January was my month to host, so I asked everyone to make me some Crazy Blocks. Last year, I made this block for a different bee and I really liked the scrapy-ness! I couldn't really decide on a color, so I listed 12 colors and I let everyone choose one. I took whatever was left - brown. (I love brown!) :)
Here's what I got back from these talented ladies... Awesome, right?!?!
I call this quilt my "Crazy Crayon Box"
These are February blocks I made for Maria.
She showed us a great Half Rectangle Triangles tutorial from the MQG blog.
Colors requested were orange and aqua. Who doesn't love this color combo?!?!
Here are March blocks for Linda. She wrote a great tutorial for these Wonky Diamond Log Cabins. She requested jewel tones so I knew a saturated look would do the trick.
Plus, she loves Kaffe Fasset.
I just finished April Blocks last night. These are for Karen. She also wrote a great tutorial on her blog for these Tassels blocks. She wanted one block in light blue / aqua & Gold.
The other to be a darker / medium blue & yellow.
Aren't they cool?!?!
So here's the 411....
There are different types of bees. The run if the mill one involves 12 or 11 members, 1 host (or queen bee) per months. (2) - 12.5" blocks per month. The host will send out / provide fabric to the remaining 11 members and also provide instructions on their block.
There are other bees where members use their own stash to make others blocks. I tend to prefer this type of bee only because I love getting blocks with fabric I don't have.
There are also Charity Bees. Here, 12 members make quilts that are donated to various organizations. There are so many generous quilters that participate in these.
For those of you that are new to quilting and are dying to try one.... please keep in mind that there is normally a 12 month commitment. I highly recommend doing a block swap to get your 'feet wet'. This might be another option if you do not want to commit to 12 months.
DO NOT JOIN A BEE if....
You don't have time to sew....
you are not good with deadlines
you are often tardy or flakey - it's really not fair to the other members
So here if you are interested in doing a block swap, check these out.
NuBees {A Block Swap} - A monthly block swap
[3 x 6] Sampler Quilt Mini Bee - A Quarterly block swap
4x5 Modern Quilt Bee - A Quarter Block Swap (more for the modern quilter)
If you are interested in joining a bee, the quilting bee blocks group has a thread for upcoming bees or you can post that you are looking for join.
If you are interested in joining a charity bee and using those sewing skills to benefit others, please let me know. Leave a comment or send me an email. I'm getting a bee together that will make quilts for a local shelter for women with children in Los Angeles. Giving feels so good and you will make a big difference to someone. You will be so glad you joined.
So, I hope you all join a bee if you haven't done so already. If you are still a little confused and would like to maybe purchase a book for more info, here's a great one...
Happy Sewing!
oxox,
Sunny