had so much fun making Amy's August blocks!  Thanks Amy for letting us play with your gorgeous fabrics.  I can't wait to see them all together!  

( ps.  blocks left unsquared - that way all the 12.5" match )

Hello there friends! I'm alive! I'm alive!

Hi bee friends!

I'm SO sorry that I've pretty much been absent here.  I was so excited to bee with all of you that I underestimated my ability to manage everything going on right now.  :(  But I hope you'll forgive me!

I've been playing catch up, and finally got these two blocks in the mail this week.

A Greek Cross for Sherri:

And an improv block for Erika:

I love both of these blocks!

I have a bunch of fabric strips cut out for your packets this month.  I will be sending those out this weekend!  You all are so wonderful and talented!! Thanks for letting me be part of the bee!

~another amy aka amylouwho

Getting Caught Up

Now that school is in full swing, I'm finally getting caught up with my Bee Blocks.  I finished Nedra's block several weeks ago, but drove around in the car with it without dropping by the post office to mail it.  I finally got it sent on Wednesday.  Sorry Nedra for being so flaky!  Can I blame on birthday parties, kids, and the PTA?

I absolutely loved making the Spin Cycle block!  I even bought the pattern I liked making it so much.

I did sign it, but forgot to take the post signature photo.  

Last night I also finished making Amy's block.  I wanted to make a courthouse steps block and like Nedra vary the width of the surrounding strips.  I just had to fussy cut the center owl, since I love owls.  In the end I didn't use the coral linen for the row of steps, so I'm not sure it technically is a courthouse steps any more... but I'm still happy with how it turned out anyway.

The Echino fabric sewed up so beautifully.  And though it was a challenge for me to work with so much color, I loved every minute of it. 

Thanks Nedra and Amy for the wonderful projects!

A Block For Amy E.

Amy Ellis' block in now complete, and has been sent off in the mail.
This was a fun block to work on Amy!

I made the traditional Log Cabin square, with a slight variation using various sizes for the surrounding strips.

This was the first time I've worked with Echino linen.
Lovely.

Nedra

Catching up on my blocks!

I am finally catching up on my Bee Blocks. This one is for Amy Ellis.  I loved playing with those Echino prints. The colors in this quilt are going to be phenomenal! I can't wait to see it. 

And Nedra's.  I LOVED making this block too. I really need to make one of these quilts. I apologize for taking so long to get it too you, Nedra. And in my haste, I forgot to sign my name. :(  So I authorized Nedra to forge my signature this time.

Amy's Blocks

 

 

I just finished the Echino/linen blocks for Amy! I have some Echino prints but have never sewn with them...they sew and press beautifully.

The other blocks I've seen for her quilt are just amazing...it's going to be a great quilt!

This Bee is so much fun!

Sherri

Back to school sewing

Since today was the first day that all 3 kids were back in school I decided to celebrate by catching up on my Bee blocks.

Nedra's had been sitting on my table for, well, over a month. Why did I wait so long!?

This block is fabulously easy with amazing results. I definitely see a quilt made from this pattern by Cluck Cluck Sew in my future.

The next package came while I was in Canada.

It was Amy Ellis' fabric: Echino linens- Yum!

I'm freaking out a little though. Amy asked that we not make 'Wonky' blocks. I hope these don't count as wonky. I was halfway through the second block when I remembered and panic set in. I used straight seams so I hope they will still work. If not, I'd be happy to sew more.  :o)

To be honest I'd never sewn with linen before (gasp!) It was a little trickier than I thought and I'm not sure why. It wasn't I-hate-sewing-with-linens tricky it was more like this-is-different-than-cottons tricky. I managed and I'm super pleased with the results.

-Emily

crazyoldladiesquilts.blogspot.com

Echino blocks for Amy

As soon as I got Amy's little bundle of gorgeous Echino I knew exactly what kind of block I wanted to make.  I am currently loving linen of all kinds, and I am so glad she was OK with me throwing a camera right in the middle of my block!


After I made my first camera block I had so much fun I decided to make one more.  The two little scraps on the bottom corner is all that is left of the echino she sent! They need another quick press and then I'm off to the post office.  I hope you like them Amy, I can't wait to see your quilt all finished, it's going to be gorgeous!

erika

for Nedra.

Boy oh boy did the month of July get a way from me.  I could hardly wait to create Nedra's block.  My spin cycle quilt is a favorite in our house.
Thank you Nedra, for being patient.  I hope you like your block.  :o)  It was so fun to make for you!!

August Blocks - Amy Ellis

Hi ladies! If you've been following me on instagram, you may have noticed my spurt of (visible) productivity! I've caught up on my blocks for some of you, and managed to pull and group fabrics to send off to everyone for August.

Each bundle has it's own solid fabric, that I would like to have used prominently in the block.  I think this will be a great look for the quilt, and plan to make a few more after you have finished up.

Here's more specifics with the questions ::

What size quilt block do you want your bee partners to make? (Give finished and unfinished measurements, just to be sure.)

12" finished, 12 1/2" block

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

If you have any Echino prints those are welcome, but I would like my solid to be the only solid in each block.

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

Something neutral that will blend, or whatever you have on your machine!

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

That's up to you!

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 would like log cabin type blocks, they can be square in a square, quarter log cabins, traditional log cabins or courthouse step blocks, but please no wonky blocks. 

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

Let's keep it simple without.

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

See links above.

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? 

Absolutely! No pressure though :)

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? 

Yes, please! Anything 2 1/2" square or larger, I plan to make scrappy 9-patches with these eventually too.

Thank you! I can't wait to see what you come up with - 

Amy

Block for Nedra!

Yay! Finished this one, and only a little bit late! (Phew, now I'm all caught up!) Nedra, I promise it's square, it was just a bit breezy when I took the picture.
This is so fun!
xoxo
April

Just a Reminder

Hi Ladies:
My Spin Cycle blocks are starting to arrive!

Thank you Sherri, Sinta and Erica!
I love them!
It feels like Christmas to go to the mailbox :)

Just a reminder:
REMEMBER to sign your name with a permanent marker in the aqua/ gray area, and then seal the ink with an iron.
I will love having a remembrance of each of you :)

Nedra

Embarrassing. (aka really, really, late.)

At least the block turned out cute.

It was fun to just sew without a plan, I haven't done that in a long time. Thanks for the fun, Erika!

xoxo

Spin Cycle Fun

I had already purchased this pattern and was super excited to

see that this was the project that Nedra picked for us!

This one is for her... but I am even more excited

to get started on a Spin Cycle of my own!

This was a very fun block... and fast too!

Thanks Nedra!

Nedra's Block

I had so much fun making this "Spin Cycle" block for Nedra...I'm definitely going to have to make one of these quilts for myself!

I can't wait to see the finished quilt!

Thanks so much, Nedra!

Block for Nedra

This was a really fun block to make, I can't wait to see this whole quilt put together Nedra! (And I am seriously considering buying this pattern, it's been on my list for a while.

So, my only question, is where exactly do you want a signature, like in the center of the dark blue cross? Or in the lighter gray/blue section?  Let me know and I'll ship it off!

Erika's Block

what a great opportunity to stretch my limits. 

Here is the same block turned a different direction.

I'm not sure which way I like it better...

but I just hope Erika likes it.

Does it look okay to you?

I'm getting kind of afraid that I am going to get ousted by the

Bees Knees group. 

I am still working on last months blocks... I sent my block off to Amy but

I keep making small ones... just for the challenge.

However... I don't think I will make another one of these improv blocks...

it really stressed me!ha!

July Block on it's Way

Hi Ladies,I can hardly believe it's July already.

But then I walk out side here in Arizona and feel the temps at 113 degrees, and say to my self "Yes, it's July".

This is my month to share with you my block for our Bees Knees Quilting Bee.

With permission from Allison of Cluck, Cluck, Sew, I have chosen

Spin Cycle.

The only special request I have is that you sign your name with a permanent marker and then heat set with an iron.

I would LOVE to have a memory of each of you as I view my quilt in years to come.

I'm all about using what I have right, so this will be a very scrappy quilt.

Fabrics are cut and assembled into little packets.

I'm off to the post office this morning with all of your mailers.

I want to thank each of you right now for sharing your talents with me. This is an amazing group to be part of.

You really are THE BEES KNEES!

--Nedra