Calli's March Flowering Snowball Block

It's March. The sun is shining.  My daffodils are coming up.  I've even been outside watching soccer.  And it's my month for our Bee.  The block I've chosen is a Flowering Snowball.  March seemed like the perfect month for this block, since here in Utah we have flowers blooming and snow showers too.

Please don't hate me for choosing curved seams!  One of the things I've loved about our bee is that some of your blocks have taken me outside of my comfort zone... and curved seams fit in that category.  They are always a little intimidating for me.

Guess what?  Now that I've made a few blocks, they are much quicker and easier than I expected.

A friend in my quilt guild generously offered to let me cut out my quilt using her Accuquilt.  It made cutting this quilt a breeze.  I love the tabs that help with accuracy on those curved seams...

The fabrics I've chosen are a lot from my stash of 1930's.  I love the 30's and I want the quilt to feel like it's old... from bits of old flour sacks and old dresses and shirts.  

As you can see, my block isn't perfect... this is the first block I made... and I feel like I've improved with each one.  I'll share funny advice about sewing curved seams given to me by a friend.  She said as long as my curved block was smaller than a C cup it would all come out in the quilting.  Take that to heart if you are worried.  

There is a perfect tutorial that I used for making the block found here on Bits of Everything. 

My friend Andy also has a great tutorial for sewing curved seams found here on her blog, A Bright Corner.    

When you post your blocks on the blog please answer the question "What is your favorite quilt you've ever made. And why?"

Thank you all!  I love getting fun mail from you all each month, and being part of this bee.  Let me know if you have any questions.  I'll be dropping your fabric in the mail today, so you should be receiving it soon.  

Bee Block Questionnaire

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

The block should measure 12-1/2" unfinished which will be a 12" finished block

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

Please use the precut fabric that I sent only.

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

Any light colored thread is great.

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

I really debated whether to send enough fabric to make two blocks. But after making a few blocks I felt like they were quick enough to send fabric for two. That said, if they are a challenge for you, or if you are pressed for time, please only make one. I like having a few choices on fabric when putting a block together and this way you can have a little more creativity involved. If you enjoy making them, make two by all means. If you make one, please return the unused pieces so I can use them in the quilt.

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?

No... not really applicable.

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

Not applicable either...

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

I've been pinning Flowering Snowballs Quilts for a couple of years... here are a few of my favorites: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/65161525837254091/
And check out this fabulous big stitch quilting:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/66568900717079527/

If your partners are super motivated and are able to make two blocks out of the fabric you send:

Again, make two blocks if you'd like, otherwise make your block out of your choice of the fabrics I sent, and send back any of the unused fabric so I can use it in the quilt.