1 Year, 12 Quilts

August Blocks

2010-10-21T12:24:00.000-05:00

I finally got Geri's blocks done! I hope you like it Geri! I will be mailing them to you shortly!

2010-08-16T18:48:00.001-05:00

Here you go, Ruth. I hope it is what you wanted. I really enjoyed that technique!
Geri

Am I the only one?

2010-07-27T21:21:00.000-05:00

Am I the only one that posts on this blog now? LOL

Here is Ruth's block. LOVE it! I really enjoyed making it!

Crystal

Kristen's blocks

2010-07-05T23:26:00.000-05:00

I didn't get to this until today and so I am sorry it will be a few days late Kristen! I decided to go with a block that I have done before, the asterisk block. I did it for a quilt along recently and just love it! But instead of the cutting and stuff I just appliqued it on!

I hope you like it Kristen!!!

Then I hope you like my siggy block! I was kinda at a loss of what to do so I just started doodling!

Hello Everyone!

2010-05-31T21:02:00.003-05:00

Hey GIrls,
So sorry I've taken so long to do my part. I hope the squares are okay,
Geri
PS: Aimee, I wanted to share with you that my 6 year old daughter had a great time helping pick out the fabrics for your house!

Susan's Stars

2010-05-22T22:09:00.000-05:00

Here are Susan's stars!! The only thing I ran out of was the white but luckly I had some on hand!

Ocean Blocks

2010-04-25T15:23:00.006-05:00

Kelli, this one is called Virginia Reel in my magazine and often called Snail's Tail. I used some of the Neptune from my stash in order to get the color combos I wanted. I hope that is okay with your overall plan. My son was deployed this week and I had you and your family on my mind as I was making your blocks.

This one is called Ocean Waves. I didn't realize until I was finished that it is really a 10" block, so I added a border with the same color type but a different print.

Hope you like them!

~Donna

My April Blocks

2010-04-16T17:25:00.000-05:00

I hope these will work well in your quilt. I have a little fabric left over and was thinking about making another block if I have time.
Rene

March Blocks finally done!

2010-04-12T15:13:00.000-05:00

Aimee I am sooo sorry I haven't gotten these done on time!! March FLEW by! But I finished your blocks last night! I will get them off in the mail to you tomorro! And then Kelli I am going to get your blocks done today! :D I will be on time again!

The first block looks like the house I grew up in. It had a green roof! And then the second house is my home now!! I live in a duplex!

April Blocks

2010-03-27T08:40:00.004-05:00

It must be Spring Break because I am dreaming of the ocean and sandy beaches and warm sunshine! No beaches for us this Spring. We are visiting my sister in PA and I think it might be colder here than in Michigan!

Anyway, my theme for the month of April is the sea. I'm sending each of you 7 layer cake pieces an one 2 1/4" WOF strip from Tula Pink's Neptune line. My post in our Flickr group has some pictures and inspirations, so go check that out.

Here are the basic guidelines, though:

1. Be inpsired by the sea

2. Use the Neptune Fabric only (if you need to add one more fabric to make your vision complete, use a solid-ish white)

3. 12 1/2" pieced blocks, no applique this time

4. One or two blocks (whatever works)

5. Know right now that I will probably be thrilled with your idea and execution, so relax and have fun!!

Welcome to the Jungle!

2010-03-14T03:26:00.003-05:00

Hey Ladies!
For my house block I pulled fabrics that I used in a jungle themed baby quilt to make a tropical retreat. It's complete with palm trees, an elephant, a lion and even paw prints in the yard!

However, I have to say that my favorite part is the monkeys in the windows! Hope you like it Aimee!

Houses

2010-03-02T16:31:00.004-06:00

I love quilts with houses, so I am asking you to make an improved house or two. Do what you have time to do. I am sending you each an over sized fat quarter of blue fabric for you to use for the sky. If it is alright, I'm asking you to pull from your own stashes and scraps to make the house and ground. You can make the house look like your own house or a house from your imagination. Whatever. The houses can be any size/color/style you like. Put your own personality into it. Whatever blue fabric you don't use can be added to your own scraps. You can make the houses wonky or traditional or a combination. I want these houses to represent you. The blocks should be 12.5 inches. I know there are lots of house block patterns around the web if you want to use a pattern. In about 1 minute of searching I found a nice tutorial on flickr, and also a paper pieced house from block central.

These are two house blocks that I have made. (the block on the right is smaller. I accidentally trimmed it to 12 inches instead of 12.5 inches. I think I'll make it into a pillow to match the quilt.) I didn't use a pattern, I just kind of winged it. I didn't even draw it out on paper first. I just started with the door and went from there.

Finally!

2010-03-02T01:05:00.004-06:00

I'm sure you all thought I had fallen off the face of the planet, but I've just been really busy. I finally finished both of my blocks this weekend! First, Donna's:
This was my first time paper piecing and I'm glad I have learned this technique. This one was kind of tough for me! However, I'm happy with how it turned out! Now Rene's improv cross:

This was my first improv block. I had fun with this block! Hope both Donna and Rene like there blocks! I will try to send them out tomorrow!

Who's next?

2010-03-01T11:49:00.002-06:00

I still have to actually finish Rene's blocks, but they will be in the mail SOON, but I was wondering if Aimee was next or was it me? I am going by the order on the right hand side of our blog. Someone clue me in. I feel a little scattered right now :)

Kelli-myittybittyquilts

My Blocks for René

2010-02-22T18:38:00.005-06:00

Here is my first block for René. I knew she wanted traditional crosses and I kept thinking about the crosses I see whenever I travel in and around the Blue Ridge Mountains. So, I attempted to make my own paper-pieced pattern. I must say that I felt like I was back in math class with my pen and graph paper! I am unhappy with how wrinkly this one looks, I am blaming it on the starch because it didn't look like this when I had only pressed it and the second block doesn't have starch. It really looks better in person.

This one was my second block. I considered leaving it only 9 inches and not bordering it because I wasn't sure René would want a border like this, but then I thought, she can always undo the border. I would have tried some cream...but I didn't have enough left.

Hope you like them René :)

Mail Call...

2010-02-19T18:02:00.000-06:00

I have received blocks from Ruth, Wanda, and Geri. The blocks are beautiful. Thank you so much :)

Another Block done

2010-02-18T21:32:00.002-06:00

Here ya go Rene....more blocks for you!! If you want more pictures look at my blog :D

Rene's Blocks

My blocks :D

Done

2010-02-17T16:45:00.000-06:00

Yeah Donna I just finsihed! I will put in the mail tomorrow!

Finished!

2010-02-08T14:25:00.003-06:00

I finished it! This photo is with the paper still attached.
I really enjoyed the process and loved learning a new technique.
Can't wait to see the finished quilt!
Thanks to everyone for your advice and help. It was a great learning experience.
Geri

January Block

2010-02-06T19:21:00.002-06:00

This was really great fun and a stunning block. I can't wait to see the finished quilt.

Nancy

January Block

2010-02-05T09:41:00.004-06:00

Here is Donna's block. I see that it needs a good pressing in this picture, but I did press it before I sent it off, although I'm sure it will need it again when she puts her blocks together. Donna, my dh just LOVED this block and I enjoyed putting it together. I think what is so fun about these Bee's is that I am trying things I don't think I would have attempted on my own. Can't wait for the next one :)

Rene-January

2010-02-02T18:18:00.000-06:00

I decided I wanted Improv Cross Blocks
Inspiration...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40237352@N06/galleries/72157622910682844/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40237352@N06/galleries/72157622967892992/

I collect crosses and have them all over my house…

Those are just the ones I have have out…there are several more that I haven’t found a place for since the move.
Can you see why I am choosing cross blocks???

This is the block that I have designed…
The rough draft (very rough)

and here is my block after being drawn out in EQ6…

Here is my Diagram and Paper Piecing Foundations…

Designing the Block and Foundations Pieces was really fun :)
Here are my block pieces…
oops, I forgot to take pictures of all the block pieces I had after getting them sewn and cut out…there were about 22 pieces all together.
here is the back of the block after sewing the pieces together…

here it is the front (paper still on)

and here it is after removing the paper, starched and pressed (It got a little stretched from removing the paper) But over all I am very pleased. It is the 1st time I have ever designed something myself, so I am just thrilled that it came out and it looks the way I had imagined it would :)

I am going to make a few more sample blocks too :) The next ones will be a little simpler!
I hope you have as much fun designing and making the blocks as I did.

Here are a few pic of me getting the fabric ready...
After washing...what a mess!

I will put them in the mail tomorrow :)
Rene

Round 2?

2010-02-01T14:37:00.000-06:00

Does everyone have Donna's block finished? Are we about ready for round 2? I almost have everything ready to mail, but don't want anyone to get overwhelmed. Let me know :)
Rene

Messed Up

2010-01-21T20:43:00.000-06:00

Donna, I am sorry! I precut my material that you gave me, after I made two practice blocks. They turned out fine, but I cut the material wrong! So it is all wrong. So I was wondering where I can get more material for the block. Do you think my local quilt store have some of the same fabric? I don't want you to send more because I feel bad for messing it up, it's not your fault that I did it. Anyway, I didn't know if I could take the fabric and match it up the best I can or if I need the exact. Anyway let me know. Thanks! Crystal

My block for Donna and a tip

2010-01-17T22:45:00.000-06:00

I finished my block for Donna today:

I found that the toughest part for me was lining up the fabric for the next piece and then trying to flip things all around and get it in position for sewing. I worked out a method that made it MUCH easier for me and I thought I would share. I'm showing it for the last piece because it is just a little clearer but you can use the method all the pieces.

I've sewn the parts before this and I start by folding the paper back on itself at the next seam that I will sew and trimming the fabric to 1/4":

Then I take the next piece that I am going to add and place it, right side up, under the workpiece. I don't unfold the paper:

Line the next piece of fabric with the newly cut edge of the workpiece. With the paper folded back, you can see where the piece you are adding should be placed for sewing. I am adding the white in this case, and you can see that it extends beyond the paper on all sides. Hold everything in place and unfold the paper flap, then pin your fabric in place.

Now you are ready to sew the line that was folded down. After that, the added piece will fold up and land exactly in the right place. :)

When the Stars Align

2010-01-17T12:45:00.008-06:00

The picture above has the pinwheel that I am considering incorporating into the quilt. It stopped raining long enough today for me to try and get some photos.

Here are all the Twirling Stars in a row. I used my screened porch for a little photo shoot : )

These are some of the pinwheels. I think the shapes go well together with the Twirling Star...what do you all think?

Hearts for Haiti

2010-01-15T13:11:00.002-06:00

Hi there,
I know everyone is busy, but most of us are mothers and naturally have a soft spot for orphans. My former Department Chair (French teacher) has been traveling to Haiti each January for 15+ years and was there for the earthquake. In the last email we received, she said that the orphanage where she works while in Haiti was demolished. They are sleeping out in the open and blankets was one of the top things on the list.
I am trying to organize some charity quilts for the children in Haiti. I tried to find something online that was organized and could not locate something already started by the quilt blogging community. If you are interested let me know. Might be a good way to use up some of your wanted/unwanted stash. We are trying to incorporate a heart somewhere in each quilt.
I came up with this Hearts for Haiti title and am trying to have things ready to go from now until Valentine's Day. I will be posting more info on my blog if you think you might be interested.
~Donna

Assembling Tutorial

2010-01-10T14:11:00.007-06:00

Hello ladies,

I just finished uploading all the pictures for the assembling tutorial. It is posted on my blog *Allz I'm Sewing is...* I know that the pictures may seem a little small, but for some people, the larger pictures take too long to load, so I chose the medium sized image. I hope these pictures will help. I am putting a picture here because we haven't had any lately. A few of the pictures in the tutorial may seem dark, but that is because the sun was beginning to set as I finished last night.

If you find grammatical/spelling errors in my tutorials- it will bother the school teacher in me...so please let me know : )

Happy sewing to all,

~Donna

Cutting Tutorial

2010-01-09T11:32:00.002-06:00

Hi there,
I have just put together some information on how I have been cutting the pieces for the Twirling Star. It is posted on my blog. I will try to complete the sewing one today, there are lots of pictures involved so it is a little time consuming. I may not get the assembling section done until tomorrow. Geri, I hope this helps you and anyone else who is a little apprehensive. I am sure there are many ways of doing this, but this is just how I have proceeded.
~Donna

HELP!

2010-01-08T16:28:00.002-06:00

I'm sorry girls, but I just don't get it. I'm pretty new to quilting, and I know a lot of you said this was your first time for paper piecing, too. So what did you do? I don't even know how to start. I looked at the tutorials, but I'm still confused.
(Donna, I promise I will figure this out before I cut into your fabric.)
Do we cut the paper and use it like a clothing pattern? Or, is there some magic in the foundation paper you sent us? Please help!
I am very excited to learn this new technique, and I am so glad I have all you ladies to help me do so! Please don't think I'm a dunce :) I look forward to hearing from you all...
Geri

Thanks for the encouragement and comments : )

2010-01-08T14:23:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to say thanks for making me feel better about the Twirling Star. I received my 1st block today from Luv2create and Rene did a great job. I am also making additional blocks in case I want the quilt to be larger than the 12 blocks will be....or if I am just a greedy bugger and want a lap quilt for my husband and another one for me!
FYI, if you are having trouble and need more of the white fabric, it is Kona White-just a plain solid. I chose it because some of the fabrics have a bright white in them and others have more of a cream and the Kona is in-between the two. I purchased a large amount of fabric, so if anyone needs more because we are all on a learning curve, please feel free to contact me and I will send you more.
Have a great weekend ~

Maybe I am worrying too much???

2010-01-07T14:46:00.004-06:00

I am a little worried that everyone thinks block # 26 is really pretty, but a pain in the neck to do. So, I emailed the lady who placed the block in the 100 Block magazine (Nancy Mahoney). I also gave her the link to our bee site so she could see. Here is a copy of her response. She also gave me a link to a tutorial on e/howto, but the page is no longer available. I think the tutorial with the gnomes is also helpful and I know the link is good.
I hope it helps anyone who is struggling with the block.

Hi Donna,
First let me tell you how delighted I am to see the different color combinations of the Twirling Star block. I particularly like the red/white/blue version. Paper piecing isn't difficult, but can be a bit tricky at first. The hardest part for most people, is working with the paper. The fabrics are always placed on the plain, unmarked side of the paper and then the fabrics and paper are turned over so you're sewing on the paper's marked side. This is probably the reason some stars are reversed.

Another tip is to mark your colors on the paper foundation, this will help you place the fabric correctly.
Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.
Thanks,
Nancy

My Practice Twirling Star Block

2010-01-05T19:51:00.000-06:00

Okay I really like the design, but I had a really hard time making it! I was completely confused the whole time and didn't think I did it right until the end. Does anyone have any tips that they would be willing to share? Like what size did you cut each piece of material for the blocks? I had the hardest time with that.

Crystal

Mailed

2010-01-05T16:29:00.003-06:00

Donna,
Your block was put in the mail today!

2010-01-05T15:45:00.003-06:00

Okay, here is my test block that I went back to today to finish. I noticed that my centers to not match. Oh well, I won't see it on a galloping horse anyway!

Mine's done!

2010-01-04T20:32:00.002-06:00

Donna, finally done! Wow, was this a challenge! I used my own fabric as a test and found my stars going the wrong way, so I decided I would make mine like that, but yours I turned it around. I will be sending this ouut in a few days. Sure want to see this quilt, so hurry and sew it up! Wanda

Paper piecing tutorials

2010-01-03T08:07:00.002-06:00

If you are looking for additional information on paper piecing, along with the gnome tutorial and the freezer paper tutorial from Rene, you can go to this page in You Can Quilt This and there is a free tutorial using Trees. It is on the second row in the middle. It is one of the tutorials I read before doing my block.

With block # 26, I had 2 difficulties during my practice block. The first was that I didn't pay attention to the fact that section 1 was for lights and section 2 was for darks. I just started sewing. This resulted in my sections not alternating from dark to light.

I solved this problem by cutting up all of my sections and separating sections 1 and 2. I sewed all four section 1's at the same time using the light fabrics of both color sets. Then, I sewed all four sections of section 2 using all the darks.

My second difficulty came with the first background of white. For some reason I was unable to get the angles just right. Finally, (after lots of seam ripping) I was able to re-cut the piece to be exactly 1/4 inch larger and I marked the right and wrong side. According to all the tutorials, the fabrics is supposed to be cut on the wrong side. Because the fabric was white, I didn't think about the right/wrong side of things, but it matters for the angles. Once I could manage the first white background piece I had little trouble with the 3rd and 4th piece.

I hope this helps those of you who, like me, had never done this before. I have since made 2 gnomes and I just love them. As soon as my camera battery is charged, I will show you them. It is such a good was to use up little scraps and create a beautiful center for a pillow, purse or an entire quilt.
~Donna

Paper Piecing Tutorial...

2010-01-02T23:28:00.001-06:00

I found a tutorial I wanted to share. I am working on a new PP Block and found this tutorial helpful as far as how to trim the seams. I also found that using printer paper for the foundation was easier for me to work with. I sewed along the lines of the template with my UNTHREADED needle (instead of creasing the seams)...this too helped with seeing the pattern on the other side when laying out the fabrics. Hope these tips help. I wish I would have figured this out BEFORE I did Donna's block.

http://www.twiddletails.com/store/index.php?main_page=page&id=21

Looking for a reason to master foundation piecing?

2010-01-02T12:41:00.006-06:00

I came across this site on flickr and fell in love with the gnomes or gnomelings as Sonja Callaghan calls them. Here is a link to her flickr pictures. Also she has a blog and that is where I was able to find the patterns. If that isn't enough...she uses the 3 patterns to teach about paper piecing.

Artisania is the name of her blog on Wordpress. I wish I could put a picture right here, but I am not sure of the copyright. Please go and see, you will be very motivated and the tutorial is really good.

Donna's Block

2010-01-01T00:10:00.000-06:00

Donna,
I finished your block tonight. It was my last finish of 2009!
I hope you are pleased with it. I had a little trouble, and one of the points is off. I was afraid to rip it out. If you can't (or don't want to) use the block, let me know and I will refund your fabric. I didn't square it up, and will let you do that.

Even though I had some problems, I LOVED making this block and plan on making a quilt using this block for one of my next quilts.

Thanks Donna for giving me the courage to try something besides sewing squares and strips together.

Mail Call...

2009-12-31T12:57:00.004-06:00

Donna,
I received your envelope in the mail today. Beautiful fabric choices...I have to admit I am am a little intimidated though! I think I will pull some scraps and try it before making your block...

Mailed Out Your Goodies Today

2009-12-29T15:16:00.004-06:00

Well, 11 envelopes went out today. They may take longer than I had hoped because I realized I am the only person on the east coast! Most of you are in the mid-west or the western part of the country.

Here is my first version of the block. This (I probably shouldn't admit this...but...) was my first time foundation piecing and I did have a learning curve, but once the first 2 sections were done, it became easier.

I have some additional pictures of my organization and mailing process on my blog if any of you are interested. The cutting and organizing did take more time than I had envisioned, so keep that in mind for your month. Luckily, I had the paper items copied last week, so this week was just cutting, measuring and mailing.

I will put more specific tips/pictures of my adventure with this block next week, but here is my first foundation block # 26.

Thanks again,

~Donna

Preview for my Beach Quilt

2009-12-26T10:21:00.012-06:00

Well, here it is...block #26, Twirling Star. I will be asking everyone to leave off the circle applique just because I don't really know which color I would like it to be. I think I will have a better idea when I see all the blocks together.
In the mail within the next week, you will receive 4 sheets of foundation paper with the template already copied onto it.

A copy of the original template (never know when mistakes will happen), for those of you without the magazine.

and a copy of the instructions from the magazine.

Here are my fabrics thus far...I still need a few more so I am off to Wish Upon a Quilt today for some additional choices. The greens...

The yellow/golds...

My reds...

And my favorite...the blues! These are all from Crystal Palace.

Later in the month I will try to post a couple of pictures of the beach place so you can see why I have chosen the colors. Hopefully it will make things come together for you.

Thanks in advance for all your efforts! I am soooo excited!

~Donna

Somewhere between Christmas and New Year

2009-12-16T08:21:00.002-06:00

Happy Holidays to everyone!
I am pretty sure I am going to use block #26 from the
new edition of 100 Blocks. It is a block that uses triangles but
eventually has a circular look to it. It is named Twirling Star. I
also like block #86, Spring Blossom-but this one has more pieces, so I think the
Twirling Star is the best choice.
I am choosing red, blue, green and yellow so that it
will match my little place at the beach. I will send out the templates,
instructions and fabrics beginning Dec. 26
I hope everyone is as excited as I am.
Donna

Right Around the Corner

2009-12-10T10:53:00.001-06:00

I sent the mailing list to Donna today!! YAY!! Let the fun begin!

Getting Closer!

2009-12-09T09:12:00.000-06:00

I just realized that January is right around the corner! I can not wait to see what block Donna has us make and what fabrics we get to use! Donna have you gotten all that figured out yet??

2009-11-19T06:15:00.004-06:00

Has anyone been quilting? I've been so busy, and I miss it!

:

100 Blocks

2009-11-17T15:51:00.001-06:00

Have you all seen this new magazine? I think it's going in my Christmas stocking :) I thought it would be excellent inspiration for our Quilting Bee!

2009-11-17T11:21:00.001-06:00

I was able to log on from my gmail.
Thanks : )
Donna

Button

2009-11-14T17:04:00.001-06:00

Ok, I give up, can someone please tell me how to get the button on my blog.

2009-11-13T22:00:00.001-06:00

I did figure it out. Thanks Crystal!
Geri

Button

2009-11-12T14:01:00.001-06:00

Geri Have you found out how to use the button?

Crystal

How do I get our new button?

2009-11-10T21:15:00.002-06:00

Love having the new button on my blog! Thanks,
Geri

Paper Piecing

2009-11-10T12:10:00.002-06:00

Rene the only paper piecing I have come across is from Ashley at Film in the Fridge. She has a paper piece for her string quilt.

Is that what you were looking for?

Crystal

Blocks

2009-11-10T08:50:00.001-06:00

I haven't really thought about the blocks!! :D I am thinking I might just want anything as long as it is a 12.5" block. That would make a pretty unique quilt!

Crystal

block

2009-11-09T18:03:00.002-06:00

yes, I do know what my block will be! It is a paper pieced bumble bee that makes my heart sing! I would like to see them on every quilt i make. But alas, my month isn't till december! I'll post a picture anyhow soon so you can drool over it. wanda

2009-11-09T16:15:00.002-06:00

I know what you all mean. I am kinda bummed that we have to wait until January.

Does anyone have an idea of blocks that they want?

Crystal

Excited!

2009-11-09T15:16:00.001-06:00

I am excited. I don't think I can wait until January!

Hey Everyone

2009-11-09T13:25:00.001-06:00

I think this is a wonderful idea. I'll bet before long we will all be great friends.
Geri

2009-11-09T12:23:00.003-06:00

okay, i found it! i'm still learning my way around this flicker stuff but it is actually brain stimulating to learn something new. Maybe I should bookmark this page for easy acsess, is that the way to go about this?