Monday, October 22, 2012

Erin's November Block

YAY!

I love my new ruler:

made this insert circle block I did with a scrappy center really easy:

(I added a few purple pieces I had in there to jazz it up a bit).

As soon as I get a fabric marker, the blocks will be in the mail to you Anna :)

Circles!

It was so much fun to work with these bright purples and greens!

I had such a hard time deciding what type of circle block to make, and was finally inspired by this picture on Flickr. I couldn't find a tutorial on how to make the block, so I winged it!



I'm really going to enjoy this swap!

November Block & Color Choices for January

Good morning yall! :) I finished up Anna's block for November earlier in the week. I posted a picture in our Flickr group, but wanted to go ahead and post it here.
I loved the colors that she choose. I never would've thought to do orange and this pretty green together. I'll be honest and tell you that green isn't my favorite color but these were so fun!! I was so nervous about doing circles.... I've been wanting to try some different circle techniques but in the end, chickened out and decided to do what I knew! I hated the idea of messing up someone else's block, ya know? Anyways, I'm really pleased with how it turned out!

I can't wait for Erin's fabrics to get here so I can get started on hers.

Meanwhile, I'm working on getting my fabric cut for the January blocks. I wanted to get those sent out to yall sometime in November (so you'll have plenty of time with the holidays and all). Here is my inspiration board for my block:
My primary colors are pink and orange (obviously) but also yellow, coral, whites/creams.... anything in that warm tone. I'm hoping everyone will steer away from too much red. :)

This is the block pattern that I choose. It's called a modified bento box. The tutorial is from Film in the Fridge and can be found HERE

Here's the fabrics that I have on hand that I'm working on getting cut for yall to use. 
They are:
Dear Stella Mumsy
Holly HOlderman "New Tiny Ticking"
Essential Dots by Moda
Michael Miller Chic Chevron

And I'm still debating about whether to add this last one in there, too. It's Marguerite by Riley Blake in sort of a pale orange-y coral color.

I made a starter block to show everyone kind of what I'm leaning towards. Actually, I made two starter blocks, and really played around with how you can toy with this block pattern. You can see how I mixed up the pieces for each ring. I cut up one of them to show yall how they look once they are cut up! Please keep your blocks at the size they finish out at (around 16 inches) and please press your seams open. My only real request is to use the same fabric that I did for the center piece (the Dear Stella Mumsy). Otherwise, have fun!


I'm really looking forward to see what scraps people use in their blocks. I love the idea of using scraps with coordinated fabric. I think it makes quilts look so pretty! :) Thanks to all my bee friends for their help!! :)

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Stacey's November and December Blocks



Hi ladies - I just posted this on my blog and wanted to share here as well :

http://thetiltedquilt.blogspot.com/2012/10/color-bee-shocked-november-and-december.html



I finally got a little bit of time carved out for sewing and I had two fun blocks to make for my new online bee buddies from Color Bee Shocked.


Anna is kicking us off for the year with these cute green, purple and white fabrics. She asked for anything to do with circles.  I've been really thinking this over and found a tutorial by Angela from Cut to Pieces on doing a set-in circle.  I decided to string piece the inner circle with the coordinating fabrics and use one print alone for the background.  Note to self, don't go experimenting with other people's blocks.  It all turned out fine,  but I was so stressed trying out a new technique with someone else's precious fabric :)

My block ended up a little short, so I had to add a border, but in the end, I actually liked the contrast the purple added.

Color Bee Shocked November block for Anna.


Erin sent us some gorgeous Kate Spain fabrics with directions for a flying geese block.  Her instructions were great and the blocks went together very quickly.  Here are my two blocks for her:

Color Bee Shocked December block for Erin.

All in all, I felt very productive for a Sunday - since I was also trying to catch up on laundry and clean up a little as well.   These will go off in the mail this week - we are off to a great start!

Saturday, October 20, 2012

December Block Completed

I received my December fabric in the mail today. It was there when I got home, and I was so excited. Apparently excited enough to just bust it out. So, here we have my completed December blocks, which will make their way back to Erin soon. I was thinking that the leftover fabric triangles would look great pieced together as a fun border.

 This is the fabric I received.
 My first block to see how it all worked. Worked just fine.
The rest of the blocks I chain pieced. First one side, then the other. Then I decided what order I wanted the blocks in and sewed the parts together. These are the completed blocks.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

November Fabric

I stopped at Staples after work yesterday and bought envelopes and labels. Went home, printed said labels and stuffed envelopes with the following:

1 13x13in square (purple or green)
1 6.5x13in rectangle (purple or green, but opposite of the 13x13 square, i.e. if you get a large green square, you will receive a purple rectangle)
2 4.5-6.5x13in rectangles (one purple, one green)
2 6-7x5in rectangles (the two different whites)
1 Circle with iron-on fusible backing as the signature block (white or lavender)

Also included in each envelope:
The November Theme, so you can have it by your sewing machine to refer back to
The complete address list

I have them in a bag with me, at work. And will mosey on over to the Post Office during my lunch break and drop them in the mail. Let the mailman/woman stalking begin. Happy sewing!

Edit: They made it to the Post Office today, have been stamped, and are on their way to you gals.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

December 2012 Theme

**amendment: your blocks will measure 12.5" x 6.5"**

What is your theme (if you want everyone to make a specific block type please provide a pattern to follow)?

For my round, I have selected a "Flying Geese" block pattern. Please email me for the pattern and measurements I'd like you to follow, and to send me your mailing address at:

mummyquilts@gmail.com

Is there anything you don't want on your block (things sticking off the surface of the fabric, applique, etc.)?

Please follow the instructions I'll send you.

What size block would you like (unfinished v. finished)?

The block(s) will be 18.25" x 6.5" (unfinished)

Do you have any particular instructions for the fabric (don't use a certain color as a background, use some of every fabric sent, etc.)?

Use fabrics sent to you, no others please. Follow directions in instructions I email you.

Can members use their own fabrics, or should we stick with yours? If yes, should it be washed or unwashed?

No, please stick with the fabrics and instructions that I sent you/posted.

Can members make more than one block if they are feeling inspired?

Sending you enough fabric for two blocks. If you like, you can make a second block. If not, please send the unused fabric back with your constructed block.

Do you have preferences for thread color (white/off white/etc.)?

White, off white, cream, light grey would all work.

Would you like people to send back any scraps?

Yes please. Although I hope to send you just enough to construct your block(s).

Please share any links that inspired your theme (flicker/pinterest/etc.).

Nothing really. Just have always wanted to do this!

Thanks everyone!
- Erin
erin@sewathomemummy

Friday, October 05, 2012

November 2012 Theme

Here is the theme and fabric for November 2012. Still haven't cut the fabric or sent it out, but I'm hoping to get around to that over the long weekend.

What is your theme (if you want everyone to make a specific block type please provide a pattern to follow)?Circles, there must be at least one full circle on every block. They can be pieced, machine- or hand appliqued. Think outside the box (windows, the sun, the moon, and many other things can be circular). Many links for inspiration below.

Is there anything you don't want on your block (things sticking off the surface of the fabric, applique, etc.)?
Things sticking off the surface (definitely no yo-yo's, no buttons, etc.), flat applique and embroidery are fine.

What size block would you like (unfinished v. finished)?
12.5 inches square unfinished (you can also leave a little more room if you'd like, but I'll be cutting it down to 12.5x12.5), I will be sending a circle in either a white or lavender solid, please sign it with a fabric market and send it back with your block.

Do you have any particular instructions for the fabric (don't use a certain color as a background, use some of every fabric sent, etc.)?
Please use the white fabric sparringly and not along the outside of the block. And use some of each color in your block.

Can members use their own fabrics, or should we stick with yours? If yes, should it be washed or unwashed?
Yes, as long as it is a patterned fabric in either purple, bright green, or white (same request as above for the white), is 100% cotton, and is pre-washed.

Can members make more than one block if they are feeling inspired?
Absolutely, go nuts.

Do you have preferences for thread color (white/off white/etc.)?
Whatever is in your sewing machine is fine.

Would you like people to send back any scraps?
November 2012 Fabric

Please send back any scraps of the bright green with outlined white petals (first on the left in the green row in the above picture), it was the last bit that the store had so I don't know if I'll be able to get any more. Other than that, if there's something you particularly like, keep it. Otherwise please send back any extra fabric as I'll use it to finish the quilt.

Please share any links that inspired your theme (flickr/pinterest/etc.).
Wonky Circle
Fussy Cut Center
Circle is only indicated
Pieced Circle
Many Circles
Rocket with a circular window
A birdhouse with a circular opening
Not a block, but could easily be turned into one (aka tree with circle leaves)
If you want some great nature photography as inspiration

Thursday, October 04, 2012

Hi all! Test post here.

Hi all!

Thanks to Anna for setting up the blog! I'm just playing around a bit with the html, and need a test post here to see what I'm doing :)

Please let me know if there's anything you'd like changed here or improved or anything you'd like to see on the blog in particular with respect to design, etc.

Happy Thursday everyone!

Erin