Monday, July 4, 2016

My Bee Hive Block Collection from May



Chainlink: A block from the Bee Hive
at Blossom Heart Quilts

May was my month to be the queen bee for my bee hive. I have written before about my brand new experience of joining a bee where blocks are exchanged each month. Twelve participants each have a month, take their turn at determining which block they would like made for them, the colors, and some other determining factors.



I chose the Chainlink block, which is one of the many possible options. It is a free pattern for anyone as are all the others. I asked for black and white or grayscale, dots, text, numbers, etc., and either a solid or scrappy background was fine. Above and below are 3 examples I submitted to the group.





While they hung on my design wall, I played with some fabric greenery I had cut out. I have to say I really like the colors, and could see a beautiful Christmas wall hanging working itself from these combinations. 


The variety of fabrics that arrived were fascinating. I think people really selected beautiful combinations. Thank you!


Some makers sent little extras in the package. It is not expected, but a delightful surprise in itself.



There are so many creative, talented sewists. I'm in awe!





Beth of Cooking Up Quilts, who was responsible for getting me hooked on the idea of joining a hive, sent me a pin cushion that matched her block. I called her to thank her, and confessed it was my first. I have never made or even owned a pin cushion that I can remember. How funny is that?


And the Hive Mama, another Beth, sent a whole package of handmade goodness! Now to set these aside until some other pressing projects are wrapped up. I think it might be time to start scheduling projects. 

Busy, Busy July!

July 4th: Today at midnight, the June #BraveQuilter link up closes. Get your wrap up posts written and linked up. The next link up will be September 1-4 so we can all have a summer break.

July 5th: Announcing the June #BraveQuilter winner of a bundle of hand dyed fabric created for the winner by me.

July 14th: Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict starts her first blog hop and quiltalong. I will be joining in to that one, and am gathering fabric as I go. Check out my post on the 25th about Moravian Lovefeast and Christmas traditions, and an innovative project to use in the kitchen.


Come on, Doxie girls.
We are behind on making Bee Hive blocks!
Let's go sew.



8 comments:

Linda M @ Pieceful Kingdom said...

The blocks are great! The Bee Hive sounds like a fun idea.

evaj said...

Thank you for your inspiration today and your linking to Show and Tell Monday !! Happy summer to hug wish Bambi

Kate said...

Very fun blocks, lots of variation in that set. It will be fun to see that project come together.

Unknown said...

You've just inspired me to use up my stash of black & whites left from my grandson's graduation quilt - all black & whites! Maybe I will do some bright applique in the centers - like your example of the green leafy stuff. Like it so much.

Jennifer Fulton Inquiring Quilter said...

What awesome blocks. It was wonderful of your hive mates to send little extras. As you say, they aren't needed, but what sweet touches. They say "we love you and are glad you're in our hive." Those leaves are perfect. They are really made of fabric? How did you make them?

Dave S. said...

My wife was sent a pin cushion by someone and was keeping it as something special. I asked her if I could use it when I started having to pin and she let me

Julie said...

Jennifer, I had leftover pieces from another project that were already bonded to an iron on adhesive. It was Steam a Seam 2, I believe. I just free handed them out of that.

Afton Warrick said...

Thanks for sharing these. It's fun to see all the different fabric choices.