The Bee Balm

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T19:21:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas my special friends.

I hope your day has been special and you have found peace and joy.

Ours has been quiet as we like it, the girls open their gifts in the morning and we spend the day just relaxing. Tomorrow (boxing day) we will venture out and see other people, turkey dinner with our closest friends.

Thank you so much for being a part of my world, I believe I have all of my blocks and will soon have a beautiful, colourful quilt to relax with. I hope to have Lizzie's blocks mailed out this week, and I hope to have all of my must be finished pieces (including a "special project") finished before the 1st so I can mail out and get a fresh start in 2012.

What are your plans for 2012?

I've seen the idea of another quilting bee round has been mentioned. I would like to participate if you don't mind holding off on starting it for a bit. I'm feeling a bit run down with my monthly commitments and need a bit of time to recharge.

Have you some ideas for the future...maybe even a small exchange? Or another thought, what about a charity quilt? We can pick a charity, and everyone make a block? Even if it's not a charity, a donation to someone's local nursing home? Just spitballing some ideas.

Whatever works out to be, I look forward to working together.

Take care my friends, all the best in 2012!

Vivian
Yukon Territory, Canada

For Vivian from Melina

2011-12-02T01:17:00.000-08:00

Sorry I am so late, hope you like them though!

No Kaffe in my collection either but I hope you are fine with the colorful one I chose from my stash...

I really enjoyed making these two squares for you and I hope they work out and that I followed your instructions ok!

Melina

"The Trees" and Lizzie's blocks from Elaine

2011-11-17T01:10:00.000-08:00

I've finally turned all my lovely trees into a quilt.

Thanks to everyone in this fabulous "Bee" for your contribution to my little forest.

I love the way it turned out and apart from some wonky quilting

which I'm in the process of fixing it makes me very happy.

Today I received a parcel from Elaine with 4 beautiful blocks to be included in Lizzie's quilt.

This also made me very happy because now I have 12 blocks and that will make a quilt.

Poor Lizzie drew the final month with this Bee

and sadly some of us are tired of making blocks or are unwell,

or too busy or just don't want to play anymore and

I'm waiting for a parcel from Teresa (on it's way) but I haven't had word from anyone else
about more blocks coming this way.

That makes me sad because I really wanted to make a quilt for Lizzie

that shows her how much we quilters all care for each other.

Only 6 of us have contributed to this quilt so far....

if you still want to send some blocks for Lizzie's quilt

please email me and I'll wait for your blocks to arrive.

Otherwise it's going to be a lap quilt.

Hugs Sue

I'm a scoundrel no more...yippee!

2011-11-11T10:48:00.001-08:00

I'm a scoundrel no more, and boy does that feel good! I can post these on Monday, Sue and Vivian.

The top two blocks are for Vivian (13-3/4") and the bottom two for Lizzie (12-1/2"), by way of Sue. I have to admit that I was totally out of my comfort zone on these blocks...and my stash. I had no Kaffe Fassett fabrics (can you believe it?!?) and not many funky, modern, bold ones, either. I bought the fabrics a month or more ago, but have not been in the quilt cave in so many weeks due to the big benefit concert I was buried in. After starting antibiotics and sleeping for 2 days, I finally got into the cave today...yahoo. I was happy to find that I still know how to drive my sewing machine...

Thank you Bee Balmer's for a fun year of exchanges...and thanks for your patience, as I was often a scoundrel. Sometimes I think my life is not my own, but I know many of you struggle with the same thing.

Happy stitching!

Teresa :o)

Blocks arriving for Lizzie

2011-11-09T01:47:00.000-08:00

Today Marlene's blocks arrived for Lizzie's quilt.

Here's a picture of the blocks I have so far.

Thanks to Kate, Marlene and Beebee

and a couple from me.

It won't be long before we have enough to sew up for our good friend Lizzie.

If you are still making blocks for Lizzie please let me know and I will wait for them,

a few more will make a sweet little quilt for her and remember, she did make blocks for all of us.

Hearts from around the world........

2011-11-08T17:21:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for these beautiful hearts!

I put together the heart blocks from my online quilting bees......I participated in two bees and asked for the same block from both of them. I got all these blocks. I used all but 1 small block and I will put it on the back. This has been a great experience.

I received blocks from: Australia, Colorado, Texas, Canada, New South Whales, Ohio, Michigan, New York, Washington, Missouri, Louisiana, Georgia, Utah, New Zealand and France. I think I listed all of the places.

....and lizzie's lovely log cabins

2011-10-21T03:23:00.000-07:00

I've had a productive day catching up...

Here are Lizzie's log cabins....

It was fun choosing the fabrics and setting them together...

My stash is a bit light on greys. Anyway, Sue, they will be in the post on Monday.
My apologies once again, girls, for my tardiness.

viv's blocks

2011-10-20T22:45:00.000-07:00

Late, Oh! so late I know, but they are finished and on their way to you Viv.

Vibrant colours! Your quilt is going to be glorious!

This one made from all your fabrics....

I wanted to make a second, but your strips didn't stretch that far so there are a few Kaffes from my stash in this one. I hope they are not too late to be included in the quilt, and I hope they are what you wanted.
Kate

Finally done Viv..!!!

2011-10-08T22:49:00.000-07:00

Here you go Viv, I've finally got them finished.....I managed to get four blocks out of the fabric you sent and a bit of Kaffe that I had and I'll put the left over fabric in the parcel. They are straight even though they don't look it, raining again today so I had to put them on the wall inside, they might be a touch oversize so I've left them for you to cut down and square up..Hopefully I can get them in the mail tomorrow after I've been to visit Mum....XXX

Kaffe Fassett returning home

2011-09-30T08:51:00.001-07:00

I have blocks from Sue and Barb...yay!!! I'll post pictures later this weekend.

LOVE THIS PROJECT!!!!

Viv

Two log cabin blocks!

2011-09-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

I made these log cabin blocks for Lizzie.

Sue, they will be put in the mail tomorrow!

These were fun to make! Love the way all the colors are all mixed up.

I hope they are ok.

A couple of Log Cabin's for Lizzie

2011-09-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

I'd cut these strips weeks ago all ready for Lizzie's blocks and when

I was making the blocks this morning I noticed I'd included orange too.

Well I went back to read Lizzies post from August and there it is...

ORANGE

along with yellow, red, white, aqua, grey and chocolate and any other colours you can find in her picture.

These were quick and fun.

I'm looking forward to start making up Lizzie's quilt.

Lizzie's Block

2011-09-26T00:10:00.000-07:00

OK Everybody,

we've all had a month when blocks were made for us and now it's Lizzie's turn.

She needs some time out to care for her family right now so we can help by giving her a little care.

I know she wanted blocks just like this.

Let's see how quickly we can get this to happen.

With Lizzie's permission I'd like to ask you all to join in making her blocks for this month.

Please could we all make 2 blocks (finished size 12.5" square)

for her from our own fabrics with this look.

The centre is to be a 2" square and PLAIN RED

The surrounding strips to be cut around about 1" - 1.5" wide in an assortment of red & white, aqua & chocolate and yellow & grey.

Please try to use prints with the same modern look that most of these fabrics have.

I'm sure we all have something that will fit in amongst our stash.

Mail the blocks to my address and I'll put it together for her.

If you need reminding of my address just ask me in the comments and I'll email it to you.

Thanks for helping out, these blocks couldn't be for a nicer blog friend.

Cheers

Sue @ Charlotte's cottage

2011-09-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

You will all have noticed I guess, that I have been more often absent than present in the last little while. Those of you that follow my personal blog will know that I have a trillion (I know, prone to exaggeration!..) things that I try to do and the top of that list is to be there for my Mum who has Alzheimer's disease. Her condition has taken an inevitable downward spiral in the last few weeks and I find myself driving the 200km round trip several times a week to be with her and support my Dad in his desire/need to keep her home with him for as long as is humanly possible. I'm not the young thing that I like to think I am anymore and the constant driving up and down, as well as the emotional toll of watching her slip away one brain cell at a time is all consuming. This has caused me to reevaluate things in my life and put aside some hopes and plans for me. I'm not an only child but I'm the eldest and the only daughter, so I'm it basically.

I've decided with a huge amount of regret that I can't commit to another round of the Bee, I'll finish up Viv's blocks and call it a day. I'm ok with not doing my month, truthfully, I just can't find the energy right now. I'm handing over my Civil War Bride blog to someone else too, I will keep A House in the Country and my photography blog, they're my go to life savers so I hope you'll come visit me there..
If one of you wants to take over and organise the next round let me know and I'll sort it.

I just want to say thank you to all of the wonderful, warm and caring women I've met through this bee blog. I've had two years of friendship, fun and laughter. I've travelled continents and oceans, been to places I never thought I would, I've been inside your homes and your hearts and I know, with total certainty, that you'll all be thinking of me and I hope, always be a friend....
Lizzie
xxx

they're coming! they're coming!!

2011-09-09T17:16:00.000-07:00

Beebee's hearts are finished...

Quite by chance a little star shape appeared in the centre of the four hearts...

So sorry Beebee that these are so late... the truth be told I had put your fabric away so carefully that I couldn't find it for ages. Finally last Wednesday night after tearing the room apart I found the envelope!

So these little hearts will be winging their way west over the Pacific on Monday.
Viv's fabric is now put in full view so they won't suffer a similar fate! I'll be onto them tomorrow, so should be caught up again...
Best, Kate

Hi Viv

2011-09-06T18:41:00.000-07:00

Here's your Kaffe blocks, I'll parcel them up for their long trip back home to you.

They were so much fun to make up. Thanks for the great fabrics to work with.
hugs Sue

Winging it's way to the Yukon

2011-09-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

Hey Viv,
I had fun with your strips, thanks for sending them my way. I hope you like them!

I'm getting ready to fly out to my sister's home in British Columbia, on the 8th, my etsy shop is going on vacation too. See you ladies in a few weeks~~Elaine

Happy Labor day!

Labor Weekend

2011-09-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

Dear bee balmers,

I have been AWE (absent without explanation) for months and it is now time to fess up. We have been dealing with the eldercare issues in Ohio on a rotating weekend basis, it feels like forever. Last weekend my father-in-law finally made the decision to move his wife to a care center, trying a week to see how she transitions to the new environment. Because of some changes, we do not need to go this weekend, and I have decided that it is now time to take back my life. I will be starting on make-up blocks tomorrow and hope to get a goodly number caught up and ready to mail.

As DD1 finally got this new hand-me-down computer to a point where I can use it, I hope to post pictures of what I finish up. I have not been in blogland since my post about Lou's father's day in June. Thank you all for being so understanding, for the messages of support, and for having my back.

Happy sewing, San-Dee

Beautiful hearts for Beebee from sweet hearts!

2011-08-29T15:13:00.000-07:00

I have been having so much fun checking the mail these last few weeks. I have gotten hearts from Vivian, Elaine, Melina, Sue, Lizzie, Marlene and Teresa! Your hearts are beautiful.
I asked for similar blocks from the 15 Minute Play group I am in. Their blocks are pretty too!

Check out what I have so far......

they are so much prettier in person.

Now I am off to work on Vivian's block. Her fabric is unbelievable!

Vivian's block sizes

2011-08-23T21:20:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies!

Apparently I forgot to mention the size of my block! First the little square I sent is 6 inch x 6 inch. My finished block size is 13 3/4 inch x 13 3/4 inch.

Take care my friends, Vivian

The check is in the mail...

2011-08-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

...well, not really money, just lst blocks. Sue, Tara, Teresa, Marls, Melina, Kate and BeeBee. Actually BeeBee, you should get yours tomorrow, it went priority yesterday with your shop items. I have enjoyed you ladies, thank you.

Now Viv, is there any specific size you want the center...or the logs....or the block?

Lizzie, please see the questions above!

Roasting in the drought, Elaine

Please take me off the naughty list, too!

2011-08-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

Hello, all! So sorry to be absent for so long! I am almost caught up with blocks, I just need to make it to the post office!

Melina--I'll just hold onto this until you get back to the Fort unless you'd like it sooner?

And as soon as I can figure out how to applique without a raw edge, I'll finish up these hearts. Any suggestions?

I hate to say it, but think that I need to bow out of the next round. My intentions are always so good, but I just don't have the time to give this that it deserves. I can't wait to play with some Kaffe for Viv, too!

My sherbet pips quilt from January is still missing 3 of it's blocks as well. If you don't have time to make the blocks, I'll happily take the fabric back .

Thanks to you all for your patience!!

Tara

Bad girl no more...

2011-08-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

The donkey tail has finally mailed her blocks to Beebee! I am a bad girl no longer! I've had the crazy-pieced, red-background block done for a couple of weeks, but I was stumped on the other two until this week. I hope they all fit with everyone else's blocks for a harmonious heart party.

I made the crazy-pieced hearts all scrappy pinks because all my red bits just blended into the background and didn't make the hearts stand alone.

My creative muse finally returned to design and make the last two blocks. The muse has been on strike, wondering where all the chocolate went!

Even though it is Sunday, I went to the post office and put the envelope in the drop box TODAY so nothing would stop them from starting their short journey to Louisiana TOMORROW.

I'm sorry they are tardy...I've been distracted, for sure, the last 4 months.

I am scared and delighted as I anticipate starting Viv's blocks! Should be fun and s-t-r-e-t-c-h me a little...

In stitches,
Teresa :o)

It's me time!

2011-08-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

I hope you have fun with the fabric I chose, if you have any Kaffe Fassett in your own stash that you may want to use a smidgeon of, feel free, it'll give it some more colour and pattern to assault the senses.

Above is the fabric waiting for packaging. Aren't all those pieces just a mind blower? Lets clash all over the place.

Above is the block I made...very simple, maybe a little boring but that's where you all come in! Feel free to make a block similar....OR...make your block totally random. I'm ok with it really. I'm not looking for traditional piecing, or exactness...want to make a square and throw some stripes all the way around? Go ahead...want to turn the square into a rectangle and do something that way? Go right ahead.

My plan in the end is to have my blocks butt right up against each other, no sashing. I want it to be an explosion of colour.

Thanks ladies! And again, thank you for your patience, I was saving the last couple of blocks to mail out with my material (save a stamp, I'm thrifty that way).

Luv ya! Vivian, Yukon

Housekeeping...

2011-08-19T16:08:00.000-07:00

The last few months have been a bit of a mess haven't they? So it's time to clean up and definitely no sweeping under the carpet...!Viv has her blocks under control and please remember that we've moved up a month so she's not late but right about on time. Truthfully Viv, I think you've done well with a bit of missing finger for so long, glad it's all healed now. I will have my fabric ready to go in the middle of September to give the month between postings.

Okay, serious stuff now. Can you all email me and tell me if you have blocks missing and if you have, how many? We all have issues come up and life get in the way sometimes, but I feel that in all fairness to everyone, we need to finish the round with as many blocks mailed back as we possibly can. We need to put some order back in the group if we are going to go round again in any format.

I need to also know if anyone is going to opt out at the end of this round? I've had a couple of suggestions for the next go around?? I'll put them all together with a few others and a couple of my own soon and post them up. I need to get that going in the next couple of weeks so that we can work out what's going to happen?

I've been a bit of a schoolyard bully today haven't I? Just so you all know that I love this group, this blog and you all....
...please accept this bunch of flowers for yourself, from one friend to another

address list

2011-08-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

So I've had my little envelopes waiting on my desk all week...it's cold, it's rainy, life got busy.

Today I thought I would take them to the post office during my lunch hour, get them gone so I don't have to worry anymore.

I had some free time before lunch (it's now 11:53 a.m...why not wait till the last minute to address them) so I started writing my address in the return address area.

Hmmm...where is everyone's addresses? I know I had them written down on a piece of paper from home. Uh oh...I did empty my recycle paper box under my desk yesterday (after I cleaned it of all unnecessary items). Did it go in there? Eeek.

No problem, I'll just go into gmail and locate the list. Hmmm...when was that list sent?

Can't find it.

I can find an email between Lizzie and I mentioning I couldn't find the list way back in May.

But again, no list.

Seriously where is my head!!!

If anyone can send the list in the next couple of hours I can stop on my way home after work. Otherwise, tomorrow I'll drive in and get this done.

Thanks!
Vivian

who's turn is it?

2011-08-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

I have enjoyed making everyone's blocks. My turn was July .It is August 18th and I only got blocks from 2 bees...I hope everyone else is ok and can send their hearts to me too! I sent out little notes in the mail to remind everyone. Just gentle reminder. I do not want to upset anyone. Please, if you can not do the hearts, please mail my red and pink back to me if you can. I need it for my quilt top!
hugs to everyone
beebee

Hearts for BeeBee

2011-08-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

I hope you like those BeeBee, they were fun to make, I hope I respected your instructions...

I will mail them at the same time as Kate's winding blades: Tuesday or Wednesday.

my block for Kate

2011-08-09T02:12:00.000-07:00

There's my block Kate, I didn't have any vintage fabrics, I found some that I thought looked a little vintage. I had trouble with my mom's sewing machine so there are little imperfections. Hope you will be able to use my piece anyways and enjoy it... Mélina

Is was easier than it looked...what took me so long?!

2011-08-08T23:03:00.000-07:00

I finally got Kate's block done!! I kept putting it off and putting it off because it looked difficult and I thought I needed a large chunk of uninterrupted time to work on it. Then tonight, it went like "zip!" The fabrics are repro's from Marcus (Judy Rothermel). I really enjoyed making this block! I can't wait to see what you do with them, Kate.

Now, on to Beebee's hearts!

In stitches,
Teresa :o)

Fun with black and white

2011-08-08T18:39:00.000-07:00

I started this project last week. It has been a challenge but fun to do. Let me know what you think. I am going to put a fabric with a black and white print for the back. It is about 43 inches square. I just wanted to share it with ya'll.

What is Blogger doing??

2011-08-06T23:13:00.000-07:00

Try as I might I could not get blogger to let me add any writing after posting photos of Kate's blocks,so had to do another post.
I have quite a few pink fabrics in my stash following the making a a lovely pink quilt for my great niece so I had alot of fun with your blocks Beebee- I hope you like them. I have seen blocks for you around blogland and you are going to have an amazing quilt when they all reach home.
Will post blocks this week.

Oops bad photography!!
Exciting that the feeling is to continue the bee for another year. Shame we seem to have lost a few people-doesn't seem like Elaine or Tara have visited for awhile either.
Happy sewing everyone from a wintery southern New Zealand.

Caught Up

2011-08-06T22:58:00.000-07:00

At last I have made it into the sewing room and caught up on the blocks-sorry Kate and Beebee that you have had to wait.
I don't have Civil War fabric in my stash,sorry Kate, so I tried to match the colours of the other blocks that have been posted.This was a fun block to make so thanks for the idea Kate.

I know I'm early but...

2011-08-03T17:47:00.000-07:00

..this is what I'm thinking of for my block next month...
I'm sorry, I can't for the life of me remember where I got this photo, it's been sat in bookmarks on the Mac for months, quietly waiting for my month..
Pretty much these colours too, I was wondering if you're all good with using your own scraps? I'm looking for a fabric for the centre squares and hope to have that sorted soon. I would love modern, bright and a bit funky, not the big Kaffe patterns though. I'm loving greys and reds, aqua and brown, oranges and lemons, get the picture? I'm planning on sashing with white I think...?? Let me know if you don't have anything that would suit, I'm happy to send fabric but I would love to have scraps from all of you in there...

Beebee's hearts.....

2011-08-01T17:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you Sue and Lizzie for these beautiful heart blocks....

They are beautiful.........

Heart fabrics coming home

2011-07-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

I received some beautiful heart blocks today!
Thank you Lizzie and Sue

I will post photos tomorrow.

Thank you for my winding blades

2011-07-12T02:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you Sue, BeeBee and Lizzie for my blocks. I love them!

Left and right two lovely greens from Sue, top a brown floral from BeeBee

Top is from Lizzie, Left and bottom from BeeBee, right is mine

Playing nicely together

I've lots more to do but I'm very happy with the start.

Thank you!

Now onto some heart appliqué....

Beebee's blocks..

2011-07-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

Here you go Beebee, three heart blocks for you...

...a little bit of the general...

..a bit of fun with some dots...

...and a trio of Santorini for spice..

Hope you like them..

July hearts?

2011-07-02T21:58:00.000-07:00

Hello BeeBalm Bees!
I mailed out my fabric a couple of weeks ago....did you get your envelope?
I got one returned in the mail. I will mail it to Cananda again and hope their mail strike is over!
The temperature has been in the high 90s with a heat index at about 105...so we just stay indoors and watch TV and I am getting some sewing projects finished!Woohoo!

Please let me know if you got your envelope! Thanks, beebee

Going in the mail to Kate

2011-06-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

I had to make two blocks for Kate...the first one was for practice! It's nice to know I improved a bit.

Kate's block....here it is!!!

2011-06-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

Kate's block was not difficult to make. I was not sure if I could make it....but I tried it and I made it. I hope you like the fabric I used.

Hearts for Beebee....Bee Balm July blocks!

2011-06-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

I will be mailing each of you 3-4 pieces of pink or red fabric.

You will receive one of the following combinations.:

two 6 ½ “ squares

one 12 ½ “ square

one 12 ½” X 6 ½” rectangle

two 6 ½ “ squares

one 12 ½” square

one 12 ½” X 6 ½” rectangle

two 6 ½ “ squares

Take out your red and pink scraps and make some hearts.

Here are a few examples of what I would like you to make.

I did not attach the hearts to the fabric yet.

You get the idea? Squares, stripes, anything you like.

“Make” fabric or just use squares or stripes or triangles or one solid piece of a pretty print. You can put one or two or three or more hearts on each of the pieces of fabric you get.. Use any stitch you want to attach them to the fabric. I would prefer not to have any raw edges please!

If you have any questions please let me know.

Thanks

beebee

I'm caught up..!

2011-06-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

I think..? No, I am, I'm caught up with all the blocks, Melina here's your green stars...

..and

I hope you like them, they'll be in the mail sometime today..

I was excited about making Kate's block, how different and I love half square triangles...

I have quite a bit of Civil War fabric so that worked out well..
In the mail today too Kate..

Looking forward to seeing what you have for us BeeBee and just while I'm here has anyone heard from Linda..?

Process and photos - Winding Blades block

2011-06-10T18:01:00.000-07:00

Good morning fellow Bees.
As promised here are the processes and photos for my Winding Blades triangular block. Some of the photos are a little dark - I apologise - I couldn't get the flash to work this morning.

You will need:
1 light or medium fabric
1 medium or dark fabric

Layer your two fabrics right sides together and cut:
one 6 3/4 inch square - we'll work on this first
one 3 5/8 inch square - set this one aside for a sec.
From these we will get 10 little 3" Half Square Triangle (HST) units

1. Making the HST
On the 6 3/4 in square lightly mark TWO diagonal lines corner to corner.

Sew a scant 1/4 inch either side of these two lines - sewing 4 lines in total.

Once your lines are sewn, mark two additional lines through the centre to further divide the square - top to bottom and side to side.

So now you have 4 lines, 2 going corner to corner, one horizontal and one vertical all going through the centre of the square. Cut on the marked lines. 4 cuts.

You now have 8 little HST.

To make the remaining 2 HST take your 3 5/8" square. Mark ONE diagonal line and sew a scant 1/4" either side of the line. Then cut on the line. This gives you 2 more HST.

Press open. Trim up the HST if necessary to achieve 3" squares.

2. Cutting the 5 setting triangles.

From your darker fabric cut one 4 3/4 " square. Then cut this square into 4 diagonally - giving you 4 little triangles.

Use one of these triangles as a template to cut the fifth triangle making sure the long edge is on the straight grain.

So you now have five triangles from the darker fabric and ten 3" HST units

3. Assembling the triangular block.

Lay out the HST in 4 rows as illustrated below. I found it easier to lay them out "on point" as they will go in the block. Make sure the darker half of the HST is to the top.

Lay the 5 triangles at the end of each row. Long (straight edge) side at the bottom.

Sew units into strips.

Sew strips together matching intersections, to form the triangle.

You're finished!

Thank you once again. I hope that these instructions are clear and that you enjoy making my block.

Happy sewing! K

Kate's Block

2011-06-06T22:45:00.000-07:00

I am quite relieved that Kate has chosen the triangle block as this is what I thought we were doing on Saturday-

I was excited that the postman left a parcel and knowing Kate's block was this month I was so excited opening the parcel, thinking it was the fabric for the block.
Then I went OMG you have to be joking!!! I thought this was it!. I had forgotten Kate was posting my block back and I then realised this was a lovely card she had enclosed-boy what a relief.
As you can see here Kate, the inspector thought the block was great- the minute I put it down to photograph she appeared.

Looking forward to making the triangle block.

Kate's block for June - Winding Blades

2011-06-05T19:28:00.000-07:00

Hello, fellow Bees.

I have long admired scrappy quilts, particularly those which appear both simple and complex at the same time. As well, I joined this group to stretch myself and perhaps learn new skills. With those things in mind, the block that I have chosen for my month is inspired by an antique quilt featured on page 92 of Quilts of Virginia, 1607-1899, made circa 1860 by Susan Spigle of Botetourt County.

Forgive me for not sewing a sample – I’m a little busy at the moment finishing a quilt for our Sydney Exhibition, but I intend to start my HST next week – a new skill for me, having never sewn any in any quantity in my life!!

DON'T FREAK OUT - Its just one triangular block!!

Please choose 2 fabrics from your own collection:

1 medium/dark, and
1 medium/light

go scrappy and use as many combinations of these as you like!

My preference is reproduction fabrics, but the quilt will be scrappy so go for it. The charm of scrap quilts is their variety of fabrics and the charm of friendship quilts is the inclusion of fabrics and combinations from friends that I might never have thought of using myself.

Each block requires 10 HST + 5 medium/dark triangles (the triangles will be half a 2 ¾ “ square cut diagonally)

HST should be 2 ¹/₄" finished (ie not including seam allowance).

My research says you should cut 3 ¹/₄" squares, make your HST then trim back to 2 ³/₄", however, use whatever HST making method you prefer to achieve a 2 ¹/₄" finished HST.

Assemble the HST into rows with one medium/dark triangle each.

Click on the image for a larger version.

The assembled triangular block should measure 11.25” x 11 .25” x 15.9” (not including seam allowances)

Thank you and I hope you enjoy making my block!

Let me know if you have an questions.

Kate

Canada Post Strike

2011-06-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

Hi ladies, just wanted to keep you all in the loop...friday Canada Post went on strike, it's a rotating strike so mail is supposedly still moving...but I had an empty mailbox on friday so I don't know if that was normal or not.

http://clients.infopost.ca/en/

Our mail gets routed through the Vancouver sorting centre, so far it's only been the Hamilton area that has been off (other side of the counrty).

Have a great week!

Vivian
Yukon

Getting caught up...and a funny confession!

2011-05-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for the long Memorial Day holiday weekend!! (and being able to play hookie from my church musician job on Sunday!)...I finally got caught up! I added purple to Marlene's fabric to finish hers...

...and dug around in my green tubs to come up with this for Melina. I hope it is the sort of thing you had in mind. The star points look black in my picture, but they are really a deep green Shadowplay (Maywood).

Is anyone else having frustrations with Blogger?? I cannot post comments on many blogs...I get in this endless loop of it saying I'm not signed in after I type a comment. I sign in, then it takes me back to my comment and asks me to type the letters correctly. After I do that, I'm right back to the screen where I sign in and give my password. AAAHHHH! It is so frustrating! I have sent a couple of "help me" messages, but nothing is any better.

True confession time: a while back, Kate made a post showing the two blocks that she made. I was very sick at the time and had a high fever. I dragged myself off the couch long enough to see the post and really study the pretty blocks (eye candy for the sick soul!!). Then I dragged myself back to the couch and slept. Well, later I sort of hallucinated that they came in the mail already instead of just being pictured on the blog post! I sort of thought, somehow, that they arrived in the mail and my husband brought the package to my drowsy dreamy state on the couch and said, "open this...it feels like fabric...this will make you feel better." I was really VERY sick, I guess.

Well, when I got better, I convinced myself that they really had already come, and I must have just misplaced the mailing envelope containing the blocks. I searched and searched, then Lizzie's block for me arrived...how could I post about my joy in Lizzie's block arriving when I had not posted about Kate's yet?!

So I spent a few weeks turning the house, especially the quilt cave, upside-down looking for the missing blocks. Then I wondered if I had accidentally thrown them out! I was horrified!

Meanwhile, the blocks DID arrive in the mail, delayed a little, and I STILL did not make the connection that they were from Kate. How could they be from Kate when I had already gotten them from Kate when I was sick and misplaced them. I didn't originally read the note in Kate's parcel saying that they had been delayed. The guilt of "losing" those two blocks made me not want to make Marlene and Melina's blocks until I found them.

Finally, Thursday night I realized I just had to make the two blocks and get them in the mail. THAT is when I finally, thoroughly, read the note in Kate's parcel...THESE were the blocks I was looking for! I AM SUCH AN AIRHEAD!!!

I tell you, since turning 50 in December...I have not been the same!! I thought it would be a gradual decline into mushroominess...

So thank you Kate, and thank you for the 30's fabric you included in the envelope! I am so embarrassed that I did not make the proper connections! I will get Marlene and Melina's blocks in the mail tomorrow, along with another block I got done this weekend. Thank you to everyone's patience with me and my crazy brain!!

In stitches,
Teresa :o)

Melina's address?

2011-05-29T18:00:00.001-07:00

I know I read Melina's new address somewhere but I cannot for the life of me find it.
Can someone help?
Thx. Kate

Renewed

2011-05-28T07:30:00.001-07:00

What a wonderful thing this web is! Thanks to all your heartfelt comments, I am moving toward a sunnier place of existence. I have realized that I don't have to be Superwoman. My life has an ebb and flow that is affected by matters beyond my control, and I just need to move with it. It has helped tremendously that DD1 has been home for a few days, and that DD2 will be home for two weeks at the end of June. I think I needed daughter "fixes".

The colors used in the recent blocks are absolutely gorgeous! I actually bought a package of green fat quarters yesterday (on sale!) to increase my available stash for all you green people! It's never been a color I enjoy except in nature, so I have very few green things around. So, hopefully Kenny (my Kenmore sewing machine) will get a little workout this weekend while the temperatures soar outside; we're supposed to hit 100 on Monday-very bizarre for the Washington, DC area this early in the year....but I need to remember Maryland is the South:)...days like this I definitely miss CA and the ocean.

Love and hugs to you all for all the support, you cannot imagine how much it means to me!

Catching up! Marls' African Ladies and Melina's Green Star

2011-05-27T20:18:00.000-07:00

Marls' African ladies.

The bright blue just seemed right.

Melina's green star.

Hope you like my 1950's hunting dogs! Changed the arrangement just a bit to incorporate the game birds in the corners.

Both will be in the mail on Monday.

June is my month and I've a few ideas still percolating so I'll make my decision soon and post photos instructions etc in a week or so.

bye for now

Kate

African Stars

2011-05-26T21:36:00.001-07:00

Hey look what I finished!!!!

Next up, the green (grassy) blocks...off to jump in my fabric tub!

Viv
Yukon

I am defeated

2011-05-23T15:14:00.000-07:00

Dear all,

I have been defeated by emotional strain from eldercare issues. I was not able to get my fabric cut, packaged, or mailed while in Ohio. At this point, I am withdrawing the May block. Please feel like this is your recess month. I want to be a part of sewing for the rest of you, and so I hope to be included in the coming months' mailings.

I had really hoped that since Lou and I had leveled out with our health concerns that I would get to know my sewing activities again on a regular basis, but that does not seem to be happening. I have almost finished the blocks you all have not received from me yet, and with a concentrated effort they should be finished over the long weekend and out on the 31st.

I only hope my daughters honor my wishes should I (G-d forbid) descend into the Neverland of dementia or Altzheimer's and become just the body of the person I am.

So, happier thoughts and wishes to all, and hopefully Viv's cheery colors will give us something to look forward to!

I'm the white rabbit...

2011-05-20T23:57:00.000-07:00

...as in...

"I'm late

I'm late

For a very important date.

No time to say "Hello."

Goodbye.

I'm late, I'm late, I'm late."

Huge apologies to Marlene and Melina. I am working on your stars now, so they'll be done this weekend and should be in the post on Monday.

I've been madly busy quilting a rather large quilt for our NSW Guilld exhibition...due date 15 June. I'm on to the 3rd border so the end is in sight and I'm a little ahead of my schedule so today I'm feeling more comfortable about taking the weekend off to make your blocks!

So, Kate has NOT fallen off the face of the earth, just under a quilt. Photos promised soon.
xox
Kate

Ladies, we're playing with Kaffe Fassett!

2011-05-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm so very excited, September is an awful long way away but I just wanted to update you for two reasons:

1. so you can get excited; and
2. b/c I just can't keep it to myself.

Today my order was shipped from Hyggeligt Fabrics ( http://www.hyggeligt.ca ). Oh I can't wait to see it!!!

I ordered several half yards of pinks and reds (and one yellow!!) of Kaffe Fassett. The block I'm choosing for us to do is a log cabin variation...but you don't get to see which one till closer to September.

Thank you to the visitors who stopped in with links to different places to order this fabric, I really appreciate it!!!

Viv
Yukon, Canada

I'm not lost

2011-05-17T18:48:00.000-07:00

but I have definitely been feeling like it! I hope to have triangles mailed by this weekend. I have chosen a hexagon design that is really easy but looks a lot harder. Please take your time getting it back to me, I know I'm REALLY late getting fabric to you all, but I have a decent reason/excuse (see Carolyn Hax's column for the definitions of "reason and excuse"): I fell two weeks ago on the way to the post office and sprained my wrist. I am still having problems with it when I try to do fine movements as opposed to general ones like waving. What was worse was that it was at lunchtime on busy Bethesda Ave-they have brick sidewalks that look cute but are really uneven, and there was a whole crowd to see me go down. And one jerk told me it was because I was wearing heels not flats-sheesh!

I will post directions and pictures tomorrow. Thank you all for your patience throughout this ordeal!

Question - Kaffe Fassett

2011-05-10T21:04:00.000-07:00

I have a question!!!! Me, me, me, over here!!!!

Do you have Kaffe Fassett fabric in your stash? I'm thinking ahead to my month and remembered that I picked up some fat quarters that our quilt shop brought in special at Christmas...it's not a designer they carry.

Do you visit the blog Material Obsession? http://www.materialobsession.typepad.com/

It seems a lot of their favourites fall in the Kaffe Fassett fabrics or something similar and I love it. It's wild and kooky.

Anyhoo...just asking in case I have to find a Canadian source and get some in before...what am I September?

Vivian

catching up...

2011-05-07T05:44:00.000-07:00

my square for May (to myself ;-)

Marl's square (thinking you might get the picture before the actual block in the mail that left Friday from Toulouse)

Last but not least... my squares from last year, laid out on my bed, they are not put together at all yet, but I am thinking about starting to add strips of solids in between and starting to sew the finished product, at least the top part. Thanks for everyone's contribution again! And the pieces I am missing are welcome anytime... I have name tags on each square and was thinking about embroidering everyone's initials, first name or nick name so I could always know which one was who's ;-) It is so windy today that it is a perfect day for sewing. Happy May to all of you!

Stars it is!

2011-05-02T01:19:00.000-07:00

The blocks have arrived Beebee and it didn't take much to make squares into the stars appear-they look great.

I hope you like your Veggies Melina.

2011-05-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun making "Green" blocks for you Melina.

One of the very few things I can say in French is "Mon petite chou".

I don't know if I've spelt it correctly though?

Hugs Sue

Tra-la, it's May

2011-05-01T14:08:00.001-07:00

Guenevere may have sung that in Chamelot, but its come too soon for me! I lost a week dealing with elder-care issues in Cleveland. Info on my block will be coming later this week, and I hope to have all my late blocks mailed out at the end of the week. I'll try and post pictures of my progress if I haven't left my camera in Cleveland.

Melina's green block

2011-04-25T15:18:00.000-07:00

Here it is. This time I made the block right! Can you see the star?
I hope you like the colors Melina. It will be interesting
to see all the different shades of greens you will get! It should be a
beautiful quilt.

Melina's Blocks

2011-04-24T23:31:00.000-07:00

This is a little scary being the first to post Melina's Green blocks. It is amazing when you sort through your stash just what fabrics you discover. I love making this block and so made two of them -one with a New Zealand theme in the centre. It is a batik featuring a fern frond- I read recently how New Zealand quilts tend to include colours of the land and the sky and this is just that. Unfortunately the star doesn't show up that well although in real life it is more prominent.

Matching greens in the same block was a bit of a challenge but I like how this one turned out with Kaffe in the centre. I had to add a little bit of colour!

Melina I hope these are ok. Will be in the post this week.

Huge mistake on Marlene's blocks

2011-04-22T20:48:00.000-07:00

Hi Marlene,
You must think I am beyond dumb....I was working on Melina's block when I realized that I put your blocks together the wrong way. I made the center look like a box instead of turning the sides the other way to make it a star...I am so sorry,. If you send them back I will pay postage both ways and fix them and return them to you . I am pretty sure I can unstitch them and turn the sides around to make the star. I feel so bad for not noticing until now. The fabric was wonderful to work with.

feeling her stupidity here in Louisiana
beebee

Forgive me please

2011-04-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

Ladies, let me apologize for being a "missing link" in the Bee Balm. I do have every one's fabric packets. I am not sure what has happened to me. I do know that I have been very absent and non-commentary and not getting your blocks back to you sweet ladies. It has not been my intention to be such a fuddy. I had allowed a fellow blogger to belittle me by not speaking up. And when I did speak up, it was ineffective. It only resulted in continuing bashing...mostly to my pride. I was frozen in myself, yeah, I know, makes no sense to me either. I guess I was feeling really stupid and very amateurish and not worthy of "trading" my talents with others. But I kept getting my blocks out, from all of you, and got that warm fuzzy feeling, knowing that what you ladies did, well, it was beautiful and I love every single block. Because you made them for me. From your hearts. Ok, I think my selfishness has abated and I am working on your blocks. Please, please be patient with me. And if you're mad....please don't send a group email to bash me with! I love being part of this and will get off my dead butt and post some pics, but not for a few days, when I'm off work. Thank you so much....Elaine

2011-04-18T09:26:00.000-07:00

HELLO EVERYBODY

My turn!
Theme: all Greens, pattern no pattern, all fabrics are welcome, just make sure there is only about 20% of other colors (sorry for those of you who don't like that color, but if you absolutely don't like it, make a red or orange one, surprise me ;-)
Stash: yours (I have no time at the moment to send fabric and I am already so late)
Pattern: the same one as Marls (I love it and I thought it could look really nice with all kinds of greens), hope you won't all be tired of it but maybe full of practice.
Size: same as Marls' block.
Any thoughts or comments are welcome!
And most of all, use your creativity ;-)
I loved the blocks I got last year from all of you...
Thank you,
Mélina

More blocks for Marls

2011-04-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

Hi Marlene!
Here they are. I love this pattern.
Hope you like my fabric selection! I will mail them tomorrow!

Marl's block...

2011-04-08T23:00:00.000-07:00

...done and dusted.

Hope this is OK Marls, it was a fabulous block to make and I can't wait to see it finished, amazing colours.

More 30's UFO blocks in the mail...

2011-03-17T16:11:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Sue and Vivian for envelopes containing beautiful blocks instead of the normal bills and junk mail!! (and thank you Sue for the lovely Country Threads pattern - it's right up my alley!!)

The bonus blocks you made with your fabrics are so lovely and blend PERFECTLY with mine! I am excited to plan the next stage of this UFO "re-wind and re-do!"

In stitches,

Teresa :o)

African Ladies coming Your Way.

2011-03-12T21:22:00.000-08:00

This will be a bit long and photo heavy.
Sorry I am so late with this months blocks but life rather got in the way these last few weeks.
I had quite a few different ideas for my block before I settled on this one and I have fallen in love with it. It is not a block I had made before but can see more quilts with this block in them coming up.
I saw a quilt made with these blocks in the book Material Obsession, so I know how I will put them together.
I fell in love with Africa when I visited Kenya (twice) to go on safari. I am a lover of animals in their natural world and to see them in the wild is amazing. The African women I fell in love with- their happy smiling faces, friendly and oh so colourful. Many years ago I joined an African Fat Quarter club so have had these stored away and never used so here is my opportunity.

The Block is called the Double Ohio Star and I have already made a few up- I am going to set them on point but they are made up as a straight setting square so don't worry!

I am sending you the centre square, the cutout black fabric and a coloured fabric that I would like to be the 'star fabric'.

WHAT I ASK IS could you each add the second fabric from your stash. Bright would be good and anything that blends in?This way it will personalise the blocks for me as 'yours' rather than all mine.

It will mean you need to cut eight, three and a half inch squares of the fabric you choose.

So how to sew the block-

This is what you start with-
one 6 1/2 inch centre fabric
four rectangles 6 1/2 by 3 1/2 black fabric
eight 3 1/2 inch squares of two different coloured fabrics.

Take one black rectangle and two squares of the fabric from your stash. Draw a diagonal line on the squares. Line up one square with one end of the rectangle and sew along the line.

Cut off the outside triangles of both fabrics.

Fold the triangle back into place and press the seam towards the black fabric.

Repeat the process on the other side of the rectangle with the second square.

Repeat with all four rectangles.

Now take two of the 3 1/2 squares that I sent and repeat the above process in the opposite direction.

Sew a black 3 1/2 inch square to the end of two of the completed units

Sew the other two units to the top and bottom of the centre square

then add the units with the cornerstones to the sides of the centre block.

This is what it will look like finished- not perfect seams so don't be a perfectionist.

Then turned On Point-

I hope that makes sense but please let me know if you cannot understand.

Kate- please hand sew if you wish to.

Viv-will send you a centre so you can use orange!!!
Will put the ladies in the post this week. Can't wait to see what 'Our Tribe' will look like.

Leaving NZ's Shores

2011-03-12T20:28:00.000-08:00

They will be on their way this week Teresa. Although this was a simple block to put together I was out of my comfort zone with the fabrics. 1930's are not in my stash but I managed to add some! I am now worried that the dark fabric will not fit in but hopefully when it all comes together it will be ok.
I am enjoying stretching myself with this swap-thanks everyone.

Growing Trees

2011-03-11T18:42:00.000-08:00

Here are the trees 8 lovely people sent to me and I love them all.
The finished quilt is taking shape in my head and I'm looking forward to putting the blocks together.
I wonder if there are more coming this way. I hope so.
If you have mailed trees to me and they are not in the picture please let me know and I'll wait for them.
Cheers Sue

Teresa's block..

2011-03-07T14:16:00.000-08:00

..is in the mail I just haven't got anything to show..! Since my PC crashed and burnt (badly) last week, I'm now on the MacBook and I was sooo sure that I had backed up my last lot of pics, obviously not! Well, I can't find them on the external drive anyway, so sorry Teresa but it's on it's way to you now..
xxx

Teresa's blocks

2011-03-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

Morning fellow quilters.
Teresa, your cheery '30's blocks are complete and will be flying over the Pacific to you today.

I enjoyed playing with the fabrics from my 1930's repro stash again - they are such fun.

Teresa's fabrics on the right, my contribution on the left.

I have 2 quilts in progress from that era; one is a top I rescued where the sashing had been nibbled by a mousie. It was quite easy to replace, so the top only needs to be quilted. It's a wacky string pieced tulip. The other is a fancy ninepatch - I purchased the blocks which needed the "melons" inserted in order to complete the top. The original owner did a nice job making the easy parts but must have baulked at the curved piecing!
Must get them both out for a little fresh air!

It's Friday morning here, and my day off, so I'm looking forward to a sewing day in preparation for my monthly workshop tomorrow. Hope you all have a great day too!

March Blocks

2011-02-27T09:51:00.000-08:00

Morning everyone-
I cannot believe it is already the end of February. March is my block month but I will be delayed in posting them I'm sorry. I am nearly there with the cutting and instructions but with the devastation in Christchurch my focus has been redirected.With being such a small country is has affected us all in some way. Our thoughts and love go out to everyone affected,especially to those who have lost dear ones and those families who have loved ones missing.
Our mail goes through Christchurch and so there is a big delay but they will arrive-please bear with me.

Teresa's blocks

2011-02-23T21:32:00.000-08:00

I spent some time tonight playing with fabrics I've never worked with before!

Teresa, here are your finished blocks, thank you for expanding my stash as I went to my quilt shop and picked up a tiny bit of reproduction fabric to use. Now I have leftovers to make pincushions or something!

Enjoy your quilt!

Vivian

Teresa's fabric...

2011-02-21T14:17:00.000-08:00

Teresa your fabric arrived today, can't wait to start playing but it will be this coming weekend before I can get to my machine, looking forward to making your block...

Lizzie

2011-02-16T21:48:00.000-08:00

Hi Lizzie!
Can you tell me where you found the instructions for the quilt thatyou finished earlier this month? It's beautiful. (quick everyone, go check out Lizzie's blog...the quilt is pictured in February...so pretty)
I'm in another quilting bee (the other one is only 6 of us Canadian girls so it's quick and easy LOL). I was thinking that block would beperfect for mine. I picked Feeling Groovy fabric...8 colours pluswhite for the background. it's for my little Lisa, she's a hippiechick and her favourite expression to say goodbye (or even when sheleaves the room) is Peace out people's of the world!
Have you seen that fabric line? Oh it's too cute. Anyway, if it's a block that I can find online I would really appreciate it,
Thanks, Vivian

Tara's block

2011-02-14T19:43:00.000-08:00

Yay, Tara's block is finished!

One thing I realized is that I love perfect seams. I can't help it, I get a little thrill when I see that it lines up.

Now to just not worry if all my seams don't turn out that way.

Can't wait for the next block!

Vivian

Tara's block has left the country

2011-02-14T04:29:00.000-08:00

That's not quite true Tara but it is sitting in an envelop waiting to go.

Looking forward to seeing them all together.

Cheers Sue

It takes a village.....

2011-02-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

Good morning
I see houses in my future. I know my turn is not until July but I am just thinking ahead.
My Christmas village is made up of Homes, Schools and Churches....a very educated Christian community...oh, yes and a little quilt shop! .anyway, I would love to make a community quilt filled with buildings...
I will work out the specifics of my idea and post again when it is closer to my turn.
Woke up this morning with this on my mind...wonder what brought this on but oh well....Hope its ok that I posted this!

I have enjoyed making the blocks for everyone so far. Thanks SanDee for telling me about this great online quilting bee! It is so nice to connect with my new quilting friends......

Have a great weekend......
beebee

Wishy-washy quilter alert!

2011-02-08T05:08:00.000-08:00

Hi friends! Just before sealing the envelopes last week it occurred to me...why did I not finish the original project using these lovely 30's fabrics? It was the icky solid green!! So I quickly cut some Moda Bella solid white to put in your bundles and I removed the icky green.

The directions are outlined on this previous post, just ignore the icky green!

Thank you so much for helping me with this project! I love the 30's fabrics and I think the white will look real crisp and lovely with them!

Call me ditsy!

In stitches,

Teresa :o)

Sue and Tara - They're On Their Way

2011-02-05T11:24:00.000-08:00

I have been absent from blogging this year but now it is time to get back on track-work has been soooo..... busy I seem to work and sleep with a little bit of sewing squeezed in.
I finally made it to the post office yesterday and posted off the blocks to both Sue and Tara.
Firstly the trees-I decided to make two different 'Forests' for you Sue-not the best photos sorry. I was very nervous about making these blocks- would you like them? what fabric would I use? would they fit with all the ideas others would have? I did enjoy making them and although they are not perfect I thought well neither are tress! I hope they are ok.

Tara -

This was an interesting block to put together. Great fabrics and it came together quickly but did take some time working out the placement of the fabrics and I don't know that I got it right in the end. It is going to look great with all the blocks together. Another badly taken photo- had it in the envelope to send then realised I hadn't taken a photo and now it's obvious I should've re ironed!

Awaiting the postie for the next challenge.

Sue's trees

2011-02-02T13:53:00.000-08:00

Hi Sue, did you get my trees? Just wondering, I know I wasn't well at all during that time period and my other stuff that was mailed made it so just checking in!

Thanks, Viv

An inspired afterthought...additional block?

2011-02-02T08:19:00.000-08:00

Tara asked in a comment if she could add 30's fabrics to the project...ABSOLUTELY! I didn't want to ask because some people don't have the 30's "flavor" of fabric in their stashes.

Let's try this...I will send an additional 4 solid green rectangles to everyone. If you have this kind of fabric and would like to make an additional block, go for it. If not, don't worry about it!

Lizzy just re-emailed everyone's address to me last night, and I have not sealed the envelopes yet.

We got 9 inches of snow last night, 14 inches in drifts. It was blowing so hard through the night, I'm surprised there's any out there at all. We are supposed to get a little more today. We are happy to be snug inside! We used to have to climb steps to get into the gazebo...not now! When I peeked out the bedroom window this morning and didn't see much on the roofs and the barbeque, I thought we had not gotten much. The wind kept it from piling up on high surfaces.

In stitches (and c-c-c-cold in Michigan!),
Teresa :o)

Tara's finished block and my quest for you...

2011-02-01T22:14:00.000-08:00

Here is Tara's block, all sewn and pressed and ready for the post. Seeing how we are in the middle of a blizzard, that may have to wait until Thursday. I am quickly trying to post all this before we lose power. The winds are howling outside, the snow is falling and blowing, and it is c-c-c-cold!!

I love Tara's idea for her blocks...I was sorely tempted to send out a repeat performance, but then I came up with a really wacky idea. I hope you don't mind playing along.

I decided at the beginning of the year that I wanted to come to some serious decisions about UFO's. I need to either finish them, pass them on, or re-purpose (recycle, really) them. I spotted one UFO on the shelf a couple of weeks ago and decided to take a peek in the bin and make a decision about it's future.

Have you ever heard anyone refer to a project as having "sex appeal??" Well, this project didn't seem "sexy" to me anymore. In fact, I'm not exactly sure what I really had in mind when I cut out all these lovely 30's fabrics a few years ago. Sometimes I just pet fabric and cut out shapes, lost in the fog of fabric lust...

So I have come up with a plan for you to help me make lemonade from lemons. I came up with a new plan using the pieces I have, and cut some of the solid green to help make it all happen. Since the green was in the bin with the UFO, I must have intended it to go together at some point. Lord, I miss my mind!

Using the 4-patch units I already assembled, some additional 3 inch squares, and some solid green rectangles, I have come up with the following block idea.

The 4-patch unit measures 5.5 inches square (unfinished), the rectangles are 3 x 5.5 inches (unfinished), and the squares are 3 inches (unfinished).

After laying out the pieces, I sewed them in rows first. On the top and bottom rows, I pressed the seams toward the green rectangles. On the middle row, I pressed the seams away from the 4-patch unit, again, toward the green rectangles.

After assembling the rows, I pressed the seams toward the outside of the square, away from the 4-patch unit. The final block should be 10.5 inches square (unfinished).

I am going to join the blocks by making sashing from additional 3 inch squares of 30's fabrics (I cut TONS of them out, for some reason...), using solid green squares as cornerstones. I think it will be simply stated, but brilliant!

Now we are having "thunder snow" - it's definitely weird out there. It is after midnight here and everything outside is a white blowing blur. Weasley, my cat, seems a little concerned (I am too, truth be known...).

I will get these posted on Thursday, weather permitting!!

In stitches,

Teresa :o)

Just made it...

2011-01-30T21:08:00.000-08:00

..before the end of the month....

Here you go Tara, gorgeous fabric and easy block, love it..! Be in the mail this week..!

I love this bee, NEXT.............
:o)
xxx

mail came!

2011-01-25T13:21:00.000-08:00

Tara your fabric arrived yesterday! apparently it went to visit the neighbours first before coming over.

Vivian

Melina's French Trees

2011-01-23T11:42:00.000-08:00

So, here is my block, uncut.

I will be mailing it out to you Sue in the next day.

Hope you like it.

And since I got inspired I made me a little pouch/mini pillow cover I thought I would share.

Thanks to all for great inspiration and letting me be part of this Great Globe Group!

;-) Melina

Vivian's new blog

2011-01-14T00:55:00.000-08:00

hi Ladies!!!

Hope everyone is having a nice 2011 so far. I just wanted to update you and let you know that I've decided to start a new blog. I'm trying to leave baggage behind me, and get a fresh start on my life. So clean slate for me!!!

http://quiltingunderthemidnightsun.blogspot.com/

Please stop by and have a look, I only did it tonight so tomorrow I will have more quilty stuff I hope!

Thanks, Vivian

You'd better sit down Sue, I've finished your blocks....

2011-01-09T22:28:00.000-08:00

..a shock I know! I can't believe it's taken me so long to finish these but here they are....

Sorry about the photo quality but it's been pouring down for the last two days with thick fog at the moment, so not good weather for pictures I'm afraid.

Spring..

Summer..

Autumn..

and Winter..

..because this is a tree in MY garden and not yours it's covered in frost...!
I didn't cut them, I'll leave that to you. In the mail on Wednesday when I go visit Mum...
xxx

ps. I've really, really enjoyed doing these, I can't wait to see how you put it together.

January is so very.........

2011-01-01T16:51:00.000-08:00

Awesome! I feel like such a weight has been lifted now that the holidays are over. Life doesn't feel crazy for probably the first time in a year.

I've got some fabric packaged up and on it's way to many corners of the globe(well, it will be on Monday!). Only one block each this month and a pretty simple one too! This quilt by Rose (is red) was my inspiration.

This will be a values quilt out of Aneela Hoey's fabulous new line Sherbet Pips. The prints are so stinkin' cute! Thanks Elaine for getting some early--just for me!

You will each be receiving 16 5" squares, 8 lights and 8 darks.

Please sew them into 1/2 square triangles, with one light and one dark square. ( Let me know if you don't know about drawing the diagonal line on you light square, sewing 1/4" from the line on BOTH sides and cutting down the line. If you don't know about this, I'll post a mini tutorial)

Square up to 4 1/2 " and sew together 4 x 4 with the layout in the block above.

Please make sure the four corners are darks and the center is all lights. The block should finish up at 16 1/2 x 16 1/2 inches. Don't worry about squaring up. Also don't worry about directionality of the prints. That way, any way can be up as I'm arranging the blocks!

Let me know if you have any questions!

A seasonal forest for Sue

2011-01-01T16:26:00.000-08:00

A Tree's Year in Review

Here you go, Sue! I machine appliqued these trees for you using some batiks on your 8 1/2 inch strip. I did not cut or trim anything in case you wanted to do some other kind of rearranging! I must say that this quilt has me so very intrigued. I can't wrap my head around the final vision, so I'm really excited to see the rest of the blocks and the quilt put together!

I was inspired to do the seasons since we have both the north and south hemispheres represented amongst us. In cold and snowy Colorado it is so inspiring to see those gardens in bloom down south(no, not Texas, Elaine).

Spring and Summer

Thanks to you as well for you patience this month in waiting for your blocks--it's such a busy time for so many of us! This will be winging it's way to you along with the fabric for January's block on Monday!!

Instructions for January's block in the next post!!

I went out of the box with my trees!

2010-12-29T13:13:00.000-08:00

And I really hope it's ok????

I took a look around me and thought that I should represent the Yukon a bit. Well, from a distance it looks like our mountains our covered in a lush forest.

However, our growing season is very short, add in a permafrost layer, and we're left with bushes and scrubby trees with very shallow root systems (big wind comes along, we're always losing trees). The only green part of the trees are the top half.

So I took one of my favourite bushes, the high mountain cranberry bush, to make my first block. Around here you do not go berry picking without the bear spray and a bonker of some kind. And make lots of noise! I chose the cranberry as the blueberry bushes just lay on the ground and you need to crawl to pick...with the cranberry bushes you can stand. Always a bonus.

Then I decided for my second block to use a baby tree. Our ground is rocky so I appliqued some rocks in place and then stitched two baby trees. This is how they look until they get to be about 4 feet tall. At that point they grow their trunks thicker and then sprout, filling out the top part later.

I hope these are ok for your tree quilt. Viv

Merry Christmas

2010-12-20T21:53:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. For those with snow, keep warm; for those with lots of rain keep dry and those of us that may have sunshine, remember the sunblock.
I hope everyone has a wonderful time with family and friends, however you choose to spend it.
looking forward to the year ahead and the fun we will have.

Christmas Wishes
Marlene

Sue's trees

2010-12-07T04:17:00.000-08:00

Hello my friends
This week I have worked on trees for Sue. After thinking for a few weeks I decided to go along the applique path.

My pattern is based on an antique applique quilt (circa 1840 - 1850) from Westchester County, New York and published in the 1988 Quilt Engagement Calendar - the original was sewn in indigo blue.

These were needleturn appliqued using a batik fabric with a leaf pattern in shades of apple green and pale jacaranda. Sue, they will be winging their way westward to you tomorrow. I do hope you like my contribution.

Kate

It's not Nov. 30th yet!

2010-11-22T15:49:00.000-08:00

hi, all!! Here are my blocks for Elaine-I made it before deadline! Actually, the blocks have been made for about a week or more, but I lost my camera somewhere in the house and couldn't find it. I still can't. So, I got my nephew an inexpensive camera for Chanukah and am testing it out for him....he'll understand. The first picture was really blurry (photography is not one of my skill set) so I hope you can see these okay; this was the third try.

This was different for me. I realize that I rarely sew anything in the green family, so my stash has very little that will compliment the squares I got. I hope you like them, Elaine, I did the best I could!

San-Dee

Trees please for Sue

2010-11-10T07:40:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone
Tomorrow morning, eleven envelopes are heading to my local post office to wing their winding ways around the world.

I hope you will have fun making little trees for me.

I’ve enclosed only the background fabric because I’d like you to use your own scraps to create the little trees, please.
You can applique, piece or embroider any kind of tree you like.

Fir tree or palm, gum tree or mighty oak, laden with fruit or

totally bare branches…..they will all have a place in my forest.

If you want to make more than two that’s ok. All will be welcome.

The only rool is please make them no taller than 6”.

I'm sending you each a WOF strip about 8.5" high, there'll be plenty if you are piecing your blocks. No need to trim the blocks when you're done. I'll be trying to line up the bottoms of all the little trees and might need some room to move.

Have lots of fun, I love wonky, perfect, dodgy, straight, crooked, classy, weird and smooth. You can't go wrong.

Thanks for helping my forest grow.
Hugs from Sue

Some more blocks for Elaine

2010-11-09T13:49:00.000-08:00

Hello, all! Here is my contribution to Elaine's quilt. I got a bit carried away, but I couldn't decide which fabrics to leave out, so she's getting 4 blocks from me! I knew Viv was going to be using some orange, so I wanted to add a couple of blocks to kind of tie it together.

And then, so none of you think Melina was alone in this(maybe something in the water here in Fort Collins?)--My first and second attempts with this block using some 2.5 inch squares. Bottom is wrong, top is right, together they make one sweet little pin cushion on it's way to Texas with the blocks!

I liked this so much, I made three for myself to make in to potholders for my kitchen with some plain 4 patches for the backs. I was chain piecing at this point and boy did they fly!

And last but not least, Elaine, here's a photo of some of my wool circles from you. It will become a pillow for my living room, hopefully sooner than later! Thanks again, they've been amazingly fun to play with and my 4 year old son has been organizing them over and over!

I'm really looking forward to next month's blocks--that's one way to stay on top of the bee--by being a month ahead!

Elaine's blocks

2010-11-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

Here are mine completed!!!!