The Year of the Bee

So, I'm not sure how this happened, but I'm in 3 bees this year!  3!  Alright, I do know how it happened - I can't resist having the chance to be part of a community that creates together - not just together but to create for each other.  It's absolutely one of my favorite things - connecting with people around the world who love to do what I love to do (make quilts - yay!).  And in many cases, I have found true friends who I would not have met had it not been for a mutual love of  fabric and thread.  How fortunate to get to sew with these friends!
The first bee I'm in is called That Stash Bee, and was started by my friend Toni of Hoosier Toni (go check her out - she cranks out a ton of gorgeous work all while raising 4 kids and having a farm.  Inspiring!) This is a talented group of ladies and we have done some fun blocks so far this year, such as:
These two were made for my sweet friend (and fellow Triangle Modern Quilt Guild member) Nicole of Mama Love Quilts.  She designed this block  - isn't it pretty! - and asked for Caribbean blues and greens. I adore Nicole and am so glad I was able to contribute to her quilt.

 Next were these colorful beauties for Kelli of Small Town Stitcher.  I am enjoying getting to know Kelli, who has a great sense of color and is genuine and kind.  Can you believe this is my first paper pieced blocks ever?!  I literally had Amy's paper piecing class from Craftsy Block of the Month going on my iPad right by my sewing machine and watched it over and over while I worked on this block.  I think I have the hang of it now, and really enjoyed learning a new technique.  Bees are great for pushing yourself to learn new things!  I think Kelli will have a great quilt with these blocks.

 Next up was Whitney of From The Peacock Tree who asked for these woven blocks in oranges and turquoise for a quilt she is making for her Dad.  What a special quilt this is - I think she actually has it finished and it looks great.

 My month to be Queen Bee was April, but I'll put that in another post.  The girls worked hard for me and I can't wait to share with you what they all did.  I am humbled by their generosity.
Then we made these black and white Depression Blocks for Cathy of Blueberry Patch, who I'm enjoying getting to know.  She told us to think "black and white TV" while making these, so that was a fun way to go about making these for her.

Still with me??  The next Bee I'm in is called Stitch Tease International Bee and is organized by my friend Di of Random Thoughts Do or Di.  I met Di at the first Sewing Summit in 2011 and again at Sew South this year.  She is a delight and one of the fastest sewers I know - and I was completely thrilled when she asked me to join this talented group of women from around the globe.  The bee just started this month and she was up first, asking for improv blocks in white and teal.  I really enjoyed making these, and so want to make a quilt like this.  It's definitely going on my quilt bucket list.

The last bee I'm in is the Circle 7 traveling quilts bee, and we will be kicking that off this week.  When I have all my starter blocks done (in the next few days!), I will post.  I have been having fun free piecing some words!

Talk soon!