Thursday, September 26, 2013

On A Christmas Roll

Hello Ladies,

Well October is my month and we are sticking with the Christmas theme.  Yippee, I love Christmas Quilts!!!  This month, we will be turning from Stars to Trees :)   And not just any trees, Improv Trees!!


These are based off of the Quilt-A-Long that Christa Quilts is doing right now, only we are doing paper pieced blocks as I didn't know if you all had the ruler and didn't think everyone should have to run out and buy one for 2 little blocks.  I plan to do this quilt layout only adding 2 extra rows at the bottom, one of 6 blocks and then another one block row to represent the trunk.



I sent out packages in the mail Tuesday so hopefully the will all start arriving in the next day or so :)  In your package you will find everything you need to make 2 Improv Tree Blocks.  They are easy, fun, and fast.  The triple trifecta :)  But if you only  have time for one block, no worries, I totally understand how much everyone in this group has on their plate, just please send back the extra fabric :)

I made a little tutorial on how to put the block together and posted it on my blog today.  I don't think any of you will need this tutorial as you are all probably far more experienced at improv and paper piecing than I, but I had a few ladies email me requesting how I was going to do mine, so I just took pictures along the way ;)

Okay, so here is the official Questionnaire deets ;)

  What size quilt block do you want your bee partners to make? (Give finished and unfinished measurements, just to be sure.)  Unfinished size is 11" x 11" Finished size is 10 1/2" x 10 1/2"

Can your partners use any of their own stash fabric to use in your quilt block? If so, are there any limitations?  There should be enough to just use the fabric sent, but if you happen to run out and need to add a little more please just make sure it matches.

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

Do your partners have to use at least a little bit of every fabric you send or can your partners decide?  No, but please try to use at least 7+ fabrics in each tree.  The more pieces the more scrappy and improv it gets  ;)

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 the block shown.

Will you allow any embellishments on the quilt block (i.e. embroidery, raised items such as yo-yos or fabric origami)?  I am thinking not for this particular block :)

Can you link us to any flickr or Pinterest photos that you would like us to use as inspiration for your quilt block?  Shown in the post 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?  I have sent enough for 2 blocks and would love to receive 2 blocks, but it is totally fine if you only have time for one.  Just please send back the extra fabric so I can make the second one ;)

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?   If they are larger sizes I would love to have the scraps back as I think I want to try to add some throw pillows into the mix, but little triangles and trimmed bits, don't worry about those ;)

  Alright, I think that is about it :)  Any questions just comment or email me at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com.  And thank you so much for allowing me to be part of this amazing group.  You are all just so inspiring.  I can't wait to see your blocks :)  Have fun and if you play a little Christmas Music in the background it only helps add to the merry spirit :)

Oh, I almost forget, the fabrics I sent are Blitzen by Basicgrey.  Love it!!!  Have fun :)



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Sunday, September 15, 2013

Sinta's Starry Eyed Quilt Block

I just finished up on my
Starry Eyed Quilt Block 
last night.
  This was a fun one
and easy to make!
Thanks Sinta!
A great way to use up scraps,
and Starry Eyed has just been added to my to-do list
   I have never made a 
wonky star before
and found it to be a quite a freeing technique.
One of the things I love about being part of the Bees Knees is 
I am trying new things that I have always wanted to learn
but probably never would have taken the time for.
  The tutorial instructions
by Angela of Fussy Cut
 over on Moda Bake Shop 
were very clear, with great pictures that really helped.
  Love the fabric Sinta chose,

although it did remind me I need to get the laundry done:) 
*Sinta, I did not have enough fabric strips to complete the outer border
so I made an executive decision
and added in a few of my own Christmas scraps.
I hope that is OK.
Did anyone else run into this problem?
                                                                                          Nedra

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Thursday, September 5, 2013

I'm All Starry Eyed!

Hello my fellow bee keepers!

(image from: Create my Event)


September is my month!
After much deliberation and changing my mind a half dozen times,
 I went back to my original
plan. 

I have my project all packaged and ready to put
in the mail.
This is a photo of the quilt block for me!


It's a Moda Bake Shop pattern so the link is here.

I am asking you to make the star block. I will make the alternate blocks.
The pattern calls for 10 blocks of each, so I plan on using the block from 
my 11th person in our group for a matching pillow. Since that makes me
the 12th person... I will make 10 alternate blocks.
It works out perfectly!

The block is 16.5" (16" finished) after the checkerboard border is
added to the star. 
Inside your "kit" you will find a 4 1/2" center square and
4 coordinating 5" squares to be cut for the star points.
The checkerboard strips are pre-cut exactly for you.

I am using Christmas fabric... but it's from 

this line of fabric.

You will have just enough fabric to make the block.

I hope you have fun with it.
All the blocks we have been making so far have been super
fun for me to make and last year my block was a bit on the 
challenging side... so I am making it up to you this time!
Promise!

Speakingn of Starry Eyed.
 if you look into the night sky
you might see some interesting 
things this month!

September Stargazing information here.



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