I finished up my final three blocks for the Virtual Quilting Bee. I’m quite embarrassed at how long it took me to finally complete my end of the bargain (and a little shocked when I realized just how long it had been!) Our ever gracious hostess Mama Urchin sent a reminder e-mail several weeks ago, the kick in the pants I needed. And, of course, I totally enjoyed the process and it took less than an afternoon from start to finish. Why did I wait over a year to wrap this up?
Sarah provided the brown chambray and linen colored cotton. She requested that we not add any color to the block. Texture only. This was a real challenge for me. I started with one idea that went nowhere. My friend Margret always recommends to cut it up when that happens which is what I did. The result of this process was nine 4″ blocks. Each a bit different. I like the final result. This is going to be a gorgeous quilt.
Eren requested a scrappy, vintage style block sending us the yellow, green and leaf prints. I pulled the darker blue vintage cotton from my stash based on color. After sewing the block I realized the design on that print contains a small, gray/navy mirrored leaf. I love how it thematically works into the fabric Eren sent. A little quilter’s treat. The block design is called the Spinner (I didn’t use the instructions in that link, I had some templates from another project but the assembly is the same).
And last but not least (and probably my favorite of the three) is a color block for Grace. Each person in the group took a color. Every orange I had came off the shelf. I cut 16 3.5″ squares. Scraps were sewn to the corners, flipped up and edges squared. I had fun playing with the color pairs and the square rotation. Ultimately I placed them all in the same direction which seemed to work best for this single block.
I’m putting these in an envelope right now. Finishing feels really good!
Wow! Those are all so great. Those texture/neutral blocks are really awesome – what a brave, creative idea. And I love the idea of having each participant choose a color – I love rainbows and have been floundering for an idea for my own month in my quilting bee, so I might have to swipe that idea!
I love all the orange fabrics laid out on your desk. They look so joyful (and actually, the cutting mat really sets them off nicely).
The orange block you came up with is very effervescent too.
The textured one is really going to be interesting.
I like all the blocks, but the orange is the BEST! Love it!
They’re all great but I agree, the red/orange block is my fav.
Those are all great blocks.
Ooh-I love all the blocks. Love how you did the orange one-those little corner triangles really add some spice!
beautiful. I love the texture blocks!
Each one so different. The “no color” one I thought at first was a sepia photo. Must say I’m loving the oranges.
boy I loved all of these, the grey was great and then the next and to finish with the orange… now I really can’t decide. They are fantastic to give me ideas I just wish I could quilt all day instead of having a day job. Oh to dream.
i feel the same way marg!
They all look great and perfect for the various recipients. Now you can check that off your list!
They all look terrific!
FUN!! I love the orange was my first thought. When I looked at each square again I just decided I love them all. The texture is beautiful and I like the bright yellow in the vintage square. Thanks for sharing.
Good job! I also wonder why I put off things.
While all of the blocks are great I REALLY appreciate the challenge of Sarah’s. I LOVE the way it turned out! GREAT JOB! Would LOVE to see the finished quilt.
These are all beautiful, but I really love that linen one at the top. It’s incredible!
nice work, kathy!
i have one left to do….
Three gorgeous squares! I am especially intrigued by your chambray square – I’ve had a similar idea kicking around in my brain to do an all white quilt – so what would pop out would be the textures.
The VQB sure looked like fun – I always seem to miss out on those!
T
Wow, thanks for posting all your bee blocks, they are all terrific ideas! I loved the orange block best!
Kathy
Oh Kathy – I adore the gray 9-squares!!! wow….
Wouldn’t you love to have a full one like that on your bed?
Absolutely fantastic…like you!
xoxo
I just love that grey tonal block. I never would have thought to add TEXTURE that way! I’m so adding that to my “things I MUST do” list! I love pleating so much and would love to incorporate it into a quilt. Any suggestions?
By the way, you won an award. Drop by http://stresstheseams.blogspot.com/2010/05/10-things-i-need-to-share-because.html to check it out!
Beautiful blocks. The texture block would have been a challenge for me. Love how it turned out. The orange block is very fun. And who doesn’t love a pinwheel block?