August Blocks

Hi everyone. After much agonizing, I've finally decided on my blocks for the bee. I would like everyone to make improv pieced cross blocks. Above are some examples/inspiration photos. Three of the four are made with the fabrics I am sending. I would prefer them to be crosses, not plus signs and more rectangular than square. There can be one cross or several in a block. I will be sending enough fabric, but feel free to add your own touch if you'd like, but the colors are black, gray, kiwi, cream and aubergine. I would prefer no additional colors. No stress with these blocks. Straight or wonky, border or no border, perfect or imperfect (there is no imperfect). Please just have fun and enjoy the creative process. I can't wait to see the results. Thanks, Pam

July Tutorial!

Hi everyone!  I'm mailing out your fabric tomorrow!  I included the template and fabric for 2 blocks.  I am including another tutorial here for you so you can see how to assemble the block.  It's super easy.  Each block takes 4 charms.  I included a border strip for each one.  One is orange the other is pink.  It should work out perfectly for you to make each block.  I am super excited! 

~Nichol

July Fabric is Ready to Go OUT!

Here is an example of what you will be making.  However, I didn't order enough of the border fabric.  So, if you could just send it back to me without the border.  I will send enough for each of you to make 2 blocks.  One will have a border and one will not.  That's okay, I'll just add the borders later.  If you only want to make one that is fine too...just send back the left over fabric.  This block took me about 20 minutes.  Easy Peasy. 

I'm so excited...this is going to be a very fun quilt!

Nichol

July Blocks!

I am thinking that I would love to do some Pinwheel blocks like these:

found here: Red Pepper Quilts

These are 3" with a 1" border.  I would like to make them 8" with a 1.5" border.  Finished they will be 9.5".

Here is the tutorial for the original size.  However, I will modify the template and include that in each package. 

I am terrible at Math, and Quilting math is worse.  So, to make sure I send you all the right amount, I will be making a few of these this weekend to see how much I need to send you.  I will send you enough fabric to make more than one, but you are not obligated.  I just ask that you return any fabric that is unused so I may squeeze it into more pinwheels.  :)  More pictures to come!

Nichol.

June Blocks

I have been going back and forth about which block I wanted. There are so many fun blocks it is very hard to choose just one! But I decided to go with circles.

THEME: Circles!
I am sending a large piece of pinkish lavender fabric to use for the background/main color and some scraps for you to use if you want. If you want to use my scraps for something else and use your own or use a combination of your scraps with my scraps for this block - that is wonderful. (I get bored with my own scraps so I won't care if you use yours) I want the circles to be bright and fun and if you want to do more than one I would love it. You can do just one circle on the block or lots of circles, stacked circles, random or lined up, appliqued or some other sewing method - this is pretty much up to you.

BLOCK SIZE: 12.5" finished

Can we add fabric from our stash: Sure! Just use the lavender as the main/ background color.

EMBELISHMENTS: I don't mind if you add embellishements that won't make it too hard to quilt - nothing too bulky - things like yo-yos or or buttons would probably be okay

THREAD COLOR: Either white or cream.

TUTORIAL: Here are some tutorials for circle blocks. You can use one of these or make up your own. I'm sure there are others, too.
http://andothersillythings.blogspot.com/2009/07/polka-dot-quilt-tutorial.html
http://www.blockpartyquilting.com/2010/02/stripy-circles-block-tutorial.html
http://www.blockpartyquilting.com/2010/02/more-circles.html
http://www.hgtv.com/videos/easy-circle-quilt-blocks/5800.html
http://www.ezquilt.com/patterns/circledance/circledance.htm
http://www.hancocks-paducah.com/ItemFiles/PDF/neptune.pdf

INSPIRATION: Here are some more ideas from flickr.

ALSO: You can keep the colored scraps but please send any leftover lavender fabric back to me. I want to make a twin/full quilt so I might to need to add some blocks.

I will have the fabric in the mail on Monday.
Thank you so much ladies! I can't wait to see all your blocks!!!!

Progression ...

I know you ladies have been wondering where your blocks are going ... sigh ... I've been busy.  I'm still in the process of organizing and cleaning up my studio.  Luckily, the big parts are finished.  All that's left to do is install the baseboards (I was going to do it myself, but I don't think I'll have the time now), and the AC duct work needs to be fixed.  Obviously, I can't do anything about that myself, so as soon as $$ allows, we'll have the pros out here to do their job.

In the meantime, I've been putting ALL of my craft stuff in this room.  There are so many things everywhere, and I've been trying to keep groups of "like things" together.  So, all of your blocks (and extra strips) were in the same place - I just didn't know where that place was. 

I found them today.

So, I uploaded shots of what I've received so far.  Unfortunately, I didn't keep the packaging that came with the blocks, so I have no idea who sent what.  I'm hoping that you ladies will remember what blocks you made, and you'll indicate which block is yours with notes on Flickr.  That way, I can update my "received from" list in our group.

On a related note, I have to tell you guys that I absolutely ADORE this quilt so far.  I can't believe how great it looks - even unfinished like it is!  I can foresee us fighting over this quilt on movie nights FOR SURE.  You guys do amazing work, and a couple of you have schooled me on the seams ... I think I like them pressed open for the big "X" part.  It seems to make it easier and it lays flatter.  Or maybe that's just my imagination ...

Anyway, thanks again for trudging along with me through this block.  I know it probably seemed overwhelming for some of you, but so far, you guys are doing an amazing job!!

March Blocks

FINALLY uploading a picture of all of the cute blocks from March...  see the hole.. that is where mine will go when I make it!  Thank you girls for such amazing blocks I love them all and I am sorry for not getting them up here faster.

One of these days i will make my block and turn this into a quilt!