Cynthia's April block

This is the block that I chose for my month.

The middle printed fabric is by Denise Schmidt, and the outside black triangles are by Cotton and Steel.

The teal and white are Kona solids.

Bee Block Questionnaire:

• The block is 20 l/2" unfinished.
• You can use fabric from your stash if you make a mistake, just make sure it matches exactly....Denise Schmidt fabric in the center, Kona teal and Kona white, etc.  I might have some extra to match if you need it :)
• I always use Aurifil white, but if you would prefer to use off white, that's fine with me.
• I sent you all the fabric you need for the block, all measured and cut.
• No embellishments on the block.

Some things about me:

In 2016, we had 2 new grandchildren, bringing the total to 13!

Three boys and ten girls :)

Our youngest child Sean, was married in August, now all 6 of our children are married :)

I went to Africa in November with our son Addison, his wife Mabulane and their 3 little girls.  I was able to meet my daughter in law's family for the first time and loved them of course!
Mabulane (mah-boo-lah-nee) is holding the yellow glasses, her nephew, two of her sisters, her sister's husband, and 3 of our grandchildren.

My top 3 finished projects in 2016:

I made an heirloom blessing gown and bonnet for our 12th grandchild, Taylor.  Each piece of lace was sewn in separately, and the bonnet is smocked. The fabric is Swiss cotton, and the lace is french cotton.  I embroidered her 3 initials on the back hem.  The idea is that Taylor will pass the gown on to her daughter's baby and her initials will be embroidered next to Taylor's initials, and so on....

I went to my first quilt retreat ever and had a blast!  Lori Holt was the instructor, and she designed this quilt just for our retreat!  I still have to get it quilted :)  I was part of an Instagram group, and became really good friends with them.  We all had our love of Lori and quilting in common.  One of the ladies even came from Australia for the retreat and then she went to each of our homes to visit us...Utah, Wyoming, Oklahoma and my house in northern California.  

I finished my "Snapshots" quilt by Bonnie and Camille, hosted by Fat Quarter Shop.  It was a fundraiser for St. Jude hospital.  I backed the quilt with aqua minky and gifted it to my new daughter in law Kari, who is from Costa Rica.  She loved it!  

Well that's it ladies, I sure hope you enjoy sewing my block.

It's pretty interesting, the way it goes together :)

Bees Knees finish!

You helped me make this quilt!

It turned out so cute, didn't it?

I'm going to give it to my grand daughter Charlotte, for her 7th birthday.

I machine quilted it myself on my Bernina 750 QE.

It wasn't difficult, but it took hours!

Lori Holt's Scrappy Strawberry block from her book "Farm Girl Vintage" is perfect :)

I backed the quilt with a soft pink minky, which Charlotte will love!

Thanks so much friends, for helping me to create this quilt :)

Tam's March Block

Isn't my sister's block so fun and BEE HAPPY! I was with her when she purchased this fabric in a quilt shop up in Logan. I thought it was kind of funny, for one it's not my style but very much her style. I love that I can tease her! So when she pulled this project out for her block she called me, and we had a chuckle!

Now here is the truth and secret. My sister completed her own block for me, because of some crazy deadlines I have going on right now. I wanted to do her block, but I will be making it up to her later. You can see this is on her cutting table. I have to admit the block she chose to make with this fabric will end up being amazingly cute!!!

There are some secret things i can't show you that are a favorite part of my sewing room. My sister has an inkling of what it is and soon you will know what I'm talking about. I do have to admit I love the Binding Babies I make and my scissors!

My other favorite items is my desk and sewing desk that were custom made for me by our dear friend Craig! He took my vision and made it happen.

And my cutting table that was custom made by my Husband. He took my vision and made it possible. The cutting table top was from a butcher block cut from Ikea. So I just don't have one item that I can't live without in my studio/sewing room! My studio name: Doohikey Designs Headquarters! Happy sewing everyone!

XOXO,

Shari

February Spotlight: Nedra

I had Nedra write a little something so we can get to know here more! Please enjoy learning about her!

Something people may not know about me: I work in the Quilt Industry wearing many hats.  I have a few friends who are Quilt Vendors, and travel with them here and there as they work Quilt Conventions. It gets me out of the house, and helps me to stay current on the latest trends. Most days (and nights) you will find me at my machine, nestled away in my Sewing Loft. I sew sample quilts for several Designers, helping them get ready for Market and also piece quilt tops and bind quilts for Customers.  

My 3 favorite Quilts I made in 2016

#1 Cardiff By The Sea: I’ve always wanted to make a 2 color Red and White Quilt and finally found the pattern that spoke to me.  The little 3 inch center stars were paper pieced, but the rest was traditionally pieced.

#2 Gingham Stars: I made this pattern by Sherri Falls for a Customer out of Spooky Delights Halloween fabric, and fell in love! Now I must make one for me!

#3 Geometric Sewing Machines.  It was so fun to make this Mini Quilt to go on my Sewing Loft Wall.  Pattern by Quiet Play, and I used Blueberry Park, my favorite fabric line in 2016

A favorite recipe:

I love being able to dump ingredients into a Crock Pot and walk away.  I often make this Butternut Squash Soup by Gimme Some Oven.  It’s healthy and made with only a few ingredients, and everyone who tastes it wants the recipe.  I alter the recipe slightly.  For the spices  I substitute a few teaspoons of Penzey’s Pasta Blend spices, plus some salt, and add the entire can of Coconut Milk because in my opinion everything is better with coconut milk J

Nedra's Tic Tac Toe Block

Nedra,

I so loved doing this block for you! What a fun simple block! I loved the grays you sent and the fun print with pop's of color! Full of graphic fun!

My favorite color or colors has to be aqua and red. I'm so inspired by those colors. I love to offset it off with white a lot. I want to try to incorporate some darker colors so we will see where my quilting journey takes me.

XOXO,

Shari