Blocks and Sept. Note ;)

I am already having so much fun with the Blocks this year!!

I have wanted to make one of these Modern Maple quilts forever so it was so fun to make a block.  It has totally moved up my list of "to do's"   And so fun, Shari that your cutting just happened to make the giraffe in the center line up perfectly!!  So cute ;)

And I was so excited to see that Sinta choose an applique block.  I just love applique and these large petal ones go together so quick ;)  This was so much fun to make and I love the beautiful prints!!

And before I sign off. . . just a quick note.  I am so excited to put my Outdoor quilt together, the blocks are so cute!!!  If you are still working on my Sept. Outdoor block that's great.  If you could get it to me by the end of this month that would be even more great :)  I hate to rush everyone as I know it has been so busy with market and now the holiday's,  I just have to put the quilt together for my Grandparents for the Annual Family Christmas Party that is Mid December ;)    Thanks so much ladies ;)  Okay, sorry to pester, I won't do it again ;)  Go about your happy sewing day :)

September, October, and November!

I did some catching up on my Bee blocks for you guys!

Shari's block was so fun and just way to easy. 

Just what I needed to work on!!!

Then I got to work on Calli's block with the outdoors theme.

Since I live just outside of Yosemite... I had to represent trees and camping.

I also worked on MY blocks for this month.

I actually got them sent out in the mail today!

Amazing!

I will post tomorrow using the format we are filling in about our blocks.

I did include a copy of the pattern (that was free) from Little Miss Shabby.

I hope you like it! 

I caved in and used my Heather Bailey fabric I have been hoarding.

I think that this one will actually be one I use for myself when it's all done.

(one more little thing... I can't comment on our blog... whenever a blog has the dropbox that
says Google Account... it won't take my comment for some reason... does anybody have that problem?)

Happy Halloween

This is my first Bee finish and it's from the 2013-2014 Halloween Quilt! I wanted to come share, but to get full details you can visit my blog post here!

I am so glad I did the scrappy binding on this quilt with the wide border. It pops each block out and I'm so thrilled on how this quilt turned out! All of you made such a difference in helping this become awesome! It will be cherished for years to come!

Don't you love this back! It showcases many of the prints and I love it so so much! Check out my blog post for more images, and again I am grateful for each of your creativity and love into each block that you made. You have no idea how much this means to me!

XOXO

Blocks & Intros

I'm really excited to be part of the Bees Knees Quilt Group and just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Kim Walus. I've been sewing for 40 years now and I made my first quilt when I was 18 years old. I learned to sew in 8th & 9th Grade. I had an Amazing Home Economics Teacher and later on when I moved to Highland, Utah in 1998 I met her once again. Our older children and her younger children became friends. After attending my sewing classes at school I soon realized that my mom didn't know how to sew but she was an amazing nurse and I'm grateful for her love and support of my passion for sewing.

When I started quilting I realized that I didn't have any family members or ancestors who had ever quilted or so I thought. It was just last year while looking through a few of my dad's photo albums that I happened to find a picture of my Great Grandmother holding a quilt along with a group of women!! It's my one and only claim to having a Quilting Ancestor. I was really disappointed to hear that my dad couldn't tell me anything about her quilting life. 

My Great Grandmother ~ Alice Watkins Williams

(top left corner)

Sometimes, I feel like I missed out on the family tradition of Quilting that runs in many families but I know that I can be a quilting pioneer in my own family in making an effort to create a love for handmade things. I'm teaching my own daughters and others how to sew and make their own quilts!! It's been an amazing journey thus far.

Some of you may know me or have met me around town. I feel like I know most of you and I have enjoyed following all of you on your journey's through the years. I've watched while many of you have flourished in blogging, designing books, writing patterns, and many of you now even have your own fabric lines and businesses.  I am always in awe of the talented women who exist in the quilting community and have been so inspired by your work!! 

I'm here to admit that it's been well over a year since I've actually made any kind of blog post but, I'm happy to say it was like riding a bike when I opened this page to write and upload the pictures.

Some of you wonder why it's taken me so long to jump back in and I can't promise that I will be making lots of blog posts like I have in the past. Life has just taken a turn in a different direction and my focus in life has changed somewhat. First off, we moved to Florida 6 months ago and it's been a year since my husband was let go from is job of nearly 20 years. To keep it short. . . it's been a life changer. . . and it's been a hard change at times but it's been a marvelous opportunity to grow and increase our faith, our commitment, our devotion to our ( LDS) Church, and to deepen our family ties!! Our little family is now spread from Utah, to Florida, and extends to New Zealand. 

I'm posting pictures of both of the blocks I've made so far. . .   

This is October's Maple Leaf Block that

I finished a couple of days ago for Shari Butler.

I enjoyed the simplicity and ease of making this block. I loved sewing with the linen fabric and it works so well with the cotton prints. I look forward to seeing pictures of the finished quilt!!

This is September's Camping Themed Block that

I finished and sent off to Melissa Corry last month.

I enjoyed the creative license that Melissa gave us to create what is going to be a very unique and fun quilt for her grandparents. I can't wait to see it finished with all of the blocks together.

Shari's Maple block, October

Here's the block I made for Shari :)

It was so quick and easy to make.

 I am going to make the quilt but it might have to wait until next fall.

Shari's Maple Block

I love the block Shari picked this month for us to make.

Modern Maples

is one I'm getting ready to make this week myself

so it was fun (and easy) to make one for Shari too.

Off in the mail tomorrow :)

Nedra

October Bee Blocks

So a little late, but the Bee Blocks went in the mail today! Yeah! :) I chose a very easy block and in fact i cut them all for you, the only one that is a little long is the stem. I chose the maple block from Amanda Woodward-Jenning's pattern from the lark crafts book. I chose it for one, it's downloadable free on the web, and I wanted a manly quilt made for my husband. You can download the pattern here.

What do you think of the colors???

I cut out all my blocks. There are 18 in all, and I'm only sending one block to each of you. I cut them out over conference weekend, because for one I couldn't decide what I wanted until I started to see all of the blocks together.

What size quilt block do you want your bee partners to make? (Give finished and unfinished measurements, just to be sure.)   Finished block is 12" x 12", unfinished is 12.5" x 12.5". I want the unfinished block! :) 

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

No need to add anything from your stash, I have provided the right amount for one block.

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

White is preferred.

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

Just use what I sent! :) 

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?

Just follow the pattern here!

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

No embellishments! This is a manly quilt!

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

Just follow the pattern here!

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?

No need for an extra block. :) I'm trying to make this super easy!

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?

No need to sent leftover fabric. There won't be much left. :) 

Note: I'd like to try to get the blocks back by Mid November if possible. If you can't just send block back and I will do it. I'm trying to get it to the quilter's by December so I can do this quilt for Dan for christmas. He doesn't know this is for him. I'm super excited to surprise him. 

They are mailed out! :) 

XOXO! :) 

An Appliqued Owl for Whoooooo?

This is my first block for the Bees Knees quilting bee.

 Melissa from Happy Quilting, sent me some really cute camping/outdoors fabric called "Smore Love" by Cosmo Cricket, and gave our quilting bee the freedom to make our block however we wanted to!

The quilt will be for her grandparents camper and will have a camping or outdoor theme.

Whooooooo????

Do you spy that owl fabric?

I love owls, and I immediately knew that I wanted to make an appliquéd owl :)

I drew my little owl....

...hand appliqued him, and added a patchwork border.

My block is an unfinished 12 l/2" square.

I wrote a more detailed post on how I made my little owl, on my blog, dream quilt create.

I can hardly wait to see all the blocks everyone makes for Melissa's grandparents quilt!!!

A Little Finish for Shari and Melissa

 Waaayyy back in June

Shari Butler sent me a package of fabrics

to make her Bees Knees blocks.

Unfortunately 

it was sent to my old address 

and then became lost.

Fortunately

(after lots of e-mails back and forth)

I recently located the package.

Yay!

BIG YAY !!

Shari's blocks are now made and have been sent to her

minus one corner because I didn't have enough fabric to complete.

To all Bees Knees Members:

to prevent further confusion

Please make sure you have my

CURRENT ADDRESS

on Grand Canyon Dr.

for this years mailings !!!

 I worked right away on

Melissa's blocks for September

I was kind of stumped to figure out 

an Outdoor/ Camping themed block until

I saw these fun Modern

Gold Fish Cracker blocks

with a free tutorial

by the 

Emerald Coast Modern Quilt Guild

I added in a few of my own background fabrics

to make these little fishies 

swim swim swim

Nedra

Le Finish!

Okay that's a wrap!

I finished my last  blocks for our last round of Bees Knees!

This was so cute... I can't wait to see them all together with the 

yellow centers! 

Thanks for a fun year!

Now, it's on to the first project of THIS year!

Have a great weekend!

Candy Corn Fun

Eerie!

Well, not so much... 

(wink)

I think that these blocks are super cute!

I am not usually a big fan 

of novelty prints but I thought this projects

was a lot of fun. 

I am going to be keeping an eye out for some 

Halloween prints! 

Thanks Shari for getting me to make something a little different!

Actually, this Bees Knees group is like that! 

Every month is something new

and a little different and sometimes even a bit of a stretch

out of the ol' comfort zone.

I have one more to make and then I am all caught up with last year. 

I was afraid I was never going to find  my last envelope! 

Yes, it actually did get lost...

but just for a couple months! (sorry Calli)

Moving this summer made me crazy... and needless to say, my sewing room

is still not back in true order. 

So... 

major organization is coming soon!

But not until I get the next envelope finished. 

Oh, what... 

but then I will have the new month to make...

is organizing just a dream? 

Sinta

September's Blocks Done!

I have been trying to be better about getting my bee blocks done on time, so they aren't so far behind! I apologize for the lateness of years in the past, but this year..I have to stay on top of things or I'd go CRAZY!

When it said to use our creativity about this block, I had a million ideas. Then i just simplified and went with Lori Holt's instagram tutorial that you can find here! I have to say it's a fun block to do! So here is the reveal of that adorable Scrappy Cross Roads Block!

My Scrappy Cross Roads Block by Lori Holt

Then I couldn't help myself but add two more blocks to the bunch! Some improv work!

I hope you like them Melissa! I am sending the rest of the scraps for you to play around with! You will have plenty of white back! Thanks for sending some fun camping fabric and I hope you don't mind a little bit of Fox Trails in the mix!

XOXO

Shari

September's Block - Think Outdoors ;)

Hello Ladies,

I am so excited for a new year of the Bees Knees!!!! It is going to be so much fun!!!

First off, a little backstory on choosing my block . . .  It's actually quite funny, because about an hour before Sheri asked me if I could do Sept. I was chatting with my mom about how my Grandparents need a new quilt for their new Trailer.  We spent the Holiday weekend at a Family Reunion (that my Grandparents haven't missed a year of since I was a little girl) and we both noticed that their bed quilt is just one that comes with the trailer and goodness, it is ugly!!!  It was totally meant to be, Sheri emailed me and I knew just what I needed to make with your help ;)   

So this month, the block is going to be whatever comes to your mind when you hear the words  Camping, Nature, Outdoors, the Wild, Smores,  Ect, Ect. Ect.  This block will be totally up to your imagination.  You can applique, piece, paper piece, whatever!!!  Anything that makes you feel Woodsie ;)  When all the blocks come back, I will turn them into a fun sampler quilt :)  

Image used from Applevine Designs

So, I don't want to make a lot of rules for this one as I want your ideas to guide you, but I figured I could still fill out the questionnaire to provide a little guidance ;)

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

I really want to do a fun random floating layout, so you can do whatever size block you want.   If it could be anywhere from 12" x 12 " up to 18" x 21", or whatever.  It doesn't have to be square, just whatever works for your block idea ;)   

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

I sent fabrics from the Smores Love collection by Cosmo Cricket.  It was super hard to know what to send as I don't know what you want to make so I tried to give everyone a variety of sizes and prints.  But yes, if you have an idea that just wont work with the fabric sent, you can absolutely use your own stash fabric and with my thanks.  Please just use the colors and feel of the fabrics sent to guide you in your selections ;)  I also sent a fat quarter of Kona White for everyone, please use that for any "background" in your block.

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

Anything goes here :)

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

Nope, just use or don't use whatever works for your idea ;)

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?

As said before, this is totally up to your imagination.  If you have an idea and you are worried about it, just email me, I will say great and set your fears to rest ;)

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

Absolutely, it's your block to make as you see it in your mind ;)

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

I whipped up a little Pinterest page here with some blocks that might help to create some ideas ;)  You don't have to use any of these, I just wanted to give you some 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?

Sure, but it is totally not necessary :)  I know one creative block is already a lot to ask ;)

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, if you have larger scraps please return them as I will be using them to make mini little blocks to add to the floating layout  :)

And that just about wraps it up :)  Fabric went in the mail on Friday the 5th so it should be arriving in the next few days ;)  Thanks again ladies.  I am so looking forward to seeing what you come up with ;)  And if you have any questions just email  me at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com.

Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

The Game of Catch-up

I can't believe it's Friday again already!

Last weekend I devoted myself to 

working on my Bees Knees blocks...

yes, that's right... the weekend, because I was

so far behind!

Here is the fun flying geese block that is Nedra's.

It was the perfect project to work on first while it

was early in the morning because it was pretty self explanitory...

just follow the lines! Got  that!

Next I moved on to this block of April's.

I LOVE this block and have always wanted to make one!

I am thinking about making one of my own now!

Thank you April! 

By the way... the fabric line is so cute! I really love the intensity of the colors!

The next one I started on Saturday but...

on Sunday I met my match!

No measurements to follow... yikes! I was really a scaredy cat!

But I managed to get it done and I have to say I was happy with

the way it turned out.

I really hope Amy is happy with it too!

Do you remember my block?

Well, I am getting near-to-the-finish-line on

it! I might even get it done this weekend! 

I am going to love having it done and have it out

over the holiday's and thinking about each and every one of

you in my group! Thank you so much for taking the time to

be a part of the Bees Knees... even though you are 

so busy! For those of you who won't be in Bees Knees next go around...

I will truly miss you!