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May 2013 Block

I have been oohing and aahing over this quilt pattern for some time. It's been on my "must make list" once I have more scraps to work from. However, instead of having three different shade of blue (aqua, light blue and dark blue), and two shades of orange, I think I'll have to add in a grey block, and maybe even a brown, white, and/or black block as well. In my book it's all about the color spectrum, not just the rainbow.

Karri sent enough fabric to make a 4x4 block, but the instructions call for a 5x5 block. I think she's currently finishing up a semester, so I'm going to cut her some slack on that. Once I added a few more 5" squares to the mix in my assigned color of red, I was ready to go. Improv piecing the star points was pretty fun, but if I make this quilt for myself, I'll probably end up making perfectly symmetrical star points. I just like order in my life, it's a flaw, but one I'm willing to deal with.

I made the points first, then put together the nine patch around the star, and then added on the outside rows and columns, one "layer" at a time. That seemed to work pretty well and I like to think that my points are fairly accurate.

 

I'm really quite happy with how it turned out. And the other pictures I see popping up in our Flickr group are equally amazing.

May 2013 Theme

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

Tutorial can be found here.

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

17.5 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.)?

I'm sending 5 inch charms that need to be cut down into 4 inch blocks.

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

Each person will be assigned a color. If you have red and feel like you have a fabric that better represents that color instead of mine, please feel free to swap out.

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

One block each will be plenty to make a large quilt.

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

Any neutral thread you have in your machine should be fine for the piecing.

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

April Block

Caryn sent out some beautiful prints. I happened to receive this very exotic looking elephant print with two neutral solids.

The pattern we used was this Giant Churn Dash block. They finish at 24" and nine of them make a decent size quilt top.

Except for some initial measuring and cutting issues, I did finally manage to get the block put together fairly easily. However, due to the measuring and cutting issues, it's just a hint shy of 24.5" unfinished. Still looks gorgeous.

April Theme

What is your theme (if you want everyone to make a specific block type please provide a pattern to follow)?
Giant Churn Dash blocks. The tutorials can be found here and here.

What size block would you like (unfinished v. finished)?
24.5" blocks according to the tutorial.

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.)?
You'll be sent one patterned fabric ready to be cut utilizing the diagram in the first link, plus two pieces of background fabric. The large one will be cut the same as the print fabric and the smaller one (8 1/2" X 8 1/2") will be the center block used when piecing your final nine patch. Please note in the second tutorial that the HST's need to be cut down to 8 1/2" before sewing together your nine patch block.

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

Can members make more than one block if they are feeling inspired?
One block each will be plenty to make a large quilt and a pieced back

Do you have preferences for thread color (white/off white/etc.)?
Any neutral thread you have in your machine should be fine for the piecing.

March Block for Mallory

Mallory sent two white on white fabrics and the blue background fabric. I ended up adding in a few of my own white on white fabrics, and I think they turned out great. The pattern for the block on the left can be found here, and the one for block on the right came from Esther at ipatch.

Unfortunately, the block on the right turned out a little small. I thought it had a 1/4 inch seam allowance already, but maybe I was mistaken. And I didn't have enough background fabric to put a border around the outside, but it was too pretty not to send off. So hopefully Mallory can do that herself.

March 2013 Theme

What is your theme (if you want everyone to make a specific block type please provide a pattern to follow)?
I've been really debating. On one hand, I have a ton of WIP that I could use help with. On the other, what's one more project... I'm thinking one more project it is! My theme is stars. My hubby is an astrophysicist (I know, nerd, right?) and I'd love to make a constellation quilt for him. Paper pieced, basic--I'm willing to have whatever.

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

Nothing hanging off the blocks please! This is going to be a present for my hubs, and I'm sure that he'd rather not have to avoid buttons or other similar items

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

Since I'm going to be making a larger pattern from the blocks, I think I want to keep the blocks around 8 inches finished (8.5 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.)?

I'm going to be sending blue star fabric (likely 2 12 x 12 pieces), which is intended to be used as a background, and multiple tone-on-tone white fabrics for the stars. As far as the white, use what speaks to you

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

Please keep the blue fabric as the background only. As far as the white, any white tone-on-tone would be acceptable. I do prefer unwashed fabrics, but, if you're more comforable with washed, please be my guest

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

Sure! I will try to include enough fabric for multiple blocks, but please let me know if you need more!

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

No preference for piecing. Quilting would be a completely different story!

Would you like people to send back any scraps?

As I will be using the leftover fabric to make the constellation, please do send back any pieces that you do not use (unless it's love at first sight--I can't stand in the way of that!)

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

www.flickr.com/photos/ohfransson/8120551493/

February Block for Sabrina

This is my February Block for Sabrina. She wanted a Japanese X-Blocks and sent us a bunch of blue fabrics. The tutorial for the blocks can be found here. I think the finished quilt is going to look fabulously scrappy. I am really tempted to make another one, but it will have to wait until after I finish some other February obligations. I am also planning out my very first quilt for myself using white/tan text prints for the "X" and black fabrics for the "plus" and red fabric for the background and outside portions of the pluses. I'm excited to see how that works out and also that at the end of the day I may actually have (as my husband puts it) an "Anna original." :)

These are my January blocks for Rachel. They are based on a tutorial for modified bento box blocks found here. I had asked her to send me fabric for two blocks. Unfortunately, she had a bit of a mishap when cutting and sending fabric, so I didn't actually have enough for both. I made it work and only had to use my own fabric for the very outer layer and the non-yellow solids in the second layer. I thought they turned out pretty nice and by the second one my seam allowances had gotten so good that I think I actually ended up with a 16" square block. The left block has Kona Pomegranate with Tiny Gingham in Fuchsia by Michael Miller in the outer ring and the left has Kona Papaya and Pomegranate and in the outer layer: Square Petal in Tangerine from Notting Hill by Joel Dewberry.

November Layout

So, I was playing around in the very high-tech program, Paint, to try and come up with a layout for my November bee blocks. 8 of 11 have been posted on the Flickr group so far, and I cannot wait to see the rest. I am planning on making one of my own, to round out the number to 12.

My thoughts are as follows: blocks with white signature blocks and blocks with lilac signature blocks will alternate. I will be sashing the blocks in solid white. The signature blocks will be on green patterned backgrounds. The purple corners I'm not sure about. I just put the squares in there as spacers, but kind of like the idea of having some purple in the sashing, either solid or patterns.

Can't wait to get the rest of the blocks and start putting this puppy together. I think I'm going to try QAYG, so my poor sewing machine doesn't die when I attempt to quilt my very first twin sized quilt.

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!! :)

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.




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:



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!

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.

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.

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

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?

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

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