Block Party: The Modern Quilting Bee by Alissa Haight Carlton and Kristen Lejnieks features 12 women and the quilts that emerge from their participation in a year-long virtual quilting bee.
The book is organized by month from January to December. Each month includes a short profile of a bee member, a description of the block they requested the other bee members make for them, a discussion of the fabric selected and detailed instructions on the block’s construction.
I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of a short rundown on the traditional block from which the modern version is based. It’s a clever vehicle to demonstrate how one thing becomes another. The visual side-by-side images got me thinking about my favorite traditional blocks and how I might interpret them in a fresh way. For those new to quilting I think it’s a great introduction to understanding how the whole traditional thing relates to the whole modern thing. They’re neighbors living on the same block and the houses are pretty close together!
The book takes shape as an engaging journey through 12 modern quilt designs that deconstruct the mystery behind the parts. It’s an excellent method to teach modern quilting techniques. Each month features a description of the bee member’s selected block, construction tips and design considerations. The result is the block being interpreted 12 different ways by each member in the group. The reader can see each unique take and how choices in color, layout, and fabric make the block different.
I highly recommend the book for new quilter’s that are looking for an understandable demonstration of how to construct some of the most popular modern quilt blocks. Experienced quilters are certain to pick up some enlightening tricks. My first one was on Page 36, it never occurred to me to cut the background squares for a wonky triangle block by slicing up a large piece of background fabric into a grid that could piece back together. Very clever!
The book culminates with tips on starting a virtual quilting bee and keeping it on track along with basic quilt making techniques that include specific references to piecing modern blocks.
Congrats to Alissa, Kristen, and all the bee members on a beautiful book filled with well written technique instructions and chock full of modern quilting inspiration.
The full blog tour line up:
• June 20th – Film in the Fridge
• June 21st – A Quilt is Nice
• June 22nd – I Heart Linen
• June 23rd – Tallgrass Prairie Studio
• June 24th – Oh, Fransson
• June 25th – All Buttoned Up
• June 26th – West Coast Crafty
• June 27th – Connecting Threads Blog
• June 28th – Crafty Girls Workshop
• June 29th – Whip Up
• June 30th – Pink Chalk Studio (you’re here!)
• July 1st – True Up
Break for the holiday weekend
• July 5th – Block Party Blog
• July 6th – Anna Maria Horner
• July 7th – Craftzine
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To enter the giveaway for a copy of Block Party leave a comment sharing what you like most about virtual quilting bees, your own bee tips, or questions you have about participating in a virtual quilting bee. I’ll invite Alissa and Kristen back to the blog later this summer to answer the questions! A winner will be selected on Sunday, July 3.
I’ve never participated in a virtual quilting bee, but the blocks I see are so inspiring!
While I know folks who participate in multiple bees, have just never felt “qualified” to join in. Among many questions – how does one choose a bee?
Glynis
I like seeing all of the different blocks put together into a final quilt. It seems like it would be so satisfying to finally have them all sewn together and see the different styles people put into it.
Though I have not been in a quilting bee, I have completed two virtual quilt alongs. I’ve informed my mother that if I win this book, we may have a quilting bee (from the book) for 2 – or maybe more (also have 3 aunts who are quilters).
Thanks for opportunity.
I’ve never had the opportunity to do a virtual quilting bee but it sure sounds like fun….
I’ve watched my mom participate in lots of online quilting groups and I think the part I enjoy the most is seeing what each person comes up with!
Looks like a great book – very motivating. I’ve never done a virtual bee, just round robins with my local quilting gang. But it sounds like fun…
I’ve never participated in a virtual bee, sounds like fun though. How did you get participants from all over the US of A?
Thanks for the review. I have never participated in a virtual bee, I think my biggest thing to overcome is “will my blocks be good enough”?
I would wonder in a bee if I would be good enough as I am a new quilter.
I would love to do a virtual bee. It would be fun!
I think the best thing about bees is getting to know new people. the second best is that you get to try a variety of styles/techniques without committing to a whole quilt.
I’m going to echo what a lot of people have said, how do you know if your skill level is good enough to join a bee and then how do you do it? Thanks introducing me to this book, I’m adding it to my list of wants.
My favorite thing about online bees is just getting to “meet” and interact with people from around the world who share this awesome hobby with me!
How I wish I could be a part of a quilting bee! I’m fairly new to quilting, and I just haven’t found the resources in my area other than a few local fabric stores. I would love to be able to tap into the creativity and inspiration that must abound in a quilting bee. This post has certainly inspired me to seek one out! Thank you!
I’ve never participated in a virtual quilting bee. How do they work? How do you join one? After you join, then what? I think finding people who are interested in the same things I am is always a wealth of inspiration and energy for me. Sounds like fun!
I don’t know enough about bees to ask questions or talk about them. Until after I win this book, that is!
Argh – I’ve looked in 4 stores and can’t find this book. I’d love a copy. I’m a full time working mom with 3 busy kids – I’d like to participate in a bee since I sew, quilt, craft and paint in my “spare” time but worry about the time involved and the general length of time in which to finish a block. How long does the average block take and the average bee last?
Love the review and the pictures, the book looks fantastic!
I would love a chance to win this book! It looks fabulous! I am so smitten with these quilts, I’m prepping to start my first quilt. So really…any tips whatsoever would be helpful! thanks for the chance!~
I’ve never participated in a virtual quilting bee, nor in a real live quilting bee. I’ve done (& am doing) a round robin with my 3 sisters. I’m intrigued by the idea though & would love to win a copy of the book.
I am very new to quilting but I love the concept because you get such a wide range of talented quilters.
I think I’m about ready to join a virtual bee. I know that I’m ready to see this book in person.
What i love about bees is the chance to “meet” such creative and talented quilters who participate in bees. They are so willing to share new ideas and tips tp make sewing more fun.
I’ve never participated in a virtual bee and actually don’t know what questions to ask about it other than just saying, “Tell me all about it!”
What I like most about virtual bees is the inspiring effect they have one me! I’ve never participated in one, but some day, when my life settles a bit, I’d love to try.
I’ve been leery of joining an online bee … I’ve participated in online swaps, and was sometimes disappointed in how well other members followed guidelines on fabric, and the workmanship. Does this book address any of these issues? Thank you!
I love the whole idea of a virtual bee. With small kids, I do not get out much. I would love to know how to find one and what things to look for. Thanks!
I love love love seeing all the different blocks, the virtual bee lets you get in touch with people you’d never be able to meet in person. it’s fabulous, and brings together the best things about the internet.
I’ve taken part in a quilt along, does that count?
A virtual bee sounds awesome. And you can attend in your jammies!!
Great review and lovely pictures. Can’t wait to win or purchase a copy of this book. I’m new to quilting, but virtual quilting bees is something I hope to participate in the future.
i dont fully understand how these bees work. Does the book address the mechanics of an online bee?
I’ve never been a quilt bee because I’m worried I won’t know what to do and won’t be able to follow through. I’d love to get some tips from the book!
As a new quilter, I’m am so intimidated by the whole idea of a quilting bee. Any suggestions for a newbie? I’d love to join one but not sure if I am ready.
My favourite part of on-line bees is the opportunity to meet others. Thanks for the chance to win.
I would like to be able to join in a quilting bee but find it difficult to get to them in time to sign up or they don’t want international participants. I love the idea of them, but they are completely intimidating to me. Thanks for the giveaway. lexilucas@gmail.com
I’d love to meet in person other modern quilters… unfortunately I live in the wrong side of the planet… Thank god for virtual meetings… and good books too!
While I haven’t participated in any sewing bees, I do love to quilt with friends. There’s more motivation, and inspiration from each other too, plus yummy snacks, maybe a good movie or a great CD playing, and the hum of the sewing machines – all great stuff! I’d love to win this book!
being in the Far East, it’s pretty discouraging to join any virtual bee because it takes up so much time sending and receiving. thus I am happy enough to view beautiful stuff other talented quilters make and send off to their bees
I love virtual quilting bees as I live too far from any IRL quilting groups or even stores.
I still get the benefit of a quilting group but don’t have to leave my home, plus I get to do it with people from all over the world.
Is there a central place where you can look up all the virtual quilting bees going on? I seem to stumble across them on blogs, weeks after they’ve closed. Is it best to pick a bee in your own country, particularly if it’s pretty remote?
My favorite experience has been the people I have met. Absolutely the best. Next week I fly across the country to meet up with one of my bee friends!
Although I have never taken part in a virtual quilting bee the creativity that members display never fails to delight and surprise.
I’ve never participated in a bee, but think it would be a great way to learn new people and new styles. I think my question has been covered about how to get started in a bee. And how many minimum members are required? P.S. This book looks amazing! I can’t wait to get my fingers on a copy (even if I don’t win).
I have never participated in a Bee although I have done a quilt along(long after everyone else was done!). I find it a little intimidating.
I’ve never participated in a virtual quilting bee… I would be most concerned about the quality of work everyone would produce. Interesting choice of fabrics pictured along side the book given all the recent “talk”
I’d love to participate in a bee some day!
new to quilting and don’t know much about bee’s. any information would help!!
I’ve never participated in a bee – my first question is how do you get into one?
Wow, I love the Party Of Twelve quilt in the second image, so fresh and modern and a great way to use scraps you have been holding on to.
I have never participated in a bee, always wondered who ends up putting the whole quilt together and what happens to the quilt once completed?
Thanks for sharing this book with us.
I’ve never participated in a bee. I think I’m going to put that on my “someday” list, sounds like fun.