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.

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