Planning can indeed be helpful

November was Gretchen's month. She sent a beautiful array of fabrics and asked for 2", 3.5", 6.5", and 9.5" square-in-square blocks. Her plan is to create a quilt inspired by Kaffe Fassett's "Jewel Squares" design.

Here is what I came up with:


I really wish that I could have made more of the larger size blocks (9.5" and 6.5"), but because I didn't go into my block-making with a plan, I just didn't have enough fabric. I cut various widths of fabric and then kind of built my blocks randomly. I didn't waste fabric, but if I had planned better at all, I could have made at least a couple more 6.5" blocks and fewer small ones. On the bright side, this seems like a design where the small blocks will definitely be useful.

Judging from the blocks others have posted in the flickr group, it definitely looks like this is going to be a spectacular quilt!

December is a break month for this group, and then my turn comes up in January. At this point, I still have no idea what to do. Hopefully, I'll have a plan soon! Because, as these blocks have reminded me, having a plan can indeed be helpful.

I can't measure

Or maybe I can't measure, do math and cut accurately. That's more like it.


Gretchen, these are on the way to you. Like everyone else in the bee has said these were addictively fun. My measuring sucks, apparently, because I tried to make a 9.5" block, but couldn't work it out. Also the bottom right one is only 6" (I didn't have strips long enough to go around to make it large enough). Maybe you can use it as a base for a 9.5" block? I also tried twice to make a 2" block. Disastrous.

Surprisingly I really liked how the fabrics worked together. Surprising because if Gretchen had just told me about the color palette I would have thought she was crazy. I think the brown, orange and teal look so cozy and inviting together. My favorite is the top left and the small brown and teal one. This will be an awesome quilt.

For Gretchen from Kris

I love the fabric Gretchen sent and I had a ton of fun doing these blocks. I think this quilt will be spectacular! Here are the blocks I made (6.5" and 9.5"). I meant to make some smaller ones, but just couldn't help myself and kept making them bigger :)

Addicting

Well, I must say these squares were quite addictive! I decided to paper piece them so that it would become a mindless activity. It is nice not to think every now and then :) Gretchen sent so much fabric that I decided I would make a layout that would be nineteen inches by nineteen inches if sewn together. There are a total of 30 blocks. On some of them I really did use the last bit of fabric, so those will be a little shy of the unfinished size, sorry. If they are too small for you Gretchen feel free to add to them.

So sorry!

So I got behind, really far behind actually on my bee committments and I'm truly sorry. I finally dug out my fabric, sewing machine, cutting mat etc last weekend and finally found time to work on my blocks today. Thankfully my month was October (I love all the blocks I've gotten so far!) so I didn't have to worry about it but September was still looming over my head.

But not anymore!!!!



The task was stars and I immediately knew I wanted to make a wonky one because I love wonky stars :). From there the red, white and blue color scheme seemed best fit in a flag block.

I don't normally use batik fabrics but I really like them in this block.

Since I was on a roll I also knocked out my blocks for November. My goal, is of course, to avoid ever getting behind again!

Gretchen asked for squares in squares and I have to say these blocks were quite addictive!

Welcome! Welcome!

Yea! We are finally ready to get going and I can't be more excited.

I just sent an e-mail to all the members, so if you didn't get it, check the spam folder then let me know if you still don't see it.

Following is the block schedule and a little intro for everyone. I feel like this is a "new to the area" mixer and I should give a little conversation starter during intros:

June ~ Adrienne This is me, hey. I am in the midst of a zigzag play quilt and a whirlygiggle something.

July ~ Chen is working on a mess of 9 patches and whipping up some great pillows using Mendocino fabrics, which I love.

August ~ Zonnah is working on the Dear Jane quilt. Her hand applique blocks look fabulous. I love that she includes pictures of the backs.

September ~ Lisa just submitted a killer dress to the American Sewing Guild competition. So original. She also has great money saving tips while still stocking up on necessary sewing stuff.

October ~ Nichole posts great photo tutorials and other must-have info on her blog. So helpful in so many ways.

November ~ Gretchen just made a new dog bed for Stuart. I think he likes it, too.

January ~ Robin is working on four quilts including a Dear Jane, Playtime, Mod-Quilt Sampler and a coin quilt.

February ~ Kris recently returned from her sister's wedding and has been challenged to cut up but preserve her sister's (and mother's) wedding gown. She's looking for ideas, if you have any. Kris also created the banner and button for this blog. Thanks, Kris!

March ~ Tina has donated super cute owl themed bedding for her daughter's art program fund raiser.

April ~ Heather is finishing three, count them three, graduation quilts for loved ones. Her spring magic quilt has recently been completed and makes me want to take it on a picnic.

May ~ Rebecca has a vintage giveaway in progress right now. She's slimming down her fabrics and notions while increasing a lucky winner's.

June 2010 ~ Anne recently created a laptop cozy for her daughter complete with a funky elephant applique. I'm jealous.

One little request. When posting anything please try to use the labels I've started. They are pretty simple: first name-month. I think they should come up when you type in the first few letters of the first name. If we can keep the labeling concise I think it will be easier later. Thanks!

Please feel free to tell more about yourself in a post. Let me know if you have any questions. I will be sending out fabric and instructions in a few weeks. Yea!

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