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!

Spring 2013 Bloggers Quilt Festival

It's that time again!  I love Blogger's Quilt Festival - the genius idea of Amy Ellis of Amy's Creative Side    

where bloggers around the globe can enter quilts into an online show.  It has been so neat to watch this event develop over the years, and I have enjoyed being both a spectator and a participant.  Loads of inspiration here folks, so be sure to click over and check out all the different categories!  

My entry this year will be in the Mini category:

Quilt Name:  City Color

Size:  18" x 23"

Designed, Pieced and Quilted by Valerie Luberecki (me!)

I made this quilt as part of the Triangle Modern Quilt Guild's City Challenge.  We were given three of the prints in the piece and challenged to create something reflecting city life.  Being from Chicago, I knew I wanted to do a skyline.  

My favorite part is this background fabric - VeloCity by Jessica Hogarth for P & B Textiles.  I wish I had bought yards and yards of it!  I think it gives a nice depth of texture and makes the pieced buildings stand out.  I originally was going to use a solid for the background, but I'm so glad I went for this bolder look.

For the binding, I used a black and white print called Nellie's Garden by Nancy Mahoney.  I love the gravelly texture it adds - great for the urban look I was going for.  The backing is a Washi orange print by Rashida Coleman Hale.

I meant to give this away, really, I did!  But I fell in love with it, and now it hangs over my sewing machine and adds a nice pop of color to my day.  City Color was also featured in the Pink Chalk Fabrics newsletter earlier this year, which was such a treat for me.  I

Thanks for stopping by - I've enjoyed sharing this little quilt with you!  I'm so grateful to be a part of this community that creates - I'm inspired by all of you!  I'm off to enjoy some more of the Blogger's Quilt Festival - join me??

Giveaway Winner!

I so enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts about unexpected benefits quilting has brought to their lives.  I normally respond to every comment I receive, but with the volume of responses from the giveaway, that was just impossible!  But please know I read each and every one of them, and marveled at both the diversity and common thread (come on, that pun was just begging to be used) that quilting has brought to our lives.  Welcome, new followers, glad to have you here.

Out of 302 entries, True Random Number Generator chose number 279, who is:

CalMay 10, 2013 at 11:57 AM

Mostly the pleasure of giving handmade presents to my friends/family. Also the spark of creativity, the connection to others on-line, and the ease of making something last minute if need be, like a gift bag or a potholder.

Cal, I have sent you an email and hope to hear from you soon so I can get these goodies shipped off to you!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Giveaway Day!

                                                      

*****This Giveaway is now closed.  I'll be back soon to announce the winner!******

We're half way through the twice-a-year giveaway extravaganza that is the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day/Week.  OK, so I'm late to the party, but it's never to late to give something away, right?!  If you're like me, you've been spending waaaay too much time doing some blog hopping checking out all the goodies up for grabs out there.  And if you by some chance don't know about this, get thee quickly over to the Sew Mama Sew site and check it out for yourself!

As for my giveaway, I'm sharing some (mostly) new faves -  A fat quarter of each of these:

Included are these two Little Kukla prints.  I love those dolls and those birds!

And also this Notting Hill (Dewberry) and a Kaufman print titled Sei.

These little pretties will make a happy addition to someone's stash.  

To win, please leave a comment on this post answering the following question:  What has been an unexpected benefit that quilting/crafting has brought to your life??  You know, aside from having a beautiful quilt/other finished object.  For me, I have been so thankful for all the connections with other people who love to make things too.  Friendships that started out as having a similar hobby have grown into true friendships. I'm so thankful to be part of such a creative community!  Y'all inspire me to keep trying new things, so thanks for that.  I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

The details:  Giveaway open until Friday May 10 @ 5 PM PST.  A winner will be randomly chosen and I will contact them by Sunday May 12.  Please make sure there is a way for me to contact you so I don't have to choose another winner!  As always, followers new and old get a second entry - just leave a comment saying so!

Good luck y'all!